Calling for Commiseration
My private number, known to a select few, once rang. An unfamiliar woman was on the line. As soon as I picked up, she burst forth in a torrent of tears over her bitter lot. Her sighs traveled through the wires. Regrettably, instead of empathizing with this poor woman, I demanded to know how she had obtained my private phone number. The woman was truly remorseful over this infringement and begged my forgiveness.
Finally, b’chasdei Shamayim, I came to my wits. How did I have the audacity to inflict pain upon a suffering Jewish daughter, who needed my help at this difficult time? If she went to the effort of getting my private number, she was obviously in a very bad state and needed immediate help. Where did I get the boldness to rebuke her so? I apologized profusely for my unfitting reaction and was not at peace until she gave it.
A study of the lives of the giants of our nation will imbue us with a sense of humility. Avraham Avinu received guests most cordially, in spite of his weakness and advanced age. Hillel Hazakein, too, treated each Jew with tremendous patience. When will my deeds reach those of my forefathers?!
I publicize my acts of wrongdoing as a form of atonement for my neshamah. It is my hope that others learn a lesson from my misdeeds.
96. The Talmud Torah where the Rav studied in his youth, Mogador, Morocco
