Larry Levine just could not keep a job. Perhaps, his employers did not like his long hair or informal appearance. About to get evicted from his apartment, he spotted a job listing for a janitorial position at the Sha’ar Yashuv Yeshiva in Far Rockaway to which he applied. Expecting to meet with the building manager, he was surprised when he was interviewed by the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shlomo Freifeld, ZT”L.
As they were speaking, Larry told him that he’s Jewish and used to attend yeshiva but how his life fell apart when various issues arose causing him to leave Judaism behind.
Offered Him a Most Surprising Job
Rav Freifeld said, “You are hired. Would you like to be a Rebbe?” Shocked, Larry responded, “I do not know how. I am not religious and have not learned Torah in countless years.”
Rav Freifeld said, “You will be great. I have three students with longer hair than yours and we need a new Rebbe. Plus, the pay is double than the janitor’s position.”
Unable to refuse, Larry graciously agreed. The first day, Larry entered with a blazer, no kippah, or tzitzis and feeling confident having prepared the first couple Mishnayos. After a while, Larry started feeling inspired and told Rabbi Freifeld, “I really love this job but it feels weird without a kippah or tzitzis.”
The Effect of Wearing the Kippah and Tzitzis
To which the Rav happily responded, “I have some in my office.” Shortly after, the kippah and tzitzis became permanent fixtures for him as he began drawing closer to Hashem each day that passed.
Thanks to the warm, and uncritical love of Rav Freifeld and the yeshiva, Larry kept on growing spiritually and is now Levi Levine, a respected Rebbe teaching Torah in Yerushalayim.
Comment: As observant Jews blessed with a religious upbringing, we must extend a loving hand to those in need. We should not expect those never blessed with a Jewish education to magically approach us asking for spiritual help. Rav Freifeld showed us how: with love and respect for Hashem’s image in each person, regardless of how different he/she dresses or acts. In this week’s Parsha, Hashem strongly rebukes Moshe for getting angry instead of showing love to his people when they were rebellious. We must never make the same mistake. Like a wildfire, anger burns those who bear it but love, like a healing candle, gently warms, and illuminates the path before us.
Reprinted from the Parshas Chukas 5784 email of Torah Sweets
