One bright summer morning, when Daniel Agalar, the founder of the Stories to Inspire hotline, was heading to his car, a goy approached him. The fellow asked if he was on his way to work, and he confirmed that he was. The fellow then related how his business was not doing well. Several investments he’d put into had gone sour, and he was more or less left dry. He was trying to make his way back up again, yet it was a challenge.
Hearing out his plea, Daniel was sure where this conversation was going. The man was coming to seek some support — emotional support, and even more, financial support. His only hope for either would be with that of a Yid. (Even if a goy would offer him a quarter, he might still ask for some change. They don’t care too much about anyone — other than themselves. Their charity doesn’t compare at all to that of Yidden, who go all out to assist another Yid in need — emotionally and financially.) Daniel was sure that he was coming to him as a last resort in the hope of receiving something, but the goy confirmed that that was not the reason.
“I know you are a part of the Chosen Nation,” explained the goy. “The Creator of the Universe chose you as His people. And by blessing His nation, I’m sure that He, in response, will bless me!”
“So, what do you want me to say about that?” asked Daniel, noticing a wad of bills in the goy’s hand. “You want me to bless this money with which you plan to use to jump start your business?” Daniel inquired. “That’s not my cup of tea. I’m no mystic. For that, you must go elsewhere.”
“No!” the goy responded. “This money is for you. I’m sure that through this, Hashem will bless me too. All I want of you is to take this money.” He shoved the money into Daniel’s hand and parted.
Continuing on to his car, Daniel examined the donation, and it totaled $300 cash. No jokes. A stack of $20 bills!
In shock over the event, Daniel went to share this episode with the Stories to Inspire family and to leave them the everlasting lesson that he’d just learned. While money was tight for this fellow, he was willing to share it because of his basic recognition that we are the Chosen Nation, and that by assisting a Yid, Hashem would assist him as well.
Yes, we are the Chosen Nation. Let’s be proud of it!
(Daniel’s hotline can be heard by calling: 718 400 7145)
