The Real Deal
On the way to Toronto, for the sake of inspiring fellow Jews to increased Torah observance, I decided to spend the weekend in Deal, New Jersey. Although it seemed to make more sense that I should remain in Canada and participate in the simchah of a major Torah supporter, thereby benefitting our institution greatly, Hashem had other plans for me that Shabbat.
In Deal, I spoke before the congregation, strengthening their commitment to Torah and mitzvot. As I lectured, I noticed that although the Beit Hakeneset was a magnificent edifice, it lacked an Aron Hakodesh befitting this miniature Mikdash. When I asked the gabbaim about this, they informed me that there were plans for a grand Aron Hakodesh, but a considerable sum of funds was still lacking for it.
It suddenly dawned on me that this was the reason why Hashem had sent me to New Jersey. I immediately set to extolling the honor due to Torah, and what a great mitzvah it is to donate toward its beautiful abode.
- The Aron Hakodesh in the Beit Hakeneset in Deal, New Jersey
The congregants were taken aback that I was soliciting funds for their Beit Hakeneset instead of requesting donations for my own institutions. They were even more amazed to see that I was the first one to pledge toward this endeavor.
Within a mere few moments, the entire sum was collected, 150,000 dollars. The members of the congregation took part in erecting a most majestic Aron Hakodesh, befitting the holy Torah Scrolls.
