Sunday, February 5, 2012

Parashat Yitro of the Past

B"H

A Derashah
January 27, 1940
The Warsaw Ghetto


An inspiring man, Rabbi Kalmish Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto, was in hiding. 

"Blessed be the Name.  This Sabbath I was in hiding. 

...Israel's acceptance of the Torah took place in the desert.  This fact may suggest, among other things, a teaching found in the holy book, Bet Aharon, which states, "Don't say that in this place it is possible to serve G-d, but in that place it is impossible for me.  Rather, one must serve G-d in all places." 

Had Israel accepted the Torah in their land, the Land of Israel, they would have thought that it is only possible to fulfill it in their own place, in their own home, but not when they are in exile, disturbed.  Therefore, G-d gave them the Torah in the desert, on the road, in transit, so that they would know that they must fulfill it everywhere."  (pp.21-22 of Esh Kodesh) 


Where am I? 
What are the challenges of now? 
How do I meet them with grace and success?
When do I learn that life is real?
Intention, attention, and devotion to action...
There is always interference and disturbance.

But, it need not interfere nor disturb. 

Many thanks to Mr. Nehemia Polen, author of The Holy Fire:  The Teachings of Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto.  Copyright 1999, publisher Jason Aronson Inc.  This is an inspiring dissertation on a mentor to those in need.  Rabbi Shapira's teachings live on. 


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