And then he added: “And I had the chance to make a kiddush Hashem”

Living Higher

R

av  Chaim Heinemann, rosh kollel of the Cincinnati Community Kollel, was visiting Rav Moshe Heinemann shlita, in Baltimore. Rav Chaim davened Shacharis in his uncle’s shul, after which the two discussed various halachic questions. They then headed to the Heinemann home for breakfast. On the way, they were approached by a fellow who proceeded to share his various medical woes. Rav Moshe listened intently as the man related that he would be undergoing a procedure.

“How much will it cost?” Rav Moshe asked.

The man named a sum.

“And do you have enough funds?” asked Rav Moshe.

The man said that he had some funds saved up, but not enough. Rav Moshe then reached into his pockets and produced a $20 bill, which he handed to the man along with his well wishes.

Recognizing that he was about to learn yet another great lesson from his uncle, Rav Chaim took several steps back and snapped a picture.

The Heinemanns began walking away. Before Rav Chaim could ask any questions, Rav Moshe simply said, “Mefarnesim aniyei ovdei kochavim… mipnei darkei shalom. One can support the poor of the non-Jews for the sake of peace.” This is a quote from the Rambam. And then he added: “And I had the chance to make a kiddush Hashem.”

Rav Chaim continued to escort his uncle, delighted to have captured a moment when kindness, humility, and true Torah brilliance blended into a single picture.

HAPPENING  IN... Germany

Several weeks ago, a hachnassas sefer Torah was held in Berlin, Germany, in memory of the kedoshim of October 7.

The celebration, made possible by the Jüdische Gemeinde zu Berlin, as part of their Jüdische Kulturtagen, and arranged by Avi and Diana Toubiana, proceeded through the open thoroughfares, along with a heavy police escort. Along with the joy and the dancing came a message, silent — but deafening to those who perceived it. These were the very same streets upon which, just eight decades ago, marched an army of those set on destroying our people and all it represents.

This army is no longer. And yet, here we are, dancing where they once marched, singing the song they tried to silence.

And the Jewish People will continue to sing until the end of time.

A Rebbi’s Impact

Rabbi Shmuel Rabi is a Toronto-based mechanech and founder of the innovative Rischa D’oraisa program — a fast-paced and energetic competition that tests boys’ knowledge of their limudim, game-show style.

Rabbi Rabi ran one such program at a boys’ elementary school in Los Angeles. Prior to the competition, he discussed the questions he planned to present to the boys with the rabbeim. One question dealt with two seemingly contradictory lines in Mesaches Yoma about whether or not the Kohein Gadol contracted tumah in the days preceding Yom Kippur. Rabbi Rabi wanted to challenge the boys to come up with a way to solve the two mishnayos. The two third-grade rebbeim Rabbi Rabi was conversing with each offered his own answer to the question.

The game commenced. Once it heated up, Rabbi Rabi presented the question on Yoma to the two teams. The two classes deliberated the question and then elected one boy to answer. Rabbi Rabi called on the boys and to his shock — each boy answered… the two answers their respective rebbeim had offered!

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 1035)