Never resist a generous impulse TB Taanit 21

The first half of today’s daf Taanit 21 relates origin stories of important and well-known Amoraim, Rabbi Yoḥanan with Ilfa and Naḥum of Gam Zu. Although we can learn a lot from these rabbis’ lives, I want to share with you the story of two anonymous people who by giving themselves away teaches by their example that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference

“The Gemara relates another story involving a plague: Once there was a plague of pestilence in Sura, but in the neighborhood of Rav there was no pestilence. The people therefore thought that this was due to Rav’s great merit. However, it was revealed to them in a dream that Rav’s merit was too great and this matter too small for the merit of Rav to be involved. Rather, his neighborhood was spared due to the acts of kindness of a certain man, who would lend his hoe [mara] and shovel [zevila] to prepare sites for burial.

“The Gemara relates a similar incident. In Drokart there was a fire, but in the neighborhood of Rav Huna there was no fire. The people therefore thought that this was due to Rav Huna’s great merit (See yesterday’s daf and read how Rav Huna regularly gave himself away-gg). It was revealed to them in a dream that this matter was too small for the merit of Rav Huna to have played a role. Rather, it was due to a certain woman who heats her oven and lends it, i.e., the use of her oven, to her neighbors.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The Dalai Lama once said: “Never resist a generous impulse.” By never resisting a generous impulse we can leave behind more cheer and encouragement as we go along life’s path. The generous impulse can become a conscious practice to make other lives better. Do something positive for the benefit of others and contribute to their well-being.

I don’t mean to limit generosity to a contribution of money. It also includes making a phone call to somebody who’s isolated, writing a thank you note to a person thanking him or her for just being that special person, or just offering a helping hand up or down a staircase.

Looking beyond ourselves to contribute to others provides purpose, meaning, and connection. What appears to be a gift to another, ultimately improves the quality of our own lives, no matter what else is going on.

We all have defining moments in our lives. Times when we notice an opportunity to make a moment special for someone else. The liberating thing about giving ourselves away is that we don’t always have to wait for those moments to appear. We can create them.