Yochai was married for many years to a wonderful wife. Yet, sadly, his wife did not bear any children. With tears in his eyes, he asked her to accept a divorce, so that he could marry a woman who might bear him children. Yochai's wife asked him to let her try for one more year to have a child. Yochai agreed to her request.
With unshakeable trust in HaShem, a broken heart, and countless tears she prayed for a miracle, "Please HaShem, have mercy on us and bless us with a son."
One night, Yochai dreamt that he was in a forest of dry and leafless trees. Each tree was watered with a cup of water, and immediately the tree sprouted to life. Soon he came to his tree, which was next to a barrel of water. The barrel poured water on to the tree, and it blossomed with leaves and fruits.
He related the dream to a sage and asked him its meaning. The sage told him that he would have a great son who would illuminate the world. Yochai asked him why the other trees had a cup, while his tree had a barrel of water. The sage answered, "The barrel of water symbolizes the overflowing tears of your wife."
Moral: Faith in HaShem and heartfelt prayer with many tears has the power to convert darkness to light, heal every illness, and transform hardship into joy.
Application: Pray to HaShem with all of your heart and soul, and trust in His infinite mercy and kindness to answer all of your prayers.
(Based on the Zohar)
