Coming for the Sake of the Commandment of Comforting Mourners

When Rabbi Simeon, the son of Rabbi Akiva, fell ill, the father did not neglect his house of study, but arranged for his messengers to stand by the sickbed.

The first messenger came and said, "He is very ill."

"Carry on!" said Rabbi Akiva to his disciples.

The second came and said, "He is getting worse."

He had them resume their study of Torah.

The third came and said, "He is dying."

"Carry on!"

The fourth came and said, "He is gone."

Hearing this, Rabbi Akiva rose, removed his tefillin, rent his clothes, and said to his disciples: "Up to now we were obliged to study Torah. From this moment on, you and I are obligated to honor the dead." A large gathering assembled for the burial of Rabbi Akiva's son and showed great grief over his demise. As they were about to leave, Rabbi Akiva stood up on a large stool and said: O House of Israel, our brethren, hear me! Even if my son had been a bridegroom, I would still be comforted, because of the honor you accorded him. It is not because I am wise:

There are those here who are wiser than I.

And it is not because I am rich:

There are those here who are richer than I.

The people of the south know Rabbi Akiva,

But how do the people of Galilee know him?

The men know Rabbi Akiva,

But how do the women and children know him?

If you came for the sake of someone named Akiva, how many men named Akiva are there in the marketplace?

I know that you troubled yourselves to come for the sake of the commandment of comforting mourners, as well as for the honor of Torah, saying, "The law of his God is in his heart" (Ps. 37:31). It is therefore certain that your reward will be twofold. I am comforted. Go to your homes in peace.