The story is told that in 1974, shortly after the Yom Kippur War, Rabbi Yisrael Lau (later to be Chief Rabbi of Israel) came to Brooklyn to visit the Lubavitcher Rebbe OB”M. During their conversation the Rebbe asked him what the sentiment was in Israel. Rabbi Lau replied that Jews were asking “what will be?” The Rebbe grabbed him by his arm and said: “Jews don’t ask what will be, they ask what they are going to do.”
The message is no more “oy vey”, only what will I do today to make the world a better place.
I learnt this last night with hundreds of others who joined a Hakhel a gathering to pray, study and give charity and positive vibes for Henya bas Chaya Devora Leah’s immediate recovery.
Mrs. Henya Federman is the Chabad representative to St. Thomas. Her 4-month-old baby fell into the water. Henya jumped into the water to save her baby and got stuck. She is currently in critical condition, and we pray for her immediate recovery. You can say a prayer for her healing here. Tragically, the baby passed away. We are thankful that Henya is alive and optimistic for a full speedy recovery!
How do we get away from the “oy vey”/no hope perspective, and ask what can I do?
By recognizing that everything we have and everything that happens is from G-d’s grace.
Difficult at times? Yes! But that does not define us. This is not easy! However, it is the ideal perspective to have. When we have such a viewpoint, recognizing that Hashem is kind and beyond understanding, we are more humble and more thankful for everything in our lives.
When we hit a roadblock or a challenge, we don’t throw our hands in the air and say “oy vey” what will be? as if this world has no master plan, we can take action and ask “What can I do today to revealed more good and light in this world”.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. they created a mitzvah campaign page, please consider joining and add your mitzvah in honor of Henya’s speedy recovery.
