Made in Heaven
Abhidevananda
born a hunchback, but he was known for his wisdom and humility. While
on a trip to Hamburg as a young man, Mendelssohn met a rich merchant
who had a beautiful, young daughter, Frumtje.
Mendelssohn fell hopelessly in love with Frumtje, who too was mature
beyond her years. Despite Mendelssohn's physical defect, Frumtje was
attracted to his gentleness, his charm, and his brilliant mind.
Mendelssohn stayed several weeks in Hamburg, spending much of his time
with Frumtje. When it came time to leave, he approached her father for
permission to ask Frumtje's hand in marriage. The merchant replied that
his daughter was a bit frightened by Mendelssohn's physical deformity.
Downcast, but not defeated, Mendelssohn asked only to see Frumtje once
more before leaving.
Frumtje was busy with needlework when Mendelssohn entered her room, and
she kept her eyes and attention on that. At first, Mendelssohn spoke of
various matters. Frumtje remained distant. Gradually he led the
conversation to the subject that was nearest to his heart. "Do you
believe, that marriages are made in heaven?"
"Yes," she said, "for that is our faith."
"And it is true," Mendelssohn said gently. "Now let me tell you about
something strange that happened when I was born. As you know, at a
child's birth, according to our tradition, they call out in heaven
that the birth has occurred. And when it is a boy, they announce,
'Such and such boy will have this or that girl for a wife.' Well,
there I was, just born, and I heard the name of my future wife
announced. At the same time, I heard the great far-off voice say,
'Unfortunately, the poor little girl, Frumtje, will have a terrible
hump on her back.' Quick as a flash, I cried out, 'O Lord, if a
girl is hunchbacked, she will grow bitter and hard. Please give her
hump to me and let her be a lovely and charming young lady.'"
Frumtje married Mendelssohn, and they lived a long and fruitful life
together.