Brotherly Love at the Grocery

We often talk about the unconditional love that Jews have for one another. Last week Friday I had an inspirational experience which reminded me again what true Ahavat Yisrael (brotherly love) is.

I was standing in line to pay at one of the kosher shops in Zurich. The cashier was a nice guy, friendly to everyone.

Before me was a Jewish man, who was clearly a visitor and does not live here. When he got to the cash register, the cashier started scanning his items. When he was about to finish, the cashier looks at the man and says, “Wait a minute, I see that you are buying wine, challah, gefilte fish, a salad or two… I can tell that you are planning a Shabbat by yourself. Do me a favor, put everything back on the shelves, you are invited to my place for the Shabbat meals!”

I was touched.

I don´t know if the boss of the shop will be happy to hear this, but I saw an example of true brotherly love between Jews.

For me it was a real example of what we learn from Chassidic teachings, that Ahavat Yisrael applies even to a Jew whom we have never met, and most likely will never meet again.

Shabbat Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Chaim