Lately, I heard a wonderful story about saving someone’s life with a simple “good morning”.

There’s also the famous story told about the Shochet (ritual slaughterer) who was locked in the factory’s freezer at the end of the day. The guard, who was so used to his greeting upon entering and leaving, saved him after realizing that he hadn’t said good night to him that evening.

Actually, I have my own story to tell. At one point in my “career”, I took an on-line job. Seemingly simple, there was an art to it and it didn’t go well for me. One day I called an office and the nurse answered, telling me what she thought of me, kind words ranging from liar to con artist. After that phone call, I decided to finish the day and quit.

My next call was answered by Tony, clerk by profession, stand-up comedian by nature. He made me laugh and I could almost see him smiling over the phone. Feeling encouraged, I decided to keep the job. Eventually, I learned “the ropes”. That job taught me a lot and I guess I owe it all to Tony.

How many people do we pass in a day? Who couldn’t use a smile or a friendly word? Tony did not know that he was saving my family’s finances by making me laugh, but that’s what he did. 

This month is the Yahrtzeit of my father, Mr. Leo Reich, Zatzal. He was an illustrious teacher. As a distinguished Rosh Yeshiva said at his funeral, “his soul burned with the longing to teach Jewish children about Judaism.” He taught for over sixty years and was loved by all of his students. Amazingly though, almost every one of the hundreds of people who came to the Shivah (house of mourning) said the exact same words, “Mr. Reich always greeted me with a smile.” It is true that my father loved people and was truly interested in them, but there is something more to be learned here. If years later what people remembered was his smile and the simple “how have you been?” that went with it, doesn’t that show how much they needed that smile, that show of interest?

If we open our hearts and share a little warmth, it could very well be the good deed needed to tip the scales this year, for us, for Am Yisroel and for the whole world.

May we all be blessed with a year of happiness, good health and warmth from Above.

Shana Tova,

Rochel Frid