...reach that point in davening we are so detached from our own self that we need to preface it with the possuk “Hashem sfosai tiftach” etc. – asking Hashem to open our lips for us because we are not capable of speech on our own.
And what do we ask for after reaching such an ultimate state of bitul? Health. Wealth. Good crops. How can we even be aware of such mundane matters at such a stage?!
The answer is contained in the above story! We are, in fact, not seeking our library, - our health and wealth and new tesla - for their own sake. Rather, they are merely needed to house the picture. The ultimate goal, however, is the picture.
The main thing is the picture. All else is merely a means to contain the picture.
What is the picture? The picture depicts a Jew with peyos and a beard. It is an image of a neshomo, which is chelek Eloka mima’al mamosh, as it is on this world. It depicts G-dliness (as Rashbi said “Ano simono be’almo”; - I am merely a signpost, an indicator, to help others see and recognize G-dliness). As the Possuk states – Hashem says to the Jewish people "אתם עידי"; - “You are my witnesses”! Every Jew, with his mere presence in the world testifies and attests to the existence and Oneness of G-d Alm-ighty.
We need, then, to be constantly conscious of the fact that we are here to ensure that there is a clearly visible picture. We are here, through our existence and our Torah and mitzvos, to make it noticeable and unmistakable that there is a Creator of the Universe, that He is the only true existence, and that all of creation are merely expressions of His Will and vehicles to reveal It down here. By exposing this picture, we carry out our sacred mission, to transform the entire world into a dira lo yisborach.
Once we become aware of the fact that we are only here to create a clear picture of Ein Od Milvado in this world, it follows that such a precious and valuable picture needs a respectable setting and appropriate presentation. So we have to ensure that there is a state of the art library surrounding the picture. And the parking lot surrounding the library is filled exclusively with state of the art cars (such as Tesla’s and Bentley’s and Porsches).
But they all are merely for the sake of the picture. And, in that context, they all have a place and a purpose and are all necessary. Their importance is not for their own sake, but, rather, because of the role that they fulfill in enhancing and beautifying the main thing; - the picture.
As in the story, if we are seeking material luxuries for their own sake, we may not be granted them. But, in truth, whatever we are asking for is not for ourselves but for the Eibishter, - to ensure proper respect for the “picture”. And, put that way, no request is too large to grant!
A Jew, not a Lubavitcher chosid (yet), was married a number of years, and, unfortunately, had not yet been blessed with children. A Lubavitcher acquaintance of his was encouraging him to request a brocho from the Rebbe, but he was reluctant, not being accustomed to such practices.
However, as time passed, and he didn’t see any other reasonable hope for his salvation, he decided he’ll try anything once.
A few month later, the man met his Lubavitcher friend. “Nu”, the friend inquired curiously, “what happened?” “Nothing” the man replied. “What do you mean ‘nothing’?” “Exactly what I said. I went to your Rebbe and got a brocho, but nothing happened”. The Lubavitcher was flabbergasted. “Nothing happened? Impossible! Are you sure you followed exactly what the Rebbe told you?” “As a matter of fact, I did. But it didn’t help.”
The chosid was incredulous. Something didn’t make sense here. “Please tell me exactly what the Rebbe told you”, he pressed. The man explained. “The Rebbe told me to hang a picture of a tzaddik in my home. But nothing happened”. “What do you mean?” asked the chosid, “are you sure you followed the instructions?” “I told you that I did”, the man was becoming impatient, “I put up a picture of a tzadik, one of the gedolei yisroel . .” “One second”, protested the Lubavitcher, “did you put up a picture of the Rebbe?” “That wasn’t what he said, he said a picture of a tzaddik, and that’s what I did. You’re just nitpicking!” But the chosid was just as sure of his own position. “Zei nisht kein akshan. Stop being stubborn. I’m telling you, you’re meant to put up a picture of the Rebbe in your house. Please, you were lucky enough to get a brocho, but now you must do your part correctly”.
The man was quite certain that he was not the one being stubborn, moreover, he was finding his friend being altogether unreasonable (as Lubavitchers sometimes are, mind you). But, being unable to stand up to his friends persuasions, he finally cooperated (if only to get him off of his back).
But, exactly nine months later there was a living little proof that left no doubt in the world as to who had been right!
We all want, need and are deserving of every single brocho: health and wealth, children and success, and healthy, wealthy and successful children (and einiklech). But we would do well to keep everything in perspective. Everything is part of the “picture”, of the big picture. We are here at the Eibishter’s pleasure, to give Him what He wants and desires. All our needs are, therefore, really His needs, and additional tools to grant His wishes.
On Rosh Hashono we aim to crown the Eibishter as Melech al kol ha’olam, as the Supreme King of the world. Everything else only exists because of the part it needs to play in serving the King.
The rest is housing. The King needs soldiers and footmen. His soldiers need to be healthy to serve Him well. They need to be wealthy and respected because that is what increases the glory of the King. And they need to be transported in fancy chariots as befits the honour of the King (we can’t have the Kings men driving around in Oldsmobiles).
All of the specifics that we daven for are just in order to have the most appropriate setting for the picture.
Although the Rebbe explains that this aim is the intent bepnimiyus of every Jews’ requests in any case, we would do well to focus on it and keep it in mind. Not only to ensure that we have the right mindset, and give the right attention to what are our real objectives and to what is truly important, but also because – as we see in the story – this makes for very effective fundraising. By asking for the right things for the right reasons, we can be even more assured the King will grant all of our requests מידו המלאה והפתוחה והקדושה והגדושה and with a sever ponim yofois, - for a ksiva vachasima tova for a shonoh tova umesuka with abundant brochos bechol hametztarech begashmyus uberuchnyus, including and beginning with Moshiach NOW!
L’chaim! May we each use out slichos to refocus on what our true objectives are and what we’re here for, and may the Eibishter give us all that we need to reach those objectives with the greatest harchovo, and help us reach our objective with the greatest speed, by bringing about the immediate revelation of Moshiach Tzidkeinu TUMYM!!!
Rabbi Akiva Wagner
