In 1965, Frank’s, the family-owned Monsey Kosher Bake Shop, opened its doors on 51 Main Street in the then sparsely populated hamlet of Monsey. For decades thereafter, they serviced the Monsey community and Rockland County at large, supplying one and all with delectable challahs, yummy rugelach, and pastries of all types.
One day, a “new” bakery announced its grand opening, of all places – 40 Main Street, virtually across the street from Frank’s. I did not call Monsey home at the time, nor did I ever discuss the matter with the proprietors of Frank’s, but one can only imagine the super-human strength necessary not to harbor ill-will towards the “new kid on the block,“ which, in the eyes of even an amateur economist, would inevitably siphon off customers (and profits).
One Thursday evening, many years later, a fire broke out in the small shopping strip at 40 Main Street. The damage was extensive, and several stores had no choice but to relocate. And yet, the very next morning, Erev Shabbos, the busiest day of the week by far, the 40 Main Street Bakery was somehow able to service its customers via a makeshift, street-side, temporary “storefront“ replete with challahs, rugelach, and cookies. How was this feasible given last night’s blaze and the destruction it caused to their ovens and production area?
When the owners of Frank’s Bakery learned of the fire, they sympathized with the plight of their “competitor“ and, in an act of remarkable selflessness, graciously invited the 40 Main Street bakery personnel to utilize Frank’s own ovens (after hours) in order to service their loyal 40 Main Street customers the next morning. No grudge. No ill-will. No “all’s fair in war and business.“ Just a sincere, deep-seated sense of connection with one’s fellow Jews and an unadulterated desire to alleviate their plight.
To a significant degree, the history of our nation can be gauged by the relationship (or the lack thereof) among siblings. Yitzchak & Yishmael. Yaakov & Esau. Leah & Rachel. Yosef & his brothers.
This week, one such fraternal relationship will be front and center at your Shabbos table. The parsha is dominated by the fledgling stages of the now-timeless rivalry between Esau and his younger twin brother, Yaakov. Despite sharing the same parents, education, and upbringing, their diametrically opposed personalities and priorities were immediately apparent. The ensuing rift is readily apparent to this very day.
The Esau/Yaakov sibling rivalry can be contrasted with the fraternal relationship between Yosef’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe, just two generations later. Indeed, many a Shabbos meal the world over commences with a blessing upon one’s son(s) with the heartfelt aspiration that “Hashem make you like Ephraim and Menashe.“ Of all the role models in our nation’s history, why do these two represent the gold standard of nachas?
Rav Noach Weinberg zt’l explains, “The relationship of Ephraim and Menashe epitomizes the way brothers should love and trust each other. When Yaakov gave Ephraim, the younger brother, the favored blessing, Menashe, the firstborn, could have protested and resented his brother for taking what was rightfully his. But Menashe said nothing. He understood that what matters most is not his position or status but, rather, what is best for the Jewish People. We bless our sons to emulate Ephraim and Menashe because their relationship was without any trace of resentment. They are our role models.“
We are reminded that at our core, we are all brothers and sisters who share in the perpetuation of the values and dedication of our ancestors. As we approach Shabbos, we capitalize on the opportunity to renew our dedication to one another and enter the month of Kislev amidst shalom and love for our fellow Jew.
RABBI MORDECHAI LABATON ZT”L
RABBI JARED VIDERS
