Since I have been visiting the hospital lately, the mitzvah article from a few weeks ago has been in my mind, and that reminded me of the well-known story below worth repeating, but first the groundwork.

A mitzvah is a commandment from God. A religious Jew tries to fulfill as many commandments as possible, which is one of the reasons for living in Israel, where many mitzvot can only be fulfilled.

Theoretically, it is the religious Jew that says thank you for the opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah, rather the receipient of the act of chesed (kindness). After all, why should they be thankful, they are suffering.

Ten Shekels?

Lifnei (before) Shabbat, as usual, Shlomi when to the rich man's house. The rich man gave Shlomi 10 shekels.

Shlomi said, "Ten shekels, what is this? Last week you gave me 50 shekels."

The rich man looked sheepish and shrugged, "Times are difficult. The economy is slow. Last week was a bad week."

Shlomi replied, "I see you did not do well, but why should I suffer?"