5785/2024
Aaron Feuerstein owned Malden Mills, a textile factory in Massachusetts. He was known for his generosity and kindness to his employees. Former employees recall him joining them on their lunch break. In 1995, a heater exploded and a fire broke out, taking two days to be extinguished. Feuerstein’s employees thought that they would all lose their jobs, right before the holiday season, and would not be able to support themselves financially. However, when they all came to receive what they thought was their final paycheck, Feuerstein promised to deliver their holiday bonuses and a steady flow of income until the factories were rebuilt. The story made national headlines and Feuerstein was labeled the “Mensch of Malden Mills”. It was a true Kiddush Hashem.
In Parashat VaYeira, Sodom and Amorah, two of the most sinful cities in all of Canaan, are destined to be annihilated in Hashem’s fury. Avraham Avinu davened to the Ribono Shel Olam, beseeching Him to save the cities. Avraham cried his heart out, even though these towns were crooked.
But if these people were so wicked, why would Avraham care so much about the fate of these Canaanites? We must look back earlier on in the Parashah.
Avraham Avinu was a true Gomel Chesed. In the first Aliyah, upon seeing travelers in the distance, he ended his conversation with the HaKadosh Baruch Hu(!), to help the group of stragglers. Avraham exemplifies himself as one with compassion for all humankind.
It is taught in the Jewish tradition that one who acts with Chesed is a son of Avraham Avinu. Because of his Gemilut Chasadim, Avraham was compelled to help these evil people.
Based on this, we cannot doubt that Aaron Feuerstein’s kindness was already in his “Jewish DNA” from Avraham.
There was a certain Chassidishe Rebbe who, after the Shoah, had lost his 11 children and his beloved wife. Upon coming to America, he encountered a Jewish businessman and requested from him a loan, as he was determined to rebuild his Yeshivah. The businessman agreed and said that he would do his best to support the Rebbe. The Rebbe responded that one can always do more than his best. With this new-found inspiration, the businessman funded the whole project, and the Yeshiva was rebuilt. That businessman was Sam Feuerstein, father of Aaron Feuerstein, then CEO of the Malden Mills. Aaron Feuerstein learned from his father what it means to be a real son of Avraham. While Aaron Feuerstein may have been Niftar in late 2021, the messages he learned from his father remain alive and clear for us: There will always be the next chance to do Chesed, but it is up to us to take advantage of the current opportunities and give 110%.