In the city of the holy rebbe, Rabbi Meir of Premishlan, the mikvah (ritual pool for immersion) was situated on the opposite side of a mountain.
During the winter months, the snow made it impossible to traverse the mountain and the inhabitants of Premishlan were forced to go around the mountain, thus circumventing the harsh conditions.
That is, all except for Reb Meir, who would climb the mountain even during those months that it was dangerous to do so.
Once, a group of youngsters known for scoffing at miraculous feats arrived in Premishlan. They set off to prove that there was nothing particularly special about Reb Meir’s actions, and that they too would be able to navigate the mountain.
Though they were a healthy and robust group, they didn’t get too far. Instead, they returned to Premishlan bruised and battered from slipping on the dreadful ice.
Having learned their lesson, they went back to the tzadik, asking him, “How is it that only you were able to climb this treacherous mountain and for everyone else it is unfeasible?”
The tzadik responded:
“When one is connected above, they don’t fall below. Meir’l is connected above, and therefore it is possible for him ascend and descend the mountain, even when there is ice.[1]”
The mountain of life is slippery and arduous. We are bound to slip and fall. The only way to guarantee that we will traverse the journey of life unscathed by the vicissitudes of this world, is if the rope of our soul is firmly connected to G-d and His Torah. Though it would be hubris to assume that we can be like Reb Meir, in at least the tiniest way, we must learn to mimic this connection. Doing so will transform our lives!
[1] Likutei Dibburim, Vol. 2, Pg. 271
