יום א Date: 12 Elul, 5774 (9/7/14) – MoedKatan#27 {Tani}

Feeling for the Poor

[27a bottom] Gemarah: Originally when food was delivered to a mourner, the rich would deliver food in baskets of silver and gold, while the poor would only be able to send food in baskets of peeled willow twigs. Since the poor people became ashamed, the Rabbis then decided that everyone should bring food in peeled willow twig baskets out of concern for the feelings of the poor.

T’s Lesson: We should try to be considerate to those around us, especially to those less fortunate than us like the poor. The Gemarah shows that we should try to put ourselves on the level of those lower than us, so as not to embarrass them. We should always try to feel or all those around us and sympathize with them whenever possible.