Want to Bring People Closer? Don’t Miss This Tip

Rabbi Yehoshua Leaf, founder of the 'Ner Yaakov' Yeshiva for Baalei Teshuva, tells in the book 'BeHeichalam' about the remarkable figure of Rabbi Mendel Weinbach z"l, head of the 'Ohr Sameach' Yeshiva.

"Rabbi Mendel Weinbach z"l had a wonderful approach to drawing people closer. He had deep understanding and the ability to connect with wandering Jews, and they loved him with all their heart and soul," says Rabbi Leaf, sharing an inspiring story he heard firsthand from a graduate of 'Ohr Sameach' Yeshiva. This story sheds light on Rabbi Mendel's unique approach and is strong evidence of his wisdom in interpersonal relationships and correct priorities in life.

"A new student came to the yeshiva who just got off the plane. He knew almost nothing about the commandments of the Torah. When he tried to wash his hands for the meal, he certainly didn’t know the laws of washing hands. He stood by the sink observing the students washing their hands. He stepped up to the tap, placed his hands under the running water, then dried them, confident he had fulfilled his requirement superbly.

One of the students approached him and pointed out: 'That’s not how you do it. You don’t just pour water as you like. You must take the cup and pour the water over your hands.'

The new student was embarrassed facing this quick lesson on the laws of washing hands. Luckily, at that moment Rabbi Weinbach entered the room and with his sharp instincts understood what happened, describes Rabbi Leaf.

He quickly went over to the new student and lovingly said: 'Listen, you did great! When you’ve been here a bit longer, you’ll learn more details about the laws of washing hands, but right now there’s no need to worry at all. You did great, go eat.

Afterwards, the students turned to the head of the yeshiva and wondered: 'Rabbi, how can you let him sit and eat without properly washing hands according to the law? Shouldn’t we explain the rules to him?'

'My dear students', responded Rabbi Weinbach, 'When a new student arrives at the yeshiva, a student who has never seen the observance of the law, and comes to take shelter under the wings of the Shechina – the laws of washing hands are not the subject that needs to be taught first.

'What you should have asked him', the head of the yeshiva continued to explain to his students, 'are questions like: Does he have a place to sit, does he have anything to eat – that’s the lesson you should have given him, that is the way to bring someone under the wings of the Shechina.

Later on, the student will learn exactly how to wash hands, but now it is mainly important to show him warmth, love, and a welcoming face', Rabbi Weinbach concluded.

Courtesy of 'Dirshu' site.