Erev Pesach – A Segula for Parnassah in the Merit of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk

Erev Pesach – A Segula for Parnassah in the Merit of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk

Rabbi Chaim Palaggi of Izmir teaches that recounting a story of a miracle on the night of Pesach causes the miracle to happen again, because the night of Pesach itself was a miracle—and whoever recounts a sipur nēs on this night will draw a miracle into his life. This night is a channel for miracles for the Jewish people throughout all generations. According to tradition, on this night we recount the story of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, passed down to us by the Maggid of Kozhnitz, about a miracle involving wine—a segula for parnassah throughout the year.  

The Story on the Night of Pesach

In one town, a Jewish man made his living buying and selling wine and vodka. Shortly before Pesach, he came across a profitable deal: purchasing a large shipment of kosher wine and vodka at a good price. He did not have enough money, so he decided to mortgage his home and other property so as not to miss this advantageous pre-holiday deal. As he crossed the border with the large shipment of kosher wine and vodka, customs officials detained his cargo for failure to pay the duty. The Jew was required to pay an enormous fine; otherwise, he faced arrest. The Jew sought help from many rabbis, but to no avail. He was then advised to turn to Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. The Rabbi listened to him and advised him to make a commotion at the customs office and say that the barrels contained not wine, but water. The Jew immediately became embarrassed. “But, Rebbe, they opened and inspected them and saw wine and vodka in the barrels.” Rabbi Elimelech replied emphatically, “Go and say exactly as I have instructed you.” The Jew went to the customs office where his cargo was being held and did exactly as the Rebbe had instructed. The customs officials had to inspect the shipment again—and indeed, when they checked it a second time, the barrels contained water. The shipment was allowed through. But the merchant hurried back to the Rebbe, now with a question: what was he to do? He had paid a considerable sum for the vodka and wine, but now the barrels contained water. He could hardly sell water at the price of wine. Realizing that he was ruined just before the holiday, he became even more despondent. After listening to the Jew, Rabbi Elimelech reassured him: “The One Who turned wine into water can also turn water into wine.” And so it happened. The Jew earned a good profit and was able to purchase everything necessary for the Festival, while the entire community had kosher wine for Pesach. This story was transmitted by the Maggid of Kozhnitz. May the merit of the tzadik—Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk—protect our entire nation. (based on a shiur by Rav Shlomo Boruchov)