A Compassionate Conversion
I once met a righteous convert and asked him what led him to join the Jewish nation. Here is his story:
A number of years ago, I underwent a difficult period. I was left penniless, walking the streets of Saint Paul, Paris, with hunger and thirst as my constant companions. I didn’t even have carfare to travel by bus or train. I had no choice but to ask passersby for some food or money. But everyone just completely ignored me.
Suddenly, a Jew passed by. At first, I was loath to turn to him. I assumed he would certainly disdain me, as the others had. But, on second thought, I figured that I had nothing to lose by asking him for a handout. I decided to try my luck. I ran after him, calling, “Mister! I have nothing to eat! Please help me!”
To my surprise, the man actually turned to me. He looked at me and said, “Just now, I bought myself a sandwich. Take it and eat it. Enjoy.”
Seeing how he treated me with such respect, I told him I would prefer a loan which I would be able to repay at some future time. The Jew asked me how much I needed, and, without a moment’s hesitation, handed me both the sandwich and the money!
As collateral for the loan, I offered him my identity card, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said that he trusted that when I would have the means, I would return the loan.
This man’s exceptional deeds touched me deeply. I was greatly impressed to discover a nation which respects all others, displaying concern for anyone created by the hand of G-d. Upon this revelation, I was filled with yearning to be part of this unique people.
Eventually, I underwent the process of conversion. I joined the nation of the merciful, bashful, and kind-hearted. Their unbounded charity toward all people is ingrained in them from their father, Avraham Avinu, who was benevolent even with idol worshippers. In this manner, he brought them closer to their Heavenly Father, converting them to embrace a spiritual life.
When I heard this story, I was struck by the actions of this wonderful Jew, who helped a gentile whom he didn’t even know. It was surely because he is part of the nation blessed with the qualities of mercy, bashfulness, and good-heartedness (Yevamot 79b). His deeds caused a tremendous kiddush Hashem, bringing this man into the folds of Judaism.
