A Jewish community in Tsarist Russia was hit by an influenza epidemic obliging the village rabbi to plead with God to send help. The rabbi waited, and waited. With no help arriving the rabbi set up an isolation clinic manned by village volunteers 24 hours a day to assist the influenza victims including making available 24 hours a day, a large churn of chicken soup generously garnished with locally grown garlic, and onions to feed the stricken villagers. The rabbi also ensured that every villager ate two apples every morning. The villagers one, by one recovered.
A week, or two later the village was devastated by heavy rains, and an overflowing river that flooded homes. The rabbi tearfully asked God for His assistance. No help came despite waiting, and waiting the rabbi took it upon himself to organise clean up operations, ensuring that those whose homes had been flooded were housed in dry houses, provided with dry clothing, freshly cooked food, and warm liquids for all the unfortunate families. The flood waters receded, and the village returned to normality.
Angry that God had not appeared to assist the village community, the rabbi scolded God, asking Him why He had rejected his pleas for help for good, God fearing people.
A voice whispered into the rabbi's ear...I sent help. I sent you.
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