Escorting a Jew to Observance
I was once walking home an unaffiliated Jew from the yeshiva. Someone I knew met us on our way and was taken aback. “How does the Rav see fit to walk this person home? He does not observe Shabbat. It is a disgrace for the Rav to be seen with him!”
I replied that with my actions, I was causing a change in this man’s mindset, acting as a catalyst for him to begin observing Shabbat. “The very fact that I accord him such honor by escorting him home has evoked a change in his attitude. You will yet see him become completely transformed.”
Time passed, and my prediction was realized. This man is now one of our star pupils and brings Hashem tremendous satisfaction. How great is the power of according honor to one’s fellow Jew!
