The agent who took the s'ir hamistalei'ach was offered food and water every station on the way. Being Yom Kipurim, the sh'liach never actually availed himself of this privilege [Bartenura] but it was done anyway "K'day Sheyeitiv Libbo". The psychological boost of this offer was enough to keep the spirits up of the fasting sh'liach.
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There is a story that R Yosef Dov Soloveichik Z"L was disappointed that he was never offered the Presidency of Yeshiva University.
Many find this puzzling - because why would the Rov give up his life's passion as a teacher/M'lamed par excellence, to go into the world of politics and fund raising?
One answer that resonated with me is along these lines. RYDS never actually wished to serve as President. He simply was disappointed that it was never OFFERED.
Mussar: Sometimes the menchslich gesture is to offer even without expectation that the offer will actually be accepted.
Text of Mishnah Below [also See the Bartenura]
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מסכת יומא פרק ו
ו,ה על כל סוכה וסוכה אומרין לו, הרי מזון והרי מים; ומלווים אותו מסוכה לסוכה, חוץ מן האחרון שבהן--שאינו מגיע לצוק,
אלא עומד מרחוק ורואה את מעשיו
Shalom,
RRW
1 comment:
"Sometimes the menchslich gesture is to offer even without expectation that the offer will actually be accepted."
But wouldn't that be geneivat daat?
TB Chullin 94a, Soncino trans.:
It was taught: R. Meir used to say: A man should not urge his friend to dine with him when he knows that his friend will not do so. And he should not offer him many gifts when he knows that his friend will not accept them.
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