Category — Agendas

Hey it’s been a while that we haven’t got a good smile, so enjoy.

An elderly Jewish couple, on their way to a vacation in Hawaii got into an argument about the correct pronunciation of Hawaii . He was sure it was Havaii, but she maintained it was Hawaii.

As soon as they got off the plane, they ran over to the first person they saw. “Hi there,” said the husband. “Would you mind telling me how you pronounce the name of this island?”

“Havaii.”

“Thank you,” said the husband gloating.

“You’re velcome,” replied the man.

***

We went to visit a one-hundred-year-old man.

The rabbi told us that this man was lonely: his kids lived far away and his wife was not able to entertain him 24/7. He was also slowly losing his sight and hearing, weakening the connection to the outside world of which a century had passed before his eyes. So a visit would boost up his morale.

Hey, we thought, it would be interesting to reminisce together on horse traffic and the Bronx. And plus, it’s a mitzvah. So we went.

His young wife (84) opened the door, and, after affirming that we were the “ones,” led us into the living room to meet her tall and handsome husband .

The conversation went something like this:

Old man: “What’s going on? I thought only one boy was supposed to come; why do I see two?”

We: “Well, the rabbi asked us to come and we both wanted the privilege of meeting such a nice man as yourself.”

Old man: “Ok. Now before we continue, I want to know – honestly – WHAT’S YOUR AGENDA?

We (shocked): “What agenda?”

Old man: “Come on, tell me, why did you come? You want my money? Is that your agenda? Why else are two young guys spending time with me? I know there’s an agenda. What is it?”

Patiently, we explained about the mitzvah of visiting others, and how we were here just to say hello and wish him well.

He let the matter rest. For the next five minutes.

We were talking about WW1 and the depression, when he stopped mid-sentence and looked at us with accusing eyes, demanding: “No lying this time! What’s your agenda?”

Over the next hour, we heard that question over twenty times. We even have it recorded on camera. It was surreal; here we were trying to show selfless kindness to a stranger, and he could not accept it.

Finally, when the time came to say goodbye, he stood up, and in a chocked voice said: “I guess you guys really don’t have an agenda. It is the first time I’ve seen people coming to visit, or for that matter, doing anything just to be kind. You guys are special.”

As I walked to the car, I contemplated the fact that here was a man who has lived for a century, met countless people and received numerous favors, yet he had to wait to reach 100 to see plain warmth and caring - no strings attached.

A new year is upon us. It’s time to get rid of agendas.