[Avodah] Bein Adam L'Makom versus Bein Adam L'Chaveiro

[Prof. Levine]

There is no question that we see much Chesed being done by many 
wonderful organizations. However, IMO there is a failing by far too 
many on an individual level. Let me give you one example that has 
become a pet peeve. And, yes, I know that one anecdote proves nothing.

There is a shortcut on my block to a Shteibel that is located on the 
block behind my house.  There is also a fire hydrant not far from my 
house. Many, and I repeat many, is the time that I have seen people 
park at the hydrant so that they can go through the shortcut to daven.

At times I have spoken to people whom I see parking at the hydrant 
pointing out that it is against the law to park at a hydrant and that 
their davening might well be a mitzvah haba b'aveira.  Some then move 
their car. But many do not. They simply ignore me, park and go 
daven.  Some even have the chutzpah to reply, "I don't see any 
problem parking here so that I can daven."

BTW, this fire hydrant has been used by the fire department more than 
once, since I have been living on this block. Indeed, sadly it was 
used right after licht bentching this past Friday.  See 
http://tinyurl.com/yb8a5xx

YL