The Shortest Distance Between People

“I will send forth the full force of these plagues into your heart” God warns Pharaoh in this week’s portion of Torah (Ex. 9:14). This particular warning that the plagues will infect Pharaoh’s heart (el leeb-cha) occurs during the sixth plague of boils, at the midpoint of Divine judgement. 

What might it mean to inflict a heart? Yes, it would indicate a hardened heart. An icy one, to be sure. But perhaps it could also suggest infectiousness. That is, a severe attitude-infection that might spread, becoming quite contagious. 

Alas, today, this isn’t so hard to imagine. Bundles of resentments find too many hearts beating bitterly. Can this condition be treated? 

One remedy Judaism offers is found in the telling of a touching story. KI’s guest teacher this Shabbat, Jerusalem’s Daniel Taub, reminds us that such stories make for “the shortest distance between people.” He points out that listening to a particularly moving story can actually make your brain waves begin to synchronize. 

Once a UK combative radio host named James O’Brien was moved to rethink his ways of making fun of pet owners. “Dear James,” a letter to him began. “My wife of 54 years died in January and if it wasn’t for the company of our two Dachshunds I know I could not have endured the pain of losing her. Your radio show has also often provided me comfort…Please think of me next time you are discussing owners who perhaps seem excessively fond of their dogs. Yours sincerely, Dennis.” (P. 163)

Indeed it’s often the companionship of a rescue dog that can tuck a smile inside your heart. Check out the terrific Pawtriots Program founded by dear friends Dr. Dana and Robert Kraft.

The next time you want to bring home a lesson, share a touching story. It will make your teaching especially touching. And the heart-warming effect will also be blessedly infectious.