David and Jacob were the closest, most honest business partners in all of India

David and Jacob turned out to be much more than just best friends. They were closer than brothers and did everything together. Under the security of Moshe’s roof, they grew up happy and healthy. They got along beautifully with the rest of Moshe’s children, but shared a bond that set them apart from the others.

Orphans David and Jacob had barely survived the dirty, dangerous streets of India’s worst neighborhoods. Moshe’s other sons would never understand what it felt like to sleep outside in a rainstorm, or to daven constantly to Hashem for their next meal. Still, everyone got along nicely and respected each other.

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David watched Moshe operate his inn, and David formulated brilliant business plans to help out. Eventually, Moshe trusted David with selling drinks in the local marketplace. Now, with David’s help, the business was doing quite well.

“Soon it will be time for you both to find your soul mates,” Moshe told the two boys one day. “I want to make sure that you have a business with which to support yourself. I’m giving you a loan and I want you to open two more stalls in nearby neighborhoods. B’ezras Hashem, you’ll make a lot of sales. Eventually you’ll be able to support yourselves without my help.”

And so it was.

Three weeks later David and Jacob were operating their stalls in the local marketplaces. Like always, Moshe continued sending them funds to help them operate their business, but for some reason they couldn’t make ends meet.

“All beginnings are tough, but things will pick up,” Moshe would encourage them when they trudged home with only a few coins to show for their efforts. “I have no doubt that one day you will both be successful businessmen!”

Jacob looked downcast. “It is enough that you gave us the drinks and money to open the stalls. We feel guilty that you still have to send us money to keep them operating. We’re so sorry—”

“Hashem gave me money so that I could help you, so why are you sorry?” Moshe exclaimed. “It is my greatest pleasure!”

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The boys continued trying to make their business successful. Moshe’s financial support remained steady throughout. Eventually both boys met their zivug and a festive, joint chasunah was held in the Jewish town square. Moshe walked them both to the chuppah with a huge smile and copious tears.

“This is the happiest day of my life!” he whispered into their ears during the dancing. “If I came down to This World only to help you, then that would be enough!”

After the wedding the boys were able to buy small homes of their own. They continued putting their blood, sweat, and tears into turning their fledgling business into a booming success. There were many times when things were tense and the days long and sometimes even miserably difficult, but they did not fight. Not even once.

David and Jacob were the closest, most honest business partners in all of India.

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 787)