If you heard a vurt or story from R' Moshe Rubin not listed here, please email it to us so we can add it to this collection and share it with others, as Reb Moshe always loved to do.
"You Shall Tell It To Your Children..."
Our Zaidy, Rabbi Moshe Rubin z"l of Montreal, was affectionately known to many people as 'Reb Moshe.'
We remember our Zaidy for the long hours he used to spend in davening, for his beautiful melodies, and for his chasidic stories and expressions.
Just as the Haggadah relates the Pesach story to children and grandchildren, Zaidy shared his stories with his children, grandchildren, friends, students, and anyone who would listen.
This collection of 70 of Zaidy's sayings, selected from several hundred, are not meant as literal interpretations. As a clever play on words, they are truths told in jest. Zaidy's understanding smile and sensitive touch helped us find comfort, guidance and inspiration in the words of the Torah.
These sayings were not all his original creations. He may have read them in seforim, heard them from Rebbes in Poland, or during WWII at the Yeshiva in Shanghai.
But Zaidy's charming style was certainly original. It's not only what he said, it was how he vividly described the background of the subject, the people and places, and his emphasis on the punchline and moral of the story.
Unfortunately, we cannot retell these 'vertlach' and words of wisdom with Zaidy's unique spirit and enthusiasm, but we hope the reader will enjoy his style and message.
1) Best When Served Hot
"Tay un Tehillim zaynen shtendig gut, ober nur haise."
A guest may decline an offer to eat, saying that he had just had dinner. But that is no excuse for declining a drink of tea, for tea is always appropriate.
Similarly, we may not always be ready to delve into a complex page of Talmud, yet reciting Tehillim is always timely. Like tea, it is best that the Tehillim be recited with 'fire,' feeling and warmth, not just lukewarm...
2) Smooth Talk?
Here are three misnomers:
Nothing is straighter than a crooked ladder. Nothing is more whole than a broken heart; and nothing is more coarse than a smooth talker.
3) Empathy
Eliezer was so impressed and convinced when Rivka offered him water at the well, that he immediately decided that she was the right wife for Yitzchak.
But what is so great about offering water?
It certainly falls short of Abraham's hospitality, who baked bread and prepared a selection of expensive meats. Rivka only offered cold water, which cost her nothing, and except for running back and forth, it showed no personal talent or intelligence.
The Talmud says that up to the age of forty, people prefer solid foods. But after 40 years, it is better to drink more.
Rivka was a young girl, while Eliezer was an older person. Kids like snacks and treats, but instead of offering Eliezer what she considered favorites, Rivka gave him water.
Kindness is not always judged by what we consider to be good. Rivka empathized with another person's needs, although it was not her preference.
4) The Second Seder is #1
The Chozeh of Lublin had a very dedicated, but poor chasid whose name was Reb Shmuel of Kariv. Before Pesach, the Chozeh asked a wealthy chasid who lived in Kariv to help provide Reb Shmuel with his Pesach needs.
Overwhelmed by the abundance of food and supplies delivered to his house, Reb Shmuel was delighted that he could now celebrate Passover with joy.
Relaxing comfortably on new pillows at the head of the table, Reb Shmuel felt like a king as he conducted the Seder. Calmly explaining each detail of the Haggadah, he enjoyed the wine, matza and the lavish feast with his family and guests.
But being unaccustomed to such rich and plentiful food, Reb Shmuel had an unpleasant reaction. The heavy wine prolonged his sleep, and he awoke from his afternoon nap late that evening.
Reb Shmuel observed the Afikoman midnight deadline also on the second night, so he was forced to rush through the Haggadah, with only a minimum of wine, matza and maror to barely fulfill the Mitzva.
Reb Shmuel was very disappointed by this austere 'no frills' Seder, especially after yesterday's high. It was a humbling experience, as compared to the beauty and splendor of the night before.
Some time later, Reb Shmuel visited his Rebbe. As soon as he crossed the threshold, the Chozeh said to him:
"Reb Shmuel, der zvaiter Seder gifelt mir besser vie dem ershter. Reb Shmuel, I liked your second seder better than your first one."
5) It's Warm Inside
"Cham Libi Bkirbi, Bahagigi Tivar Aish, Dibarti Bilshoni." = 'My heart is warm within me, I speak with a burning fire, saying it with my tongue.' (Tehillim 39,4) (Characteristic of Zaidy's fiery chasidic feelings, this verse was engraved on his gravestone).
The initials of the three parts of this verse spell "Chabad." Actually, 'Chabad' represents the intellectual pursuit of Torah Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge. But knowledge is not enough; it must touch the heart, and inspire our emotions.
6) Crooks
In the morning prayers we say: 'Derech Reshaim Yeaves' (Tehillim 146), 'G-d makes crooked the ways of the wicked.'
But isn't a crook already crooked? The answer is, that by taking something that is crooked, & making it crooked again, it turns out straight....
7) It's Not Exactly So
R. Yakov Yosef of Polonoye, the Besht's famous student, was an extremely serious, intense and very exacting person. He once became so upset, that he stopped corresponding with his friend R. Mendel Horodoker. (Some say with the Besht).
Once as R. Yakov Yosef travelled by coach, he saw a Jew trudging along the road, and invited him up to ride on the wagon. But instead of sitting down on the regular seat, the guest preferred to squat on a small box. In response to R. Yakov Yosef's amazement, the Jew replied: "We say 3 times a day:"Ashrei Haam, shekacha Lo: (Tehilim 145). Fortunate is the person who is happy with whatever he has."
R. Yaakov Yosef soon received a letter from R. Mendel: 'Since you stopped communicating with me, I had to send you my message through Eliyahu Hanovee.'
We should aspire to reach the level of Hen vlav shavin ezlo (Tanya), the equanimity to persevere, so that no matter how things works out, it is for the good.
8) As Is
G-d showed Moshe Rabenu the New Moon to establish the lunar calendar, and said: "Kozeh Reah vKadesh (Shemos 12:2)" 'Thus shall you see and sanctify.'
Zaidy's version: Don't expect life to always be perfect. We must often accept an 'As is' situation as perfect, and work hard to make the best of it.
9) Don't Rush
In the maariv prayer we say:'V'hoser mimenu yogon' - remove from us 'yuggen' (a Yiddish word meaning 'constant rush').
Similarly in Shema: 'v'avadetem meheyrah,' get rid of the constant 'rush.' 'Ays - Tzara hee L'Yakov' (Yirmya 30,7): The pressure of deadlines and time limitations can sometime cause tzuris.
10) Don't Run
The chasid Reb Shmuel Munkes once began preparing early for Chanukah, and went to buy oil for his Menorah. But while walking outside, he met chasidim who were traveling to the Alter Rebbe, so he joined them.
Returning home several weeks later, he remembered that he had originally left on his way to get oil. So he went to the store and bought the oil. But rushing up the steps to his home, Reb Shmuel fell and spilled the oil.
Unfazed, Reb Shmuel paraphrased the Talmudic statement: "Aylunis (Yiddish for 'rushing') aino molid." Haste makes waste, and is not productive.
11) On the Fast Track
A king made an offer to one of his subjects: "Run through this stretch of land, and I grant to you all the land that you will cover!"
The man ran and ran, gaining more and more land with every step. Totally exhausted, the man finally collapsed. Stretching out his arm over a few more inches, he exclaimed his dying words: "This, too, is mine!"
12) Thank G-d!
Seeing his whole house engulfed in flames, a Jew recited the blessing:"Shelo osanee goy!"
People did not understand, and thought that the tragedy had gone to his head, but he explained:
"Thank G-d I am Jewish. I lost only my worldly possessions in the fire, but did not also lose my G-d, as would a worshipper of wood and stone."
13) How much did you pay for it?
'Daya kanisa, ma chasarta': 'With knowledge, you lack nothing' (Talmud). Zaidy explained: You can tell how much wisdom you gained by 'ma chosarta!' By how much you 'paid' for it! Did you spend time and effort learning this? We achieve nothing worthwhile without struggle, for easy come, easy go!
Some people expect to become scholars overnight, and sleep that night, too!
14) Growth
Trees in a forest all grow straight and tall, while the branches of a city tree bend & twist, producing poor lumber. In the forest, the trees stand crowded together, so they limit each other's spread. But a lonely city tree grows unrestrained all over the place, because it has nothing to stop it.
A man is like a tree in the field. It is much better for a person to grow along with others, than to grow by himself, all alone.
15) Watch Your Watch
Many years ago, personal watches were a luxury, which not everyone could afford. Only the central tower in town had a clock.
Today, we have many watches, so everyone knows what time it is. But the problem is that we have too few 'alarm clocks,' to awaken us from our slumber.
Even a silver watch has Goldene Minuten, each minute is worth gold!
People say that "time is money." But the real standard of value is time, so we should say: Money is time" i.e.,the accumulation of money represents a lot of time.
Unfortunately, in America, people are measured by the foot, "this person is five foot something," rather than being appraised by their 'head' or their 'heart.'
16) Listen here!
'Lchu Banim, shimu lee - Go my sons, listen to me.' (Tehilim 34)
Isn't it proper to come closer to listen, like the Talmudic saying:'Ta Shma?'
But it is easy to listen and follow the rules when we are right near our teacher. The real challenge is to listen even when we go elsewhere.
17) Our Father, Our King
The Rosh Hashana prayer Avinu Malkenu. seems a strange combination. A father is usually kind and personal, while a king is strict and aloof.
A melamed once taught his own children. As a father, he was very lenient, but as a teacher, he was stern & demanding. When sitting with him at dinner, the children asked their father to speak to their 'teacher' to be easier on them.
18) The Haves and the Have-nots
"Al tivtechu bindivim, b'ven adom sheayn lo, -teshua" (Tehillim 146)
Don't rely on the rich; bven adom sheayn lo, the poor man who has nothing -Teshuah , he may, surprisingly, be the source of help.
19) Nobody's Home
The 'Karpas' used at the Seder spells out a message: K'lal Rishon, Peh Sasum.. =Rule Number one is: keep the mouth closed.
"Maza Naul" (Tractate Tamid Chap.1) In the Temple, a closed bathroom door indicated that it was occupied.
Moral: If a person keeps his mouth closed, talking only when necessary, it shows that there is someone inside. But if his mouth remains open and loose, it means that 'nobody's home.'
20) No Food Here
There are three types of 'Kol': At Kol Nidrei we don't eat for one day. When we say 'Kol Chamirah' before Pesach, we eat no bread for 8 days. And in a Kolchoz (Russian commune) they have nothing to eat all year.
21) Answering the Angels
On Simchas Torah, the Rashab pointed to Reb Shlomo der Geller, a big, tall man, who despite his personal troubles, was a lively and hearty Jew. Reb Shlomo 'lassoed' the kids together with his gartel and danced Hakafos with them. "Shlomo der Geller is the best response to the angels who opposed giving Torah to man."
22) Holding On
The Rebbe Rashab and the R'yatz saw a painting of the Exodus in Vienna that portrayed the children as (fearfully) clutching the garments of their elders. The R'yatz wondered, didn't Israel leave fearlessly with an outstretched arm?
The Rashab explained that this wasn't fear, but manners: A youth should know to hold on to someone older for guidance..must remember that he is still young..but strive to become older.
23) The Loose Screw
At an industrial exhibit, the Rashab saw a new machine that automatically processed a block of wood into a finished vessel. But by next year, the machine had caused a disasterous factory explosion, all due to a little loose screw that controlled it.
The Rebbe explained that the control button represents the basic attribute of Kabalos Ol, self control, without which, all the fancy machinery is worthless.
24) Listen up!
Vayishma Yisro, cohen Midian chosen Moshe: (Shmos 14) Yisro, the Midianite priest and Moshe's father in law, heard...
By just listening properly, even a pagan priest can be elevated high enough to become associated with Moshe Rabenu!
25) Fire!
A train watchman waved his lantern to and fro at a crossing. Nevertheless, the train crashed. The fire in the lantern was not kindled.
It is meaningless to superficially shake back and forth in davening without having any real 'fire' inside.
26) The Steamboat
People crowded at the riverside to watch the launching of a new steamboat. It proudly sounded its steam horn, blowing and whistling again and again.
It looked nice and impressive, but when it was time for the boat to go out to sea, it had no steam and could not budge. It had spent all its energy on publicity, and had no power left to operate.
By wasting all our energy on publicity, nothing is left for the real task.
27) L'chayim!!
The toasting of "L'chayim" brings two 'yidden' together, as spelled in the Hebrew word 'L'Chaim.' This unity also brings material blessing, as expressed in the remaining letters 'Lechem,' which means 'bread,' the staff of life.
A humorous reading of the last verse of Av Harachamim said before Musaf: Yidden baGoyim =When yidden are among the nations in Galus, molay geviyos =drinking just cupfuls, mochatz rosh, =they lose sobriety and break heads. But al eretz rabba, =when Moshiach returns us to our land, minachal baderech yishteh, =we can drink L'chayim like a stream, yet, yorim rosh, =keep our head up.
28) Dip of the Tongue
'Leshony et sofer mahir'. 'My tongue is like a scribe's pen.' (Tehillim 45:2)
A quill is dipped into the inkwell to draw ink, so it can express itself and write. So too, at a farbrengen, the tongue dips into a little l'chayim to draw inspiration and express itself better.
29) Swimming against the Current
'Az Ponim L'Gehinom' (Avoth 5):
This negative expression against Chutzpa, also has a positive side.
If you are strong and tough within, Az b'Pnim, you can survive even the fury of hell. But Boshes Pnim, a timid person can manage only when everything flows nice and smoothly, but not when problems arise.
A similar Halacha: A bird that had fallen from a height, and was then seen swimming downstream, is not Kosher, unless the bird is strong enough to swim against the flow.
30) Half Right is Wrong
A certain community asked the Zemach Zedek to send it a Rabbi. The Rebbe recommended a great scholar, but he people hesitated because the scholarly Rabbi seemed to be ignorant of worldly matters. The Rebbe, however, assured them that the rabbi could successfully apply Torah rulings to real life situations.
Before long, two merchants, with a major monetary dispute, brought their case to this new rabbi for adjudication. After hearing both sides, the rabbi ruled that this was a classic case of Modeh B'mikzas, where a defendant who makes a partial admission must swear to defend his position. The merchant readily agreed, saying that he was fully prepared to take the oath.
Another rabbi in his stead would have just followed procedure and administered the oath. But seeing the defendant's readiness to swear, the rabbi sensed that the merchant didn't fully appreciate the seriousness of the issue.
The rabbi took the merchant aside, opened a talmudic volume of Bava Mezia, and turned to page 3a, to show him the source of the Modeh Bmikzas law.
The Talmud analyzes the psychology of Modeh B'mikzas: Hai Bekula...Vhai Bekula...On one hand, this person would rather deny everything, yet on the other hand this person feels obligated to make at least a partial admission.
The Rabbi pointed to the unique phraseology: Although speaking about the same person, the Talmud quotes them as two separate personalities.
The Rabbi explained that man is composed of two identities; his evil inclination pulls him in one direction, while his good, spiritual inclination pulls him in the positive direction. The Evil inclination pushes a person to be kofer hakol, a heretic who denies everything. It is not just this specific money that is at stake, but his very integrity, his divine soul and the essence of his Judaism.
After hearing the rabbi's 'psychological' application of Torah law to the inner human psyche, the merchant admitted that he hadn't realized the severity of the issue, and conceded that he owed the money.
31) Force
In the Haggadah we say: 'Davar Achar, b'yod chazaka .'
A 'davar achar' An unsavory wild character tries to change things by force, rather than by gentle persuasion.
32) Bonfires
In the Holiday Musaf:'Vhasieynu' can be translated as a bonfire (as the bonfires announcing Rosh Chodesh 'masiyin masuos.' (Mishna R.H. 2)
The holidays are great sources of light, whose purpose is to illuminate the rest of the year, including the 'Blue Mondays.'
33) Finding Fault
Ychapsu Olos Tamnu, chefes Mechupas (Tehillim 64, 7).
Some people continually look for faults in others, rather than in themselves. It is like the bird that dirtied its tail. The bird sensed the bad smell, but instead of looking at herself, she blamed the smell on others. She kept leaving everyone else's company, while she herself was the source of the problem.
34) Being Nice
Some people just can't "afford" to do someone else a favor; as if just saying a kind word or making a nice gesture, costs them money.
It is a very special quality to be Someach besimchas Chavero: to truly rejoice with another person's Simcha as if it is our own.
35) Closed!
When Rabbi Gamliel wanted to admit only sincere students into his Yeshiva, he placed a watchman at the door (Brachos 27).
But how can a security guard judge the inner character of a student?
Zaidy explained that the guard did not let anybody at all enter, without exception. But the student who was truly sincere, and really wanted to learn, would let nothing stop him, and somehow found some way to get inside.
36) The Fool's Shul
Zaidy's native city of Slonim was predominantly non-chasidic. After a failed revolution, the Czar wanted better control of the minority groups, and sent officials to check on the religious communities and institutions.
The Slonim communal leadership guided the official around the established synagogues, but avoided the 'informal' kloiz with its idiosyncrasies; where one man could be absorbed in prayer after hours, while others ate and shmoozed.
When the officers noticed that they were being kept away from the kloiz, they became suspicious and demanded an explanation.
"In other cities," the Slonimer leadership explained, "the fools are dispersed all through the town, so that each shul has to deal with just one or two fools. But Slonim found a different solution. The fools have organized their own Fool's shul. It makes them happy to be together, and it makes us happy that we don't have to deal with them. But it isn't really a synagogue." The officer was impressed that fools could organize and maintain their own place.
37) It's Really, Really True
After the Shema, the chapter beginning vyatziv has 15 synonyms "True, and confirmed, and proper, and correct, and right, etc." Why all these synonyms?
Zaidy offered a parable: A wealthy man had engaged his daughter, but looked very sad. "Why aren't you happy?" asked his poor brother. The rich brother, a miser, lamented. "It is so difficult being rich. I can't make a cheap wedding, and the thought of wasting my money on strangers kills me."
The poor brother advised him: "Here's an idea. Make a grand impression, by letting the whole town know that you're cooking up a big wedding. Go into the Fish Store on Friday when it's full, stand at the end of the line, and yell to the storekeeper to prepare a lot of fancy salmon. Then proceed to the butcher, and loudly order the most expensive meat, and so on.
Then, as soon as the wedding ceremony is over, I will stage a scene. I will scream that we had a fire! The food is all gone! People will be sympathetic, and you will be able to serve the guests cheap herring and kichel, while your own family will feast privately on fancy foods!"
As planned, his brother ran in right after the ceremony, pale as a sheet. "Oy! Oy! A fire! There's been a terrible fire," he shouted. "All the food is ruined!"
But the rich brother sensed that his brother sounded too real. So he asked him, "mit an emes? " "Is it really true?" Yes, it's true,' his brother answered. "But c'mon, just between me and you," he asked, "is it really true?" "Yes, yes, true unfortunately, very true." 'But you know what I mean,' he asked."True??" "Absolutely," his brother kept on repeating, over and over again to convince him that this was not game, but there really was a fire.
We must confirm that we really, sincerely, and truly mean what we had just said in the Shma, that G-d is One. We must ask it of ourselves again, and again, to be totally convinced by affirming it once more, again and again...
38) It's Suppertime
A simple Jew had a designated seat in the Shul, his shtat, right next to two scholars, who regularly studied Talmud there together.
This simple Jew had great respect for their ability to study Talmud, which he could not. But before Yom Kippur, he overheard the scholars say to each other: 'Come, let's stop learning now, so we can daven maariv.'
The man was shocked. How dare they refer to Kol Nidray, the holiest time of the year, as just a plain maariv prayer!
A half year later, before Pesach, he again overheard them saying, 'Okay, lets stop now, and go eat supper.'
This really upset him. Supper!? On the Seder Night! Recalling their words on Yom Kippur, he confronted them.
"Look, I am but a simple Jew. But even I know that Kol Nidray is very holy, and that the Seder is very Special. How dare you disrespect such holy events?"
They explained it to him: "Our Kotsker Rebbe taught us to strive to a level, that even a simple Maariv should have the same fervor and intensity as Kol Nidray. He taught us that even a plain supper should be eaten with the same intent and concentration as at the Seder."
39) What Takes So Long?
A skeptic was curious as to why chasidim spend so much time in prayer, so he went to visit a chasidic shul to find out for himself.
An elderly chasid entered, and sat down on the bench. He sat. And sat. And sat. Meanwhile, the visitor opened a chumash, read the weekly portion, opened a Gemara, learned the daf, while the chasid just sat on the bench, and had not yet begun to pray.
The visitor moved over to the chasid to ask him what was taking so long.
The chasid explained: " I started this morning with saying Modeh Ani. I thought to myself: What am I saying? I thank G-d that I have lived to see another day. I cannot express something so important in haste. It takes time.
Then I thought about the next word: Anee -I. Who am I? Who am I to thank G-d? Am I on the level to speak to Him just like that? Heh! Here comes along a lowly Anee such as I, and wants to thank G-d. Hey, it's not so simple. Then I say "To YOU!" I speak not just to G-d as he relates to this lowly world, but to the very essence of G-d Himself. After all, G-d isn't my buddy. I must prepare myself to talk to Him. Now, all this takes time.."
Proportionately, the recommended amount of G-d fearing Yiras Shamayim , as compared to the amount of Torah study, is small. The Talmud (Shabbos 31) recommends a ratio of only 1 kav per Kur. But it is the actual mixing of the two together, to get the proper balance, that takes so much time.
40) Every Word Counts
When praying, we must pay attention to every word, for each and every word has its own special meaning and significance.
Q. "Where is that chasid up to in his davening?" A."He is up to the chapter Vayvorech Dovid." Q. "But be more specific: is he up to the word Veyvorech, or is he up to Dovid?"
41) Healing the Wounds
The morning Baruch Sheamar prayer states: 'Baruch Gozer Umekayem' Blessed is G-d who fulfills his decrees.'
Is G-d to be praised just for keeping His word?
Zaidy translated the word 'Gozer' as 'cut.' When we suffer a cut, G-d heals it and preserves us.
When saying these words in davening, Zaidy would look at his right hand, which he had once cut during his shechita work. He would also look at this hand during the Modim prayer, Al Nisecha Shebchal Yom, for all Your daily miracles."
42) The Staff of Life
In the High Holiday Unsenaech Tokef prayer: Bnafsho Yavi Lachmo. By his life man acquires bread," we give up a bit of life for every piece of bread."
43) Double Blessing
The Rebbe once gave Zaidy Kos Shel Bracha wine twice, saying: 'Reb Moshe, ir zogt duch yeden vurt (in davenen) tzvay mul." I am giving you a blessing twice, because you keep repeating the words in davenning twice."
Zaidy would always try to 'chap arain,' to 'catch' the reciting of yet another Kedusha, another Amen, another Amen Yehai Shmay rabba at different minyanim.
44) The Thinker
Coming to market, a peasant saw a scrawny little parrot being offered for sale for the exorbitant sum of 20 ruble.
The next day, the peasant brought his turkey, and listed it for 100 rubles! People ridiculed his price for a turkey, which usually sells for only 5 ruble. But he argued that the parrot has less meat and yet costs 20.
"How can you compare the two," people said, "that parrot can speak?"
"Ah," he answered, "but my turkey THINKS!"
45) The Musical Expert
Chasidim were singing heartfelt niggunim melodies among themselves. In came a boor, looked at them and demanded: "Why are you just sitting around,"Zungt a Nuggun."
The boor, who couldn't even pronounce 'zingt a niggun' right, didn't realize their beautiful singing! Had he paid attention, he would hear that that is exactly what they are doing!
46) It's a Natural
For a healthy person, breathing is natural. If you feel that you are breathing, you may be suffering from asthma.
Likewise, Yiddishkeit should be naturally integrated into our regular lifestyle. It's not a healthy sign if our Yiddishkeit becomes too accentuated and unnatural.
47) The Whole Person
'Judge all the man favorably. (Avos 1)
Note that the Mishna does not say 'all men,' but 'all the man.'
When judging someone for a specific act, we must take into account the "whole" person. He may have a problem, but also has other redeeming qualities.
When we judge a person kindly, it has a ripple effect on kol haadam, all of mankind. The world hangs in balance, and one good deed tips it all into favor, affecting kol haadam.
48) Mr. Shivisi
A man named Koppel, a chasid of the Besht, used to earn a living as the "honest weight & measures" of the local marketplace. Everyone trusted him, and paid him a kopek each time they weighed produce on his scales.
While waiting for customers, Koppel recited the Tehillim, especially repeating the verse:"Shivisi Hashem Lnegdi Tomid, G-d is always before me." (Tehillm 16,8), and so the peasants nicknamed him Koppel Shivisi.
Once, Koppel left to visit the Baal Shem Tov, so another man tried to replace him with a scale and a yardstick. But the peasants rejected him, saying:"If Shivisi is here, then we're in business; but without Shivisi there is nothing doing."
Moral of the story: If "G-d is always before us," then there is a "market" and activity. Otherwise, there is nothing doing.."
49) The Hard Part
A rabbi a Makil who renders a lenient decision is not a problem, unless he is personally a Kal. You can be a Machmir, but be careful not to become a Chamor.
50) The Shrouds
The town's Mr. Rich had expected to have the town's scholar as his son-in-law. But to his dismay, the eligible scholar married the daughter of a man less wealthy than he, and he felt very slighted.
One day a Nisraf, a bankrupt Jew who had lost his store, merchandise and his house in a fire, came for help to restart his business. The scholar wanted to help, but he had already lent all his money to others, and had already asked his father-in law for an advance.
The scholar swallowed his pride and approached Mr. Rich for a loan. The rich man was willing to lend him money, but only on one condition.
A Russian Orthodox priest had once defaulted on a loan to him, and left him his white hassock. In return for giving him money, Mr.Rich wanted to disgrace the scholar by ordering him to walk around town all day, dressed in these white garments...
The scholar agreed; at least he could now help the poor Jew. He walked through town dressed in the priest's garments, and caused his family great shame.
Years passed, and eventually, the priest's garments ended up as scrap cloth at the town's tailor. When the poor tailor died, the Chevra Kadisha found this white cloth, and used it as shrouds in which they buried him.
Several days later the tailor appeared to the Town Rabbi in a dream, telling him that the holy garment protects him against the worms, except for one spot where it's torn, and was replaced by a patch. He asked the Rabbi to open the grave and sew it properly. After several such dreams, the Rabbi obeyed the tailor's request.
Reb Michoel Dvorkin observed: So powerful is a mitzva, that it affected even the priest's clothes, benefitting even the tailor who didn't personally do the Mitzva!
51) Impressions
Chasidim were trying to persuade a skeptical scholar to visit their Rebbe. The skeptic rated people only by the books they published, so he asked: "How many books did your Rebbe bring to press?"
They replied, "Our Rebbe did not impress on paper, as much as he impressed people's hearts."
52) Who is a Tzadik?
The introduction to Pirkay Avos states: "All Jews are Tzadikim, L'olam." Compared to the local peasantry, a Jew is truly a Tzadik. (R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
53) Missing the Point
"Vshomu amoray ki noaymo, kmo folach uvokah baraetz.' (Tehillim 141:6-7)
If you enjoy a Torah 'word' merely as a nice folk saying, but do not take it to heart, it is like an ax that misses the wood it is supposed to chop, and strikes the earth instead. Enjoyable as it is, it has missed it's mark.
54) The Dog Show
Before the Yeshiva students left Otwock, Poland, the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yudel Eber used this parable to prepare them for the worldly temptations :
The travelling circus' main attraction was a trainer who presented a troop of dogs in army uniform, saluting and marching like soldiers. A poor man who couldn't afford the admission was upset at being locked out of the fun, and wanted to spoil it for everyone. He took a piece of meat, and waited for the climax of the dogs parading & saluting. At the grand finale, he threw the meat on stage.
All their many years of preparation and training were thrown to the wind, as the sophisticated 'soldiers' reverted back to being plain dogs.
Let us not let the worldly temptations reverse all our yeshiva training.
55) It's Cold
"Il fait froid," ( is how the French say: 'It's cold.'
We hear echoes of G-d's presence even in casual talk. In other languages, they say "It is cold," but in French, it states clearly: "He makes Cold."
56) Opening Up
The Haggadah says:Uposach Hashem al Hapesach. "G-d will Pass over the Door."
Usually, G-d wants us to open up and make the first move, as it says "Pischu li kechudo shel machat. Open up to me the size of a pinhead..." But on Pesach, G-d bypasses the initial opening which we must make, and opens up to us.
57) Follow Directions
The signs on the Thruway that keep telling us how many miles to Montreal were never actually in Montreal. Yet we follow their direction, because, whether they were personally there or not, for they speak the truth. Kabel es Hoemes mimi sheomro, we must readily accept the Truth from whoever says it.
58) Who is Smart?
The midrash says that King Solomon was wiser even than the fools.
It does, indeed, take a lot of wisdom on how to deal with a fool...
"If you will try to crush the fool among the oats in a grinder, you could not remove his foolishness from him." Because although he finds himself inside the grinder, the fool assumes that the crushing is intended only for the oats, rather than for him.
59) Be Honest!
A student asked his Rebbe for permission to return to his city, claiming he would be better off religiously if he stayed home. The Rebbe answered:Nichsof Nichsafta Lvais avicha, Lama Gonavta Es Elohai? (parsha Vayetze) '"You really want to return home for your personal enjoyment, so why use religion as an alibi?'
60) Dealing with Insult
In addition to not responding to an insult, it shouldn't even bother us inside.
Men iz nisht mer vi a mensh, un amol, a mensh oich nit. We must recognize that we are only human, and sometimes not even that.
61) Two Jokes
The Talmud relates that two comedians merited the World-to-Come.Tray badchi
dehavu badchi m'alma (Taanis).
They weren't only 2 comedians; it was also two comedies. They laughed at the
ways of the world, just as the world laughed at them.
62) IOU
A man reviewed his finances on his deathbed."Ich bin kainem gornisht shuldik,
Ich bin zich shuldik." I'm not obligated (don't owe) anything to anyone. I'm
only obligated to myself, for not fulfilling what I should have.
63) Names
Some Siddurim list numerous verses that correspond to (the first and last
letters of) people's names to be said at the end of the Shmone Esray, but
they have no listing for the names Fruma and Feiga. Zaidy found the pasuk in
Vaykira: "Posus Osa Pitim...Mincha Hee."
But Zaidy didn't know a pasuk for Kraina, and the Rebbe directed him to
Eicha 4: "Karavta bes ekroecha, amarta al tira." (It is also found in"Kadesh
Li Kol Bchor").
64) Holding Up the Train
Zaidy was once travelling with my father by train from Montreal to New York,
to celebrate Yud Shvat with the Rebbe. It was time for Mincha, so Zaidy went
to daven Mincha between the cars. The train stopped at Albany, where the
they had to change the train cars, but the car connection was right where
Zaidy was davening.
Despite all the commotion of the trainmen waiting to disconnect the car,
Zaidy davened at his regular pace, and they all had to wait until he
finished davening the Shmoneh Esray.
65) Albany
When coming to Albany for Pesach, Zaidy pronounced el-bnay at the end of the
Haggadah as "ALBANY!" May G-d help us build its Yiddishkeit. Zaidy would
also say he is going 'El bnee' "to my son."
66) Real Simcha
At family Simchas, Zaidy used to say:
"Men zol kenen Praven di Simcha mit Simcha." May we merit to celebrate the
Simcha with joy, without hassle and aggravation.
67) Stuck in the Mud
A group of veteran Baal Agola wagon drivers were shmoozing, when in walks a
young novice Baal Agola who had just joined the club. The elder, seasoned
Bal Agolas began to ridicule the young man's inexperience.
"Don't just sit there and laugh at me," said the young man."Test me. Ask me
questions and you'll see that I know my stuff!"
The eldest Baal Agola threw out the first question, "Tell me, young man.
What would you do if you're driving down the road with passengers and
packages, there's a sudden downpour, and you find yourself stuck in the
mud?"
"No problem, the young man he replied."I'd whip the horses hard and fast to
pull harder, and we'll be out in a jiffy."
"But what if you're so deep in mud, that whipping the horses doesn't help?"
"Then I'd unload the merchandise to lighten the wagon, and then whip the
horses to free the wheels."
"But what if that doesn't help either?"
"Then I'd go into the woods, hack off a branch, and use it as a lever under
the axle to lift the wagon."
"But what if that still doesn't help?"
The exasperated young man gave up and turned around the question:
"Tell me, O you wise men, what would you do in such a situation?"
"Hey," answered the elders, "we try not to fall in the mud in the first
place!"
68) Nothing But The Truth
A milkman once heard the rabbi preach about the importance of honesty, not
to water down products etc. Feeling guilty, he resolved to improve his ways,
and stopped adding water to the milk he delivered, as he would in the past.
But the customers were not accustomed to the taste of 100% milk. After
tasting the 'new' milk, they returned it, thinking it was spoiled.
Too much truth isn't always appreciated by everyone.
69) Yidden!
'Yid' is the Yiddish word for a Jew; it is also the tenth letter of the Alef
Beis.
When two 'Yidden,' i.e.two Jews, feel that they are both on an equal basis,
they spell out G-d's name, represented in the Siddur by two consecutive yuds.
But if one Jew considers himself to be superior and higher than the other,
it spells a colon, the symbol used after a sentence to signify 'the end.'
70) Nachas from Children
A tatteh is zufriden tzu heren as di kinder kumen adurch un leben tzuzamen
besholom. The Mitzva of Ahavas Yisroel isn't just for the sake of Israel.
G-d, as our Father, loves to see that His children get along well and live
together peacefully.