The Rabbi Who Showed Compassion: A Lesson in Mercy and Connection

In a touching story of compassion and kindness, Rabbi Shmuel Salant, the revered Rabbi of Jerusalem, showed what it truly means to care for others. His first marriage didn’t last, and after his divorce, he received countless proposals for remarriage. But Rabbi Salant made a vow: "Until my ex-wife finds her match, I will not remarry."

This promise was more than just words. Years later, when his ex-wife returned to Israel after her second husband passed away, Rabbi Salant went out of his way to welcome her, sending his son to greet her and offering financial support every month. When asked why he did this, Rabbi Salant shared a powerful teaching from the Midrash Rabbah, which says: "Hashem is good to all, and His mercies are upon all His works."

The Midrash tells a beautiful story from the time of Rabbi Tanchuma, during a severe drought. The people prayed and fasted, but no rain fell. Rabbi Tanchuma told them: “Show mercy to one another, and Hashem will show mercy to you.” As people began giving charity, one man was seen giving money to his ex-wife. Some questioned whether his charity would be accepted, thinking it wasn’t truly selfless. Rabbi Tanchuma called him over and asked why he was helping his ex-wife.

The man explained, "I saw her in distress and couldn’t turn away." Rabbi Tanchuma, moved by his compassion, prayed for mercy from Hashem, saying, "If this man, who has no obligation to help, could show such mercy, then surely You, our compassionate Father, will show mercy upon us."

And just like that, the rains came, filling the earth with life.

This powerful story teaches us the importance of showing kindness, especially when it’s not required. Whether or not we can offer practical help, we can always show compassion by sharing others’ pain, lifting them up in prayer, and asking Hashem for mercy on their behalf.

In our own lives, we can all learn to offer a bit of extra kindness and empathy, knowing that our compassion can create a ripple effect, inviting mercy and goodness into the world.