Working on a Mitzvah Saved the Life of a Baby

Everyone knows New York summers can have scorching temperatures. It was a hot Tuesday afternoon.

Lubavitcher Zalmy Kessler was working with a Rabbi Schneur Roth, doing a job he typically does not perform. They were building an Eruv around the Howard Beach area in Queens. Suddenly, Zalmy heard and observed a woman who was frantic near her car. His internal instincts kicked in. “Should I run over to help her”? That question rushed through his mind, but was fleeting, as his feet had already hit the pavement, as he was running towards her car.

Unfortunately, she made a simple human error – her keys were locked in her car with her child inside. She proceeded to call 911 for assistance. It seemed that the child had already been in the car for quite a few minutes. He offered her the best option that he could at the moment. He had tools in the truck, grabbed a hammer, and asked if he had permission to smash her window so that she could open the car. She allowed him to do so. He went to the furthest window away from the child and proceeded to smash the window with the hammer to gain access to the car door. Once he unlocked the door, the mother was able to check on her child and take the child out of the car. The child was hot and sweaty but thankfully her child was safe.

The lesson that is learned is extremely valuable. Sometimes it is crucial to notice our surroundings and step in when needed. In this instance, he did not hesitate and wanted to help the stranger.

“I have a family, a wife, and two daughters. If they were ever in this scenario, I would like someone to help if they could,” Kessler said. “This error could happen to anyone, it was an honest mistake, that instantly can make someone panic.”

Kessler says he believes this was Hashgacha Protis, that he was in the right place, at the right time. “At times, I wonder why I am exactly where I am, and in this situation, I realized why I was there, exactly where Hashem wanted me to be,” he says.

Kessler also noted: “This is a story to remind us all to always be mindful where our keys are so that our children can stay safe and not be left behind in a hot car.”