Dear Reader:
A Rabbi once brought his class to be tested by the Gadol Hador Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l. When the test was over, Rav Shteinman asked the rabbi if he could stay a few minutes to talk.
Rav Shteinman said, “First call your wife to ask if she minds that you stay to talk for a few minutes.”
After the rabbi said it’s not a problem, Rav Shteinman said, “I noticed two boys who need extra help; don’t worry, I will pay for it.”
The boys arrived here in white shirts and Shabbos clothing. One boy didn’t have Shabbos shoes, and the shoes he was wearing were torn. Please make sure to get him new ones. I will pay for it.”
“I also noticed a second boy had a strong stutter, and I am asking you to please not ask him questions in class, but to ask him after class and go over them with him. I will pay you for this as well, for the extra time you put in.”
What’s the lesson? Rav Shteinman was already much older, a Rosh Yeshiva, but with Klal Yisroel day and night, but still made sure the rabbi asked his wife if he had a few minutes. And noticed two different boys needed help. That’s an inspiration for us to notice and help others as well, to whatever level you can. Even just a good morning or good Shabbos to notice others.
This connects to Chanukah:
In almost all Menorahs, the shamash, the helping candle that lights all the candles, is set to rest higher than the rest of the candles. Why?
This is coming to teach us a very important lesson: Some people want to grow and are into self-growth, self-perfection, working out, learning, or davening, etc.
This is beautiful and holy, but if you really want to grow, then this only happens by helping others.
When you become a shamash, to light and inspire others, to whatever level you can (to your family, friends, and more), not to only focus on yourself, but to spread love, light, hope, and inspiration to others, that is when you rise and reach your full potential.
This is why the shamash is higher, since he helped light others.
To dream alone is amazing, but when you help inspire others to dream and find their own light, you not only bring out the best in them, but also the best in yourself. (Rav YY Jacobson)
The Secret to Really Grow In Life.
