A recent story I saw:
Imagine walking into a house that you own to discover that a bunch of high school kids had been squatting there. Your house smells like weed, the kids are hungover, there's garbage all over the floors, vomit on the bed in your master bedroom, and, as you walk through the house, boys and girls keep popping up that you hadn't noticed when you first walked in.
What would you say? What would you do? How would you react?
I recently had the privilege of being with a Chasidic man as this all unfolded in a house he owns. The way in which he reacted was nothing short of inspiring; it's an experience I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life.
He walked into the master bedroom where a few of the kids were hanging out, and in a soft voice, apologized for intruding. He introduced himself as the owner of the house and asked if everyone was safe and feeling OK. He asked if anyone needed anything. He explained to them that, as Jews, we're all responsible for each other, and that he was on their team.
He assured them that he had no interest in getting any of them into trouble, nor in calling any of their parents or reporting the incident to the police. He told them that while he may look different than they do, he's the same as they are, and feels a responsibility to care for them. He spoke with each kid, patiently and softly, to make sure that they had a safe home to go back to, and invited them to his own house if they didn't.
He begged them to take his phone number and reach out to him if they ever needed anything, or if they wanted to come to his house for a Shabbos. He ordered in breakfast for them. He ordered Ubers for some of them to go back home. He drove one kid home himself.
After watching this for over 3 hours, I finally had a chance to ask him how he had the strength to react in the way in which he did.
He explained that he had a split second to make a decision, and had the clarity of mind to understand that unless these kids were in trouble and in need of help, they'd never be behaving this way. He also told me that how he reacted had the ability to leave a lasting impression on these kids, and it was completely up to him to ensure that it was a positive one.
One never knows what these kids have been through, what they're currently going through, or what they may have to deal with later in life. But, perhaps, some day, they'll have their own decisions to make, and they’ll remember that there was an Orthodox man who was very kind to them and showered them with love, respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
What an experience. What a lesson.
I can't help but draw the obvious parallel.
We're all crashers in this world, and we're making a huge mess. As the High Holidays come to a close and we prepare to usher in Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, let us pray that the Master of the Universe shower us all with kindness, love, sensitivity and compassion.
