Planning for the future is an idea that many people use as a guide throughout their lives. We surround ourselves with righteous people, and create important, long lasting ties. We know the value of eating the right foods, so that our bodies can develop healthily as we grow older. Unfortunately though, there are many instances where circumstances are out of our control despite our meticulous planning.
Rav Asher Weiss Shlit”a discusses this sensitive topic. Rav Weiss has chosen to disclose certain information about a close talmid of his. A man who always worked hard to provide for his family. A man that always made the right decisions, hoping for the best outcomes.
This particular Ben Torah, however, could not anticipate the distressing circumstances that would become his new reality. This man’s family is falling apart, as they lost their home and their son became ill. As the emotional and financial stress continued to mound, the young man that Rav Asher speaks about, also became quite ill. Now, the family is in the worst of states, and Rav Asher Weiss has spoken on their behalf. Rav Asher blatantly describes their case as a matter of “pikuach nefesh” and urges anyone who is able to help this young man and his family to do so.
The Rambam teaches us that the mitzvah of tzedakah is a transformative experience for both the giver and the receiver. Rav Asher urges Klal Yisroel to participate in this transformative experience, and bless those who do to merit a life abundant with good health and success.
