We all know that God rules the world, yet there are times we don’t fully comprehend why certain things happen in our lives. My childhood friend, David L, proved to me that God places us in situations for a reason.
David taught me so much with a simple act of chesed he did for total strangers. One day David’s wife Sarah asked if he could go to the local supermarket for some groceries. David carefully purchased items on the list Sarah had given him and called home at least twice for clarification, don’t we all. David’s cart was full and he was pretty certain he got everything that he needed. David proceeded to the front of the store where all the checkout lanes were located.
David told me he picked the shortest lane and waited his turn to place the items from his cart onto the conveyor belt to have them scanned by the cash register clerk. As the clerk was scanning the items she was also speaking to her coworker in the next lane. David’s cash register clerk told the other employee, “Did you hear Joan is not at work today because her apartment burned down last night?” She continued by saying “The employees throughout the store are putting together a collection to help her out.” David’s groceries were all packed in his reusable bags and it was time for him to pay. David handed the clerk his credit card and a $20 dollar bill. The cash register clerk asked David, “Do you want to put part of your bill on this credit card and pay the rest in cash?” David responded, “No, put the entire total on the credit card.” With an inquisitive look the clerk asked, “What is the $20 dollars for?” David replied, “It’s for Joan whose apartment burned down last night.” In total shock and bewilderment, the clerk says to David, “You don’t even know this person.” David responded, “Just because I don’t know her or her family should not be a reason for not helping them.” The clerk shook her head and asked again, “Are you sure?” The clerk then proceeded to tell her fellow employees at the adjacent lanes what this random customer just did. The clerks both glanced briefly at David and he could tell they were clearly looking at his colorful kippah. David left the store and went home very happy that he had an opportunity to help another person who was going through a difficult situation, even though they had never met. David’s wife was pleased he got all the correct groceries, and he was proud of himself. Later that week, Sarah realized she needed two key ingredients for Shabbos and sent David back to the supermarket.
David went back to the same supermarket he was at earlier in the week. While he walked up and down the aisles looking for the two ingredients he was sent to purchase, he was approached by the cash register clerk he had encountered the last time. The clerk told David, “I’m so glad you are here, someone wants to meet you, can you please stay in this aisle while I get him?” A few minutes went by and David was greeted by a person who identified himself as John, the store manager. John told David that every employee had been talking about his kindness all week long. John continued by telling David that his thoughtful charitable act was unbelievable and that he was officially part of the supermarket family. John handed David his business card and told him if he ever needed anything he should not hesitate to knock on his door.
David told me that he believes Hashem put him in the store and that specific lane for a reason, to help another human being in distress. He continued by saying that Hashem always seems to put him in different situations where he can help random people while creating a kiddush Hashem.
David taught me a big lesson that we can all emulate: Chesed opportunities sometimes fall into our laps in an obvious way. If we see or hear of an opportunity to make a difference, don’t ignore it, don’t walk away from it, and don’t pretend it’s not your concern. Hashem puts us in different venues for a reason, as in the case of David L. Ask yourself the question: How can I make this person’s life easier or better. I am certain and confident your heart will direct you to do the right thing. Keep helping others because that is what Hashem expects from all of us. With each act of kindness, we will all accelerate the coming of Moshiach.
Have a gibbenched year filled with chesed opportunities and Hashem will shower you and your family with equal kindness as well.
Leslie Srolovits is a retired banker / technology officer who worked for several international banks. Mr. Srolovits can be reached via email at [email protected]
