By Chaya
A group of students from Beis Rivkah in Crown Heights were getting supplies for the Yud Tes Kislev exhibits. They were debating on different supplies that were cheaper than others.
“The cheaper scissors or the better quality ones?” one wondered. “We don’t have enough!” answered another.
Standing behind them on line was an African-American man. Seems like he listened intently to the discussion and suddenly spoke up.
“What do you need the supplies for?”
“For our Yud Tes Kislev exhibits.”
“Oh, so you’re Jewish?”
“Yes.”
“What school do you girls go to?”
“Beis Rivkah.”
A smile lit up his face. “The Jewish people are the chosen nation. They are G-d’s children! I want to pay for all of your supplies.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“I insist on paying all the expenses needed.”
“No, please don’t!”
“You are the chosen nation – I want to pay the full amount. I am going to pay all of the money you need.”
The girls were in a quandary and didn’t know if they were allowed to take money from a stranger. They politely said they need to speak to their principal and exited the store.
The principal wasn’t available. They were put through to different secretaries who weren’t comfortable with instruction them what to do. When the girls walked back in the store, they were surprised to learn that the stranger has left $200 for them on the counter. The amount covered all of their supply expenses…
I don’t know if this a story about hashgacha protis or the goodness of people. Either way, the girls were thrilled to be part of such a story.
cookies look geourgeous!
is that ok??
The man who gave it to them works at a funeral home down the block and should be properly thanked.
That is a wonderful story. It would be nice to publicize it in order to give the generous man the credit he deserves.
Beautifully done exemplifying good midos! Go back to the store and ask them if they know the man or how to reach him so you can send the letter or maybe where he lives and leave it with a neighbor. He must be a man who lives by the bible, as it says one must give ‘tithe of earnings to charity.’ This was his way of giving his and acknowledging the fine qualities he saw in you girls!!!
beautiful story! BR girls, you made a huge Kiddush Hashem and that guy proves to us what the Rebbe said years ago… the world is ready for Moshiach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are so many nice, kind and generous folks living around us. It’s great that we are finally focusing on them! What a gentleman this man was. Many people would have taken offence at the girls hesitation and just left. I probably would have. A special man indeed.
Hi Rivka Gittel!From Elter Bubbe in Florida
It wasn’t so simple… But if anybody knows how to contact him we have a thank you letter written.
i spy u guys… 🙂
chaya neuborts exhibit! 🙂
Such a beautiful story!
I love that picture of you!!!
Miss you so much!!
Someone from Toronto
The girls did it the right way – they called the school and now the school must find the guy and give him the donation receipt and thank you letter ….
The school must have a policy for any private donation
Chaya Lazaroff, Shaindel speilman, Yachid M, Menucha, Rivkja Gitel Newman,Esti and rivky veisfish
You are wonderful! You should be so proud of yourselves:
-you were 100% right to not just take money from a stranger- this is what your parents, teachers etc. have been trying to teach you about safety! The fact is that he let the money and that is beautiful- but to ask an adult is of course the right thing.
-You should be proud of being involved in such a wonderful project!
with all the recent knockout attacks , its beautiful to see some chasidei umos haolam
Mushka Cohen, Liba korn, lieba laufer, Leah wilansky, pessi Fischer, esty rosenfeld, rivky vaisfische, and Chana abelsky!! Miss u all so much!!!
If the person wants to help and we don’t let that would be hepech darchei sholom and also not doing what we need to – lkarev es habrios – Jew and lhavdil Non-Jew. Of course they should let him be mishtatef and let him have the zechus he wants. Why did the Rebbe say we should teach sheva mitzvos? And it strengthens the peulo.
Why would they say no ???