Are you familiar with the legend of the Lamed-vavnik, 36 righteous people in the world whose job it is to carry the weight of human suffering?
No one knows who they are, including the Lamed-vavnik themselves.
Not knowing makes it important for all of us to behave as if WE might be one of the Lamed-vavnik AND to treat others as if they might be.
Why?
Because if there is less than 36 Lamed-vavnik, the world will collapse.
Taking this story to heart creates a new awareness for me. I have significant responsibility, as do we all, to treat ALL people with compassion, understanding, and empathy.
What if the bus driver, the baker, or the old man slowly crossing the street in front of me is one of the Lamed-vavnik?
Thinking this way, it is important I do my part to behave thoughtfully and with kindness, which begins with my smallest actions. When I behave with kindness, I plant positive seeds.
On top of that, the world remains in balance.
Kind Action : Do something kind spontaneously
Book Recommendation : You Never Know: A Legend of the Lamed-vavniks
Learn more through this short video:
Andy Smallman 