No Vacation from Public Responsibility
During Bein Hazmanim, a Sanzer Chassid once approached me. He told me that he had repeatedly tried to reach me, but had been unsuccessful. I explained that I had taken a few days of vacation and had been out of town.
The Chassid was astounded at my words. “Please forgive me, but I think it is forbidden for you to rest. You belong to the public. The generation needs you. How can you relax, knowing that people need your advice and guidance, as well as your blessings?”
Upon hearing his words, I wanted to give him a piece of my mind. How dare he talk to me like that? Who gave him the right to deem me public property? Don’t I first and foremost owe my time to my own family? Am I not also a human being, in need of a few days of rest from all the troubles of my fellow Jews?!
On second thought, I realized that he was right. Moshe Rabbeinu dedicated his life for the sake of Am Yisrael. He even separated from his wife in order to constantly be on call for the Shechinah. He sacrificed everything for the sake of his nation and his G-d.
Nowadays, one who is involved in the needs of the public is not required to divorce his wife, as Moshe, on his tremendous level of kedushah, did. But one who puts his neck to the yoke of the public must know that the public relies on him to be there for them. He cannot suddenly disappear, even for a short amount of time.
This man was absolutely right. He said I was obligated to inform the public where I could be found during vacation. I thanked him for enlightening me in this matter and promised to be available to the public at any given time.
