Forget The KING?
November 8, 2023
In the late sixties I studied in the famous Telz Yeshiva in Wickliffe, Ohio. At that time, the renowned Roshei Hayeshiva, Horav Mordechi Gifter z”l and Horav Boruch Sorotzkin z”l graced this Torah Academy with their leadership.
There was one particular lesson that I will never forget .
It was Elul and the Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Gifter gave a Shuir Daas. Everyone in the Yeshiva and Kollel was required to attend. The purpose was to prepare the entire student body for the Yomim Noroyim. How we were to view that awesome time and take advantage of those special days. To appreciate it’s significance through exemplary behavior and positive action.
Rav Gifter was a very dynamic speaker, who always captivated audiences with his profound messages.
The Beis Medresh was filled to capacity.The Rosh Hayeshiva began his lecture and throughout you could not hear a pin drop. Towards the end, the Rosh Hayeshiva posed the following question. Why is it, that during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva, the Ten days of Repentance between Rosh Hashona and Yom Kippur, if one forgot to add the additional special prayers recited during Shmonei Esrei, he is not required to go back to the beginning? If one however forgot to say HAMELECH Hakadosh, Holy KING and instead said Holy G-D, the Halocho requires that he start over from the beginning?
The Rosh Hayeshiva then remained silent, as he allowed everyone time to mull over the question and come up with an answer. Time stopped, as everyone waited with anticipation.
Then the Rosh Hayeshiva powerfully answered, with a heart wrenching question.
וואס היסט מען פארגעסט פון מלך
“How is it ever possible for a Jew to forget about his KING”? The Rosh Hayeshiva then returned to his seat without another word. His sharp, abrupt message was clear and to the point. There was nothing more to add. A Jew must ALWAYS remember, that he is ALWAYS
in the presence of the KING. Those powerful words left an everlasting impression on the heartstrings of all students. They seeped into everyone’s being and embedded themselves in the consciousness of all listeners.Truthfully speaking, how could a Jew ever forget about his KING, even momentarily? Isn’t it inconceivable, to be speaking to the KING and at the same time forgetting about Him? If by chance one did, he needs to retrace his steps and start over from the beginning. Its apparent he wasn’t speaking to the KING in the first place. Once again he must take stock and become cognizant of Hashem’s presence. If one forgot about his personal requests and needs during prayers, that’s not the end of the world. To forget about the KING, that’s a whole other story.
If only we were able to live our lives, constantly cognizant of Hashem’s presence, everywhere, all the time, no matter where we are. What an uplifting life we would lead.
No doubt the Rosh Hayeshiva lived his life that way. Bounded to his Creator, serving him happily and faithully with love and admiration daily. The KING was ever present in his conscience. May we only merit to serve Hashem that way.