Why the parson’s wife arranged the seder

By  Rabbi Baruch Lederman

Rabbi Baruch Lederman
Rabbi Baruch Lederman

SAN DIEGO– In 1942, Seymour Lederman was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training. America had just entered World War II, and young men from all over the country were preparing to serve their country overseas.

The small Jewish community in Biloxi arranged for a special Pesach Seder for the Jewish soldiers. Word was sent to the base that any Jewish soldier wishing to attend was welcome. Since they didn’t know how many would show up and not wanting to be caught short, they prepared a hundred places for the Seder. To their shock, a thousand Jewish soldiers showed up.

After sorting out the confusion (and there was plenty of it), they got under way. During the evening, the local Rabbi thanked a certain woman in the crowd and announced that the seder could not have been arranged without her help. This woman was the local parson’s wife. She had worked tirelessly, using all the resources and connections she had.

At the end of the evening, Seymour made his way over to the parson’s wife and thanked her for her part in this wonderful event. She told him it was no bother and it was her pleasure, then she added sweetly, with a big southern smile, “I love Jews.”

She continued to explain, “When I was a young woman, straight out of school, I got a job working as an office manager for a hospital.

The head doctor told me that there was a widowed Jewish woman on the 3rd floor, who had run up quite an unpaid bill. He asked me to go up and collect whatever I could from her. I told him that I was sure that there wouldn’t be any problem, as I knew that her husband had been a wealthy man and had surely provided for her.”

“After speaking to her, she broke down in tears, and revealed that although her husband had left her well provided, the mounting medical bills had eaten up all her savings. She had no money and no hope. I was shaken because I didn’t know what would become of this woman. I didn’t know how much longer my boss would give her a ‘free ride.'”

“I remembered hearing of a prominent Jewish businessman in the region. He lived in a different city, but maybe he would have some idea of what could be done – any ideas or suggestions would have been most welcome. I called him and gave him the details. We hung up.”

“The next day, a man arrived in town. He made his way to the hospital and located the woman. He spoke to her with great kindness and respect. He had an understated compassion. He paid up her entire bill and instructed my office to send the future hospital bills to him – which he always paid on time. Before he left, he gave her some extra money for anything else she might need, all the while, giving her words of assurance and encouragement.”

“I was dumbstruck. This man traveled several hundred miles for the sake of a woman whom he had never met. She was a perfect stranger, yet he took care of her like she was a queen. When I saw how Jews take care of each other, I knew that this was a truly special and blessed people. I love Jews.”

My uncle Seymour always adds with heartfelt pride and emotion, “I love telling this story.”

[The foregoing true story was told to me by my uncle Mr. Seymour Lederman.]

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Rabbi Baruch Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah.  He may be contacted via baruch.lederman@sdjewishworld.com