Hi,
I wanted to share a story with you.
But first, some background.
I heard an interesting news report last week.
After all the depressing economic news?
They spoke about one business that’s actually booming.
Pawn shops.
They interviewed the owner of one in the Chicago area.
He’s overwhelmed.
People just keep coming. Even people from more “affluent” neighborhoods.
And he’s in desperate need of more storage space.
… A few days later I heard an amazing story which probably wouldn’t make the news.
But it should.
It’s about a great Jewish woman.
Bluma Dessler was the granddaughter of one of the greatest Torah scholars of the 19th century.
Rabbi Simcha Zisel Ziv was known for his emphasis on the ethical teachings of Judaism.
How we need to see the Divine Image in every human being.
And need to become extremely sensitive to their feelings.
People would observe her behavior and say,
“Now that’s what her grandfather had in mind!”
… Her daughter told the following story.
“I was once taking a walk with my mother and we passed a pawn shop.
Being a curious little girl, I stopped to look in the window.
A diamond bracelet caught my eyes and I said…
“Wow. Isn’t that beautiful!”
I will never forget what my mother told me.
“How can you enjoy looking at something in a pawn shop window?
Ever piece of jewelry you see has something in common.
Someone once enjoyed having it.
It may have been given to them by someone they loved.
Imagine the sentimental value it could have had to them. How precious it may have been.
And what happened?
They became desperate. And were forced to part with it.
How can you stand there and enjoy it?
You should want to cry!”
… We don’t need anyone to tell us how many people are hurting these days.
But we do need people like Bluma Dessler to remind us to feel their pain!
All the best,