Rav Aharon Schechter zt”l had tremendous ahavas Yisrael, primarily showcased by a deep sense of achrayus, showing dedication and connection for every single Jew that came his way for guidance. As the Rav’s situation deteriorated and eating became difficult, the sage insisted that a phone be at his side in case his advice was sought. Rav Aharon felt responsibility and that he was here to serve a mission and show love and support for all different types of Jews, no matter their background, hashkafah, outlook, or lifestyle. We must remember that we are all Hashem’s children. With the Yamim Nora’im upon us, we can all work on this midah.
The Torah prominently notes the mitzvah of helping another Jew. The example is given of someone who is obligated to retain and track the ownership of a found object. The words “your brother” are repeated to give us an outlook in life. If one feels that every Jew is his brother, he will have a completely different approach. Imagine if your brother lost an item; you may find your feelings altered and the level of concern increased and, in turn, you would be much more willing to help make a difference. Now imagine you hear, “Brother?! What do you mean? My brother needs me?” In such a situation, one must look to every Jew as if he was “my brother” even if the connection is not biological. Well, why is he any different? Just because he’s biologically maybe not from the same parent as my biological brother. But nonetheless, he’s my brother. And that’s what the terms reminding us that you have that idea in your mind that he’s “my brother,” it’s going to change your entire outlook on life. Of course, one can’t know every single Jew living around the world. Therefore, the Torah was giving us advice and practical tips if we want to be able to build on our army. Everyone should be in tune and aware of our brethren with deep love, compassion, and consideration, as if they are family.
As explained, Rav Aharon lived this feeling to the core. There is a story told of a bachur, from a non-religious family, who learned in Yeshivas Chaim Berlin. The student’s parents were originally non-observant. Following the encouragement of a peer, the mother began to uncover the path of Hashem. In time, the couple divorced, and the woman gained custody of their children. Their son grew up to be a real mentch. As his wedding neared, Rav Aharon was honored with being the m’sadeir kiddushin. However, the boy’s father held a deep grudge, running 20 years, against Rav Aharon for taking away his family and turning them on to Yiddishkeit, and he planned to approach the Rosh HaYeshivah at the wedding to strongly voice his deep-seated anger. Whether it be physical or verbal, Rav Aharon insisted that he fulfill his obligation to the couple. Upon arrival, Rav Aharon ignored naysayers and asked the chasan to introduce him to his father for a private dialogue. Once seated, Rav Aharon began a 20-minute conversation, “I don’t want you to feel like a stranger at your son’s wedding. I’m going to tell you step-by-step the procedures of tonight. You might not be familiar with an Orthodox wedding, so I’m going to tell you first.” Rav Aharon went on to list the itinerary, including when an item is raised, breaking of the glass, various points of singing, and where the crowd will gather at different intervals. In making the father feel like a mentch, there was no outrage; rather, the father spent the entire time dancing with his son and his rebbi.
Rav Aharon embodied this pasuk as he looked at every Yid as his brother and sought to make him feel happy as he brought him closer to his Creator like any person would do for his own flesh and blood. Now, during the Aseres Y’mei T’shuvah, we can work on our love, feeling, and connection for all Jews following from the theme of achdus that we recently worked on during the Three Weeks. The Torah demands of us to look at one another as brothers. Let’s remember that these sentiments translate into business dealings and interactions: how we must always think first if we would treat our own brother similarly. When we turn to HaKadosh Baruch Hu on the Yom HaDin, we will first be able to say before You judge me, look how I appreciate and have a relationship with Your children. As we build relationships in klal Yisrael, we become aware of how we are helping and showing concern for each other.
By Rav Moshe Sokoloff, Mara D’Asra, Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
