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In 1583, Emperor Rudolf II of Austria moved his imperial court to Prague and proceeded to transform the city into one filled with astronomers, alchemists, artists, craftsmen, and humanists. He was fascinated with any sort of new knowledge, whether it was in science or the occult. He was also prone to mood swings and wild dreams, and he became unpredictable in his later years. Emperor Rudolf’s relationship with the Jewish community was positive on the whole — he changed laws to allow Jews fair trials and removed restrictions on trade. But he was most fascinated by the chief rabbi of Prague, the Maharal, R’ Yehudah Loewy zt”l, who was known to be well versed in Kabbalistic knowledge and mystical texts.

The following story is told by R’ Yitzchok Zilberstein shlita in his sefer, Aleinu L’Shabei’ach. Meshulam was a star pupil in his cheder, and his parents had enormous nachas from him. Unfortunately, Meshulam’s spiritual descent began at age 17, when his mother passed away. One day, he informed his father that he was taking a trip to India together with a few friends. His father was heartbroken, and his anguish over Meshulam’s spiritual deterioration compounded the grief he felt over the loss of his wife. “Meshulam,” he said in a defeated voice, “what does a frum bachur have to do in India?”

The following story took place just a few weeks ago, and it demonstrates the incredible hashgachah pratis that Hashem bestows upon His beloved.

Jewish life in the city of Nikolsburg reached a peak in the early 19th century, outshining that of other towns in Moravia. Jews benefited from the relatively benign rule of the Prince von Dietrichstein family, and a thriving community developed on the western slopes of the imposing hill upon which stood the princely palace. Nikolsburg, the seat of the Moravian Chief Rabbi, had a well-known yeshivah, many shuls, and a large graveyard in which many of the famous rabbis of Moravia are buried.

Chazal say that one should not make his words mundane. Every spoken word is precious, for it creates huge fortresses in the upper worlds – both for good and for bad. If one speaks good words, he influences the powers of good and spirituality in his defense. If he does not, he causes the Sitra Achra (Satan) to be aroused, and he creates negative angels who look to prosecute him.

Jewish life in the city of Nikolsburg reached a peak in the early 19th century, outshining that of other towns in Moravia. Jews benefited from the relatively benign regime of the Prince von Dietrichstein family, and a thriving community developed on the western slopes of the imposing hill on which stood the princely palace. Nikolsburg, the seat of the Moravian Chief Rabbi, had a well-known yeshivah, many shuls, and a large graveyard in which many of the famous rabbis of Moravia are buried.