Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Life Lessons and other shtuff

Last night I learned a valuable lesson, one that would go nicely on A Shtikel Farbrengen. But it's here, and it's now, and I can't think of a funny way to end the sentence, so tough luck.
Anyway, I was talking with a distinguished lawyer last night about various random things, and I noticed that he jay-walked. I did it too. Actually, the entire Manhattan was doing it. I mentioned that five years ago he would never have done such a thing. Then he recalled a conversation he had with a trial lawyer, who said that whenever he was going to trial he would always be very careful to follow all laws very carefully, because you just never know who's watching. He (the trial lawyer) had seen cases that had been lost because a juror had earlier that day seen the prosecuting attorney do something illegal. So you just can't be too careful.
This got me thinking about one of the major complaints that one hears from Bochurim. They can't stand Yeshivas' rules about clothing, language, and various things. Why can't they read a newspaper in the gas station, or a sports magazine in the store. The answer to this is that Bochurim can't do whatever they like, because they never know who's watching, just like the lawyer can't do whatever he likes, because he just doesn't know who's watching. It's like the Gemara says, that if a person wants to sin, let him go far away, put on a black cloak, and sin. Obviously this isn't a blanket condoning of misdeeds; rather it is saying that when sin a purely private affair it's much better than when it is public for all the world to see.
In conclusion, I'd just like to wish everybody a meaningful Yud Shevat, and they should take their Mashpia's guidance to heart, and may we soon be redeemed, and then we will truly laugh and sing. As well as doing various other activities of course.
(Ahh, wasn't that sweet?)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

so this is why there are so many lubavitchers who subscribe to netflix....

Just like a guy said...

I have absolutely no idea what in the world you're talking about.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Real Shaliach:
Sounds like an interesting conversation with a lawyer no less! Anyway something else that Bochurim forget is that they, like policemen, soldiers, doctors in white coats etc. etc. are in fact wearing a uniform. While they may see it as their normal dress to the rest of the world, a black hat and suit is a uniform that identifies them as JEWS and RELIGIOUS Jews at that. So whenever they are in public (e.g. just walking down the street) they (unconsciously perhaps) represent all other Jews (religious or not) and should behave accordingly. (I wonder if this was one of the concepts behind Tzivos Hashem?) So, Bochurim, whether you like it or not, you represent me out there. Leo de Toot.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Real Shaliach: I have spent far too much time contemplating your current poll. Finally though I have the answer - Tiger Woods! (all the choices 1 wood, 2 wood etc. are golf clubs - although the 1 wood is usually called the driver). Is there a prize? L de Toot.

Anonymous said...

hey shliach if you are in ny why dont you stop by my office near ch
718-MED-WASTE
call me

Anonymous said...

Real shliach i must admit this is a great post. I think it is also a lesson for the trial lawyers and mentors in our Yeshiva legal system. We must truly follow all rules crossing every t and dotting every y. You are truly doing a great thing dear shliach. I love your blog. (Not to exclude you.)