Ready for another article with Mussar on how we should be concerned with Ruchnius (Hashem) over Gashmius (Things). And better yet; how will this type of lifestyle lead to real happiness? Well you’ve come to the right place!
But I ask you, let's think. Do those types of articles ever lead to any real change? Will they really have an effect? Here in Monsey, in Williamsburg, the Five towns, BP, Queens? Also Boca, LA etc (Shades of the New Yorker magazine map)? In short any place we live....
The short answer is probably no. But I have taken it upon myself to rise to the challenge, Bez’H. Rabbi Sneh Shlita takes notice of the words Bashamayim Meemaal, U’Baaretz Mitachas, from this week's Parsha. In the Heavens, above; in the land, below. Maybe learn it like this, he says: When you see someone you know that appreciates the spiritual side of life (Shomayaim) then, Ma’al, Aspire to be a little like them. When you see someone who has a lot of money, and physical things, Aretz, Meetachas: don’t get down.
Know that there are people that may not even have as much as you have. They are less fortunate (meetachas) than you. Be thankful, appreciative and great about what you do have and this will bring you more!!! Keep the less fortunate in mind and you will benefit even more!! Nice? Nice!
- RABBI YAKOV YOSEF SCHECHTER
With this in hand, let’s look at a gemara that symbolizes a love of the generations. Rabbi Akiva was talking with his wife Rochel in their humble abode. A wisp of straw fell from her hair. It was then that Rabbi Akiva famously told his beloved wife, “if only I had the money (of your father) this would have been a gold headpiece of the city of Jerusalem, Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, Which he did later give her (Maseches Shabbos 100b).
There was a knock at the door. Eliyahu Hanavi appeared as a beggar. “Do you have any straw for my wife and myself, we are so desperately poor?” Rabbi Akiva turned to his wife, “look” he said “there are people who have do not have enough straw to lay down on.” Upon which his wife said; “go now and learn Torah...” And he did, coming back years later with tens of thousands of students.
Cryptic words. But first a contradiction. Doesn’t Eliyahu bring riches? As we sing on Motzei Shabbos. “A beautiful palace he built!” The answer is as beautiful as it is revealing.
If Eliyahu Hanavi would have brought them riches. Yes, they would have been happy, or so we think. But the story wouldn’t end there. He who has one million must have two. They would have been beautiful people, yes. But would he have been Rabbi Akiva?
Amazing? Amazing.
RABBI BEN ZION SNEH
