A new van was in order. It would help with schlepping students to and from Shabbatons, packing up our large meat orders from New York City, and so many other important errands. We chose a used van that was still in good condition, and even brought it to the mechanic to make sure it was a worthwhile investment. As I was driving home from the garage, I was rear ended. The driver sped off before I could take his info. I inspected the damage and saw the taillight had been shattered.
A short while later, I was talking to someone in the community, and mentioned what had just happened.
“Don’t worry about it, Rabbi,” he told me. “I’m sending you $500 right now. That should cover it.”
“Amply!” I replied. “I don’t think it’ll even be that much!”
“It’s fine,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll be put to good use.”
We had to drive to New York for Shabbos, so we all piled in our new-to-us van. Just as we crossed the bridge, the brakes failed. With careful driving and maneuvering, we managed to reach our destination safely before Shabbos.
I placed the car and its problems aside for Shabbos. Right after Shabbos, my phone lit up with a text from another friend in Ithaca. I just sent you a donation. I’m sure you’ll find a use for it.
When I brought the van to the mechanic the next day, he viewed the damage and gave me a quote - the exact amount I’d received from my two “random” benefactors.
