The Cup of Victory
I was once visiting Argentina when the World Soccer Series was taking place. Many countries were vying for the Gold Cup. The tournament reached its peak as I arrived at the shores of South America. The tension was palpable in the air, as the entire world was riveted to their television screens, intent on discovering who would win.
A few Jews came to me and asked if I knew which team would win. “Tomorrow is Shabbat Kodesh,” I replied. “I am scheduled to deliver a shiur. Come to the lecture and I will let you know my opinion.”
The men looked at one another and smiled sheepishly. Finally, one gathered the boldness to say, “Honored Rav, we will not be able to attend the shiur tomorrow. The final and fateful game will take place just then. We will be tuned in to our TV sets at that time.”
I was shocked at their words. “But tomorrow is Shabbat! It is forbidden to watch television then!”
“Oh, the Rav does not need to worry at all. We turn on the set before Shabbat comes in, or we ask a gentile to turn it on for us,” they replied self-righteously. But I could not agree with their line of reasoning. “Even if you do not turn on the TV sets by yourself, it is a disgrace to the sanctity of the day to spend it gazing at the screen. Besides, there are halachic ramifications to asking a gentile to do labor on Shabbat.”
The challenge was great. These people could not forego the pleasure of watching the game. I finally told them, “You will overcome the temptation to watch the game. Come, instead, to the Torah shiur, and I will reveal to you the winners of the game.” Baruch Hashem, this suggestion found favor in their eyes.
The news spread wings. Suddenly, everyone found out that I would disclose the winners at my Torah shiur. Out of curiosity, many Jews and even gentiles attended the lecture, in order to hear the game results.
I began with divrei Torah, as I had initially intended. The audience was attentive and enjoyed my words. Even the gentiles later related to their friends how impressed they were with the truth of Torah.
After I finished my planned speech, I leaned forward over the lectern. “Do you want me to reveal the winner of today’s game?”
The resounding “Yes!” was heard for miles around.
“We are the winners! We have overcome the Yetzer Hara! We refused to desecrate the Shabbat by gazing at the television sets. Instead, we spent our time hearing divrei Torah! Victory is ours!”
After a moment, I added, “It is impossible to love soccer and Hashem at the same time. Baruch Hashem, you have withstood this difficult temptation and triumphed. How fortunate are you, Israel!”
