A New Pair of Shoes

A Jewish couple was strolling in Manhattan, enjoying the variety of scenery – parks and theaters, endless shopping and a wide assortment of people from all over the world. Carpeted in snow, the city had a holiday atmosphere, with luring sales and big bargains. On the way to Rockefeller Center, near the famous ice rink, they saw – to their utter amazement – a barefoot, shivering beggar with his bony hand extended hoping for a coin. Here he was, in sub-freezing weather, with no shoes! “So this is America,” thought the couple, “what so many people say, an uncaring harsh place where man acts like a wolf to his fellow man.”

The woman said to her husband, “I don’t care what this beggar’s name is, what he does, or if he’ll ever thank me. I’m going to buy him a pair of shoes!” Just then, a policemen approached the beggar. The woman’s heart felt like it was in her throat. What did the beggar do wrong? What did the policeman want from him? She feared that the he would do something mean to the beggar.

Just then, she heard the policeman ask the beggar, “What size shoes do you wear?”

The startled beggar barely mumbled, “Size 11”.

The policeman went over to the patrol car, opened the trunk, and took out a pair of socks and size 11 sneakers. He returned to the beggar and said, “Here you are, sir; I think these will fit you fine.”

The beggar quickly put on the socks and then the shoes. He stood up and started dancing with joy, smiling his semi-toothless smile to everyone who walked by. “Thank you, officer! May the good Lord bless you,” he said to the policeman with a big grin.

The policeman smiled back and said, “The good Lord has already blessed me. It’s now my turn to show Him how much I appreciate what He does for me.”

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The above story reminds us of what we already know – the world is built from loving-kindness. It’s not happenstance that nothing equals expressing our gratitude to Hashem. The policeman knew the very best way to express his appreciation and gratitude for all his blessings in life. We should learn from his example.

As the Passover holiday approaches, this is a wonderful opportunity to join us in our annual Kimcha d’Piskha, or “Flour for Passover” Project. The heavy holiday expenses create hardships for many families who simply can’t manage to purchase all their holiday needs, much less enjoy the holiday. They can barely afford to put wine and matza on the Passover table, so who can think about new shoes for the children? These are families who don’t know if they’ll have food on the table this coming Passover.

As the Rosh Yeshiva of Chut Shel Chesed, I feel that chesed – loving-kindness – is one of the most important mitzvot there is; I’m sure that you agree with me. That’s why I included the word chesed in the name of our yeshiva, to emphasize that helping our fellow human is a highest priority. The Torah says, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” “Flour for Passover” means to help the less fortunate of our Jewish brethren have a joyous Passover holiday by enabling them to have the necessary staples.

Rabbinit Arush and I do our utmost to identify the needy families who are too embarrassed to request assistance, and to give them the needed foodstuffs and financial support. I am privileged and honored to offer you a share in this mitzva.

Your donation to Rabbi Shalom Arush’s “Emuna Outreach Kimcha d’Piskha Fund” will provide needy families in Israel with all their needs for Passover, including meat and poultry, wine, matzot, dry goods, fruit and vegetables. Donate to Emuna Outreach to make sure that these worthy families of sorely limited means will also be able to enjoy their Passover holiday. Your donation is US tax-deductible.

May we all have a truly joyous holiday, amen!