A few weeks ago, Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah in Toronto performed a great act of kindness to their crossing guard that truly left a Kiddush Hashem.
After noticing that the crossing guard had a broken window in his car, the school sent a letter to parents asking if they could chip in to help pay for a new window, thereby showing their Hakaras Hatov to the guard.
The school pulled through and gave the guard a new window that would allow him to stay warm in the cold winter months.
The guard expressed his gratitude in a letter to the school. He thanked them not only for their kind gift but also for their daily warmth and kindness. The guard expressed that the school members’ daily hellos and smiles made the guard feel welcomed and fortunate to work there. This story shows that aside from the large gestures, we can make a Kiddush Hashem by simply smiling at people and treating them well.
Here is the original letter that was sent to the parents by Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah:
Dear Parents,
It has been brought to my attention that the school crossing guard, positioned by the Frontenac intersection, has been driving around with a broken rear passenger window. He has been using a towel to keep the outside elements away. As we all experience each winter, our cold season can be frigid.
It would be a tremendous kiddush Hashem if our parents would be the sponsor of repairing his window so he can have a warm ride back and forth to work. (He has shown up to work during Covid when the city would not compensate him, when schools were officially closed.) He takes the safety of our children very seriously.
Binyamin Septon
——–
The crossing guard sent this thank you note after receiving the gift:
THANK YOU TO THE YYH COMMUNITY!
I knew from my first day on the job that I was fortunate to land at the corner of Glenrush and Frontenac…it is your smiles, waves and gratitude that warm my tummy, my toes and my heart – providing much pleasure.
Without a doubt you and your fine children make me the luckiest crossing-guard in all of TO and my work a pleasure. I think you will agree that that is among the most precious of gifts.
I was preparing to compose this thank you note when Benjamin called me to present me with a new back window for Old Betsy, my faithful Corolla…
donated by the very people to whom I owe so much and who have already been so generous.
You really, really shouldn’t have – but I gotta say such kindness lifts my soul.
I promise you I shall pay your goodwill forward – ripples on the pond of life.
Your, I am proud to say “our”, YYH community is Number One!
Thank you!
Douglas
Photo of the crossing guard’s car with a towel in place of a window.
Five Towns Central thanks Rabbi Freedman from Living Kiddush Hashem Foundation for sharing this story.
