Miracle of the Shaytel: Tznius and Childbearing
Channie had been childless for many years. It saddened her no end. Each day she prayed God would bless her with a child, and each night she fell asleep in tears.
One shabbes in shul, she listened intently to the Rabbi’s drushe (sermon) from behind the mechitzeh. She vaguely heard him say that wearing a shaytel had enabled many a barren woman to conceive. It was a segulah (amulet) for child bearing. As were all of the other laws of tznius….
Upon hearing this, and being a woman of valor and action, Channie went directly to the shaytel- macher (wig maker) the very next day. She asked to be fitted with the most tzniusdikeh shaytel on the market.
“But shouldn’t your husband help you choose a shaytel?,” asked the shaytel- macher.
“Of course he should, ” answered Channie shyly. “But I’m not yet married. One day, Hashem will bless me with a wonderful shidduch. I always trust in Hashem. And He never fails me.”
“Such a ba’chaynteh frummeh maydel,” exclaimed the shaytel macher, “It happens that I’m shadchan (matchmaker) as well. And I think I have a wonderful chussen (groom) for you. He’s quite a talmid chuchem (Torah scholar). I’m also sure he can help you choose your shaytel.
Yankel and Channie got engaged soon after the shadchan had introduced them. He of course helped her pick the most tzniusdikeh shaytel in the store the day before the wedding. The night of the wedding, the shaytel- macher had a few other things to tell him as well. “You mean I don’t just think holy thoughts about holy rebbeyim on those special nights?” asked Yankel with incredulity. “No way, Yankel!!!,” whispered the shaytel -macher. “Now get yourself in shape and make love to the lady.” Yankel was astounded. But he did as he was told.
And exactly one year after helping her choose her shaytel, a wonderful miracle occurred. Channie gave birth to a baby boy. After all those years of crying herself to sleep, Channie’s prayers were finally answered.
What better proof of the blessings that tznius brings to all women…..
