A lesson from Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, a giant of a man - who brought new meaning to the words royalty, dignity and leadership - passed away yesterday, at the age of 95. He served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, the first black to hold the office, voted in as part of the country's first-ever multi-racial election.
Much is being written of his unique character, outstanding leadership and trailblazing efforts for peace and reconciliation.
Here is a story I read in the news (and would like to share) from an interview with Mandela from a couple years ago:
“At this point in our conversation, Mandela shared with me his love for the Jewish People and Israel.
When I was about 7 years old, I worked as an errand boy at a Jewish company.
Once in a while they would send me to buy a certain product, and I would ride on my bike for 30 minutes to buy it from a distant shop.
One day I asked my boss, why can't we buy this same piece at a shop much closer to our location?
My boss explained to me that his Jewish friend recently opened this distant shop, and they wanted to help him in his new business.
This was a great lesson for me, because you Jews really know how to help each other. I'm saying this out of deep respect...."
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky