Handling Things Right
I was once invited to a visit with the esteemed mother of the Moroccan king, may he be blessed. During the entire meeting, I was concerned over one matter: What would I do when she would want to shake my hand? She might be insulted if I refused, and take it as a personal offense. The matter might reach epic proportions and even affect relations between the royal house and the Jewish subjects.
I offered a silent prayer to Hashem to help me at this fateful time. I kept my hands together throughout the visit. The woman accepted me pleasantly and even showed me honor. She never proffered her hand at all. I was struck by the irony of the situation. Instead of worrying how to refrain from insulting her honor, the woman sought ways to preserve my own.
- With an envoy of the king of Morocco, at the hilula of the Tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hagadol
I thanked Hashem for His help at this time. I felt a Heavenly handshake, assuring me that I was doing the right thing.
