A family of children – In the Zechus of the shiny silver coins of a righteous women:[1]

In the bustling streets of Vitebsk, Rabbi Gavriel Nosei Chen and his wife, Channah Rivka, were once revered as pillars of the community. Yet behind the closed doors of their home, an air of sadness lingered. Twenty-five years had passed since their marriage, and still, they remained childless. To add to their sorrow, their wealth had been stripped away by relentless persecution, reducing their once-prosperous household to one of quiet despair.

It was during these trying times that a call for help arose. The revered Alter Rebbe sought to raise funds for the noble cause of redeeming Jewish captives. But for Rabbi Gavriel, this plea ignited a deep internal conflict. A man known for his generosity, he found himself powerless—his financial ruin had stripped him of the ability to contribute meaningfully. His anguish grew unbearable, his heart heavy with the shame of inaction.

One evening, as Rabbi Gavriel sat lost in thought, the soft rustle of fabric signaled Channah Rivka’s presence. She had been listening, her own heart aching to see her husband burdened by sorrow. Without a word, she rose and retrieved her most prized possessions—her exquisite jewelry, a symbol of their happier days. Each piece glimmered with memories, yet Channah Rivka knew what had to be done.

With resolute determination, she sold the jewelry, collecting enough money to meet the Rebbe’s request. She polished the coins until they gleamed with an otherworldly radiance, all the while whispering a heartfelt prayer: that their own fortunes might one day shine as brightly as these coins. Handing the pouch to Rabbi Gavriel, she urged him to present it to the Rebbe in Liozna.

When Rabbi Gavriel placed the polished coins before the Alter Rebbe, the room seemed to fill with an ethereal light. The Rebbe’s gaze lingered on the radiant coins before he asked their origin. With a trembling voice, Rabbi Gavriel recounted his wife’s extraordinary sacrifice, her unwavering faith illuminating the tale.

The Rebbe fell silent, his expression profound as he entered a state of deep contemplation. When he finally spoke, his words carried the weight of divine authority. He blessed the couple with children, long life, and wealth beyond measure. Additionally, he instructed Rabbi Gavriel to shift his trade to the world of precious stones—a prophetic command that would soon transform their lives.

The blessings unfolded with the grandeur of a miracle. Children filled their home with laughter, their wealth grew to unimaginable heights, and their days were stretched to remarkable lengths—Rabbi Gavriel lived to 110, and Channah Rivka outlived him by two years. Their lives became a testament to the transformative power of selfless acts performed with joy and faith.

But the story does not end there. The Rebbe’s teachings resonate beyond time, reminding us that acts of kindness performed with devotion and sacrifice carry an unparalleled light. As Rabbi Gavriel and Channah Rivka’s story continues to inspire, it invites us all to bring that same light into our own lives and the world around us.

[1] Igros Kodesh 22:444; Likkutei Sichos 4:1300; Sippurei Chassidim p. 250