("Let's table the discussion" is a new Adath Israel Shul initiative where a story or thought is presented in order to stimulate exciting and constructive discussion around our Shabbos table or among friends and children.)
Bernard was getting on in years and suffered from a variety of ailments, pains and illnesses. His Dr. prescribed about a dozen pills which he needed to take each and every day. Everything went smoothly until Bernard traveled to a different city for a few days. When he unpacked his suitcase, he discovered that he had forgotten all his medications at home.
He called a friend that he knew in the city in a panic. “You’ve gotta help me! I forgot my medicines at home. You have any that I can borrow?”
“I’m not sure,” came the quick reply from his friend. “Why don’t you check my medicine cabinet and see if there’s something there that you can use.”
Bernard went to his friend’s home and checked the medicine cabinet. He found band-aids, some Advil, toothpaste and a brush – but no medicine.
He told his friend, “I feel so bad for you. I only left my medicine at home. When I get home, I’ll have them. But you – you don’t even HAVE the medicine in your home. What good is a medicine cabinet that doesn’t even have any medicine?”
His friend’s response was swift and sharp. “Before you start feeling bad for me, have you even considered the possibility that I have no medicine, because, Baruch Hashem, I am perfectly healthy? Frankly, I don’t need medicine.”
The Shelah HaKadosh noted that those who dedicate their lives to a Torah lifestyle, have no need for the pleasures that others consider necessities. For this group, there is immense pleasure in living a life that is desired by Hashem. They do not feel deprived at all. Rav Elya Lopian added that this is part of the blessing of “V’Dorshei Hashem Lo Yachsiru Kol Tov – those who seek Hashem will not lack any good.” A life of higher meaning and direction can be more beneficial and desirous than all of the luxury that is misguided in the world.
As we approach the Yamim Noraim, we all prepare ourselves to daven. But what is it that YOU wil daven for?
How will it help YOU meet your stated mission in life?
Let’s “table” the discussion – by discussing it with our children, spouses, families and guests and open an exciting discussion into our homes and communities.
