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PARSHAS SHOFTIM
Hurricane, Heroism and Tears
2 Elul 5771/September 1, 2011
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For most of us, last week's hurricane was no more than a terrible
nuisance interrupting our weekend routine and leaving a flood of water
in its wake. For our dear alumnus, David (Moshe Yosef) Reichenberg and
his family, the storm's devastating effects left a flood of tears and
grief.
Moshe Yosef studied at the Yeshiva over twenty years ago. I fondly
recall his early days at Ohr Somayach. He possessed a unique blend of
seriousness and humor, and always seemed to have a special spring in
his step and a smile on his face. His life was tragically cut short
last Sunday as he attempted to save the life of a young child who had
been electrocuted by a fallen power line. His final selfless act was
particularly representative of the way he lived his life.
Moshe Yosef was the quintessential family man. He and his dear wife
experienced a battery of both health and financial challenges with
their children that would have surely overwhelmed most of us. But his
faith and joy of life remained undimmed. These extraordinary qualities
were natural and spontaneous-and thus infectious. Many marveled at his
ability to maintain a positive frame of mind even when the chips were
down, and wondered what his secret was.
I recall that approximately a month ago, he joined us at a Thursday
night alumni get- together in my home. We were discussing the mitzvah
in this week's Torah portion, 'Tamim tihiye im Hashem elokecha'; you
shall be wholehearted with Hashem your G-d. I recall discussing with
our group the nature of this mitzvah. How can one be expected to
remain 'wholehearted' with Hashem in a world that is fraught with
tragedy and challenge? Isn't it natural to question Hashem's judgment
in the face of events that seem illogical to us-particularly when we
see the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper?
Sometimes Hashem besets us with such difficulty and challenge that it
seems as if He is clearly pushing us away, implying that we have
fallen short of serving Him properly. At times it can feel that our
entreaties for His help are falling on deaf ears, that an impenetrable
mask surrounds Him. How are we still expected to walk wholeheartedly
with Him with a perfect faith?
Rashi provides a fascinating insight into this elusive commandment. He
explains that the verse really needs to be split into two parts.
Hashem's instruction to us is to walk with Him at all times with pure,
simple faith. There will always be times in our lives of joy and
celebration during which we naturally feel close to Hashem and
appreciate his munificent blessings. There will also always be times
when He seems distanced and removed from us. Even then, we are
expected to believe with absolute faith that He is still walking at
our side and watching over us lovingly and carefully.
If we succeed at this, the verse assures us that we will become ' im
Hashem elokecho' one with Hashem our G-d, locked in what will be an
eternal embrace.
This level of wholesome faith demands that we do not assess
circumstances to determine how close Hashem is with us. We are not
supposed to approach life with our barometer at the ready, to gauge
how warm his affections are towards us. Simple pure wholehearted
obedience is what we are obliged to deliver.
Upon discussing this mitzvah, Moshe Yosef mentioned that, as
newlyweds, he and his wife were living in a rented home not far from
the Yeshiva when one frigid winter night, their house went up in
flames. They lost everything they owned, escaping just in time with
nothing but their nightwear. They spent the rest of the night in a
nearby home and in the morning, a compassionate neighbor came over
with some clothing. Still dazed, the couple donned the ill-fitting
attire.
Moshe Dovid told us that as he entered the neighborhood synagogue to
pray shacharis, he was overcome with such a sublime joy and gratitude
to Hashem for sparing their lives. He felt completely in Hashem's
arms. "It was a moment I will forever cherish", he said.
His story was a lofty illustration of 'tamim tihiye' -being whole with
Hashem in a pure-hearted way that cements a close relationship with
the Divine.
On rare occasions we meet people who possess a simple, unquestioning
faith, yet we have difficulty according them genuine appreciation for
this spiritual attainment. We question their blissful state by
thinking perhaps that they are somewhat unsophisticated and detached
from reality. We challenge their simplicity. Yet, deep down, we harbor
strains of jealousy. We wish that we too could attain a higher level
of temimus and wholesomeness in our relationship with Hashem. We wish
we could encounter the sometimes bewildering or tragic life
circumstances that beset us with questioning His justice.
Let us absorb the lesson of selflessness and simplicity that Moshe
Yosef exhibited, ensuring that his legacy of pure faith and goodness
is perpetuated.
We have set up a special fund to provide for the future needs of the
Reichenberg family and secure the costs of special education for their
autistic child. To donate now, please click here:
"https://www.reichenbergfund.org"
Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos,
Rabbi Naftali Reich
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Moshe Yosef Reichenberg Zt'l was only 50 when his life was tragically cut short as he attempted to save the life of a young child who had been struck by a fallen high voltage power line. The selfless instincts he exhibited were the embodiment of his life.
Although Moshe Yosef's life was beset with extreme financial and personal challenges, his infectious joy and emunah never wavered. He was a beacon of light to his neighbors and chaverim and a pillar of support to his wife and four children.
Now it is our turn to demonstrate our selflessness as we ensure that his dear wife should not have to suffer the pain of financial deprivation. The Hanhala of Ohr Somayach have established a special fund to provide for the future needs of the family and for the costs of special education for their autistic son. Please fill out the form below to donate.
Checks can also be sent by mail to:
The Ohr Somayach Reichenberg Fund
C/o Rabbi Yochonon Wosner
3 Manor Drive
Monsey, NY 10952.
All gifts are fully tax deductable.
Source: https://www.duvys.com/simple/reichenbergfund?
