Every Person Is a Diamond
Soon we will gather for Rosh Hashanah services. This day is marked by introspection. We look inward so that we might better our lives. We do this surrounded by others, embraced and strengthened by our community.
A Hasidic story. I learned this tale from Rabbi Rami Shapiro.
A wealthy diamond merchant went to visit his rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Ber of Lubavitch. The merchant recently returned from Antwerp and was excited to share with the rebbe his recent purchases. He could not wait to show him some of the precious stones he purchased. The merchant was confident these stones would make his business successful, but he also hoped to get the rebbe’s blessing. The rebbe, however, appeared more interested in talking about some common laborers who the merchant found to be unlearned and boring.
“Rebbe,” the merchant finally blurted out, “I just don’t see what you see in these people. They are illiterate boors.”
The rebbe calmly replied, “Actually each and every one of them has many honorable traits.”
“Perhaps that is true. But I cannot see them,” the merchant responded.
The rebbe sat silently for a few moments and then said, “Show me your new diamonds.”
The merchant eagerly untied the velvet sack and spread the glittering diamonds on the rebbe’s desk. Lifting one stone up and holding it to the light, he said, “This one is especially fine, Rebbe.”
“I see nothing special in it. It looks like all the rest of the diamonds,” Rabbi Shalom Ber said.
“I would not expect you to see such finery, Rebbe. One must be a true connoisseur of gems to see what makes each diamond worthy of such praise.”
“Every person is also a gem, my dear friend,” the rebbe said. “And just as with your diamonds, you must be connoisseur to see what is precious in each and every person.”
The challenge of Rosh Hashanah is twofold. On the one hand we are to honestly examine our own failings. And on the other hand, we are commanded to be more forgiving of other people’s failings.
Every person is a gem. We just have to become better connoisseurs.