Pirkei Avos: Satmar Rov - Where Does Authentic Chesed Come From?
Someone once came to the Satmar Rov, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, and told him that he had been in St. Louis where a Jew kept a house specifically for Hachnasas Orchim for anyone in need, Jewish or not. This person was beloved and praised y all for his good deeds. The Satmar Rebbe asked does he keep Torah and Mitzvos, does he believe in Hashem? The person said no.
If he does not believe, said the Satmar Rov, then what good is his chesed? What is the point if it is not done for the sake of Hashem and based on the commandment in the torah?
In this light the Maharam Shiff explains the Mishna in Pirkei Avos (3:17), "Im Ein Torah Ein Kemach" if there is no torah there is no flour. Avrohom Avinu was the greatest living embodiment of Chesed in the world. Chazal also tell us that Avrohom kept the entire torah before it was given, even the mitzva d'rabbanan of Eiruv Tavshilin. The mishna tells us, Im Ein Torah, if not for Avrohom's torah, then Ein Kemach, he would not have performed his great acts of chesed. Avrohom's chesed all came from the Torah. (see Mishel HaAvos)
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