Jewish, Christian or whatever - 'Tis the Season To Be Selfless

It is the time of giving and spreading joy and we have done so in a few ways this year.
We donated to a couple of charities, we gave money and food to the food bank. And twice every year we have donated cloths to the Salvation Army (there is no Jewish charity organisation taking cloths as far as we know but then who cares as long as it goes to the needy!!)

Yet, why do i feel it wasnt enough? Why did a homeless person make me feel ashamed for not having given enough?

Let me explain. Christmas Morning we stopped at 7-11, my wife ran in to do her lottery and I waited in the car with the baby. Near the entrance sat a young man, probably in his mid-20’s, wearing a light parka over a early fall jacket/sweater, ragged jeans and worn boots and covered in a dirty old blanket, obviously cold and suffering from slight hypothermia (he kept nodding off which is a sure sign of hypothermia). Just based on my observation of his appearance he hadn't showered nor shaved in days and I am sure food had been a rarity as well.

So while M was inside the store I watched the young man and the parade of people walking by. Most folks just looked at the man with pity in their eyes but walked on. A couple of people gave him some coins.

Then a couple of charitable events happened that made me think about giving and ashamed for not having done so.

A young woman came out of 7-11 and gave the man a large cup of something hot. Just like that. And she did it with purpose, having known she would buy him a hot drink. His eyes lit up for a moment and he grabbed the cup between his dirty hands with a thankful smile for the woman. It is really strange but a SAW the dirt and the worn hands but all I could SEE where his long, dirty fingernails.

Anyway, a minute or so later I looked left and there this little old lady walked by, and while she walked and saw the young freezing man she opened her purse and pulled out some money. Not just coins – no. She gave him a $5 bill or two (only saw one)!

What made me even more ashamed was that the actually talked to the young man,
asking him how he was doing and if he was keeping warm. He said it wasnt easy right now with the cold weather and snow but he kept warm as best as he could.

This little old lady not only provided the man with a hot meal and shelter somewhere by giving him more then just a coin but actually took the time to talk to him, find out a bit about him and how he was fairing.
I was sitting in the car thinking „why doesnt he get a job?“ and „Should I give him $2 or not?“ – she was concerned about his well-being! Shame on me!

All the way home I was actually quietly upset at having to make a decision, should I or shouldnt I have given this man some cash or take him to the Falafel place next door and buy him lunch. I was debating helping a human being survive because I had already given so much this season.
$2 more would not have harmed me nor my family but would have given this man maybe some more warmth through hot food, warm drink or safe shelter.

How can I say that I want my daughter to learn about charity and helping others, when I am debating doing so. How can I teach my daughter to be a decent human being without prejudices, when all I thought was „if i give him $2 will he go tot he liquor store and get beer!“.

Because of this little old lady I know that next time there won’t be a discussion in MY head!