building our social resilience

Mrs. Cohen, when are you coming to pay your debt here? We're not a bank!" That was Asher, the grocery store owner. I will never forget how I stood next to my mother, trembling. It wasn't the first time that we had arrived at the grocery store without the ability to pay. Mom wanted to buy food for us nine children, there wasn’t any choice. "I can't allow you to buy by credit anymore" Asher was really angry. I looked at mother; she stood there, straight and poised and replied to the grocery owner: "We have a large debt, I know, I won't be able to pay it back this month and maybe even next month too, but…" And then mother put her hand on my shoulder and continued. "Do you see this child? A day will come when she repays you". Asher looked puzzled. I didn't understand either… How does Mom think that I will repay our debts to Asher? On the way home, I cried. Mother knelt down to me, wiped the tears from my eyes, and said: "Binti ya anti, baydgi yom Ptetini ktir". (My girl, a day shall come when you and your siblings will give a lot). "How? From where?" I asked with innocence. Mother was serious. "Not every contribution is a physical one. We are surrounded by all sorts of contributions from all types of people" She explained. When we resumed walking, she told me about the young soldiers who give up their lives for the Jewish people and protect us and many more examples. I thought of my brother Shimon, who returns on Shabbat from the army, and tells us about his nightly watches, I felt proud! Since then, many years have passed; many times we needed financial help in order to continue to survive. There were moments and dreams that were missed because it just wasn't possible. Today, mother knows about the "Arucha Chama" organization and receives help from them. And I, after all these years, know that with my donation towards a hot meal, I am building our social resilience. So let us all give with all our hearts, Because the children of today will protect us in the wars of tomorrow. The children of today will teach our grandchildren! Dina (a pseudonym) From an excerpt from her memoirs.