In conjunction with the upcoming days, the Rosh Yeshivah of Ohr Yisrael, Reb Nissin Goldberg, shares an incredible story that sheds light on the times we are in:
Upon the passing of the Queen of England, her personal bodyguard for close to fifteen years, Mr. Dick Griffin, shared an interesting account that took place during his service:
The Queen had a castle in Balmoral Estate in Scotland, where she would stay for several weeks each year. On vacation, she would disguise herself and take walks, accompanied by her guard. She wanted to be like everyone else. Here and there, they would meet up with people along their stroll, and they all showed her the utmost respect.
On one such walk, they noticed an elderly American couple sitting on a bench. From their casual greetings, it was quite evident that they knew nothing about the passersby — and her royal position.
“Where are you from?” asked the Queen.
“From America,” they responded. “And how about you?”
“From London.”
“Interesting. Have you ever met the Queen?” they asked.
Looking to have some fun with them, she replied. “Nope, never.” Then she pointed to her bodyguard. “But this fellow here not only met her, but he sees her on a daily basis.”
They shifted their attention only to face him and asked him to confirm that fact. He did. Excited over their “luck,” they exclaimed, “Can we get a photo with you?” They handed the camera to the Queen. She complied, and after the Queen took the picture, she showed it to them to ensure that they were satisfied with its quality.
Subsequently, they turned to Mr. Griffin and asked him to shoot a picture with them and “the woman who knows someone who knows the Queen.” And he complied as well. After the photo was taken, the hikers excitedly continued on their way, reveling in having met someone who was so close to the Queen.
When the hikers were out of earshot, the Queen turned to her bodyguard and said in all seriousness, “If only I would be able to see them when they learn that their photographer was none other than the Queen herself. The moment they’ll show their photos to their friends, who’ll disclose who the photographer was...I would pay all the money in the world to see the reaction on their faces.”
This story serves as a great mashal: One can be standing before a king and yet be completely oblivious to it. Had they known with whom they were chatting, you can be sure that the conversation would’ve been very different.
Throughout the year, and especially during the Aseres Yimei Teshuvah, we are given this opportunity to be in close proximity of the King — Hashem. Like those tourists, we could be in the presence of a King and yet be oblivious to that experience. Awakening this awareness reminds us to utilize the opportunity that is right before us, and use it to the max. And as Reb Yisrael Neuman, the Rosh Yeshivah of Beis Medrash Govoha expressed: Hashem is always available to us. The Aseres Yimei Teshuvah are just a time that it’s easier for us to access Him, but there is no difference on Hashem’s end.
Reb Nissim Goldberg
Please do not read during davening or learning Have a wonderful Shabbos
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