The Shul’s Leaky Roof
Looking for a storage warehouse for the army's supplies, a contingent of government officials chose the local Shul in Riminov. The heads of the Kehila ran to R’ Mendele for guidance. One person suggested that when they told the officials that the roof leaks & all their supplies would be ruined, they would change their minds. All agreed that this seemed a good plan. R’ Mendele, however, heard this & said they were sorely mistaken. In fact, he said, it was because of the leaky roof that this decree befell them.
“If we don't actively take care of our own Shul, & degrade its honor by allowing the roof to leak, what do you expect of the non-Jews? Go fix the roof right away and everything will be alright.” And so it was.
Migdal Ohr as prepared by Jonathan Gerwitz
The Rabbi’s Strange Prayer...
One Shabbat morning at congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Rabbi Felder asked the assistant rabbi, Rabbi Rosenberg to give the sermon. Rabbi Rosenberg addressed the congregation & said, “Hashem, I hate coconuts.” Rabbi Felder looked at the assistant rabbi, wondering where this was going. Rabbi Rosenberg continued, "Hashem, I hate eggs." Now Rabbi Felder was totally perplexed. Rabbi Rosenberg continued, "Hashem, I am not crazy about almonds either, or even straight sugar or salt. But after you mix them all together & bake them in the oven, I love macaroons!”
Rabbi Rosenberg continued. "Hashem, help us realize that when things come up that we don't like, whenever we don't understand what You are doing, that we need to wait and see what You are making. After you get through mixing and baking, it'll probably be something even better than macaroons." Aish.org
