The Short Vort
Sign up for The Short Vort and our other email lists
The Short Vort- “ If The Shoe Fits” (2/21/12)
The Short Vort
Good Afternoon
Today is Tuesday the 27th of Shevat 5772 and February 21, 2012
If the Shoe Fits
Yesterday, as I was heading home after going to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit in Manhattan, http://www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/dead-sea-scrolls?gclid=CLjmgdX0r64CFYXe4AodOFJrRg I noticed a group of young men apparently camped out in front of a sporting goods store in Times Square.
At first I thought that this was new movement; perhaps an “Occupy Times Square” movement.
However, before I could claim ‘an exclusive’ breaking story on this new social justice movement, I decided to investigate.
Everyone of the about twenty people sitting in folding chairs or on the sidewalk were young, male African Americans.
Perhaps the store is about to offer employment opportunities I wondered.
I decided to approach the group.
“Hey guys, what are sitting here for?”
“Oh we are waiting for a new sports shoe to be released.”
Okay, I thought to myself; after all, we all need shoes.
“When is it going to be released?” I asked.
I thought it would probably be any minute and maybe I might be interested in purchasing a pair for myself.
“Friday”, the friendly young man replied.
My daughter Aviva was prodding me to move on; however, I still had more questions.
“Wait, let me get this straight. Today is Monday and the shoe is not due to be released until Friday. You are going to be sitting, sleeping, and ‘chilling’ here in Times Square until Friday just to be the first people to get a new shoe?”
“That’s right, you got it!” smiled the official spokesman of the group.
I gave in to Aviva’s nudge and continued down the street.
I guess if you really anticipate and are looking forward to something you are prepared to give up your bed and comfortable home and wait for it; even for days.
And all along I thought we Jews were actively waiting for Mashiach.