Thank you in Hebrew is toda raba (toe-DAH ruh-BAH).
Most of our trips to Israel were with the Israeli Celebration Dancers. At that time, our daughter was a member of this group from northern Colorado. On one trip, they went to a store in an ultra-orthodox area of Jerusalem called Mea Shearim.
One of the problems with my going on a trip with dancers is my own physical condition. Being overweight and not in good shape sometimes made it difficult for me to keep up while walking.
This day was hot, and the walk was long. It was challenging for me to keep up. The group would get ahead of Roy and me and then wait for us to catch up to ensure we didn’t get lost. Despite their kindness of waiting, the problem worsened because they would get rest, but I would not.
When we arrived at Mea Shearim, I was exhausted, and judging from people’s reactions, I must have looked pretty bad. I’ve been told I was pale, fighting to breathe, and shaking.
However, an old woman, a beggar, saw me as we approached the place she was standing. She stepped inside the store in front of which she stood, brought out a chair, and insisted I sit down and rest. It was a difficult conversation since neither of us spoke the other’s language.
We were later told begging is considered a profession, and beggars are licensed to work in specific areas. However, I have not been able to confirm that information.
After I rested for a little while and could breathe better, I wanted to give her a donation in thanks for her kindness. She would not accept any donations from me or anyone in our group. She even went as far as to go inside one of the stores to avoid us.
The dancers purchased their music, and Roy and I bought a cd we still enjoy.
Thanksgiving reminds me of this time when a beggar gave up a portion of her livelihood to show me such great kindness without expecting or wanting anything in return. She is a shining reminder of the type of love and kindness Jesus calls us to offer one another.
