The Rabbi at the Door: A Story of Humility and Restoring Harmony

It was in the office of the respected Rosh Yeshiva of Telz, Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, that a couple came seeking help. They used to have a loving relationship, but lately, things had become tense, and the peace in their home was slipping away. Desperate, they decided to reach out to the Rosh Yeshiva for guidance.

Rabbi Gifter listened carefully and patiently as both the husband and wife shared their sides. After hearing their arguments for over an hour, he focused on one key issue that seemed to stand between them: taking out the garbage. The wife explained that the bag was too heavy for her to carry, while the husband felt that it was beneath him to take out the garbage, given his “status.”

With a gentle but firm tone, Rabbi Gifter told them to return home and that he would get back to them later. As they left, he quietly asked around to find out when the garbage was collected on their street. He learned that the pickup was at 7:50 in the morning.

The very next day, just before the truck was due to arrive, the couple was shocked to hear a knock at their door. When they opened it, they saw none other than Rabbi Gifter himself standing on their doorstep, simply asking: "May I please take out your garbage for you?"

The couple stood frozen in disbelief. The admired Rosh Yeshiva, a man of great learning and respect, was asking to take their garbage. It was nearly impossible for them to accept.

"We must hurry," the Rabbi urged them. "The truck is coming in three minutes. Please, may I take it out?"

Still hesitant, the couple refused, but despite their reluctance, something had shifted in their hearts. The Rosh Yeshiva left without the garbage, but the tension between the couple had been broken, and their relationship began to heal.

Rabbi Kobelsky, a close associate of Rabbi Gifter, shared this story, emphasizing the lesson it carries. "The image of Rabbi Gifter standing at their doorstep, asking for their garbage bag, is a powerful reminder to us all," he said. "Sometimes, certain tasks may seem beneath our dignity, like lifting heavy furniture for a friend, washing dishes at a family gathering, or doing work that feels undignified. But those who reflect on the matter understand that such acts aren't a step down—they're an opportunity to elevate ourselves."

In truth, doing these humble acts of service doesn’t lower our status. It lifts our character and helps us grow spiritually, guiding us toward the goal of becoming better, kinder people.