“Eight hundred words” is what I was asked to write for this edition. For most people it is easy to use that number of words while speaking, but when you have to put it down on paper, that’s another story. You would think that for a rov of a growing community, who is also a volunteer Hatzolah member, a director of a school, camp and businesses, and who is also in charge of fund-raising, it would be more than easy. Come on, he must have a lot to say. So here goes.
Unless something has changed by the time you read this article, it’s almost Tisha B’Av. We are all familiar with the reasons behind the mourning on this most tragic day in Jewish history, the question is, is there anyway for us to rectify our shortcomings?
Keep in mind, sometimes less is more. I will illustrate with the following story. About fifteen years ago, I returned to Eretz Yisroel for a visit. After studying there as a bachur and then living in Maalot Dafna after my wife and I got married, I gained an understanding of what Eretz Yisroel has to offer, and it always leaves me wanting more. I remember asking a dear friend, R’ Nachum Eisenstein, to get me in to Rav Elyashiv, zt”l for a bracha. R’ Nachum was one of his closest students, so he agreed. I had never been to R’ Elyashiv before and was very excited about the visit. Actually, it’s safe to say I was also very anxious and nervous. I had seen R’ Elyashiv many times while living in Eretz Yisroel, but had not had the opportunity to meet with him.
Before going in, I had told R’ Nachum all of the things we were doing in Philly, and how it was very important to receive a good bracha on behalf of our newest venture, a Russian Kollel. Of course, I put together an entire wish list of things my family and extended family needed, and was anticipating a reasonable amount of time to speak with the Gadol HaDor. As we walked through the small streets of Meah Shearim, memories of eating and davening in certain places came flooding back to me.
And then we were at R Elyashiv’s shul, the meeting was about to begin. Well, not so fast, first we had to daven Mincha. When Mincha was over, the line began to form. I was not the only one waiting to speak with the rov and ask for a bracha, there were others who had the same great idea. When it was my turn, I stood in front of the Gadol HaDor as R’ Nachum explained my wish list and the brachos I was looking for.
Then the moment arrived, R’ Elyashav looked straight at me and said “Bracha v’hatzlacha.” I waited for more, but there was no more. I turned to R’ Nachum with eyes of desperation hoping he understood what I meant. He turned and explained to the Gadol HaDor again. Within seconds R’ Eyashiv turned to me and said, “Did I not say Bracha v’hatzlacha, what more do you need?”
We walked away. It was over before it started.
It took me a little while to understand why R’ Elyashiv used so few words, but I believe now I do. This week’s parsha is called “Devorim,” which translates into “words.” Wow, how lucky can a guy get! Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Klal Yisroel of all the places they stopped at in the midbar and what happened in each location, including what they said to him. Why was it necessary for him to remind them of their words? The moment that stays with me the most from my visit with R’ Elyashiv is not the way he looked, but what he said. Words have power and they resonate with us. It wasn’t what Klal Yisroel did that was so bad, but what they said when they did it.
The way to prevent another Tisha B’Av is with our words. First thing Tisha B’Av morning, two words are forbidden to us, words we use every day: “Shalom Aleichem.” They are short, sweet, and to the point.
It’s a reminder that what we say is very often more important than what we do. Within each of us is the potential to make every day a better one with our words and grant ourselves and those around us a stronger tomorrow.
Have an easy fast.
Now there are only two words left, Good Shabbos.
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The CBS community is located in Northeast Philadelphia and includes families of Russian, American and Israeli descent. The community recently welcomed Rav Chaggai Preschel as its Rav and posek. There is an eiruv, affordable housing, many restaurants and supermarkets and many schools. The community is currently building its first mikvah.
State Capital: Harrisburg
State Motto: Virtue, liberty and independence
State Nickname: The Keystone State
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Bird: Ruffed Grouse
Baseball Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburg Pirates
Basketball Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Football Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburg Steelers
Hockey Teams: Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburg Penguins
First Shul: Congregation Mikveh Israel, established in Philadelphia in 1740