Rabbi's Blog

Students and congregants are supposed to learn from their teachers and Rabbis. It wouldn't be the end of the world, however, if a Rabbi or teacher would take the time to learn something from their students or congregants. A few months ago there was a news story that went viral showing a New York City police officer buying a pair of shoes for a homeless man. (Despite a recent report that the man is not homeless and sold the shoes because he has shoes). The act of kindness by the innocent police officer serves as a reminder to all of us of the idea of "unconditional giving". The story broke as follows. "Right when I was about to approach, one of your officers came up behind him. The officer said, 'I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you.' The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man. The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching. I have been in law enforcement for 17 years. I was never so impressed in my life. I did not get the officer's name. It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work. The reminder this officer gave to our profession in his presentation of human kindness has not been lost on myself or any of the Arizona law enforcement officials with whom this story has been shared. The officer who has since been identified as Officer Lawrence DePrimo, has been inundated with support for his act of kindness. The story was shared and sent to me by a congregant and felt that this kind of random acts of chessed/kindness should be emphasized within our teaching. Every human being was created B'Tzelem Elokim - in the image of God - and therefore should follow in the ways of Hashem. God's existence is all about giving and getting nothing in return. Our lives are filled with opportunities to give unconditional kindness to our fellow man. When people hear or read about others doing unsolicited kindness, they think and hope they can do the same. Unfortunately, they don't. There are two reasons why people don't stop and do this type of kindness: 1. When the opportunity presents itself, they become 'shy' and don't feel they have the ability to carry it out. 2. The opportunities are there, but we are oblivious to them. For me personally I think I have the 'personality 'for it, to help out a perfect stranger and just offer help. My problem is recognizing and seizing that moment of opportunity. Once that moment passes by, chances are we won't go back to help. This past winter I was driving during a heavy rain pour. As I stopped at a light, I noticed a person sitting on the curb without proper protection or umbrella. I drove right past the person and only later did it dawn upon me that I missed that golden opportunity to somehow help that person. I could have given him my umbrella, given him a ride, or even gone a little out of my way and purchased an umbrella for him. I was really bothered by my lack of perception in realizing this was the opening of the window for me but I did not look out. Recently, though, I was able to capitalize on a chessed occasion not only once but twice. Since it was actually the same kind of act, I decided to write about it as I believe I was able to stretch out my antennas and tap into the correct frequency of Hashem's message. Twice within the last month while driving I approached a stalled car in the middle of the road. I immediately pulled over to the side and helped push and steer the car to a lot and a side road. Interestingly enough, in both cases other cars sped right by but a few others paused to at least ask if more help was needed. I am not writing about these episodes to gloat or to be haughty, rather to illustrate that we all have the ability to perform these random acts of kindness that will help others in their time of need and make you feel good about helping. Lastly, it re-enforces the notion of B'Tzelem Elokim - that we are not only fashioned in the image of God, but that we are expected to act that way as well. Parshas Kedoshim, the second of the two parshios we read this week ,is all about its name. Vayikra 19;2 the Torah states "Dabeir El Kal Adas B;nei Yisrael V'Amarta Aleihem Kedoshim Tihiyu, Ki Kadosh Ani Hashem Elokeichem". "Speak to the entire assembly of the Children of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for holy am I, Hashem, your God". The Chasam Sofer quotes Rashi and teaches that this portion was said by Hakhel, an entire gathering of the Jewish people men, women and children. The reason is because this holiness is not to be attained through separation and solitude but rather by being together amongst the people. Contrary to popular belief, attaining holiness is demonstrated by being with others and not just being by yourself. A person should get involved with people the same way that Hashem does, by doing kindness without expecting anything in return. Attaining holiness comes to different people in diverse ways. Some feel the holiness through what we call the spiritual side of life: learning, praying, and fulfilling the commandments as they were given. Others climb the ladder and want to share what it is like to be a giver for the purpose of giving alone and not getting anything in return. When God says be holy because I am holy, we should do those same acts of holiness, namely the random acts of kindness. Opportunities swarm around us all the time, but we need to be on the lookout for them. Hashem provides the prospect, but we have to prime ourselves for it. Being holy is accomplished by walking in the ways of Hashem. God is merciful, just, compassionate, and embodies all the attributes including performing Chessed for the world. In Davening we refer to Hashem as a Gomel Chessed, one who gives over kindness. This is one of the highest attributes to emulate. Next time you see an opportunity to perform a random act of kindness, remember that God has sent you the chance to become holy - to emulate the holiness of Hashem. Ah Gut Shabbos Rabbi Avram Bogopulsky