- This topic has 15 replies, 12 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 3 months ago by .
-
Posts
-
By Rabbi Yosef C. Golding
Executive Director
Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society (RCCS)
This Monday was a tough day.
I had so much on my mind for this coming week; due to the recession, RCCS is facing the largest monetary shortfall in recent memory. I had several applications for funding due this week, as well as several major meetings leading to upcoming fundraisers. Hence, the blank stare.
So I guiltily grunted my agreement and headed to shul.
So I buckled down to try and put some meaning into my davening. Since I began working at RCCS, I keep a list in my vest pocket of people in need of a refuah shleimoh whom I always try to be mispallel for during the bracha of refaeinu. I could never understand how anyone could say this bracha without inserting at least one person who they know in need of a refuah. I then stumbled over one of the longer names I had said consistently for years. I knew the choloh was very sick and I wondered how she was doing.
A text message immediately after Aleinu told me that I no longer had to be mispallel for her; the levayah would take place that afternoon. I wrapped up my tefilin and headed for the exit, realizing that my entire schedule for the day had been altered.
Oh wow! Amazing! Powerful lesson! Thanks for posting, editor!
Powerful and thoughtful writing, but I’m still scratching my head about the last sentence. Does that mean asking someone for help in getting a new tire is too mundane or run of the mill to talk about, with all the problems out there?
Helpful
I didn’t get it either. I hope someone can explain it
I think it brings us down to earth, when we think of all the tzoros people experience, life really does go on, mundane aspects (like needing new tires) and all.
Possible meanings:
4) Despite the lofty thoughts that had gone before, the mundane tasks of the real world bring one back down to Earth.
RCCS is a top notch Tzeddaka organization, and G-d helps good organizations, why are you having such a difficult time? do you stretch the truth when fund raising? did you embarrass someone that said no to you? are you not having hakaras hatov to someone you benefit from?
Look deep down and find something you need to improve on then good things will follow.
Throughout the article, the writer is appreciating the brochos he has in his life. The way I understood the last line was that he was appreciating another thing, that he doesn’t have a flat tire. Anyone agree?
icot-I think you got it.
I was supposed to make a very big move. There were many technical details that I was very worried about. (It was from one country to another.) I was worried about having beds to sleep on and furniture…..The day I was supposed to move ended up being the first day of shivah for me and my family. While I was sitting on a low stool for seven days the move seemed pretty unimportant. Suddenly most of my “problems” and worries seemed very trivial. When I did finally move it was with a very different attitude. I did not really mind that we had to sit on boxes instead of chairs etc.
I think the point of the author is that if you go through life with the proper perspective, we will realize that all the little tzaros are just minor things that don’t really matter and gam zeh yaavor.
Obviously, if your tire is busted you need a new one, but do you think it’s the worst tzara or do you fix it and go on?
ICOT, I liked your ideas, and your last one really was in concert with my own line of thought. But I think you were right in the idea that it really puts everything in perspective. Halevai it would ONLY be a flat tire…
Thank you all.
abx-
Your interpretation sounds good to me.
veyatziv-
oomis1105-
A short story I read in high school titled “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pockets” (no actual dead man is involved) is a very well-written example of someone who is given perspective of what’s really important. If anyone is interested, Google it – it’s available online.
As the author of this short piece, I enjoyed the give and take re the P’shat of the last line about the tire. All I can say is that ICOT, Veyatziv, and oomis1105 hit the nail on the head.
I received tremendous positive feedback on this and hope that it will have some impact on my Tefillos.
rabbigolding-
Thank you for a well-written and timely article.
ICOT-
Wish I had time to talk; gotta work:)
rabbigolding: yes thank you as ICOT said! was a great peice!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.