Today's If Not Higher

Today’s world is outright frightening. Far too much hatred exists on urban streets and in school hallways. Far too few of us live a life that honors the Biblical dictum, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In pondering this sad situation and with the approach of the holiday season, I remembered one of my favorite stories from I L Peretz. Peretz, a Polish, Jewish writer and playwright wrote If Not Higher in 1900. The following paragraphs represent a co-authoring between myself and Chat-GPT to present a universal application of the story. 

If Not Higher 

In a world filled with religious congregations, there was one clergyman who stood out. Many years ago, as the holiday season approached, this devoted clergyman, known for his daily early morning services, began to absent himself from these gatherings, leaving the congregants bewildered. He offered no explanation for his absence, confident that the congregation could manage services without him. The question on everyone's mind was, "Where was their religious leader?"

This puzzling situation continued day after day, leading the congregants to speculate that perhaps their clergyman had ascended to heaven. Although he did appear at the place of worship each day, he did so a few hours late.

A few days before the holiest day of the year, when all people would gather for worship services, a young member of the congregation decided to uncover the mystery. Early in the morning, he waited outside the minister's house to follow him discreetly. As the religious leader emerged, carrying a bag, the young man tailed him as he walked to the outskirts of town.

To the young man's surprise, the leader changed his appearance and proceeded to a pen of chickens, where he slaughtered one of them, wrapped it in paper, and placed it in his bag. From there, he walked through a dense forest until he reached a ramshackle cabin. He knocked on the door, and an elderly woman inside greeted him. She lamented her poverty, to which the clergyman responded, "That's okay. I've come bearing gifts for you."

The elderly lady welcomed him into her home, expressing her gratitude for the rare visit. The clergyman shared bread, fruit, and cooked the chicken over a fire. From a distance, the young congregant observed this entire act of kindness.

After a heartwarming conversation, the religious leader hugged the lady and left. As he walked away, the young congregant overheard him saying, "To anyone who witnessed what just occurred, it might seem like I did a good deed. But, in reality, the feeling I have now is unparalleled. Helping someone else feels incredible. My friend did more for me than I did for her." The clergyman walked away with a profound sense of euphoria, knowing that he possessed the power to change the world for the better, just as the elderly lady had done for him.

The next day, the young congregant returned to the services, but the clergyman did not. Someone remarked, "He must be in heaven," and the young man responded, "In heaven, if not higher."

"In heaven, if not higher."

***

Some might argue that it would be inappropriate to share this story in a public school setting due to its religious theme. However, I strongly disagree. This story does not advocate any one religion over another. In fact, it does not even talk about God. Rather, the story depicts brotherly (sisterly) love. To those who argue that the story should not be taught, I respond that it must be taught. 

Educational publishers must provide content that supports educators in teaching students the value of supporting one another and those in need.  Indeed, we must provide content that teaches that by supporting others we are actually making ourselves happier, healthier people. 

I shared this story because I did not write it. I did not create it. I adapted it to meet my needs. Publishers should recognize that in the quest to educate we do not need to create everything from scratch. Rather, we can adapt from a very rich tradition of learning and teaching resources to meet our needs today. 

When it comes to creating a supporting, humane environment, the clergyman says it best: "To anyone who witnessed what just occurred, it might seem like I did a good deed. But, in reality, the feeling I have now is unparalleled. Helping someone else feels incredible. My friend did more for me than I did for her."