Being Sensitive to the Upmost

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Being Sensitive to the Utmost

There once was a great Rabbi named Lopian who was known for his great sensitivity toward his fellow man. The man was greatly loved and it no wonder after reading the following account of a visit by him. The Rabbi had stopped by after Shabbat morning prayers to a house where a young boy was being bar mitzvahed. He arrived shortly after the festive occasion had begun. Therefore, he had to pour his own Kiddush cup. It was not his nature though to stay for long periods of time at these affairs. So it was astounding to everyone when he remained until the end of the Kiddush. Especially since the affair had been quite lengthy. After all of the other guests had departed, the Rabbi asked to speak to the mother of the boy who had been bar mitzvahed. "I would like to beg your forgiveness," he began. "

My hands began to tremble as I made Kiddush causing some wine to spill on your tablecloth." He then added that not only did he personally beg her forgiveness, but for all of the other guests. When we first arrived at your home, the tablecloth was sparkling clean and looked beautiful. Now it is covered with crumbs and spills. This did not have to occur, since it is quite possible to take food without causing a mess. Please forgive me along with everyone else for the trouble we have caused you. Now one might think this person was a unique man above our perception. To say he was unique would be true, but only in the fact that we choose to be otherwise. Is it not possible that any of us could have noticed the same thing as he did in this incidence? We all need to be much more sensitive to other people needs. We've lived far too long in a "me first" society. Let's try to begin to live in a "me last" community. Not only will we be more sensitive to others then, but, I believe YHVH will be more sensitive to us.