What a World, What a World

"We are OUR world ... we are the ones who make a brighter day ... there's a choice we're making." (MJ)

Where is your stairway to Heaven?

As we know, it is an age-old custom to study Pirkei Avos between Pesach and Shavuos for many reasons. Yet, the general idea is to learn and internalize its invaluable lessons in order to improve our character. In the period prior to Kabolas ha'Torah, we try to elevate and purify ourselves so that we may once again receive the Torah on Shavuos with completeness.
The opening line that introduces it all states, "All Jews have a portion in the World to Come." Perhaps one of the most famous questions in all of Judaism stems from this seemingly broad statement - is this really true? Does every Jew, regardless of his deeds, earn a portion in Olam ha'Bo? Is even an evil sinner granted such a reward for his infractions?

One of the grandsons of the Chidushei ha'Rim (Rav Yitzchok Meir Rottenberg, the 1st Gerrer Rebbe, tz"l) asked this very question to his saintly grandfather. The Chidushei ha'Rim offered him an answer with a parable:
There was once a simple and uneducated wagon driver that was on the road when he suddenly heard the sound of a person groan in pain. It was in the dark and bitter cold days of winter and the ground was difficult to maneuver, yet he managed to stop short and descended his wagon. After he desperately tried to track down the source of the groans, he found a Jew hunched over on the ground and near death.
The wagon driver quickly dragged the dying man into his wagon, changed him into dry clothing, and gave him a bit of wine to warm his body and bring back some of his energy. Slowly, the man regained his strength and was driven back to his hometown.
"Does it not state that a person who saves the life of a Jew it is considered as though he sustained an entire world?" asked the Chidushei ha'Rim to his grandson.
At that very moment, a defense angel in Heaven approached Hashem, and asked Him to take away the life of the wagon driver at once! He reasoned that if he were to remain alive, he was bound to continue in his sinful ways and lose the reward he earned through this incredible act of kindness. Yet, if he were to die at that moment, he would retain his reward.
In flew a prosecuting angel to disagree. "A person cannot be taken before his time!" he argued. "He must remain alive to face his challenges, win or lose!"
After much debate, the decision that they arrived at was to ask the wagon driver himself as to his own fate. When he was approached with both arguments, the wagon driver chose to die and immediately earn his reward. Thus, he sat down to compose his last will and testament, called upon the Chevra Kadisha, and before the day came to an end, the wagon driver passed away from this world.
When he arrived in the World of Truth, he was greeted by a group of angels. They related to him that he had earned a great reward, and that he could choose anything he desired in the World to Come. Without pause, the wagon driver, having prepared for this moment, replied, "I want a new wagon. It should be constructed by the greatest and most famous carpenter. Also, the wheels should be made of fine gold. And as for the horses that will lead the wagon -  I wish to have four of the strongest and most handsome horses available. The road ahead of me should always be straight and level, without any obstacles in my way. This is what I want more than anything else!"
The Chidushei ha'Rim turned to his grandson, and said, "My dear grandson! It is true. Everyone will receive a portion in the World to Come. However, what type of world will it be? Each person's World to Come will be exactly like his world he created here!"

What in the world do you want?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me guidance to choose the right path in life!"