Bringing God into – A Broken Heart #2

So we met.

I met the Rosh Yeshiva at his home, last Sunday evening. We sat in his study, surrounded by a countless number of books. He offered me two books he had written.

I wanted to jump right into the issues that were occupying me – but he suggested we schmooze for a while. My story, then his story.

My story – growing up in a family in which we had been marginal Jews for 3 generations. Seeing my first Shabbat candle in my 20′s, knowing only a handful of Hebrew words. Never talking or thinking about Israel.

His story – parents both miraculously escaping Auschwitz. Swearing a vow to devote their whole lives to Torah learning. His father becoming a community rabbi at a young age. Growing up in Monsey NY. Speaking Yiddish. Crying during the 6-day war.

Then I presented the 3 issues that I was struggling with regarding the ultra-Orthodox world: attitude toward the State of Israel, attitude toward the army, attitude toward work. I set the ground rules that I hadn’t come to argue or validate my position, but to listen. And for the next 2 hours – I listened and took voluminous notes.

The Rabbi spoke very openly, and many things he said surprised me. At the end of our time together we davenned Ma’ariv and he walked me to my car. I had to chuckle to myself when I saw the small Israeli flag waving from top of the car. He didn’t say anything.

How did I feel after the talk? Less broken-hearted? Closer to “One people with one heart”?

The issues are real issues and in light of a number of things he said I realized that, in fact, the divide between our worlds is even deeper than I had originally thought.

But over our time together we began to develop a friendship. In short, we got along. He kept saying that he had never met anyone like me (I took that in a positive way), and I had great respect for his openness, his wrestling with his issues, and the general manner about him.

We’re going to meet again. It’s a process. I think we both felt deeply moved by our experience together and perhaps even optimistic.

I left calmer. More understanding and more patient. Still slowly marching toward Shavuot, still working toward – “like one people with one heart.”

Questions for Reflection

• How are you doing vis-à-vis this idea of “one people, one heart”?
• Is there anyone with whom it would be beneficial to have a conversation before Shavuot?
• Will your learning on Shavuot evoke a deeper sense of love for other Jews? For all people?