The Human Side of the Story

For the week ending 30 October 2010 / 21 Heshvan 5771

A Lucky Accident

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

When the famed philanthropist Nathan Strauss visited Jerusalem to participate in the chanukat habayit dedicationof the soup kitchen for needy Jews whose construction he had helped to finance, he was accompanied by his brother who had refused to contribute to this project.

As they left the soup kitchen, Nathan slipped on the stairs and severely sprained his ankle. His brother, who had only disdain for the hundreds of poor Jews who depended on the kitchen, visited him in the hospital and made a cynical remark about the "reward" Nathan had received from Heaven for his "misguided charity."

Anxious to take care of some business affairs in Europe, the brother departed before Nathan had recuperated. The ship he traveled on sank and he lost his life. Only then did it become clear that Nathan's charity had saved his life.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to The Human Side of the Story

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.