In this week’s Parsha we learn about Pharaoh’s evil decree that all Jewish male babies must be killed. Moshe was placed in a basket into the Nile River. In a twist of irony and fate, none other than Pharaoh’s daughter Basya comes to bathe in the water, sees the baby, and her compassion is aroused – she rescues Moshe. Even though it appeared far out of her reach, Basya stretched out her arm to reach the basket. Hashem made a miracle for her, and her arm miraculously stretched far, helping her reach the basket.
I saw in Bnei Yehudah that the Chofetz Chaim used to relate the following story: The Dubno Maggid was once walking when he saw a blind, poor man. The man had a young boy leading him around as they made their way down the street. If another person would have seen them, the person would probably just give a small sigh.
However, the Dubno Maggid stopped and greeted the blind man and the boy. In return, the child turned to the Dubno Maggid with painful eyes and told him that the blind man was his father, and his mother had recently passed away. They lived in a tiny, little hut. They ran out of wood for fire, and it was extremely cold. Unfortunately, they were suffering terribly.
“Who are you talking to there? Continue walking!”, the blind man told his son. The Dubno Maggid apologized and asked, “Did you eat today?” “No,” answered the child. “I am now taking My father to the town’s soup kitchen. “Come with me,” said the Dubno Maggid. I will give you a satisfying meal, a much better meal that you will receive at the soup kitchen.” A flash of gratitude and excitement flashed through the young boy’s eyes and his face lit up. The Dubno Maggid canceled his plans, turned around, and walked back home. The Dubno Maggid prepared a lavish meal.
Later that day, the Dubno Maggid asked them if they would like to move in and the young child can learn in the Yeshiva, and all of this will be on his bill! The blind man was a bit unsure, but the child sparkled with hope. Eventually, the father agreed. The Dubno Maggid made his entire house dedicated to the father and son’s needs. He fulfilled the mitzvah of Hachnosas Orchim (hospitality) the best way possible.
The young boy began to flourish, He learnt and excelled in Torah. Sometime later, this boy’s father sadly passed away. The boy continued learning in the Yeshiva. He was a genius, with sterling middos and he became well-known to the town. Eventually, the boy got married, and he was asked to become a Rav.
You won’t believe who this young man became! This man became the great rabbi and Tzaddik Rav Shlomo Kluger zt”l! The Chofetz Chaim would say: Imagine if the Dubno Maggid just gave a little krechts (sigh) as he saw the blind man in pain. The father and son would have continued on their way to the soup kitchen. The entire Jewish nation would’ve had an immeasurable loss!
Now over here, in this week’s Parsha, Basya stretched out her arm to pull the basket towards her. At that time, she did not know who she was saving and protecting. She would never have imagined that she was the one that was about to help save the Jewish people. She was about to help save Moshe, the one who would pass the Torah to Klal Yisroel! Through Moshe, she will be remembered forever!
Perhaps the lesson can be as follows: We must consider every single Jew as a future Moshe Rabbeinu. We need to give them the opportunity! We need to open the door for them! Who knows how far they will go? When one sees a person desperate for help or assistance, physically or spiritually will we shrug our shoulders and sigh, or will we try to do something and try to stretch out our hand to assist the person? Anyone can become great – if they have the chance! Give the person a push – a boost for eternity!
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