More Than Directions

Harav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski zt”l was one of the great Torah leaders of his generation. His name was known throughout Klal Yisrael, both for his tremendous gadlus in Torah and for the deep sensitivity with which he carried the concerns of others.

During the summer months, Harav Chaim Ozer would often spend time in Druskenik, a resort town near Vilna. While there, he would take long walks for his health in the forest. He was usually accompanied by talmidim and rabbanim who wished to be near him, ask their questions, and hear his guidance.

One day, as Harav Chaim Ozer was walking with a group, a young man approached them and asked how to get to a certain place.

One of the people accompanying Harav Chaim Ozer was about to answer him and explain the directions.

But Harav Chaim Ozer stopped him.

“Let us walk with him,” he suggested.

It was not a short walk. It was not on their way. The place the young man needed to reach was completely out of their path.

But Harav Chaim Ozer began walking with him, and the others followed.

At first glance, it seemed hard to understand. The young man had asked for directions. Why not simply tell him where to go? If someone asks how to get somewhere, and you know the way, giving clear directions is certainly a chesed. Why was it necessary to take such a long walk, especially when it was out of their way?

After they accompanied the young man to his destination, one of the rabbanim turned to Harav Chaim Ozer and asked him why he had done so. Why was it not enough to tell the young man the directions?

Harav Chaim Ozer explained.

The young man had a speech impediment. Speaking was difficult for him.

And the directions were not simple.

Had they only told him where to go, there was a good chance he would not have been able to find the place on his own. He would likely have needed to stop someone else and ask again. And then perhaps he would have had to ask another person after that.

For most people, asking directions is a small thing. But for this young man, every time he had to speak to a stranger, it was difficult and uncomfortable.

Harav Chaim Ozer had noticed that immediately.

The young man had asked for directions.

Harav Chaim Ozer had seen that immediately.

He did not only hear the question. He saw the person asking it.

Harav Chaim Ozer gave him the directions — by walking him there himself.