A Tradition Of Kindness for Travelers

My favorite college student, Asianna Haughton, is embarking on a six-month adventure in Australia.¹ I know it's only for six months, which is not really “goodbye”, more like "see you later." But as the reality of her impending departure sets in, and though I'm thrilled about her opportunity to study abroad, I can't help but worry about her.

I know her parents share my concern; they came over to spend the weekend with her before she goes, and we had dinner at my home. Lest you imagine a beautiful table landscape with a four-course meal, know that I ordered pizza. I am not a good enough cook to prepare for strangers.

It was really lovely to meet them. I was a bit worried they might think all Jewish families have chickens, wild children, and walls colored on by kids, so I reassured them that it's just us.

Time flew, and it was Asianna's last scheduled babysitting session. It seemed like the perfect moment to introduce her to a lesser-known aspect of Jewish travel culture: spiritual support, via missions of kindness. So, I awkwardly introduced her to a Jewish idea that's been around for thousands of years.

"Asianna," I said, “This $50 bill is not for you. You are now my spiritual messenger to do a good deed in Australia."

Asianna, who has heard me say many weirder things, replied, "Thanks, Mrs. Isha. What kind of good deed do you want me to use it for?"

(Asianna is the type of person who's always spreading kindness. Whether it's random acts for strangers or planned gestures like helping with my kids or patiently explaining technology to her grandmother, she's a natural. I have no doubt she'll find a worthy cause for her 'Cash for Kindness' faster than you can say 'Vegemite.')

Me: "There's this tradition where we give travelers money, not for souvenirs, but to use for a good deed when they reach their destination."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you do an act of kindness yourself?"

I explained, "When someone is on their way to perform a good deed, they are protected from harm. It's like spiritual travel insurance."²³

Asianna, as always, nodded along with my latest educational lecture. "So, it's like karma points for my trip?"

"Exactly!" I beamed. "Except it's not karma, it's G-d. You can call it 'Messenger of a Good Deed Money,' or maybe 'Cash for Kindness.'"

Asianna reassured me that she would find a good cause down under.

Of course, I also pray for her safety:

"Dear G-d, Creator and Sustainer of the World, King of the Universe, thank You for bringing Asianna into our lives. Please watch over her and keep her safe. Amen, may it be Your will."

An idea: if you have a friend or acquaintance going on a trip, consider giving them some "Cash for Kindness" for their next trip. Remember, having a mission of doing good while traveling isn't just a nice gesture—it elevates the purpose of the entire journey.

It doesn't take up space,

It makes the world a better place,

Kindness we can embrace,

Leave a positive trace.

Safe travels, Asianna, and don't forget to write!

1. Previously mentioned here.

2. Talmud, Pesachim 8b: "Shluchei mitzvah einam nizikin" – "Those who are on a mission to perform a mitzvah are not harmed."

3. See also Traveling with family as atonement for sin