Stories Of Greatness

There are certain people who give tz’dakah because they feel it is a calling in life. Others give because they are pressured to donate, or to show the world just how generous they are. Some people like to see their money being put to immediate use and are happy to donate to poor people or organizations that assist the indigent.

The following story is told about Rav Moshe Leib Sassover zt”l when he moved the first time from Sassov to the city of Apt. As Rav Moshe Leib and his family were traveling in their carriage, they came across two men in a horse and wagon.

If a man steals an ox and slaughters or sells it, he must repay the animal’s owner five times its worth. However, if he steals a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay the owner only four times its worth. Why does he pay less for the sheep? Rashi quotes the answer from the Gemara. It is somewhat degrading to the thief when he carries the sheep away on his shoulders. The Torah considers this embarrassment as a partial compensation for the theft. Therefore, the thief pays a reduced fine.

Ariel “Arik” Sharon was a famous Israeli statesman, former Prime Minister and retired Major General who served in the IDF for more than 25 years. In mid-December 2005, Prime Minister Sharon spent two days in a hospital after suffering a minor stroke, which doctors said caused no irreparable brain damage.

Our Sages teach us that the Kabalas HaTorah of our forefathers, thousands of years ago, was not an isolated incident. In fact, in every generation, we revisit this “kabbalah” – this unique acceptance of Torah primacy in our lives; and in return, the Torah uplifts us, guides us, and protects us. With our great leaders showing us the way, each and every Jew, from the simplest to the most scholarly, can have an impact on the world, not only for himself and his family, but with the power of his “kabalas haTorah” on any level, he can affect the lives of others in a great and meaningful way.

Avraham Eidelman grew up and lived his entire life in the city of Brisk. He earned a special connection with the Rav of Brisk, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik zt”l (the Beis HaLevi), and years later, the Rav’s family related that there were only two baalebatim whom the Rav trusted implicitly, one of them being Avraham Eidelman. The two families grew very close.