Hein Ani!

The words ‘Hein Ani’ (behold I am), appear in the Torah four times. ‘Hein Ani Etz Yavesh’ (behold I am a dried tree); ‘Hein Ani Aral S’fasayim’ (behold I am of uncircumsized lips-speech impaired); ‘Hein Ani Nisharti Levadi’ (behold I am left alone); and ‘Hein Ani Kepicha La’el’.
The Chafetz Chaim recounts a story about a man who was going to court and wanted someone to speak for him. His close friends ignore him. A casual friend agrees to accompany him but will remain silent. As the day when he has to appear in court grows closer, he begins to sob that he has no one to help him. Suddenly, an acquaintance who was ignored, agrees to accompany and speak up for him.

There is a similar mashal we can use to drive the point home. We can compare the first friend to money, the second to family and the third, to mitzvos. Money won’t help you when you’re dead. Your family will come with you, but they won’t speak. A man will say, “nisharti levadi” (I’m all alone), and his mitzvos will come and say, “kepicha la’el” (Hashem will speak for you).