The story goes that these Jews were living under the thumb of a particularly cruel ruler. This lord of Hebron, as Ginzberg tells us in Legends of the Jews, was a real piece of work, constantly oppressing them. One day, he decided to levy an impossible tax. He demanded a huge sum of money, and here’s the kicker: it all had to be in coins from the same year! A near-impossible task, and he knew it. This wasn't about the money, it was a thinly veiled excuse to wipe them out.
Can you imagine the panic? They understood the subtext. This wasn't just financial hardship; it was a death sentence hanging over their heads. So, what do you do when faced with the impossible? They did what they knew best: they turned to God.
They declared a fast day, a day of public prayer, a ta'anit tzibbur, where the entire community comes together to beseech God for mercy. They poured out their hearts, begging for deliverance from this impending doom. And that night, something incredible happened.
The shammash, the beadle or caretaker of the synagogue, had a dream. In this dream, he saw an awe-inspiring old man. Who was this figure? None other than Abraham, their patriarch! He spoke to the shammash, instructing him to go to the gate of the court. "Hasten," Abraham urged, "for there you will find the money you need. I am your father Abraham. I have beheld the affliction wherewith the Gentiles oppress you, but God has heard your groans."
Imagine waking up from that dream! Terror, awe, disbelief... all mixed into one. The shammash, shaken but resolute, followed the instructions. And there it was! Exactly where Abraham had indicated, he found the exact sum of money demanded by the lord.
He rushed back to the congregation, recounting his dream as he presented the money. The community, still reeling from fear, carefully counted the coins. And it was true! The precise amount, no more, no less.
They delivered the money to the lord of Hebron. He was stunned. He, who thought his demand was impossible to meet, was faced with irrefutable proof: God was with the Jews. And from that day forward, the Jews found favor in his eyes. The sword that had been hanging over them was lifted, all thanks to a dream, a prayer, and the enduring legacy of Abraham.
What does this story tell us? Perhaps it's about the power of prayer in the face of adversity. Maybe it's about the unwavering connection between a people and their ancestors. Or maybe, just maybe, it's a reminder that even when things seem utterly hopeless, there's always a chance for a miracle. And sometimes, that miracle comes in the form of a dream, and a little help from a very old friend.