Their Act of Kindness Turned Into an Unexpected Fortune

The story was shared by the great Torah scholar Rabbi Moshe Toledano, who heard it firsthand: One evening, a neighbor knocked on the Cohen family's door, holding a folder full of detailed construction plans. She didn’t beat around the bush. “Thank G-d, our family has grown,” she began honestly, “and we need to expand our apartment. We’ve already prepared building plans, and we’re now going around asking the neighbors for their signature, as is customary.”

She paused, a bit embarrassed. “I have to admit, if we build out toward the east, it will block the sunlight from your living room and balcony. The whole eastern side of your home will be darker. Still, I’m asking—would you consider signing anyway?”

Later that night, Mrs. Cohen spoke with her husband. They weighed it carefully. There was no question that the sunny, bright living room would become a dim space. The warm, light-filled balcony would become shaded and dull. They had every right to say no—it would cause them clear discomfort. But then they began to reflect: What if this was a chance for something greater? A chance to make a meaningful, wholehearted decision to help another Jewish family? True, the sun would no longer shine into their home, but perhaps their neshamot—their souls—would shine brighter because of it.

After several days of discussion, they made a courageous decision. The Cohens signed the papers, giving up their beloved sunlight so that their neighbors could have more space to raise their growing family.

The adjustment wasn’t easy. What used to be a bright room now needed electric lights even in the middle of the day. The cozy sun-soaked balcony was no longer a place to sit and relax. Still, whenever doubts crept in, Mrs. Cohen reminded herself that another family was now living more comfortably. Their home had grown, their lives had improved, and that brought her joy.

Time passed, and for various reasons, the Cohen family needed to move to a different city. They hoped the lack of sunlight wouldn’t hurt the apartment’s value. After speaking with a real estate agent, they agreed on a price—and then added 100,000 shekels on top of it. Why? Just to leave “room for negotiation,” as people often do.

A few days later, a woman called, wanting to see the apartment. She specifically asked to come when the sun was at its peak. The Cohens were puzzled. If she was concerned about sunlight, why would she be interested in a dark home?

She arrived on a beautiful, clear day and toured the apartment, quietly observing. She looked around the living room, stepped out onto the shaded balcony, and kept smiling. She didn’t look disappointed—she looked pleased. Then, suddenly, she turned to them and said: “We have a deal!” Just like that. No negotiation, no questions about payment. She even started drafting the purchase agreement on the spot.

When the sale was signed, she finally shared why: “Honestly, I would’ve preferred to try bargaining. But I couldn’t risk it. I suffer from a rare medical condition where exposure to sunlight is dangerous—potentially life-threatening. I’ve seen so many homes, but each one had some area that got too much sun. This apartment is the first one that’s perfect for me. I had to take it—it's my dream home.”

The couple stood frozen in amazement. Not only had their selfless act not cost them anything—it had brought them an incredible gain. Their selfless choice had made the apartment more valuable, not less, and brought an unexpected blessing into their lives.

Those who give in, who choose peace and kindness over personal comfort, never lose. It may take time, but Hashem, the One who runs the world with perfect wisdom, always sees and rewards. The next time a neighbor asks for help, or a friend or child needs you to give in—remember this story. It might seem hard in the moment, but from every sincere act of giving, you only gain.