Hashgocho Stories

Naming My Daughter

Hashem has an interesting way of orchestrating events. When He gives us the opportunity to look back in time, we may find them quite amusing.

Some years passed before Hashem blessed my wife and I with our first child. One Erev Shabbos Kodesh, right before candle lighting, a beautiful, healthy, baby girl was born to us. The excitement and simcha our families experienced that Shabbos was indescribable.

At the time, I lived in Borough Park and davened in the Lakewood Minyin on 16th Avenue. Shabbos morning, I informed the Gabbi Rabbi Kushner about the Simcha and asked him to please give me an Aliyah. The פרשה being read that week was וילך in חומש דברים. Customarily, a person who is making a simcha, or is giving a newborn a name, is called up to the third or sixth Torah portion being read, שלישי or ששי. For some unknown reason, the Gabbi chose to call me up for חמישי, the fifth portion.

After the Aliyah, the מי שברך for naming a baby was recited by the Gabbi, at which time I named my daughter, אסתר גרינא.

Shortly thereafter, a gentleman approached me and asked,

“Do you realize the significance of the specific Aliya you were given? You named your daughter Esther and the Talmud asks, אסתר מין התורה מנין?

Where is Esther hinted to in the Torah and answers, שנאמר “ואנכי הסתר אסתיר פני”.

It happens to be, the Gabbi gave you the Aliyah where Esther’s name is alluded to”. Unbelievable. He didn’t even know beforehand, what name I was going to give.Think its a coincidence? No way. Truth be told, Hashem knew what name I was going to give. He inspired the Gabbi to specifically call me up for חמישי, in order to sync the name, with the Aliyah I received.

If that was not enough, after מוסף another gentleman approached me and said. “Its not by coincidence that you added a second name גרינא”. He went on to explain, that the Talmud in מסכת מגילה looks for the best way to describe Esther and says, “אסתר יראקרקות היתה” “Esther was a גרינא”, as translated into Yiddish. Since it was an uncommon name, we were unsure if to add it as a second name or not. At the end, it was added to perpetuate the memory of my aunt, who was murdered in the Holocust, during the Nazi invasion of Poland. By being introduced to this גמרה, it became clear, that adding this second name was ordained by Hashem. The two names given to my daughter that Shabbos, אסתר גרינא matched perfectly.

Those two gentleman who came over to wish Mazel Tov and share their knowledge, made all the difference. It now was clear that conception of this name and when it was given, came from a higher realm.

The story doesn’t end there. Twenty years later my oldest daughter wound up marrying the youngest son of Rabbi Kushner the Gabbi, who gave his future daughter in law her name twenty years earlier. Sometimes we say, Hashem has a sense of humor. Its true. What aliyah I received then, what name I gave my daughter, the Gabbi who gave the name, was all part of Hashem’s master plan. Many times we experience events but only understand them later on.

Looking back, we come to understand how all the peices of the puzzle fit perfectly. Simply said, Hashem runs His world perfectly, to the finest detail. Let us not for one moment think, that we are an insignificant detail in Hashem’s master plan. We may be a detail, but a very important one to Hashem.

Shoeshine Encounter

Was scheduled for an important meeting out of state. Woke up bright and early one morning, quickly davened with a Minyin, grabbed a bite and headed to the airport.

After check in, I noticed that my shoes were unpolished. Being presentable when meeting business people, especially those unfamiliar with our culture is important. As the saying goes, “a first impression is a lasting impression.” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shoe shine stand. Quickly approached it and asked the Hippie operating the stand for a shine. He got straight to work, eyeing me all the time. After he finished, I thanked him, stepped down, payed, tipped and started on my way. All of a sudden he stopped me and said, “Rabbi, may I ask you a question?” “Sure”, I replied.

“Tell me, why do some Jews dip their fingers into the wine plate Saturday night and put wine droplets on their eyes, behind their ears and in their pockets?” Was stunned to have such an odd question presented to me by a shoe shine man, who hardly looked Jewish, was dressed as a Hippie, long hair, beads and all. Obviously, I whispered to myself, there probably is a lot more to this story then meets the eye. Feeling that my answer might have important ramifications for the man in the future, I silently asked Hashem to please provide for me an answer, that would touch the heart of this seemingly lost Jewish soul.

I said to him, “the ceremony at which these acts are performed is called Havdolah, which means separation. It’s a solemn time, when Jews seperate from the holiness and tranquility of the Shabbos and get ready to enter the mundane weekday world. At that time, we are reminded to take along with us the sanctity and inspiration of the past Shabbos, to insure that it lasts throughout the upcoming week, till the following Shabbos arrives. As a reminder, we place some droplets of wine on our eyes, to remind us to only look where it’s proper to look and to refrain from looking where it is improper to look. We place some droplets of wine behind our ears, to remind us to only hear what is proper to hear and to refrain from hearing what is improper. We put some wine which symbolizes happiness and prosperity into our pockets, as a good omen, that all our business dealings be blessed the following week.

The Havdolah ceremony also reminds us, that we must live on a higher level then the other nations of the world and conduct all our dealings according to Torah Law. Not to heaven forbid desecrate God’s Holy Name, who’s banner we Jews carry. That we are different and have an obligation, when we are out of the sanctity of the Shabbos to maintain ourselves appropriately. Not to look like them, not to think like them, not to talk like them, not to hear like them, and not to see like them. To behave like a Jew and sanctify God’s name wherever we may find ourselves.”

Why I had to be there at that exact time and at that specific place, I will never know. No doubt, Hashem sent me there that morning, for him to hear this message. Perhaps he happened to remember something he saw in his past that intrigued and puzzled him. Now the question he had been carrying around, had an answer that may have been the fuel Hashem sent, to energize his Jewish spirit and send him on a search of his Jewish heritage.

In שיר השירים we read “קול דודי דופק.” Sometimes Hashem who is referred to as דודי, my beloved, comes knocking on the door of a Jewish heart, to wake up the sleeping spirit of his soul.

We never know why we are, where we are. Why certain people cross our path in life unexpectedly. Maybe Hashem sent us as a trigger, to inspire them to learn from us, by the example we portray and live. Therefore, it is important to be cognizant of our actions everywhere, all the time, for one can never know what example he is publicizing that may be scorned or emulated. May it be that we merit to be a positive influence in the life of all those we meet.

Hair Dryer Fire

Once a month we sanctify the new moon by reciting a blessing and special prayers. We praise Hashem as being One who is משגיח מן החלונות מציץ מן החרכים. He observes through the windows and peers through the cracks. These words took on a whole new meaning, after experiencing Hashem’s protection in a spectacular way. A potential disaster could have destroyed my families home, were it not for Hashem looking out for us. He prepared the salvation before the possible devastation. Without His intervention my wife and I would have lost everything we thought we owned. How grateful we are to Hashem, for always looking out for our best interest.

One day while in my Brooklyn office, I received an alarming call from my daughter in Lakewood. “Smoke alarms are beeping non stop in the house”. Asked her to please check for a possible cause. Shortly thereafter she called back saying, that she sensed a strange burning smell, but didn’t know from where it was coming. Told her to immediately call the fire department. The firemen arrived and checked the main two floors, but found nothing. Then they went down to the basement. As they opened the door they were overcome by smoke. After searching for a while, they found the cause of the fire and how it had shockingly extinguished itself. Hard to believe what happened. I didn’t either at first. It was Hashem’s way of saying, I am guarding over you and yours, even though you are not around, to do it yourself.

Someone had left a hairdryer on the sink counter, plugged into the outlet. Although the switch was off, it somehow ignited itself and started a fire. While the hairdryer burnt, it also ignited the laminate counter top, spreading the fire. (Unbeknown to us at the time, electricity can pulsate through a hair dryer, when left plugged into an outlet, even when switch is off). Resting on the counter at that time, was a plastic bottle containing liquid soap. As the fire increased, it slowly melted the plastic bottle, causing the liquid soap to ooze out and eventually extinguish the fire.

What the firemen found was a burnt counter and the charred remnants of what was once a hair dryer. Their services were not required. The Guardian of Israel, who neither sleeps nor slumbers took care of it. הני לא ינום ולא ישן שומר ישראל

Will never forget the miracle Hashem orchestrated that day and the protection He provided. Easy to imagine what would have happened, if the liquid soap bottle was put away and not left on the counter top. Could have lost everything in no time. Hashem literally sent the רפואה before the מכה. He arranged for the bottle to be left there, in order for it to extinguish the fire. We are taught, אם ה’ לא ישמר עיר, שוא שקד שומר. If Hashem doesn’t guard the city, the watchmen’s vigilance is in vain. My family experienced the true meaning of these words first hand. There was absolutely nothing in our power to avoid what happened. The fire did not start because of carelessness, nor did it extinguish itself because of vigilance. The whole episode, start to finish, was totally out of our control. Thanks to Hashem there was enough liquid in the plastic soap bottle, to ooze out all over the counter and extinguish the fire itself.

Now a large sign is permanently posted over the burnt counter top, that reads .ברוך, שעשה לי נס במקום הזה

Blessed are you Hashem, for performing a miracle for me at this place. It serves as a constant reminder, that we owe it all to Him.

How fragile our lives are. In one moment, everything we worked for and collected all our lives, could have been lost, were it not for Hashem’s endless protection. We therefore view everything we still have, as a new gift from Hashem, everyday. How humble and grateful we need to always be to you Hashem, for the kindness you bestowed upon our family, that frightful day. There are no words to adequately thank you. The recital and conveyance of this miracle, sings your praises.

Holy Sifrei Torah Room

The outbreak of Covid caused havoc all over the world. There was a total lockdown. Life as we knew it, changed overnight. Everyone and everything came to a standstill. The impact of our vulnerability was felt and realized by young and old, with no exceptions. Shuls and Botei Medroshim were closed down and children couldn’t go to Yeshiva. All travel stopped. The world had come to a standstill. Visiting Eretz Yisroel, became impossible. Hashem let the world know who is in charge. Few were spared from the invisible germ. Hashem showed, that status doesn’t matter.

Once the situation stabilized however, Jews began to flock to Eretz Yisroel once again. My wife and I were no exception.

Two years had passed, since the last time we had the opportunity to visit. It had been our custom to travel yearly for my parents Yortzeit and the Agudah Yarchei Kallah. That had stopped with the onset of Covid. Now that the opportunity presented itself once again to travel, we decided to go for Shvuous, with the intention of spending the entire Yom Tov in the old city of Yerusaliyim. There was much to be thankful for. For us, the Kosel was the best place, to express our gratitude to Hashem for sparing us and our family. Towards the end of our second day chutz Yom Tov, I went to the Kosel to study Torah, with the intention of staying there till after Marriv. The Kosel was packed that afternoon, as Jews from all over Eretz Yisroel, who were unable to travel the first day, were coming now to be Olei Regel. Since it was a hot day, I chose to learn in the inner sanctuary. There it would be cooler, less noisy and easier to study peacefully.

A short distance from the entrance to the left, is a library section where Jews study Torah. Adjacent to it, on the right side, is a special room where all the Sifrei Torah of the Kosel are safely kept. For some unknown reason I ventured into the library section. Upon turning to the right, I found myself facing a room lined with eight open Aronei Hakodesh. From a distance I noticed that they were all filled with Sifrei Torah. Approximately a dozen other Sifrei Torah were resting on a large table in the center of the room. The Sefer Torah Gabbi of the Kosel, just happened to be checking and organizing all the Sifrei Torah that were used throughout Yom Tov. Due to their volume of use, careful records were kept of every Sefer Torah and the Aron in which each Sefer was kept. Was mesmerized by the sight of so many Sifrei Torah in one place. So I approached the Gabbi and explained that I was a visitor from out of the country and would appreciate, if he would allow me to enter the room and browse around. Surprisingly he consented. On seeing all the various old and new Sifrei Torah from all over the world, with all their magnificent adornments, from all different segments of the Jewish nation, a deep spiritual yearning overcome me. What a special privilege Hashem just granted me, to be able to visit this Holy room. So I took the chance to ask the Gabbi, if he would also allow me to kiss the Sifrei Torah in every Aron Hakodesh. Surprisingly he said yes. I started at the right side of the room, working my way around, kissing each Sefer Torah in each Aron. There must have been a hundred or more Sifrei Torah in total. Finally at the end, overcome from the awesome spiritual experience I prayed to Hashem, for my family and the redemption of the Jewish People.

Those unforgettable fifteen minutes were one of the holiest moments in my life, etched in my memory forever. Just imagine for a moment, standing in a room, surrounded by over one hundred Sifrei Torah, brought to the Kosel from all the exiled Jewish communities in the Diaspora. Was thinking, where else in the world is there such a Holy room? The Kosel is the holiest place on earth, that the Jewish People cherish. Our tradition is, that the Shechina is always there and has never left. Such a Holy room in such a Holy place, has to be the Holy of Holy’s in our present exile.

What prompted me to be there at that specific time and to wander off to that chamber, I will never know. What I do know however is that, no spiritual effort goes unnoticed by Hashem. Perhaps because I specifically made the trip from America, with the intention of dedicating the entire Yom Tov to learning and davening at the Kosel, Hashem granted me this unique opportunity.

Next time you are at the Kosel, try to visit that Holy room. You may not be able to kiss every Sefer Torah inside each Aron, but you will hopefully be able to at least kiss each Holy Aron Hakodesh, loaded with the Jewish People’s most prized treasure.

Manna From Heaven

Trying to make ends meet, on a Rebbe’s salary in the late 1970’s, was not easy. Needed to seek some kind of supplementary income in the afternoon, to support my growing family.

One day I decided to visit the famous Hardware Show in Manhattan with another Rebbe, to see if there were any opportunities. Towards the end, we were attracted to the Bulb Miser exhibit. There we were introduced to a very intriguing product, invented by NASA. The technology consisted of a thermistor alloy, designed to protect the Satrun booster rocket from current surges. Scientists figured, they could protect an incandescent light bulb from failing prematurely the same way. By inserting a small round thermistor device between a light bulb and socket, current surges could be prevented from shocking the delicate filament inside the bulb, when turning the light on. The Bulb Miser could extend average bulb life by four times. Considering the cost of bulbs and labor to replace them, especially in commercial establishments, this product seemed to be a winner and easily marketable.

Every year NASA publishes a magazine called Spin Off. It features products, developed from the technology invented in the course of space exploration and how they trickle down to benefit the general public. The Bulb Miser was one such product. It captivated my attention and I saw a potential opportunity here. After some consultation, I risked a small investment and purchased a franchise from the patent holder. With time the investment paid off. In the course of marketing the Bulb Miser, other energy saving devices came to my attention.

I included them in my offer to commercial customers. Shortly thereafter, the compact fluorescent energy saving lamp made its debut. It’s projected savings, prompted commercial property owners to convert their incandescent light bulbs, into fluorescent. One of the great money savers of that time was converting exit signs, which burned round the clock. Reducing energy consumption by 75% in that application offered a quick payback on investment. So I also added an exit retrofit, to my energy savings package.

Soon a public utility found out about the product and shocked me with an unexpected order for 3,000 units. Considering the potential profitability, I figured out how to manufacture the product myself, instead of sourcing it elsewhere and reselling it. Purchased a machine and the raw materials required for fabrication, and packaging. Soon my family and I were manufacturing the product in the basement of our home. It was an opportunity sent from Hashem, not to be passed up. Managed to ship the product timely and Boruch Hashem got paid in full shortly thereafter. It was Yom Tov, to say the least. The profit was equal to two years of my Rebbe salary at that time. Salvation sent straight from Hashem to my family.

Two years passed and then one day I received a shocking phone call from the public utility. They were requesting permission to return 2,700 units and to get a full refund. I told them that it was impossible to authorize such a return, two years after the original ship date, plus the technology had already advanced and changed.

I was puzzled however, how it was possible for the utility to order 3,000 retrofits in the first place and now two years later, want to return 2,700. It just didn’t make any sense.

Asked the question and the answer I received was quite shocking. The utility staff was doing inventory and found 2,700 extra exit retrofits on their shelf. They couldn’t understand why. After some investigation they discovered, that the original purchase order was only supposed to be for 300 units. The secretary that typed the purchase order, by mistake added a 0 to the 300 which became 3,000. Now they found an extra 2,700 retrofits, which they didn’t need and were never supposed to be ordered in the first place. Their answer startled me.

I began to wonder what actually took place here. Hashem literally sent an Angel, to slightly flick the pinky of the secretary, as she was typing the purchase order, resulting in an additional zero. To top it off she didn’t notice it, nor did her supervisor. Had she checked her work prior to releasing the order, she would have caught it. Hashem has many messengers to provide Jews with Parnosah.

When we say that a person’s livelihood is decided by Hashem every Rosh Hashona, it’s 100% true, to the last dollar.

I did nothing for this. Hashem made it happen, start to finish. From the profit of that large order, received by mistake, I was able to develop the business further.

Looking back now, 40 years later, I have found, that no other company besides mine, that originally bought a franchise exists today, including the patent holder franchiser. It amazes me, when I think about the original marketing slogan the franchisers used to promote the product. “We went to the moon to bring you Bulb Miser”.

Truthfully speaking, one of the reasons they went to the moon was, so that a poor Rabbi should be able to provide for his family. Hashem provided, despite lacking a college education or business experience. Only through pure Seyate Dishmaye.

Went to Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky zt”l to consult. He told me, “not always does Hashem send people many great opportunities in their lifetime. Sometimes he may only send one great opportunity. If you don’t take advantage of it and miss it, you may never have such an opportunity again”. He encouraged me to try and take the business to the next level and blessed me to continue educating and spreading Torah the rest of my life. Was able to support my family from this single opportunity for forty years. When Hashem sees honest effort and trust in Him, He takes over and makes it all happen. No words are adequate to Thank You Hashem.

WITH OUR WHOLE נשמה

If Hashem didn’t lead me to that specific place at that specific time, I would have missed out on everlasting inspiration.

Had the opportunity one morning to daven Shacris at the great Bobov Chasidic Center in Boro Park. It is a popular place, where people gather three times a day to daven. They have Minyonim for Shacris, Minche and Maariv round the clock. You can always be on time for davening in Bobov. Whenever you arrive there is a new Minyan ready to start.

One morning, after finishing my morning prayers, I happened to pass by the main synagogue, when I noticed a special Tish taking place. The Bobover Rebbe was speaking to a large crowd of his Chassidim. Just then he happened to be speaking about the prayer כל הנשמה תהלל י-ה הללוי-ה, which we recite every morning. His talk caught my attention when he said, “dont think that the words only mean, every Neshoma should praise Hashem. There is a deeper message to keep in mind when reciting those words. כל הנשמה, with our entire נשמה, with our whole being, we are required to praise Hashem. We must give it our ALL throughout davening”. What is interesting he bemoaned, “that even while we are saying the words כל הנשמה, our entire Neshoma is not consciously there with us. At least when we announciate these words, our entire concentration should be there”. What the Rebbe was trying to point out was, how much effort one is required to put in, to be conscious of Hashem Presence while davening. That we need to be focused and praise Hashem with ALL our ability. We must make sure our minds are not elsewhere. Our prayers must be wholesome and complete, with our fullest concentration, with complete heart, mind and soul present.

Never have I forgotten those words, I happened to luckily hear on my way out. Daily they ring in my ears, especially when saying כל הנשמה. Prayer is not just about mumbling words and getting done. Most important is to be fully cognizant before whom we stand in prayer and to put our entire heart and soul into understanding the words we are conveying. To cherish the opportunity we have been given, to speak to Hashem directly without any median. Connecting ourselves to our Creator, our life giver and supporter. Our words need to affect us and awaken within us a closer relationship, through our understanding of the significance of the words we utter. We must know what we are talking about when speaking to the king. Speaking to the king and not knowing what we are talking about while speaking to him, is a lost opportunity. Could have had meaningful communication with our creator.

To receive Hashem’s full blessings, we must ask properly. With ALL our heart and soul, with ALL our feeling. With an understanding that our lives totally depend on Hashem’s graciousness.

All blessing Emanates from Him alone

Rav Michels Levaye

Had an unforgettable, special Rebbi in Yeshiva Ketane Ohel Yaakov, who left an everlasting impression upon me. He was a survivor who had been through the trauma of the Holocaust, yet remained upbeat. Besides teaching us Torah ,he would sing with us heart warming songs and tell us stories that captivated our being. His smile, care, respect and understanding for every talmid was extraordinary. He earned a special place in my heart and probably in the hearts of all those who knew him. Whenever we met, we would greet each other warmly and happily. This went on throughout my teenage years and even after I got married. When there was a simcha in my family, I would try to invite him. When I became a Rebbi myself in later years, it was his performance as a Rebbi, I tried to emulate in the classroom. After moving away from Brooklyn, we lost some contact. Occasionally I would drive in to attend to matters. On one such trip, while driving down 17th Avenue, I ran into a traffic jam. As my car slowly moved along, I noticed throngs of people gathered together on all sides of the street. Something was obviously going on. I rolled down my window to ask someone what was happening The answer shocked me. The funeral of my beloved pastime Rebbi, Rav Michel Hakohen Schwartz, was taking place. I could barely catch my breath. Hashem just sent me here today, to this specific place, at this specific time, to be able to give my Rebbi his last deserved honor. The very man who impacted my life so much as a young boy. I immediately parked my car and hurried over to participate and carry the Oron down the street.

I was thinking to myself, had I arrived an hour later or an hour earlier I would have missed the Levaye completely.

I often wonder why I had the merit to be there just then. The conclusion I came to was, that when someone tries to stay close to his Rebbi, Hashem says, you want to be close, I will arrange the events to make that possible, till the very end. I was given the chance to say goodbye and farewell to a person who meant so much to me. My Rebbi earned his students respect with his forever adoring smile.

Hashem keeps a watchful eye on how we conduct ourselves throughout our lifetime. At the appropriate time He repays us in kind. He repayed me by arranging for me to be there on that day and repayed my Rebbi by having me there.

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Many years ago my Aunt Esther Friedman became a widow. A few years later she happened to meet a wonderful elderly gentleman, Chazan Yitzchok Friedman. Interestingly he had the same last name as her first husband. He was a gem of a man, always radiating simcha. Although they both suffered through the Holocaust years, they kept strong and never forgot their heritage.

Everyday for the past 50 years he has recited the entire Tehillim. Unbelievable and very special indeed.

Believe it or not these two elderly people decided to get married, against both their families advice. It was a very shocking shidduch. He in his mid eighties and she in her mid seventies. Despite their advanced age, the couple felt they were made for each other and wanted to spend the rest of their years together. They could not be discouraged.

I remember being honored with a Brocho under their Chuppah. It was an interesting wedding to say the least.

Now it is almost fifteen years later and they are still happily married. Who would have ever thought. He is almost 100 years old and she is almost 90 years old, both going strong, living together at home. It is a true inspiration to watch them interact and take care of each other, with the greatest respect. From where do people get such courage and inner strength to keep on going without reservation? No doubt they have a tremendous Simchas Hachaim with loads of Emunah and Bitochon. They are unstoppable and live it daily. What an example and legacy they are leaving to be emulated.

When we are connected to Hashem, the unimaginable, the impossible happens. Who ever dreamt they would survive and live together so long. No doubt Hashem saw how much they valued life and appreciated everyday. They didn’t take anything for granted. They cherished time and with that brought Simcha to their families. Never did they loose sight of how precious each day was that Hashem was giving them. They were rewarded with healthy long years. May we merit the same, to serve Hashem with appreciation and most important, Simcha.

Orchestrating Our Lives

Hashem is always orchestrating our lives. Not always do we merit to notice it right away, let alone feel it. When we do, it’s a special moment. If only we would take some time out, to contemplate and review our comings and goings and what happens to us throughout our day, everyday. Surely we would have a greater appreciation for the role Hashem plays in our lives constantly.

So here I am in the airport with my wife, waiting to fly back to the USA. Usually we reserve two window seats, one behind the other. This trip however, we were seperated due to unforeseen circumstances. My wife was assigned a window seat on one side of the plane and I, an aisle seat on the other side of the plane.

As we were ready to board, the woman standing in front of me called out to her friend, “I wish I didn’t have to sit by the window. I always have an aisle seat”. I was taken aback by her sudden announcement and quickly turned to her and said, “I would be happy to change seats with you. You have the seat I want and I have the seat you want”. After we both agreed to make the switch and exchanged seat numbers, we were in for another surprise. Our original assigned seats were next to each other. Her window seat was 46L and my aisle seat was 46F. We were separated by only two seats.

Now what are the chances of something like this happening? Two people out of four hundred boarding a plane, exactly the same time, each one needing the others seat, which happened to be in the same row. I could have been a minute behind her or a minute in front of her and would never have heard her announcement. The timing was perfect. Hashem sent exactly what we both wanted, exactly when we needed it. What a humbling experience, to actually feel and witness Hashem’s intervention. He knew what we needed and took care of it all, for us. Literally putting our desired seats at our disposal, in the knick of time.

Only one thing I could do after that. Thank Hashem for holding my hand and for letting me know in real time, that He was holding my hand, looking out for my benefit. Thank you, thank you, thank you, is all I could think of. Appreciating that Hashem let me know, that I am not alone in this world and that He is beside me all the time, looking out for my best interest.

Burial On Har Hazeysim

It has been my custom, to travel to Eretz Yisroel every year, to honor the memories of my parents, at their resting places on Har Hazeysim, for Tefillos and Kaddish.

It happened one year that the Chevre Kaddishe were not available as usual, due to unexpected funerals, occupying most of their day. Since they knew I traveled from the USA, specially for this occassion, they went out of their way to try and accommodate me. I would have to meet them at the Shamgar Funeral Chapel in Geula. Go up with them to Har Hazeysim late in the afternoon for their last burial, to be followed by a visit to my parents kevorim. So it happened, I met them at Shamgar together with a nephew. Upon our arrival they told us to get into their van. So we sat down opposite each other on the benches running alongside the van and waited. All of a sudden they arrived with a stretcher and without notice, pushed the nifter right in between the two rows where we were sitting. The Yerusalmie Chevre Kaddishe members then piled in alongside of us. This was surely not what we Americans were used to or prepared for. During the drive up to Har Hazeysim the members discussed how special the elderly nifter from Russia was.They said he had been confined to a labor camp and miraculously survived, although he was forced to work seven days a week. That one Shabbos he decided, come what may, he would not allow anyone to force him to desecrate the Shabbos. To insure he would follow through on his commitment, he intentionally poured hot water over his hands. With this Meseras Nefesh he disqualified himself from working. My nephew and I were beyond ourselves upon listening to this story. It sent chills up our spines. Hashem had put us in this place, at this specific time, in order for us to hear the story about this great humble Jew. He actually fullfilled the commandment of serving Hashem בכל נפשך, with his entire being, in the fullest sense of the word, sacrificing his health and welfare for Hashem. What a privilege it was for us to have had the opportunity to partake in his burial and to be part of the minyin that gave him his last deserved honored rights. Truthfully speaking, this hidden great should have had thousands of people at his funeral. Sometimes Hashem’s beloved are out of sight and mind. It is this type of sacrifice that has sustained the Jewish People throughout the generations.

Weeks later, after returning to the states, my wife and I dined at a Flatbush restaurant one evening. There by chance we

met Rabbi Zecharye Wallerstein and shared this experience with him. He was very moved by that Russian Jews מסירת נפש to keep Shabbos and went on to share a similar story, that he personally experienced.

He was asked to attend the funeral of a מת מצוה, an elderly Russian Jew who had passed away, without leaving family behind, besides his wife. Just a little more then a minyin showed up to his funeral. Looking around the crowd it became clear that there was no one to eulogize the departed man. No children in sight. Seeing this, the wife stood up and said, “I wish to eulogize my husband myself”. She started out, by relating the following story. “Shortly after our marriage in Russia we were separated due to communist turmoil and persecution. When we were finally reunited, we were impoverished. There was no means of purification and nowhere to go”. She then raised her voice and tearfully said, “I can testify on this man that lies here before us, that he never put a finger on me all the years we lived together. Only after we were liberated, were we able to resume normal family life. At that point however it was too late to have children”. Hard enough to imagine, let alone believe, that is what he shared, and actully witnessed. There was no way to ever know about this righteous Jew. It was a secret, that only his righteous wife knew, now revealed by her for the first time.

How fortunate are we to belong to such a great exalted nation, that contains such hidden Tzadikim. Their great sacrifices, purely for Hashem’s sake, no doubt create great merits for our nation, that helps us survive.

After looking back and reviewing the sequence of events, it all makes sense. First, winding up in a Chevre Kaddishe van, under very uncomfortable circumstances.Then to merit hearing first hand the unbelievable story of the intentional hand burning sacrifice and to unexpectedly take part in this great Jew’s funeral. Then to hear another incredible story about the funeral of another holy Russian Jew. It can be said, that the

days hardships were all worth it, just to be able to experience and later share their encouraging unknown stories. May we find the added strength, to also serve Hashem uncompromisingly, even when it isn’t so convenient and in trying circumstances.

Was thinking, if they could pass their tests with flying colors and do the things they did, then what excuse do we have, not to do Hashem’s will with all our might and conviction, even when it’s hard and perhaps unpleasant.

May we all merit to really serve Hashem with all our hearts and soul.

The Chair Lift

In the late 1950’s I traveled through the Canadian Rocky Mountains with my parents and siblings. Still remember the snow capped mountains and magnificent beauty Hashem created. My father was traveling through populated Jewish cities in Canada, stopping to deliver inspiring speeches to benefit Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim. During these travels he took time off to spend with the family. One day we went to a chairlift, that would cross between two magnificent mountain tips, passing over beautiful valleys and streams. Each open chairlift was attached to an overhead in motion pulley with one long steel bar, that seated two passengers.The plan was for my father and I to take the first chair lift and my mother and sisters to follow in the next. On the launching platform we waited for our turn. We were advised, that when the next chairlift passed by, we should quickly take our seats and that an attendant would manually lock a hand rail bar around us for security. My father and I took off without a hitch but unfortunately the attendant missed locking the bar in place around my mother and sisters. Imagine being suspended in an open chairlift thousands of feet above the ground, unsecured. With one hand my mother held on to my baby sister and with her other hand she held on to my sister sitting beside her. You can just imagine the fear that gripped my father when he turned around and became aware of the dangerous situation my mother was in, helpless to do anything. Needless to say my mother was panic stricken.That they didn’t fall off the chairlift while in motion was nothing less than a miracle. It could only have been an Angel of Hashem that protected them. Since the chairlift company took pictures, the scene was photographed. After everyone’s safe arrival, my father bought the picture, in order to remember the miracle Hashem granted his family.

During our lifetime we all go through challenges and close calls. Its just part of life’s journey. At those times we need to remember Dovid Hamelech’s words, “לא אירא רע כי אתה עמדי” “I do not fear, for you are with me”. It is important to know, that Hashem has provided every Jew with a security detail of four angels, that are always guarding him. My mother was an Auswitz survivor, who had experienced and dealth with some of the most horrific trials and tribulations one can imagine. She was a confident courageous woman, prepared for every eventuality. No doubt Hashem orchestrated this challenge and test. Surely He wanted to hear my fathers and mothers prayers during those terrifying moments, when there was nothing to rely on but Him. Sometimes that is the reason why Hashem puts us through difficult challenges. In order to elevate and bring us closer to Him. To make us understand, that everything that happens in life is a result of His orchestration, thereby strengthening our trust and faith in Him. Sometimes he puts us in a situation where we must totally surrender to Him. It is during those trying moments that our hearts truly open up and our pure heartfelt prayers pierce the heavens. It allows us to connect to Hashem in ways unimaginable before. Never is a Jew to despair. “הטוב”, Hashem the essence of good, always has something in mind, to help create a better us for the future.

Golfing in Georgia

Being a Rebbi and supporting a family in the early 1980s was not easy. Many colleagues, myself included, needed to supplement our incomes after classes to survive. Being paid little and late, didn’t allow for peaceful survival. My colleague and I decided one day after teaching, to travel to New York City and explore supplemental income possibilities at a Hardware Trade Show. It was our good fortune, to discover a new product invented by NASA, that we felt was worth pursuing. I alone decided to purchase a franchise and went about marketing the product, which ultimately helped make ends meet. Years went by and through Hashem’s benevolence the business developed and expanded.

One day I had the good fortune of being introduced to some successful business people, by my representatives in Atlanta, Georgia.They were interested in meeting up, but only on the golf course. This no doubt presented a real challenge, since I was totally unfamiliar with the sport. Never was on a golf course, let alone knowing how to properly hold and swing a golf club. But as the saying goes, what doesn’t one do, to provide for their family? So I consented meeting the buyers on their terms. Quickly learned about the sport, borrowed some golf clubs and learned how to swing. I was now set to go. The day before the meeting I flew out to Atlanta. To my good fortune the suitcase arrived but the golf clubs did not. Really not wanting to golf, I took advantage of the situation and told my representatives who were there to pick me up, that without my own golf clubs it would be difficult to golf properly. They assured me they would locate the golf clubs in time for tomorrows outing and whisked me off to the hotel I had arranged close to the orthodox Jewish community. Really was very apprehensive all along discussing business in that environment. Out of respect to the reps however I had no choice but to comply with their wishes. They found the golf clubs and happily brought them to the hotel, looking forward to the following days important meeting. In the evening I sincerely davened to Hashem to somehow make it possible for me to do the business without having to golf with the businessmen. Imagine the anxiety of never having golfed before and having to pretend. Believe it or not, the next morning brought relief. My prayers were answered. Overnight the weather had taken a turn for the worse and a storm broke out and soaked the entire golf course. Understandably it was impossible to golf under those wet muddy conditions. When the reps came to pick me up the following morning, they couldn’t stop excusing themselves about how sorry they were, that the golfing wouldn’t work out after all the preparations that were made.They were sorry on the outside and I was relieved, happy and grateful to Hashem on the inside. We had the meeting in business attire in a regular office setting and Boruch Hashem the outcome was successful.

The lesson is clear, Hashem is in charge and in full control of our sustenance and destiny. “man plans and God laughs”. Hashem decided on Rosh Hashana what the sustenance would be for that year and just rolled out his plan according to his will. He truly saw how disinterested I was in transacting business on the golf course and made sure to spare me the experience. The Talmud teaches us that according to the way man wants to go, so is he led. I wanted to go to Atlanta, but not to the golf course and Hashem orchestrated it just that way. Hashem is always looking out for our best interest.

The Forgotten Raincoat

It was a rainy Shabbos. My raincoat accompanied me to and from shul throughout the day. Motzei Shabbos I left shul after Maariv and headed to the parking lot. Upon entering the car I remembered that I forgot to take my raincoat. Was perturbed at the moment, but decided not to go back to retrieve it from the coatroom. The following morning I attended a Shuir in shul. After the Shuir, upon existing the building I was greeted by a heavy downpour and unable to get to my car. My dilemma was soon solved. I remembered the rain coat forgotten the night before. You can imagine the relief. Now I appreciated the fact that the raincoat was forgotten the previous night.

Nothing is by chance. Should I get soaked for attending a shuir? Hashem orchestrated everything the night before, in order for me to have a raincoat the following morning. We never know while things are happening why they are happening. Sooner or later, if we remain patient, we find out. All that transpires is Hashem’s blessing in disguise. Whatever happens, significant or insignificant, is to be looked upon that its for the best. כל דעבד רחמנא לטב עבד

Torn Retina

There are times in our lives that only after an experience or difficult challenge, do we realize Hashem’s Divine Providence, mercy and guidance. During the challenge we don’t always stop, think and appreciate Hashem’s hidden intervention.

Was looking for an experienced, top notch ophthalmologist. My friend recommend one in Manhattan. Made an appointment for my wife and myself, scheduled three months out. Asked for an earlier visit, but was informed that no openings were available. Was advised that if there would be a cancellation the office would contact me.

A month later, while in Brooklyn, ready to leave back home Thursday afternoon I received a call that there was a last minute cancelation and the the doctor was available that evening. First reaction was not to take the appointment since my wife and I needed to get back to Lakewood to help prepare for our grandson’s Bris the following morning. In the end my wife returned to Lakewood herself, while I chose for some unknown reason at the time to accept the appointment and headed to Manhattan myself. Something told me not to pass up the opportunity. Was expecting an uneventful examination and new prescription. That was not to be. After the examination, doctor all of a sudden left the room without saying a word, returning fifteen minutes later, very concerned. Doctor informed me that serious tears in the retina were discovered, that required emergency surgery. It was scheduled for the following morning, 11:00 AM in Manhattan. I told doctor that my grandson’s Bris was scheduled to take place in Lakewood, New Jersey the following morning and this early appointment would create undo hardship. Doctor responded, I arranged for a specialized surgeon to come in to take care of you. You are at great risk of loosing sight in your eye if its not taken care of first thing tomorrow.

You can just imagine the shock. Quickly returned to Lakewood and shared the news with my family. Overnight an unexpected snowstorm broke out. In the morning the roads were full of snow. Very concerned, how would I ever arrive for the surgery on time. Right after davening, the Bris was held quickly and soon after before the seudah left with my son to Manhattan. To our surprise, the snowstorm kept everyone off the road creating a no traffic situation. A trip that regularly should have taken two hours only took an hour and fifteen minutes. Got to the Upper West Side just in time. Everything, Boruch Hashem worked out for the best. Reflecting back I said to myself, how really we are not in control, as we would like to think. Was planning on returning with my wife to Lakewood early, but that didn’t happen. Hashem had other plans, without even consulting me first.

Imagine, if that other patient hadn’t canceled their appointment that Thursday afternoon. Imagine, what could of happened if I would have returned with my wife to Lakewood, instead of taking the last minute appointment and going to Manhattan alone. Imagine, if the doctor would not have discovered the torn retina for which ironically I had no symptoms. Imagine, if the doctor was not able to arrange a surgeon to take care of me immediately. Imagine, if the snowstorm didn’t break out Thursday night, how much everyday traffic I would have encountered.

What I thought that morning to be an added challenge, really turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

We all go through challenges in life. While we are going through them, we do not always realize that there is a higher power orchestrating everything behind the scenes for a better end result. Sometimes we find out about it early on and sometimes only later on in life.

In this experience all the events that transpired were for the ultimate benefit, unbeknownst at the time. Everything Hashem does is for the best. We may not see it or understand it immediately while things are happening, but sooner or later Hashem reveals His plan and kindness to us, that He was behind it all.

In this situation, Hashem sent the Refuah first. Not having any idea of what was going on, Hashem was looking out for me every step of the way. How wondrous and mysterious are His ways.

The Parking Space

We are taught that every person’s income for the upcoming year is decided by Hashem. It is firmly Established every Rosh Hashana. No one, no matter how hard they try, no matter how hard they work and no matter how much money they earn, at the end of the year, after all incomes and expenses are tallied, they will only wind up with their preordained portion.

Had a parking space to rent out in January. A gentleman called one evening and asked to rent it. Desperate he offered a high rental, since finding parking in this area was very difficult. Unfortunate for him, his call had come in too late. The space was already rented out and had to turn him down. He asked to please record his name, phone number and rental offer for future reference. Six months later in June a new parking space became available. Went back to my notes to find his contact information. Was surprised to find that everything was recorded except his phone number. Called 411 and succeeded in obtaining his home number. Called morning and evening for two days, even left messages, but no one picked up or returned the call. With only three days left to the beginning of the new rental month, I went back to my call log from January and started calling all the other people that had inquired about the parking space when I originally advertised it. Some people said they were interested but not ready to commit. Continued to randomly call other numbers in the log. Finally after many unanswered phone calls, a gentleman answered. After briefly speaking to him he committed to rent the space. Happy that the deal was sealed just in time, I asked for his name. It’s hard to believe that the gentleman I was now speaking to was none other then the same gentleman I was trying to reach for the last two days on a different number. Now I had reached him unintentionally on his cell phone in Eretz Yisroel, which happened to be one of the many numbers in my old call log from which I was randomly dialing. When I mentioned that I had left a message, he responded that he was presently in Eretz Yisroel and was not able to retrieve his home phone messages.

It was Hashem’s will that I reach him, just then, late in the evening Israel time, right before he was ready to retire for the night on a different number.

Hashem insured that he would get the parking space he desperately needed and that I would get the premium rental offered back in January. Hashem was looking out for both of us and brought us together in a most improbable way, on His clock. We each received what was written for both of us on Rosh Hashanah. A match made in heaven. Hashem is constantly looking out for us more than we can ever imagine.

Saying Birchas Hamazon from a Siddur

We are always encouraged to recite Birchas Hamozon from a Siddur. It is not always easy to do, especially when we are in a rush. To stop then, take a Siddur, sit down and say each word slowly can be very challenging.

One particular morning I found myself racing the clock. After Mayim Achronim I quicky sat down to bench. With no Siddur at hand it was very tempting to just bentch by heart. Nevertheless I got up once again to fetch a Siddur. Back at the table I rushed to open it and there right before my eyes was Birchas Hamozon.

Didn’t have to spend time flipping through pages to find the correct place. Had it, first try. At that moment it became very clear that the extra effort was recognized by Hashem and He gave me the correct place immediately. This is an example of what the Sages teach, “according the way a man chooses to go,” Hashem leads him”.

It is amazing to observe how Hashem is in touch with our every intention and gets involved in every minute detail of our life, second by second. It is important to take note of these occurrences and to know that everything we think about doing and everything we eventually do is noticed. Hashem does not miss a beat.

These incidents, when we are cognizant of them need to be recorded in our psyche. They can serve as constant encouragement to make us really feel that Hashem is with us all the time. We are never alone. What we think may be very minute and unnoticed is noticed.

Nothing we do in the service of Hashem is to be discounted. Everything is valuable, every effort. No matter how small we may consider it to be, it is appreciated by Hashem. Many times He shows it to us immediately.