Rav Avraham Pam, zt”l, was known to use his words to make others feel good. He used to Daven next to an elderly neighbor in Shul who once got sick and had to be in the hospital. Rav Pam wanted very much to visit him and perform the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, but he was a Kohein, and he was not allowed to enter the hospital because of the concern that he might become Tamei.
He decided that instead of visiting, he would write a short note to his friend, wishing him well and give him a Brachah for a Refuah Sheleimah. It took only a minute or so to write. Rav Pam also mentioned in his letter that he hoped the man would return quickly to Shul so that they could Daven next to each other again.
The sick man was so very happy to receive this letter. It really encouraged him and helped him feel better. He kept it under his pillow and showed it to anyone who came to visit him, and said, “This is a letter I got from Rav Pam!” The letter became a treasure to him, and he said it was even better than a visit because he got to keep it.
The man eventually unfortunately passed away and when Rav Pam went to be Menacheim Avel, the family stood up for him and explained that the note he wrote made their father so happy.
Rav Pam later explained that such a small act, like writing a quick little note, had an impact that lasted for a long time after! He said we see how little it takes to make someone feel good, and it can also be done in such a short amount of time!
Reprinted from the Parshas Re’eh 5784 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U’Tefillah.
