By Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon
There was a teenager who grew up in a non-observant house and went to the local public school. He excelled in his studies and his parents were planning or trying to figure out which college will their gifted son benefit the most from. But one evening to their bewilderment and shock, the son informed them that he is not interested in going to college, rather he would like to continue his learning in a Yeshiva - a religious Institution.
The parents who themselves were very educated and as noted not religious, tried to convince their son to change his mind and get what they considered a proper education. They argued that only through a prestigious degree would he be able to be successful in life! After some lengthy discussions did not resolve the issue they decided to bring in Grandpa who was beloved by everyone including this grandson their son and ask him to help straighten out the situation. They were positive that Grandpa who opposed religious observances, would support their position and their son would respect and accept his opinion.
When Grandpa sat down at the table, he first asked his grandson when and why he made that decision, as everyone else in the family either received or plan on receiving a degree. After the grandson answered, he then asked, that yeshiva that you wish to apply to, is affiliated with which organization?
With Chabad, the grandson answered.
Chabad, they are good people, the grandfather said.
Gasps were heard throughout the room, The parents were shellshocked, especially when Grandpa said to his grandson, “Be successful!” this was something they never anticipated, Grandpa who was anti-religious just gave his blessings to his grandson to join a Jewish college or institution and become religious himself. How could that be?!
But at that point they realized, the damage could not be undone, they too had to respect and abide by grandpas’ strange and unexpected decision.
The grandson was ecstatic, hugged his grandpa and signed up into the Yeshiva.
Years later, the grandson was sitting with his grandfather and asked, Grandpa, we all know that not only are you not observant, but you are also against religion. So can you please tell me, why did you give your okay for me to go to Yeshiva and for which I am eternally thankful to you! My life is a wonderful blessing. I feel that I am one of the most fortunate people in the world.
The grandfather looked at his grandson and said, you know at that time I was a professor and on the campus was a man called Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz. One day he came over to me and asked politely, “Professor, would you like to hear the Megilla today?”
Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz, obm
In order not to be rude, I replied truthfully, “I am going home which is in the city of----, and I must be there as soon as possible.
“The rabbi exclaimed that's excellent because I happen to have to be there also. So, I did the proper thing and I offered him a ride. While I was driving, he was reading from his scroll some words I never heard before and when he concluded we talked a little bit.
“Shortly before entering the city, I asked him where are you going, I will drop you off.
“The bus station will be perfect he replied.
“Hearing this I saw that he only came because he was committed to a cause. Although I was and remain not observant, I saw that he is a person that there is what to respect. Therefore, when you said you two want to join that movement, I decided to respect your conviction, because I recognized that there is truth in their conduct.”
Reprinted from the Purim 5785 email of Rabbi Sholom Avtzon’s Weekly Story.
