The Chafetz Chaim told over the following story. Rabbi Yaakov Kranz known as the Dubno Maggid was walking down the street. He saw an old blind pauper walking towards him dressed in torn clothing and was accompanied by a young boy, holding his hand and helping him.
Most people would walk by and take no notice. Someone with some feeling would give a sigh at the poor man's suffering. A person with a little more understanding may stop, take notice and thank Hashem for having healthy eyesight.
But the Dubno Maggid was a great man with a merciful heart. He stopped and asked them, "my dear brothers, where are you from?"
The old blind man was so bitter and didn't even bother to reply. But the young boy did and said, "this man is my father and my mother passed away." He continued to tell the Maggid that in their little room its cold and they have no money for firewood.
"Who are you talking to?" The blind man asked his son. "Come on, let's go!" "In a moment, my dear," replied the Maggid. "Tell me have you eaten today?" "No," replied the boy. "I am taking my father to the local soup kitchen. There we will get some warm food and then we will go back home."
There was no point asking the boy to which school he attended because the answer was obvious.
"Come with me," said the Maggid, "I will give you a good dinner, far better than the soup kitchen."
A little shine of hope appeared in the poor boy's eyes. The Maggid changed his schedule. He walked slowly at their pace, took them to his warm house and gave them a hot dinner. Even the old man softened a little and thanked his host for the good dinner.
The Maggid asked them if they would agree to move into his home? "I will give you a warm room and you will get three meals a day free of charge."
The father was busy thinking and finally agreed to try it out. The boy's eyes shone with happiness and hope.
The old man had a lot of requests and the Maggid and his family went out their way to make them happy.
The Boy's Future
The Maggid gave them fresh clothing and sent off the boy to study in a Jewish school. The boy was very bright and smart. He made friends and excelled in his studies. He had a brilliant sharp mind and an amazing memory. He never forgot anything he studied. He was a very diligent student. Very quickly he made himself a good name, got married, became Rabbi in the city of Brodie and was the author of over 60 Sefarim. He was the famous Rabbi Shlomo Kluger.
What would have happened if the Dubno Maggid would have ignored them or just sighed and walked on? What a great Rabbi and so many amazing Torah manuscripts would have been lost.
Did Batya, the daughter of Pharaoh know who she merited to save? The savior of the Jews, the father of all prophets, the receiver and teacher of the Torah, all which will be to her credit forever.
But let us remember, that every child is like Moshe in the box. They may make an impact on the whole world if they are given the chance. Let us not ignore them with a shrug of the shoulders or a sigh. Let us do our share by saying a good word, a compliment, helping when we can and when it’s needed. It applies first and foremost to our own children, but also to every child we can help!
Who knows what they may grow up to be in our merit. Let's not miss the opportunity.
