Tehillim 90 and the Fate of the Jew in Tehillim

Tehillim 90 and the Fate of the Jew in Tehillim

It is stated in Tehillim 90:10 — “Yemei shenoteinu vahem shiv'im shanah” — (the days of our life—in them, 70 years). On the 2nd of Iyar, a son was born to the Rebbe Tzemach Tzedek. On the eighth day after the birth, the Tzemach Tzedek instructed that the morning prayers begin earlier than usual. Everyone was certain that the circumcision, the brit milah, would also take place early. By 10 a.m., family members, elderly Chassidim, and esteemed rabbis had gathered. But immediately after the conclusion of the prayers, the Tzemach Tzedek went to his room and closed the door firmly. An hour passed, then another, then a third. Those gathered waited patiently. If the Rebbe had shut himself in his room and did not wish to come out, there must be a compelling reason. By 2 p.m., concern began to fill the air: Could something have happened to the Rebbe? — “Calm yourselves,” — said Rebbe Chaim-Avraham, the son of the Alter Rebbe. — “The Rebbe is occupied with matters of far greater importance.” He said this and sighed heavily. Those gathered stared at him, waiting for further explanation, but Rebbe Chaim-Avraham remained silent. Half an hour later, the door to the Rebbe’s room opened, and the Tzemach Tzedek emerged. His eyes were red from tears, and in his hand he clutched a crumpled red handkerchief. “The brit milah will take place today,” the Rebbe said, and immediately returned to his room. The tension grew even stronger. If the circumcision was to take place today, why was the Rebbe delaying? What was the reason for such a prolonged delay? Apparently, the tzadik was trying to eliminate the cause, but the struggle was not yet over. Half an hour later, the Tzemach Tzedek appeared in the doorway once again. This time, his face was radiant with joy. — “Set your hearts at ease,” he said, looking at the anxious family members and guests. “The brit will take place today.” The door closed once more. The tension subsided, and it became clear that the Rebbe had prevailed. But over whom? And at what cost? No more than 10 minutes passed before the Rebbe strode decisively out of the room and ordered them to begin. During the thanksgiving meal following the brit milah, the Tzemach Tzedek began to speak. Everyone fell silent, listening and hoping that the Rebbe would explain the delay or at least hint at its cause. “The days of our life—in them, 70 years,” the Rebbe quoted from Tehillim. “How many spiritual levels are concealed within these years—eighty, seventy? And there are also the letters that make up the word ‘vahem’—‘in them’”! No one understood what the Tzemach Tzedek meant. Sadly, each person’s world is revealed according to the measure of his soul. At the end of Sivan 5643, Rebbe Shmuel said: — “At my brit milah, my father mentioned the word ‘vahem’—‘in them’. The gematria of these letters is 47. Forty-seven”! And he sighed heavily. Several months later, on the 13th of Tishrei, in the forty-eighth year of his life, Rebbe Shmuel returned his soul to his Creator. (“A Voice in the Silence,” Volume 7, Yaakov Shechter)