A stranger in the house–only in Israel
Last night we paid a shiva (condolence) call to a dear friend and neighbor who lost her mother z”l. We began talking about condolence calls from people you don’t recognize, and being too embarrassed to ask who they are. She recalled the following story about someone who asked, and received an unexpected reply.
While at a neighbor’s shiva, a Hassid dressed in tights, kapote, and gartel walked into the house and sat down. A hush fell over the visitors. (I actually saw something similar happen at a recent shiva, but that Hassid brought an entourage.) The mourner, who happened to have many chassidic relatives, asked him if he was related to her. He said no.
“Why have you come?” she asked.
“I’m the repairman,” the Hassid said. “I’m here to fix your washing machine.”
And he proceeded to do just that.
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Rafi G Said,
January 29, 2008 - 22 Shevat 5768 @ 10:48 AM
lol.. that’s a funny story
Rafi G Said,
January 29, 2008 - 22 Shevat 5768 @ 10:48 AM
lol.. that’s a funny story
Ilana-Davita Said,
January 31, 2008 - 24 Shevat 5768 @ 6:17 AM
Very funny. Would be nice in a film.
Ilana-Davita Said,
January 31, 2008 - 24 Shevat 5768 @ 6:17 AM
Very funny. Would be nice in a film.
Ariella Said,
January 31, 2008 - 24 Shevat 5768 @ 3:55 PM
nice twist
Ariella Said,
January 31, 2008 - 24 Shevat 5768 @ 3:55 PM
nice twist
Batya Said,
February 3, 2008 - 27 Shevat 5768 @ 4:16 AM
Love it!
I was the embarrassing visitor, when I visited a student sitting shiva. He and his friends were not happy to see me at all. Then I went to “l’nachem” where his father was sitting. He didn’t know who I was, and I had never met his late wife. I didn’t say a word, except to signal a neighbor to get a ride home with him.
Batya Said,
February 3, 2008 - 27 Shevat 5768 @ 4:16 AM
Love it!
I was the embarrassing visitor, when I visited a student sitting shiva. He and his friends were not happy to see me at all. Then I went to “l’nachem” where his father was sitting. He didn’t know who I was, and I had never met his late wife. I didn’t say a word, except to signal a neighbor to get a ride home with him.