R’ Nosson Einfeld, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Beer Sheva, once met a traveler searching for a kosher place to eat and warmly escorted him to the yeshiva dining room, personally serving him lunch.
Unaware of his host’s identity, the visitor offered $5 for what he assumed was a cafeteria meal, then $20 when it was refused. R’ Einfeld gently declined, saying, “Our father Avrohom lived in Beer Sheva and welcomed wayfarers to his inn—you have come to such an inn. It is our pleasure to serve you.”
As they spoke, the guest revealed he was a wealthy man who had come to Israel intending to donate significantly to a yeshiva. “I have found that yeshiva,” he said, later explaining that it was R’ Einfeld’s sincere, unconditional kindness that inspired his generosity.
After returning home he kept in touch, and eight months later a telegram informed R’ Einfeld that the man had passed away; in his will he bequeathed $100,000 to Yeshivas Beer Sheva—all because of one genuine act of selfless chessed. (More Shabbos Stories)
Reprinted from the Parshas Tetzaveh 5786 email of The Weekly Vort.
