For the Books
A student of ours in the yeshiva in Lyon began his career as a lowlife. Just like Reish Lakish of old before doing teshuvah, this man was involved in all sorts of crimes. He injured people and acted dishonorably.
I once met him and suggested he visit our yeshiva. He merely laughed at me and my strange ideas. What would he do in a yeshiva? he wondered aloud.
But I was not disturbed by his reaction. I kept on inviting him to the yeshiva in Lyon.
- The Beit Hamidrash in Lyon
Some time passed. One day, this man showed up at the yeshiva. When I noticed him standing in the entrance, I was quite surprised. He could easily have shrugged off my entreaties. But he utilized his free will and allowed himself to judge the matter objectively. He came to the conclusion that maybe I was right. Maybe the way of Torah is the true path, and he was living a life of falsehood. He decided to come and check out the place and for that, I admired him.
As soon as his eyes rested on the goings-on in the Beit Hamidrash, he was sold. He was fired up with a desire to be part of those who make this their second home.
Today, this man sits and studies Torah with fervor and diligence. From his tentative first steps, he has made great strides.
How great is the power of free choice! When a person acts upon his own free will, without any pressure or duress, he feels a sense of control. He alone is responsible for his deeds. He has the ability to recognize the truth and be drawn after it, transforming his life completely.
