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 Yochai 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."
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.
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)
