I was rushing a batch of fluffy Challah back to camp. The delightful aroma reminiscent of the heavenly manna eaten in the desert discussed in this week's Torah portion.
With a packed schedule, the campers would soon be coming out of the pool, where they had been cooling off after trying their hands - er, feet at Slacklining (kind of like tightrope walking between trees). I still had to set up the Foam Party, and time was of essence.
But then I saw him.
An elderly gentleman had been off-roading with his electrical wheelchair/scooter and had become entrenched in a pile of fresh wood chips that had been put down across the path. It took me just a second to see him attempt to shake it free, while his puppy, who had been riding shotgun, yipped at his heels, as if admonishing him for getting them stranded.
I pulled over. Foam parties could wait. Another Human being needed a hand. 2 quick minutes later, aided by another two kind gentlemen, and he was back on his way, puppy proudly surveying the Petaluma streetscape.
At the tail end (or tale end?) of the Torah portion, it mentions how Miriam, Moshe's sister, had been afflicted with a skin illness (another story), and needed a recovery period. Tthe entire Jewish nation who had been en Route to the Holy Land, put their travel plans on hold for a full week.
Sometimes we have important business to take care of, office meetings, schedules, and deadlines. But when we notice someone whom we can help, that becomes the most important task of our day.
ב"ה