Worlds Apart
When I was a young man learning in Fublaines, France, I was beset by doubts regarding my future. I wasn’t sure whether I should continue my studies and spread Torah, as my fathers before me, or pursue a profession.
Another boy had similar questions. Eventually, we parted ways, each to his own calling. I went on to disseminate Torah, while my friend entered the business world.
- At the age of 11 ½, against the background of the yeshiva in Fublaines, France
Forty years went by. One day, I bumped into my old friend, who had aged considerably and become distant from Torah and mitzvot. He had severed all ties with Judaism. At first, he tried to avoid me. But in the end, we carried on a conversation.
Although we spoke sparingly, our eyes spoke volumes. I conveyed to him the following missive: “See where you stand and where I stand. I chose to crown Hashem as my King. I cling to the path of Torah and mitzvot and have reached where I am today, whereas you have chosen to coronate your Yetzer Hara upon yourself. See how low you have fallen!” This was my unspoken message.
But I did leave him with some food for thought, as I said to him, “It is always possible to turn over a new leaf.”
A Jew who wishes to crown Hashem as his King is proclaiming, “I am my Beloved’s.” Hashem comes to his aid, responding, as it were, “And my Beloved is mine.” In contrast, one who chooses the path of sin loses his connection with Hashem in this world and will face the consequences in the World to Come.
