It was one of those weeks where the phone calls, whatsapp messages, and emails all contained a requests for assistance. I felt overwhelmed, but was reassured when I read the following Chassidic story:
A poor woman with a good heart once came to the Rebbe of Tzanz, and complained that she still does not have any food for Shabbat. The Rebbe asked,
“Don’t you have an apple business?” “I do,” she said. “However, some people spread rumors that my apples are rotten. Therefore, I have not sold any.”
The Rebbe of Tzanz quickly went to her selling table and announced, “Fellow Jews. There are good apples here. Who wants to buy good apples?” Within a few minutes a large crowd surrounded the table and she was able to sell all the apples for an excellent profit.
As the Rebbe went to leave he turned to her and said, “You see, your apples were good. It is only that the people did not know that.”
Sometimes we think we have to move mountains to help people, when in reality it is just a good word or smile.
In the Torah portion Behar, there are several verses written in the plural context towards the Jewish nation. However, when it comes to the mitzvah of helping your fellow Jew it is written in the singular format. Why?
It is typical that when we get requests for assistance, we pass it on to another person to take care of. “He is more wealthy.” “He has more contacts.” “He knows this area.” These are all quotes we say to rid ourselves of responsibility. The Torah teaches us otherwise. “You need to help your fellow brother.” You make the connection between your “better off” friend and the one in need.
By sharing a good word, a smile, and making the connection between fellow Jews you actually fulfill a commandment in the Torah. May we all be blessed to be able to help all our brothers and sisters.
