A Challenging Calling
A few days before the end of the secular year, a Jew informed me that he was invited to a holiday celebration.
“Do you intend to go?” I asked.
“Of course not,” he replied. “And it is in the merit of the Rav.”
“In my merit?” I was perplexed. “How is that?” I did not remember ever discussing the matter with him.
He explained, “I once heard a recording of a speech of the Rav’s, titled The Sacrifice. The Rav expounded on the ability our nation inherited from our Avot to withstand challenges. With an invitation to their gentile celebration, I was faced with a difficulty. I declined the invite, and instead, had a study session with a prominent Rabbi at that time. Declining the invitation this year was much easier. If I did it once, I can do it again.”
- With the Rishon L’Tzion, HaGaon Rabbi Shlomo Amar, shlita
I kissed him on the head and proclaimed, “How fortunate are you in this world as well as in the Next.”
How far-reaching is the effect of one inspirational speech! How great are the powers in man to sacrifice of himself for the sake of his Creator! This is in the merit of our Avot and Imahot, who paved the path of sacrifice for the sake of Hashem.
When our holy forefathers withstood tribulations, they were the first ones and the only ones. They stood staunchly against the entire world. Let us learn from their deeds, which give us the power as well as the responsibility to emulate them, in spite of the difficulties involved.
