 “How Can I Not Sigh?” Printed with permission from "The Chesed Boomerang" by Jack Doueck www.juadaicapress.com The Talmud (Ber. 58b) tells about an incident that occurred after the death of Rabbi Hana Bar Hanilai who lived in Babylonia in the fourth century and was known for his wealth and charity. After Rabbi Hana’s death, Rabbi Hisda and Rabbi Ula passed the site of his house. Rabbi Hisda sighed. Ula asked him why he sighed so sadly. He replied, “how can I not sigh over a house that contained sixty bakers that worked day and night to provide bread for the poor? Hana’s hand was always in his pocket, ready to extend help to any deserving poor, so that the poor would not have to wait. This house had four entrances — one on each side. Any person who entered, left completely satisfied. I remember when there was a drought in the land. Rabbi Hana left wheat and barley around the house, in order that whoever was embarrassed to take it during the day, could come at night and help themselves then, without any shame. Now that this house is in ruins, how can I not sigh?”
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