FACEBUKER SHABBOS TABLE TALK
Continuing the Legacy of Rabbi Dovid Winiarz of blessed memory
Perhaps this is also why the Rabbis preach especially on this Shabbos, so they might inspire their congregations to greater heights, and a greater recognition of their inner potential.
In each and every generation, a person is obligated to regard himself as though he actually left Egypt. As it says: "You shall tell your son on that day, “It is because of this that God took me out of Egypt" (Exodus 13:8). The Holy One, blessed be He, not only redeemed our ancestors, but He also redeemed us with them. As it says: "He brought us out from there in order to bring and give us the land which He had promised to our ancestors." (Deut. 6:23)
People often like to think of human history as basically beginning with their birth. Oh, sure, we can imagine as far back as our grandparents. But beyond that, it all seems so distant and foreign.
Deep down, who are you? Your family may be geographically located in California for the past 20 years, and you may come from three generations of retail clothiers. But is that really the extent of your heritage? Is that as far deep as your roots go?
There is a moving story from the Holocaust, told about the great Bluzhever Rebbe. One night, the German guards came into his bunk and ordered everyone up and out. They were to march to a field, where a pit had been dug ― deep and wide. "Everyone must try to jump across," shouted the guard. "If you miss, you're dead."
The Jews were hungry and weak. It was pitch dark and cold. One at a time, the Jews tried, but hardly anyone made it. Standing next to the Bluzhever Rebbe in line was another Jew. He said to the rebbe: "We'll never make it across. So rather than entertain the guards, let's just sit down right here and let them shoot us."
"No," replied the rebbe. "We must try."
Within moments it was their turn in line. They jumped together, and both made it safely to the other side.
Stunned, the other Jew turned to the rebbe and asked: "You're an old man! How did you do it?"
Explained the rebbe: "As I got ready to jump, I thought of my father and grandfather, and of our great and holy Sages from generations past. I thought of Maimonides and Rashi. I thought of Moses and King David. I thought of Sarah and Rachel. And as I jumped, I held onto their coattails. It was they who pulled me across."
"But," the rebbe asked the man, "How did you do it?"
"Me?” replied the man, “I was holding onto YOUR coattails."
