By Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn
Chaim Teitz was on his way home after his morning study session at his Kollel. His wife called him on his cell phone and asked him to pick up some groceries. Chaim and his wife Rina always shopped at Mendel’s Grocery, even though they knew that his prices were a bit higher than the local supermarket.
Mendel Dorfman was a kind, sweet man, who went out of his way for every customer. Mendel’s loyal customers remained with him because they knew he needed the livelihood and because no supermarket could match the individualized attention Mendel dispensed – not to mention his nice thought on the parashah of the week at the check-out counter.
“You Haven’t Paid Me Any Money in Months”
As Chaim finished gathering the items he needed, he approached the check-out counter where three men were waiting in line. Mendel was on the telephone. “Listen, Mrs. Margolis,” Mendel was saying, “I will be happy to send your order over, but is there any way you can pay me at least part of your bill? You owe over $1000 and you haven’t given me any money in months.”
Mendel was quiet as the lady on the other end of the line was talking. He let her finish and then said, “Yes, I understand, but I have suppliers to pay, I have workers to pay, you know I am not a rich man.”
Once again, he was quiet as the lady on the line was responding. “No, no,” Mendel interrupted her. “Don’t worry. I’m sending your order. I was just hoping for some payment, but don’t worry, you will get the order. There is no need to cancel it.”
Marveling at Mendel’s Kindness
The four young men looked at one another marveling at Mendel’s kindness and sensitivity. While he was still on the phone, they huddled together. “Imagine the pity on that poor woman,” said one of the men.
“And it’s a pity on Mendel as well,” said another. “He’s not rolling in money and he’s entitled to something, wouldn’t you say?”
“So shouldn’t we do something?” the third man said, expressing what was on all their minds. “Think we could each manage $250?” the fourth man asked.
They all nodded and smiled. Two of them had checks and two of them had cash. Within a minute they put their money together and handed it to Mendel while he was still on the phone. He looked at the money in amazement and understood what had transpired. “Wait, wait, Mrs. Margolis,” he practically yelled into the telephone. “There is no need to worry. Your bill has just been paid. You don’t owe me a thing!”
The men smiled though they could not hear what Mrs. Margolis was saying. “Really, really,” Mendel said, “Hashem just sent angels to my store. You’ll have the order within the hour. Mrs. Margolis, you’ve got a new slate. Don’t be embarrassed. Hashem takes care of His people!” (In the Spirit of the Maggid)
Reprinted from the Parashat Ki Tesse 5784 email of Rabbi David Bibi’s Shabbat Shalom from Cyberspace. Excerpted from the ArtScroll book – “In the Spirit of the Maggid” by Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn.
