 Previous |
 Enlarge |
 Next |
1. One of my favorite people was Reb Yankel, an old gentle Russian Chossid. He used to come to our city sometimes and prayed at our Synagogue. He would come early in the morning, go to the Mikvah (a ritual immersion pond) and then sit the whole day with his Tallis (prayer shawl) over his shoulder, staring at the ceiling and stroking his white beard. If you looked closely at his eyes it was obvious that it was not the ceiling he was seeing.
2. Another favorite, Reb Avrohom. Also an old Russian Chossid.
One day Rabbi N., a young Russian Rabbi and I had to go to meet with a big contributor. Rb Avrohom whom I had just met, was in the corner of the Synagogue praying. Before we went out, Rb. N told a young American man who worked for the Synagogue "Please watch Rb. Avrohom, he is praying." The young American said "Yeah, sure."
When we came back, about an hour and a half later, Rb Avrohom was not there. Rabbi N. freaked out. "Where is Rb Avrohom ?" he shouted in panic.
"I don't know," said the American guy, "I went to the washroom for a minute and he was gone. What's the big deal?
"You don't understand! He was davenning! (praying)" shouted Rb. N
"So?"
"You don't understand! He was davenning! We have to look for him!"
We searched the street and found Rb Avrohom about a block from the Synagogue, wandering around in his Tallis and Tfillin (Phulacteries). He was totally oblivious to the outer world. We gently led him back to the Synagogue and put him back in his corner.
Enjoy - Rabbi Yossi Markel
Previous |
Enlarge |
Next |