“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei/HaChodesh
Mevorchim Chodesh Nissan
24 Adar 5780/March 20, 2020
ONE AND A MILLION
Today,
we are all familiar with Rav Noach Weinberg and the incredible work he has done
in initiating and revolutionizing the kiruv movement. But when he first set out
with the dream of creating such a movement in the 1960s, he was met with fierce
resistance and skepticism. He himself related that in 1966, when he first
opened Aish HaTorah, people would point at him and say “there goes Noach the
crackpot! He thinks he can get non-religious people to want to adopt a Torah
lifestyle.”
Yet,
despite the challenges, he persevered, and today, his influence has changed the
lives of thousands of people. If we count the grandchildren of those impacted
by his efforts, the numbers probably surpass a million people.
Rav
Noach related that the great Torah leader, Rav Lazer Shach attended the b’ris
of his son, Yehuda. This was during the early years of Aish HaTorah. Rav Shach
looked around the room at the students of the yeshiva and couldn’t believe that
they were all ba’alei teshuva. It was clear that he was inspired.
Afterwards,
Rav Shach was asked to address the student body. He exclaimed that if one man
could murder six million Jews, than one man can save six million Jews.
Rav
Noach could very well have been speaking about himself. Countless individuals
and beautiful families have been connected to their heritage because of Rav
Noach’s indefatigable efforts.
There
are many lessons and reflections to be gleaned from the surreal events that
have taken hold the world over during the current Coronavirus pandemic. One of
those lessons is a reminder about the effect and influence of every single
individual.
As the disease
first began to spread, every time someone contracted it, it was immediately
publicized to all who might have come into contact with the individual during
the previous two weeks. Anyone who had any contact, even remotely, was asked to
immediately self-quarantine for two weeks.
There is
surely no justification or rationality to blame the victim, who is suffering
enough with the symptoms of the disease. To hold them responsible in any way is
utterly preposterous. However, the implication is mind-boggling. One person, a
sole individual, unwittingly instantly caused a profound effect on the lives of
hundreds, and perhaps thousands, just by being exposed to them for a few
moments.
What
does that mean for us?
Each
day, we interact with scores of people. Whether we realize it or not, we have
an effect, and leave an impression, upon each person we interact with. Most of
the time, we hardly realize the effect we had, but that doesn’t mitigate it at
all.
There is
a well-known phenomenon referred to as the Butterfly Effect. It is the notion
that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can set off a cascade of events,
that weeks later, can cause a tornado in Texas. It essentially asserts that one
small change can set off chain reactions that cause far more significant
changes; one small incident can have a lasting impact in the future.
On a
spiritual and social level, there is no doubt of the veracity of that theory.
We are far more powerful and effective than we give ourselves credit for.
As we
are compelled to step back from the bustle of life, to try to contain the
pernicious virus, we should realize that we are always emitting vibes that affect
others. May Hashem heal all those who are sick, and free us from the fear and
limitations that have become necessary. And when we are able to re-emerge into
society, may we all be a source of encouragement and positivity, so that anyone
who has come into contact with us in the last two weeks, has been positively
touched and warmly effected by the love and friendship that emanates and
resonates from us.
May we
recognize just how many lives we touch just by being who we are. We aren’t only
one in a million, but we are one that can affect a million.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Chodesh
Tov & Good Chodesh,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum