An Act of Human Kindness.
by Julie on Dec.15, 2009
Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצוה “commandment”): The term mitzvah has also come to express an act of human kindness.
My parents are in town visiting and yesterday I took them to the Contemporary Jewish Museum downtown to see the exhibit about the art of Maurice Sendak. The building itself is one that I have never been able to like, despite its distinctive architecture. I have taken many photos of the building in an attempt to be able to capture it in a way that I like to look at it. This image is my only success in that regard.
Yesterday at the museum, there was a wall exhibit that explained the concept of a mitzvah. If you know me, you know that I am anything but religious. Yesterday, though, a day of small acts of human kindness occurred. I asked for people to follow some links from yesterday’s CALIBER post about a breast cancer survivor and new friend named Sonia. So many many of you did. It was the single biggest day on my other blog, and the number of kind comments left there for Sonia was extraordinary. I may not be a traditionally religious person but I do strongly believe in the kindness of strangers and the common humanity of us all. I do believe that such kind acts, even small ones via the internet, can make a huge impact for the good.
While I cannot speak for Sonia myself, I can only imagine that your good wishes and kind words have helped her in a way that is quite extraordinary. Thank you.
December 15th, 2009 on 10:40 am
I love that photo — I think you nailed it! Great job…
I’ll keep trying — I haven’t succeeded yet… You are an inspiration… (((and so is Sonia)))
December 15th, 2009 on 6:37 pm
Thank you, Donald. I’ll look forward to seeing your take on this building someday. And yes, Sonia IS very inspiring. Thank you for your wonderful comment on her story.
December 15th, 2009 on 10:53 am
Beautiful photo! Sonia’s story touched many of us – and her ability to tell it was, I think, very important for her and for others fighting cancer or illnesses of all kinds. It helps, I truly believe, having been a nurse for forty years, to be supported by others, to know that one is not alone in fighting, sometimes against overwhelming odds, and achieving victory.
Blessings to all – and to you for bringing Sonia’s story – and that of other wonderful San Franciscans to all of us.
December 15th, 2009 on 6:41 pm
I think I’m pretty lucky that these wonderful San Franciscans keep letting me take their photos. I agree with you about supporting one another. Although I (knocking on wood here) have never been faced with such a health crisis, it doesn’t take much to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about how much it would matter to have as many people as possible behind you.
As always, thank you for your kind comments.
December 15th, 2009 on 1:42 pm
I have tried countless times to get just the right shot of the new Jewish Museum and have not yet managed to do it. You, on the other hand, can check that off your list, LOL! This image is GREAT!
December 15th, 2009 on 6:41 pm
Yes, Darwin… I do think now I’ve crossed this place of the to-do list and am now exempt from further photos here.
December 15th, 2009 on 9:47 pm
Loved your realization of how our actions matter. I have learned the same thing in my journey with mitzvahs. I wish you more opportunities to share the journey.
Linda
July 2nd, 2010 on 11:45 am
It’s those good apples that inspire faith –however limited– in humanity. There are experiences that create a damaging tunnel vision that leaves a bad, bitter flavor; a single act of kindness can help reset our perspectives and sweeten the day –just wish there were more people with good hearts.
By the way, like how you executed the image here; there’s plenty of architectural and color contrasts to relish here.
July 2nd, 2010 on 12:55 pm
Thank you for the comment, Luis. I’ve encountered a lot of good apples in the blogosphere, a place we may not always associate with compassion. I think it translates into the real world.
I just visited your site! Your photos are beautiful.