The story is told of a man named Abraham who was a simple, honest, hard working man. He owned a small store and made enough of a living to support his family. He excelled in one area; he was an extremely giving and hospitable individual. His home was open to all; poor neighbors would stop by for a meal or some financial assistance and travelers would be certain to find a comfortable bed and a delicious meal. He was always looking out for the welfare of his fellow.
One time he was honored to host an extraordinary guest; a wise and holy Rebbe who was passing through town. The Rebbe was impressed by Abraham’s hospitality and blessed him with wealth.
Little did Abraham realize the challenges that come with being wealthy. As he became more absorbed in his business deals and his ever-expanding and increasingly profitable business affairs, he tended to spend less time helping others.
One day the Rebbe visited town and after meeting Abraham, he realized the change that had overcome him. The Rebbe asked to meet with Abraham at his home. Once there, the Rebbe took Abraham to the window and told him to look out to the street. The Rebbe asked him many questions about the passer-by and Abraham recognizing his neighbors identified them to the Rebbe. “That woman is a poor widow with young children… that’s the water carrier – he’s getting old and soon will not be able to continue his line of work… and that’s the tailor who although a pious and hardworking man can’t seem to make ends meet…”
Then the Rebbe led Abraham over to the large, ornate mirror hanging over the fire place. “What do you see, Abraham?" asked the Rebbe. “Why, I see myself,” answered a surprised Abraham.
“Both the window and the mirror are made of glass, are they not? Why is it," asked the Rebbe, “that when you look through the window you see others but when you look in the mirror you see yourself?"
Abraham, not understanding what the Rebbe was asking, explained, “The glass is transparent, the light goes through the glass and you can see what is on the other side. However the mirror, although also made of glass, is coated with silver on one side causing the light to reflect. Therefore the mirror only reflects what is looking into it.”
“I see,” said the Rebbe, “when the glass is clear you can see others, but when coated in silver, you can see only yourself…”
Suddenly Abraham understood the Rebbe’s message. So long that he was without the silver coating - before he became wealthy - he had been able to see others and their plight and was moved to help them in any way he could. But since he had been blessed with wealth – “coated in silver” – he was only able to see himself.
That night Abraham scraped the silver coating off one of the corners of the mirror, to serve as a constant reminder to remember others.
What do YOU see in the mirror?