By Rabbi Elimelech Biderman

During Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, some people ask for a drop more money, or a little bit more success, etc.

But we can ask for so much more, and Hashem will give it to us. This is the time when our tefillos are answered. And as the Aruch l’Ner writes, our tefillos at this time will certainly be answered. Therefore, why shouldn’t we ask for a lot?

Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz zt’l told the following story: An enemy soldier aimed and shot his rifle at Czar Nicolai. A soldier loyal to Nicolai saw this and shouted loudly. Because of the shout, Nicolai’s horse jumped. This saved Nicolai’s life, as the bullet hit the horse instead of Nicolai himself. “You saved my life,” Nicolai said to the soldier. “Your shouts caused the horse to leap, and that saved me. How can I repay you?”

The soldier replied, “I don’t get along well with the commander of my unit. I want to be moved to a different brigade.” “No problem,” Nicolai said. “Your request will be fulfilled. But you are a fool, because you could have requested so much more, and I would have given it to you. You could have asked to be the general, and I would have granted that to you.” Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz zy’a taught that people are just as foolish when they ask for small things from Hashem. They can ask for so much more, and Hashem will grant it to them.

The Midrash tells a story that happened when Alexander Mokdon came to Eretz Yisrael. A Yid came forward, greeted Alexander, and blessed him.

Alexander rewarded him with a city. Alexander’s servants asked, “He is a poor man. He would be satisfied with a smaller present too. Why did you give him a city?” Alexander replied, “When one gives a present, it should be a present in the eyes of the giver, and not according to the perception of the receiver.”

The Lev Simchah zt’l repeated this Midrash and explained that when Hashem gives us presents, it should also be according to how Hashem understands the notion of a present.

As we say in Tefillas Tal (said on Pesach): “Friend, according to Your assessments, establish our name.” This means that Hashem should give us kindness as He understands kindness, for that will be a much greater kindness than when it is given according to our limited perception.