Often, the goodwill generated by a gift may benefit others even if the giver himself does not experience the results.
The Bobover Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Halberstam, was very kind to a non-Jewish painter who painted his house. The Rebbe served the painter a hot breakfast every day, and when the job was completed, the Rebbe gave him a hefty tip, far beyond the standards of that time.
The painter’s next customer was another frum Jew, whose house was in dire need of painting, but who had only enough money to paint a single room. Warmed by the Rebbe’s generosity on his previous job, the painter insisted on applying his tip from the Bobover Rebbe to cover the cost of painting the entire house.
Of course, a gift is sometimes necessary simply for the sake of common decency. One should always make certain to tip a waiter, taxi driver, barber, or other such worker for a job well done. In situations where it is customary to give a tip, failure to do so would actually lead to a chillul Hashem, since it would create the impression that religious Jews lack good manners or appreciation for others.
But even when a gift is not expected, the power of a gift to touch the hearts of others makes it a valuable tool, when used appropriately, for the creation of a kiddush Hashem.
Reproduced from A Life Worth Living by Rabbi Shraga Freedman with permission of the copyright holders, ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, Ltd.
