Weekly Torah Portion

It was the first Passover after the 1945 liberation. The Grand Rabbi of Skulen and his son were among the survivors, and did what they could to lift the spirits of those who had survived that darkest hell.

Somehow they managed to get hold of a little flour to bake matzos for these bedraggled survivors. But since there were only two sacks of flour for everyone, they announced that there was only enough for one matza per household, instead of the usual three.

The baking began, using a small brick oven. The rabbi, with tears streaming from his eyes, measured carefully to ensure each matza was precisely the required amount, so as to make as many matzos as possible. The battered Jews lined up to receive their portions, and the rabbi reminded them, Please come and take, but no more than one.

Suddenly one young man bent down and whispered in the rabbi’s ear, “I beg of you, dear rabbi, to make an exception. Though a single matza will suffice for me, my father is the Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz and must be given three.”

The rabbi was pained and shocked at the request. How could one person hold himself above his fellow Jews after everything these people had been through? Then he checked himself and said inwardly, “Who am I to judge him? He’s a great and pious rabbi. I will comply with his request.” He discreetly gave the young man four matzos.

Just shortly before the holiday was about to begin, the young man suddenly reappeared holding a bag. “Tell me, rabbi,” he said. “Was my holy father right? He said you would no doubt give all the matzos away and not even keep back any for yourself. So now I’ve come to return the two extra matzos – which he took for you.”

The rabbi of Skulen was highly moved. Indeed, the other rabbi was correct; he and his son had given away all the matzos they had baked, not having the heart to turn any Jew away, not even keeping one for themselves. But thanks to the Vizhnitz rabbi’s care and willingness to open himself to possible judgement and derision, the rabbi and his son, too, now each had a matza for the Seder.

There are many beautiful aspects to this true story. But what stands out to me is the care felt by each of these leaders for their fellow Jews. Even in the toughest of times they kept those sparks of kindness and brotherhood ignited in their hearts, doing what they could for others. For even in the darkest of times, our people has stood strong by continuing not only to have faith, but also to help one another.

As slaves in Egypt, the Jewish people faced impossible pressures and quotas of labor. Fellow Jews overseeing them as taskmasters refused to beat their brethren and themselves took beatings from superiors.

Every Pesach we retell the Exodus story at our Seder tables, working to make our history come alive for our children. Part of that narrative, and something we should be deeply proud of, is that our people and our spiritual leaders have continued to shine light into the world by showing compassion and kindness even when facing hardship.

As Jews we are an example of humanity even in places where there is no other sign of it. Standing strong in the face of cruelty is not only testament to the indomitable human spirit, but also helps accelerate the redemption.

We should be blessed to continue living by these values and merit to see the final redemption this year so that next year we can celebrate Pesach in true, lasting freedom!