By Rabbi Yoni Schwartz
Rebellious and twitching to escape Yeshiva, one Friday night, a young man broke into the office of his high school Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Dovid Trenk, ZT”L, stole his car keys, and was about to head to the movies when a friend caught him. He said he wanted to come along and threatened to snitch on him if he refused, which he did.
Informed of the Theft of His Car
His friend warned that if he gets caught, he will be kicked out of Yeshiva. The boy said, “Good, that is exactly what I want. I am only here because my parents are forcing me. I do not want to be in Yeshiva.” The boy drove off and that Friday night his so-called “friend” went out of his way to tell Rav Dovid Trenk that this boy stole his car keys and drove to the movies.
When Rav Trenk heard this, he asked how to get to the theater and despite the theater being an incredibly long distance from the Yeshiva, the Rav walked there. Once he arrived, he had to go seat by seat in each of the dark theaters to find him. Finally, the Rav found him and quietly sat down next to him.
Rabbi Dovid Trenk, zt”l
Sensing a strange presence by his side, the boy turned his head. His face almost turned white. “Rebbe! What are you doing here!” he exclaimed. “Shhh!” said Rav Trenk, “People are trying to watch the movie.”
“What! Rebbe, it’s Shabbos! Why are you here?!” Rav Trenk responded, “I am assuming that as you are enjoying the movie, you will want to buy refreshments and snacks. I came to tell you that the popcorn here is not kosher. Please do not buy it.”
Rav Trenk then arose and began the long journey back home. A few minutes later it was Rav Trenk, this time, who felt a strange presence by his side. He turned his head and it was the boy. Together, they had a beautiful walk back during which this boy vowed to never violate Shabbos again and stay in Yeshiva.
Reprinted from the Parshas Mattos-Masei 5784 email of Torah Sweets.
