D'Var Torah - Parshas Chukas - 5762

        "Listen now, O Rebels..." (Num 20:10)  Moshe was punished for referring to the Children of Israel as Rebels. Even though they were rebelling at the time, they should not have been perceived as rebels. The Torah expects us to love each other, see the good in each other and perceive each other as good. We must see and understand things from the other person's point of view as the following true story illustrates:

        Once, a burly, gruff looking, man who had served in the Russian army, entered a Jewish Inn and ordered a meal. When Jewish boys were drafted, it was usually the end of yiddishkeit for them. The army brainwashed them to worship Mother Russia rather than G-d. He plopped himself down and ate in a most disgusting manner - stuffing an entire chicken down his mouth. It was revolting that this man, a Jew, could conduct himself in so repulsive a manner, not to mention the fact that he did not recite a bracha (blessing) or wear a yarmulke (ritual skullcap) while he ate. The innkeeper and the others present were sickened and embarrassed by this display; though none dared say anything.

        The Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan) happened to be a guest at that Inn. He saw the young man and slowly approached him. Everyone wondered, what would the Chofetz Chaim possibly say to this man. What could he say? Surely this oaf would not listen to any rebuke, even from such a holy man.

        The Choftez Chaim asked the man, "Is it true that you served in the Russian army?"

        "Yes," snorted the man, bracing his defenses for the oncoming tongue-lashing he was fully expecting.

        "Tell me," began the Chofetz Chaim, "How did you manage to keep your Jewish identity in those circumstances? So many Jewish boys entered the army, only to eventually give up their Judaism. They are forced to serve for 25 years without any kosher food, Jewish holidays, or any other vestige of Judaism. Yet, when you could have easily gone to any Inn, you chose a Jewish one. You still identify as a Jew. I don't know if I could have done what you did. You are an inspiration. Where did you find the strength?"

        The soldier, caught off guard and clearly moved, looked straight at the Chofetz Chaim, "It was so hard, they did everything to pound it out of us - to make us denounce and forget that we were Jews."

        "It is a miracle that you made it through. Now you can begin to learn the Torah and mitzvos that you were deprived of all these years."

        "But Rebbi, how can I possibly do that," the soldier, now sobbing bitterly, responded. He continued through his tears, "I want to return to my heritage, but I am so far removed. Surely it isn't possible for someone like me to learn."

        "No," said the Chofetz Chaim, "It is still possible. It is always possible. I can show you how."

        As the soldier spoke to the Chofetz Chaim, the stones on his heart began to melt. Had the Chofetz Chaim not understood and appreciated this man's perspective, this amazing episode never would have occurred. What did happen was: from that day on, the former soldier began a path to repentance and as the years went by, developed into an observant, well learned Jew.   (Heard from Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth, Torah HS of San Diego.)

 


D'Var Torah - Parshas Chukas -5761

       For centuries, the Torah has been passed down with love from generation to generation. The Rosh Yeshiva related a Zohar which states that Torah must be transmitted with love in order to be effective, because the essence of Torah is love. Great lessons can be learned through a loving bond, as the following beautiful poem illustrates:

 
ALL I GOT WAS WORDS

When I was young and fancy free
My folks had no fine clothes for me.
All I got was words.
Gott tsu danken. (Thank G-d.)
Gott vet geben (G-d will provide.)
Zol men nor leben un gezunt zein.
(May we only live and be healthy.)

When I began to travel far
They couldn't provide me with a car.
All I got was words.
Gey gezuntareid (Go in good health.)
Gey pamelach (Go slowly.)
Hob ah glickliche reize.
(Have a successful trip.)

I wanted to increase my knowledge
But they couldn't afford to send me to college.
All I got was words.
Hob seichel (have good sense.)
Zei nisht kein nar (Do not be a fool.)
Torah iz de beste schoireh
(Torah is the best merchandise.)

The years have flown, the world has turned
Things I've forgotten, things I've learned.
Yet still I remember,
Zog dem emmes (Tell the truth.)
Geb tzedakah (Give charity.)
Hobt rachmonus (Have compassion.)
Zei ah mentsch (Be a mentsch.)
ALL I GOT WAS WORDS

  PITY THOSE WHO NEVER GOT THE WORDS
 
Poem submitted by Ted & Nechama Goodman. HAVE A GREAT STORY? Please send it to us. Contact us to dedicate a Dvar Torah in memory/honor of a loved one/event.



 

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