The heroic action of a nine-year-old South Florida boy has gone viral. The youngster, Joseph Levy, caught his brother, Eitan, in mid-air as the 11 month old wriggled off of a changing table and careened toward the floor. Joseph ran over from across the room and caught the baby in his arms.
Joseph acted with prowess. The heart-stopping incident happened in a flash. His mother had turned her head for a moment and did not see what was happening. The near accident took place in the space of a few seconds.
The episode was captured on the family’s home camera. Joseph’s mother, Tila, released the footage to create awareness to other parents of what can happen in a split second of not being vigilant. Anyone who views the video will agree.
In Pirkei Avot, Hillel asserts,“In a place where there is no man, strive to be a man.” Hillel was urging his followers to be a mensch, a person who is naturally a hero because of doing the right thing. There are times in life that there is no one else to act and we are called on to take the initiative and do what needs to be done.
After the Hebrews were freed from Egypt, they stood at the edge of the yam suf. The Egyptians had changed their minds and were coming in their chariots to take back their slaves. The people cried and prayed. According to the Midrash, Hashem ordered, “Stop crying and stop praying and jump in.” Only when Nachshun jumped in to his nose did the sea part.
Congratulations, Joseph Levy. You are a role model for us all. You jumped in. You saved your brother. Kol hakavod.