“RABBI’S MUSINGS (&
AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh
Parshas Acharei Mos
Pirkei Avos perek 1-
Mevorchim Chodesh Iyar
28 Nissan 5776 (13th
day of Omer)/ May 6, 2016
A few weeks ago a good friend invited me
and Chani to his home for a meeting he was hosting. He told me that it could be
very beneficial for me, and so we joined.
After the program was presented with
great excitement and encouragement, a woman addressed the assemblage to relate
her personal experience. I must admit that when it comes to these types of programs
I have a hard time following. There were however, some key phrases she used
that resonated with me; quips such as “It’s a no brainer” and “Have your money
do the work for you”.
Even though the program was not for us, I
realized that there was great wisdom to be gleaned from the idea of ‘having
your money work for you’, as I will now explain.
A number of years ago, after spending Pesach
in Lakewood , NJ
We accepted the invitation and were very
moved by the program. There was a packed Bais Medrash full of young men, some
with fathers and grandfathers, and many with chavrusos, learning with gusto for
the better part of an hour. That was followed by brief divrei chizuk (words of
encouragement) by a distinguished rabbinic personality, which was followed with
a daily grand raffle, with numerous exciting prizes raffled off every day. After
that first time, we almost always made it our business to be in Lakewood
This year, with the encouragement and
guidance of my rebbe, Rabbi Schabes, as well as all the local rabbonim of our
community and a few generous donors, we were able to initiate a similar
learning program here in New Hempstead. It was truly gratifying to see over 50
boys learning Torah on a Chol Hamoed morning with fathers and grandfathers.
More than one father expressed to me the same sentiment that I had conveyed to
Rabbi Oelbaum after the first time we attended his program a few years ago: “It
was so special! It really transformed our Chol Hamoed!”
I thought about what a great zechus the
program was, not only for our community but for Rabbi Oelbaum. The words that
woman had uttered regarding that financial program are surely true in regards
to spiritual matters: “It’s a no brainer!” “Have your mitzvah do the work for
you”…
What a wonderful idea! Just do something great and you never know who
will be inspired to follow your lead. And if they inspire someone else, who
knows what kind of merits it can generate for you and for so many others. It’s
truly a Greater Adventure!
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum