Rav Elimelech Biderman as Written by Yisroel Besser
A chaburah of respected Boyaner chassidim were once sitting together in Yerushalayim, and they were discussing the words of the Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:6): “Teshuvah brings near those who were far removed. Previously, this person was hated by G-d, disgusting, far removed, and detestable. Now, he is beloved and desirable, close, and dear.”
Just a Single Thought of Repentance
How, they wondered, could it be? How is it possible that a person whom the Ribbono Shel Olam found repulsive has a single thought of repentance and he is suddenly considered desirable?
One of the respected members of the chaburah was Reb Nuchem Yasser, a man who spoke little. He had come from Russia, where his only son had chosen a different path, leaving his home and family and turning his back on Yiddishkeit.
Reb Nuchem never mentioned this son, but now, as he heard the question, he exclaimed, “Der zuhn, the son!” He explained what he meant, and thus, he answered the question.
“I know that if tonight, my son would suddenly appear at my door and cry out, “Tatte...” Here, Reb Meilech shouts the word, investing it with such passion and warmth.
I Would Immediately Open the Door
“If he would say, ‘Tatte, I just want to come home to you, I want to come back,’ my heart would be flooded with joy. I would not think about what he has done or where he has been, only what will be... I would open the door and welcome him with love...”
In one instant, we can achieve that, with one sincere cry of Tatte... Now is the time.
Reprinted from the Parshas Ha’azinu 5784 edition of At the ArtScroll Shabbos Table. (Excerpted from “Around the Year with Reb Meilech from Rav Elimelech Biderman as written by Yisroel Besser.)
