Balancing Justice with Kindness for a Kiddush Hashem

Justice and Kindness: A Torah-Based Resolution

One day, several years ago, an Arab turned up unannounced on the doorstep of Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, a prominent Bnei Brak rabbi. He told Rabbi Zilberstein that he was involved in a dispute with a local Jewish resident and that he wanted to call the Jew to a din Torah (a court case presided over by rabbinic judges who rule based on the Torah). "I know that your Torah laws provide true justice, unlike what I find in my own community," the man explained.

The issue centered on excavation work he had conducted, which required more cement than initially anticipated due to unexpected subsidence. "I want the Jew to pay more than we initially agreed on," he insisted. "I didn't know this problem was going to arise."

Neither did the Jew have advance knowledge, however. Upon investigation, it emerged that an underground cavern used by the nearby ‘Coca-Cola’ factory was the cause of the subsidence. According to Torah law, the Jewish homeowner was not obligated to pay more than what he had agreed upon with the Arab contractor. However, because he wanted to maintain the positive impression of Torah law in the eyes of the Arab, Rabbi Zilberstein chose to cover the extra expenses himself.

Embracing Kiddush Hashem

The mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, the sanctification of Hashem's name, is pivotal in Judaism and includes actions that bring honor to Hashem and esteem to the Torah. Jews who are visibly Torah-observant naturally become ambassadors for the Torah, reflecting Torah values to the wider community. 

This responsibility is a weighty one, particularly for those who are new to observance, as they are often still integrated in the secular world. Their enthusiasm is a great thing, but can sometimes inadvertently lead to actions that push loved ones away, especially when they are trying, amid opposition and even ridicule, to uphold religious principles. 

Becoming Hashem's Ambassadors

People who are in the early stages of integrating Torah law into their lives have a unique opportunity to engage in Kiddush Hashem. By embodying kindness, patience, and understanding, they can demonstrate the transformative and positive impact of living according to the Torah. 

Inevitably, there will be challenges, and one should seek guidance from rabbis and mentors experienced in such situations. Remembering that wherever we go, we are Hashem's ambassadors, can help us to appreciate the privilege and responsibility of every single interaction and make our lives so much more meaningful.