STORY
While he was still a Rosh Yeshiva in Kiev, the Yeshiva received a “visit” from a few “Maskilim”. They entered the Yeshiva during Mussar Seder, and what did they see? One Bachur was thundering away the words of “Chovos Halvavos”, while another was swaying fervently in front of a “Mesilas Yesharim”. A different Bachur had his head buried in a “Shaarei Teshuva”, and his friend was roaring word after word from “Sefer Orchos Chaim” of the Rosh. Bewildered, they approached the Rosh Yeshiva and asked: “Would it not be better for everyone to sit and read quietly, which will give them more focus and concentration? Or, they could accompany the Mussar learning with a more structured melody, like an inspiring song that would uplift the atmosphere of the entire Bais Medrash?”
R’ Dovid responded with a Mashal: It once happened that a certain wealthy man had an only son, who was not particularly studious. He preferred to enjoy himself and have a good time. He was not exceptionally bright, and to the dismay of his parents, he ended up wasting a lot of time. The therapists advised that he be given voice lessons, since he showed a leaning toward Chazanus. “Send him to a conservatory where they will hone his voice, and educate him in the art of music”. They sent him, and before long they heard that the boy was doing very well and was having lots of success.
One day, this wealthy father became very ill. He was so ill, that the family decided to call the boy back home to his father’s bedside. Alas, before he returned, the father already passed on. The boy walked into the house to find his father laying on the floor, candles lit all around him, and his relatives sobbing and wailing bitterly on their loss. Everyone expected the son to burst out crying over the loss of his precious beloved father. But instead, he commented about their sobs: “Your sobbing is WAY off-tune. There’s no tempo. I don’t like the pitch of your cry. And let’s add some harmony...” They looked at him as if he landed from some far-off planet.
R' Dovid explained: Mussar Seder is a time of Cheshbon HaNefesh and introspection. During these moments, each Talmid takes a serious look at himself. He is dismayed with what he sees... his sins, bad Middos, upsetting issues, etc., and his world has turned black. His heart mourns, as if his dead is laying in front of him. And you want him to sing properly like a choir boy??
THAT was Novardok! By the way, a certain Gerrer Chasid who lived in a city near Mezritch would come regularly to hear the Shmuessin of R' Dovid, and he would say that the Avodas Hashem of this Yeshiva reminded him of what he had seen by his Rebbe, the S'fas Emes of Gur.
