Today is Rosh Chodesh Elul. In thirty days it's Rosh Hashanah. Start repenting now.
All right, so it isn't really the season of return. It's even more important. In just one month from now is the 19th of Kislev, a day which is likened to the birthday of a Chassid. Which is odd, because the tenth of Kislev is compared to the Bris, which obviously doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I remember the Rosh explaining this, but I really can't remember what he said. Sorry.
Anyway, I've gotten the question here in Yeshiva, why are you so excited? Why do you care so much about this day? And the answer, like all answers, sounds better in my head than it does here, and once again I'd like to say that I'm sorry.
Many years ago, in a land far far away, I attended a Yud-Tes Kislev Farbrengen with Rabbi Dubov from New Jersey. I don't remember what he said; I do remember that I wrote that night (actually, early in the morning) in my diary "Tonight I became a Chassid."
Ain't that cute. Sure, I was only 16, and pretty cute in general, if I say so myself, but the point is that even a little pisher like myself was sufficiently affected to think I became something.
Another thing. I spent about four hours listening to Rabbi Immanuel Shochet speak. I have all the answers now. Problem is, I know I'll forget 'em. What to do? I only wish I knew. Hey, that rhymed! Oh Frabjous Day!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
30 Days
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7 comments:
In Kharkov we listened to Imanuel Shochet until it came out our ears. I still remember it. Here's why: I. Schochet has several lectures about J4J, and they all pretty much have the same toichen, but with different jokes and different silly comments from the crowd. B/c they're all different, you can listen to them all and not be (too) bored. B/c they're all the same, you remmeber "ma shetoshiv."
Well, as a shliach in a yeshiva, you actually have at your disposal the most convenient, tried-n-true, easy way of remembering what you learn/hear. That of course is repeating it to someone. So, all's you would need to do is get a few kids, convince them to learn with you half hour twice a week, and share with them all youve learned, randomly. That way, according to state stats, you will retain 75% of what you intake.
Im sure your yeshiva will allow that, even encourage it, even love you for it.
SB
Dear Shilli,
That advice wouldn't work in my situation.
I don't think it would be possible (or advisable) to discuss J4J with our Chachli over there.
That is unbearably cute. I wish I thought that once.
:). You wish you thought you had changed? You did better. You actually changed.
Aw how sweet.
True too.
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