“RABBI’S MUSINGS (&
AMUSINGS)”
Erev
Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bechukosai - Shabbas Chazak!
Pirkei Avos – Perek 4 ---
16 Iyar 5774/May 16, 2014 – 31st day of the Omer
This past Shabbos I had
the pleasure of participating in the Torah Umesorah Convention at the Split
Rock Resort in the Pocono Mountains. The convention is a weekend of chizuk,
spent in the company of 1800 of Judaism’s finest and bravest – a collection of the
great educators of our Torah institutions.
On Shabbos morning I
davened behind some of the greatest Torah leaders of our time. The ‘lineup’ of
those called up for aliyos was unparalleled, including Harav (Shalom) Reuven
ben Harav Moshe (Feinstein), Harav Shmuel ben Harav Yaakov (Kamenetsky), Harav
(Aryeh) Malkiel ben Harav (Yosef Chaim) Shneur Kotler. It was no less inspiring
to hear words of chizuk from Harav Aharon Feldman, Harav Avrohom Chaim Levine,
and the Novominsker Rebbe, among others.
One of the many arduous
tasks involved in hosting such a convention is arranging the seating for the
Shabbos meals. Dealing with 1800 personal requests can be quite intimidating. Most
of the convention attendees know Mrs. Fran Shulman, the one charged with the
aforementioned task. Mrs. Shulman and her husband are good friends of my
parents from their days living on the Lower East Side.
Having connections is
always advantageous, and this year – thanks to Mrs. Shulman – I landed a seat
at Mrs. Shulman’s table, which is also the table of Harav Reuven Feinstein
shlita and his Rebbitzin, who also know my family from the Lower East Side.
Aside for the pleasure
of sitting at the Rosh Yeshiva’s table, it was also fun to see the reaction of
those who came to wish the Rosh Yeshiva a good Shabbos and saw me sitting
there. I just replied with a smug nod. After all, what can I do if the Rosh
Yeshiva wants to sit at my table?
Many people struggle to
recite Pesukei D’zimrah each morning. They find it tedious and have a hard time
relating to what they are saying. Some purposely come late to davening so they
can recite the abridged b’dieved ‘latecomer’ version of Pesuki D’zimrah.
Part of the pleasure of
reciting those hallowed ‘Verses of Praise’ (literal translation of the words Pesukei
D’zimrah), aside for the actual beauty of the words themselves, is the
feeling of connection those words engender.
For example, we
declare, “You Hashem; do not withhold Your compassion from me…” It’s
mind-boggling to think that we are calling out to the Master of the World
directly!
Another example appears
just two verses later: “Give strength to G-d, on Yisroel His pride!” Some
people love to show off a picture of their “Pride and Joy”. We are Hashem’s
Pride! Is it heretical to say that if Hashem had a wallet with a picture in it,
the picture would be of us serving Him?!
The only way one can
experience the joy of reciting such words is by expending the effort to
understand and appreciate the words. The mere ability to sing out the praises
of Hashem directly each morning is an opportunity not to be missed. How
fortunate we are to have been seated around G-d’s table!
Shabbat Shalom &
Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani
Staum