Adapted from: Living With Miracles by Rabbi Binyamin Pruzansky

This story illustrates the power of believing in another person. We have the power, through our positive influence, to help someone overcome every obstacle and reach his goal, because nothing stands in the way of a person’s will.

Years ago, Rabbi Shmuel Steinharter was a rebbi in Ohavei Torah, a kiruv yeshivah in Bnei Brak. There, American young men who were seeking a connection to their roots found a place where they could grow in Torah and avodah. In addition, beyond the walls of the yeshivah, the many talmidei chachamim and tzaddikim who lived in the city provided a rich wellspring of inspiration for the students.

One year, on Simchas Torah, the bidding for aliyos and other honors was underway. The “currency” of the bidding was not dollars or shekalim, but rather, a commitment to learn Mishnayos. This was a suitable currency for yeshivah students who were short on cash but flush with the desire to learn.

The opening honor of Atta Horeisa received an initial bid of 50 Mishnayos. Someone else called out “100!” A third dared to commit to 500. When the bidding reached 1,000 Mishnayos, the competition ground to a halt. Going once, going twice… it seemed that the bidder for 1,000 Mishnayos would win.

But then, another voice broke through. “Shishah Sidrei Mishnah,” called the young man, a fairly new baal teshuvah. He was committing himself to learn the entire six orders of Mishnah, a tall order even for an accomplished learner. The room fell silent as everyone looked at this young man with big dreams. He had clearly won the bidding, but would he be able to accomplish such a feat?

Later that day, a few people from the yeshivah brought the young man to speak to the rosh kollel of Kollel Chazon Ish, Rav Yudel Shapiro, an esteemed talmid chacham and gadol. Because these people were certain that the young man had gotten in far over his head, they asked Rav Yudel to annul his vow to free him from the obligation.

Rav Yudel looked the young man in the eye.

“Do you really want to learn all of Shishah Sidrei Mishnah?” he asked.

The young man confirmed that this was his desire.

“Do you think it’s possible for you to accomplish your goal?” the rav asked.

“I think it’s possible,” said the young man. “I’m determined to do it. I just don’t know how yet.”

“I will tell you how you can do it,” said Rav Yudel. “If you are willing to come to my home every evening to learn with me, I will help you finish the entire Shishah Sidrei Mishnah.”

The young man smiled brightly. “I’ll do it!” he said.

Rav Yudel and this talmid learned Mishnayos every night. One year later, on Simchas Torah, the young man made a monumental siyum on Shishah Sidrei Mishnah.

But the learning wasn’t the total picture of the relationship that blossomed. Rav Yudel took this idealistic baal teshuvah under his wing. He continued learning with him and supporting his growth. “And don’t worry about a shidduch,” Rav Yudel told him. “When the time comes, my wife will do everything she can to help you find the right one.” And indeed, she did. After his marriage, the young man and his wife would spend every other Shabbos at his in-laws’ home, alternating with the Shapiro home. They became part of a family that bestowed on this young couple the mesorah, middos, and hashkafos of greatness.

Our every word, expression, and action is different when we believe someone has potential. We impart the strength that helps him achieve his goals.