These may be actors, but the scenario is all too common. A single mother is trying to make ends meet, and she has saved to take her children out to celebrate her son’s birthday. The problem is that she can’t afford to buy them all meals or dessert. All she can cover is one meal split three ways. While cameras are rolling, the show is trying to see how others will react. Often there is a mix of responses. Some react in a hurtful and negative way, while others come to the rescue and try to help. In this case, everyone does the right thing. And the reason is powerful. The situation is relatable. It is the story of struggle. And the real victims are the children. It is not their fault their mother can’t afford the meal. They are not to blame. But they are the ones who will be hungry even though she is trying her hardest. But others jump in, not for the recognition, not for the thank you, but simply to help. By giving to the mother, they are allowing her to give to her children. And they all try to do it quietly, so that the children are not aware. One of the highest forms of charity in Jewish philosophy, tzedakah, is to give anonymously. To give for the sake of giving where the recipient doesn’t know who gave. These strangers all did exactly that. They not only provided what was needed, they did so in a way that the mother could take the credit. That she could provide for her children in the way that she wished she could, and because of them, she actually could. And while these were only actors playing out a scene, the kindness of others was real and true.
