Weekly Story: A Singular Interaction
by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon
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Recently I read about someone who was on a plane having a hard time breathing. Luckily for her, there was another passenger who although was not a medic, was quite knowledgeable in first aid, and although the plane did not have all of the required equipment in the first aid box, this person improvised with a straw and was able to reopen her breathing tube.
The person might call it Luck or Coincidence that this man was on the same flight as her, we know it is hashgacho protis – Divine Individual Guidance.
The question is, what can we learn from this?
In a letter to Rabbi Havlin, the Frierdiker Rebbe instructs him to farbreng with the Jews who he meets in America, especially those who come from or grew up in Chassidishe families.
The Rebbe continues, You might feel that these Jews are already frozen in the culture of America, and would one farbrengen accomplish? The person might feel nostalgic and remember his parents’ house, he might even have thoughts of improving himself, but then he will be returning to his home and environment, the ice of America, and whatever was accomplished during the farbrengen, is gone.
That mindset the Rebbe states is false! He then explains with a similar scenario to the one we began with. A person faints and you happen to be there. Obviously, you will do everything in your ability to revive that person. Once he is revived, he no longer needs your assistance and both of you go on with your own life.
Nevertheless, although you only spent a few minutes reviving him, the rest of his life is inspired by your deed. the same thing here: when you farbreng with this Jew, even for a few moments, your heartfelt words will remain with him, and who knows when they will sprout and have the proper effect on him.
So during our regular day, it is possible that we meet a Jew, who is unaware of their rich and beautiful heritage. Let us stop for a moment and inspire them. Yes, it may be the only time you will meet them, a one a single interaction, but your words can revive them and they will live with it forever.
This week’s post is L’zechus Isser Leib ben Chava Rivkah (Goldstein) who should merit a miraculous healing
Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran mechanech and the author of numerous books on the Rebbeim and their chassidim.He can be contacted at avtzonbooks@gmail.com
