Not long after the Sabbath, light knocks were heard on the door of Feldman's house. Standing on the threshold was Rabbi Menachem himself. He asked to enter, and with a vigorous appeal in his mouth • Real estate consultant Yaakov Reinitz with a story that takes on special meaning on Rosh Hashanah Eve
About two weeks ago, I came to comfort the sons of the veteran writer, Rabbi Menachem Klugman, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92, after many years in which he was one of the most important writers at HaModia and left an Agudaean mark in many fields.
But alongside his public work, during the condolence meeting for the bereaved, I was exposed to a personal and wonderful angle. A seemingly small human story, but one that carries a huge and profound message.
A story that takes on special significance precisely in these days of Rosh Hashanah, when we all seek rights, advocacy, and good deeds in preparation for Judgment Day.
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This was when he turned 70. The late, late, decided to move his residence to the city of Torah and Hasidism, Bnei Brak, and purchased an apartment on the first floor of one of the new buildings that were being built at that time.
One Shabbat, after prayer, his neighbor in the building, Rabbi Meir Feldman (who has agreed to publish his name for the benefit of many), approached him and said to him: The family, blessed be God, is growing, the house is very crowded, and he is considering submitting plans to expand the apartment.
Rabbi Menachem, whose charitable qualities preceded any personal calculations, did not hesitate or hesitate even for a split second. Even before they delved into the technical details, the building lines, the drawings and the engineering calculations, he immediately replied with a radiant smile: "There is no problem. For my part, you can expand with joy and ease.".
Rabbi Feldman was surprised by the speed and ease with which the consent was given, but the real and exciting surprise awaited him immediately after Shabbat.
Not long after the Sabbath, a light knock was heard on the door of Feldman's house. Standing on the threshold was Rabbi Menachem himself. He asked to enter, with an energetic appeal: "Please bring me the neighbors' consent form. I want to sign for you now, right there, that I authorize you to build and add the requested room.".
Rabbi Feldman, who was completely honest and fair, hesitated. He did not want to take advantage of the old neighbor's generosity and told him honestly: "Rabbi Menachem, you should know, this addition is planned right above your window. It is supposed to block some of the sunlight and darken your apartment a little...""
But Rabbi Menachem, who wholeheartedly desired to help another Jew, answered without any hesitation: "I am fully aware of this. I know and understand all the implications, and yet, I want to be the first to sign! When a Jew needs to expand his apartment because his family is growing without the evil eye, it is our duty to help him with a kind eye, with a willing mind, and with a cheerful countenance.".
Then, as if the concession itself weren't enough, Rabbi Menachem added a practical tip of life wisdom and good neighborliness: "See what we'll do: I'll write and sign the page for you first. Now go to the other neighbors in the building and show them that I - who lives on the floor below you, and who seemingly could be directly affected and lose a little of the sunlight - have already signed. When they see my signature, they will surely hurry to sign for you without raising any difficulties or complaints.".
And so it was.
The neighbors saw the example of sacrifice, the nobility and generosity of the neighbor from the first place, and they signed too.
Rabbi Feldman expanded his apartment. The apartment of Rabbi Menachem Klugman, z"l, was indeed somewhat darkened by the light of the sun - as can be seen in the photo - but the great light of a good eye, of a righteous love of Israel, and of a true paragon for one's neighbor, illuminated the entire building with a precious light even decades later.
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We are now standing on the threshold of Rosh Hashanah, and it is time to pause for a moment and learn a huge lesson for life. Building a home is important, improving property is great, but building neighborly relationships of kindness, knowing how to give wholeheartedly to others, giving wholeheartedly and opening your heart and hand, is the true asset that will remain with us forever.
Even when technically it's not always easy, and even when it requires us to give up a little of our own 'light' for the 'light' of others.
Thanks to the kind eye, support, and mutual concession, we will all deserve that God, the Almighty, will write and sign us all in the book of complete righteous people for a good life and peace.
• Yaakov Reinitz is a real estate consultant and lecturer. To schedule a consultation - Click here
