When I decided to go to medical school I was married with 2 children and a third on the way. I held a low paying position as an assistant rabbi and my father helped support me and my family.
The tuition for medical school was formidable but I was able to manage for a while using donations from my congregation and some loans. But by the middle of my third year I was in debt up to my ears and unable to go on. I wrote to foundations that gave scholarships to medical students but I was turned down. What to do?
I usually called home during the day to see how my wife was feeling and one day she said, “What would you do if you had four thousand dollars?”
“I’d travel around the world.” Can’t she see I’m busy, I said to myself. “I have no time for daydreaming,” is what I said aloud.
“Did you forge it?’ “No, Danny Thomas is giving you four thousand dollars.”
I had no idea who Danny Thomas was and wondered if perhaps my wife’s pregnancy was making her a little strange. But after we’ve gone back and forth about this check, she read to me the following story out of the Chicago Sun Times.
At a meeting with officials from Marquette University, the officials told Danny Thomas about the plight of a young rabbi who was having a difficult time financing his education. “How much does the rabbi need? ” Danny Thomas asked. “About four thousand dollars,” the Marquette officials said. “Tell your rabbi he’s got it.” Like it happened all the time, I thought. But sure enough several days later I received a a call from Danny Thomas who affirmed that the money was coming in a few days.”
For the rest of Danny Thomas’ life we were in touch. I have no idea what Danny Thomas received spiritually from his generosity to strangers. I do know that I received a medical degree as well as a confirmation of my belief and pride in humankind.
One material return Danny Thomas received, came about many years later and I am forever grateful for having been a part of it.
Danny traveled around the country raising money for the hospital he had built that specialized in leukemia, the Shrine of St. Jude. He came to Milwaukee to raise money and I contacted people on his behalf asking that they attend a fundraising dinner.
That evening I was given the opportunity to make a presentation to Danny Thomas of the pledges we had raised for the charity which meant so much to him. At this time I shared with everyone what Danny had done for me. I was embarrassed by my tearfulness and avoided looking out at the group. But finally, as I presented Danny with a gift, I had to look up and that’s when I found many of those in the room weeping the same tears of gratitude I and admiration for this great, kind man. I also gave him a beautiful volume of the Bible with a silver filigree cover inscribed with this verse from Micah: ” For what does the Lord G-d ask of you, but to act with kindness, do justice and walk humbly with your G-d.”
Mitzvahs not only bind but also break through barriers, bringing people together as the brothers they should be. Who would think of a less likely combination: a Lebanese Christian and a Chasidic rabbi?
