A friend of mine raised the irony of my standing along a column of rabbis who were waiting to register themselves for this year's International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries. His sarcasm was not so much directed at my not being a celebrated shliach, as much as at my usual frill of skipping queues as a frequent flyer elite.
However, standing among rabbis and leaders who are my heroes, and champions of the Jewish people, meant lingering in the midst of the elite enlisted.
Op-Ed: Confessions of a Pro Tem Elitist
A friend of mine raised the irony of my standing along a column of rabbis who were waiting to register themselves for this year’s International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries. His sarcasm was not so much directed at my not being a celebrated shliach, as much as at my usual frill of skipping queues as a frequent flyer elite.
However, standing among rabbis and leaders who are my heroes, and champions of the Jewish people, meant lingering in the midst of the elite enlisted.
Two weeks ago, I visited the shluchim of Beijing. These couples light Menorahs and dedicate Torahs on the Great Wall of China. Yet, their true greatness is in being passionate lamplighters and dedicated souls who typify the essential character of the Torah. Surrounded by over twenty families operating a network of Chabad centers throughout Asia, they have built an exciting community, established an acclaimed school, and they teach us all the fundamentals of loving our fellow man.
While in transit in Narita, I phoned Rabbi Mendy and Chana Sudakevitch who live permanently in Tokyo. They were the first Shluchim that I lived with almost a decade ago. Their example teaches how to lead a life of self-sacrifice, and how living any other way would be a sacrifice.
My friends and I spent last Shabbos as guests of Rabbi Aryeh and Leah Lang in Camarillo, California. In a week when the Torah taught of Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality, they opened their home to eight friends of their brothers and a number of locals, for a Shabbos we wont soon forget.
The list of tales that I can relate would be as long as the line of rabbis I stood with this morning. Surrounded by these gems, I look forward to a weekend of stories from places near, remote, distant, and blessed with their presence.
Getzy Fan
Nicely written, as usual. Just one comment on the bi-line, “opinion of the masses”- personally, I think it’s a bit presumtive to assume you talk for the masses, unless you have multiple personalities. Other than that, I love reading your articles! Always very articulate and with real toichen.
DL
I think that it’s meant to be a play on words- “opiate of the masses”.
to DL
Yes DL it is… And its cute
I like this piece its short sweet and to the point
Very nice
It empowers the shluchim
langs
Go leah!
Benjy Wilson
Getzy,
You really have a knack for expressing your thoughts clearly and eloquently. Continue spreading the good word!