The Short Vort
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The Short Vort (7/9/09)
The Short Vort
Good Morning!
Today is the Shiva Asar B’Tammuz 5769 and July 9, 2009
No One is Watching
Yesterday I was in the bank. As usual, someone came over to me and asked me a shayla.
The question was if they had to fast since they have a certain medical condition.
I replied that they did not have to fast.
The woman then asked if she was allowed to just drink or also to eat.
I told her that she was allowed to drink and eat.
She then asked if when she ate and drank she had to do it like on Yom Kippur- meaning just a little bit every few minutes.
I told her she could drink and eat in a normal everyday fashion.
She then asked if she could eat meat or only daily or pareve products.
I told her she could eat meat if she felt she needed meat.
She then asked if she should attempt to wait to Chatzos (Halachik midday) to eat.
I told her that if it would not harm her health she should do that.
She then asked if she should eat right after Chatzos or should she try to hold out as long as possible.
I told her that because of her condition, she can eat and drink right after Chatzos.
She then thanked me and as she turned to leave, she said, “Rabbi, one more question, do I have to call you tomorrow before I eat to make sure nothing ahs changed, or can I rely on what you told me today?”
I answered her that she can rely on today’s answers and she does not have to call back again tomorrow.
After she left, the fellow who was in front of me on the line, turned and asked, “Aren’t you the Rabbi of that big temple on Van Houten Avenue?” I told him I was.
He then continued to ask, “What was that woman asking you about? Does every Jewish person have to ask the Rabbi before every time they eat? Do they have to ask if they can eat; if they can drink; and if they can eat meat or daily? I know you have dietary restrictions, however, I never realized how strict they are that you must ask your Rabbi before you decide to take a drink?!”
I explained to the man- who of course was not Jewish- that although it might be an effective weapon to fight obesity in the Jewish community if they did have to ask me before they ate, however, thank G-d I am busy enough and they normally do not have to ask before they eat. However, tomorrow is a fast day and therefore since those that are sick do not have to fast, she wanted to know if she qualified as being sick.
“What do you mean that tomorrow is a fast day? Do you mean that you cannot even drink?”
I told him that from early in the morning- prior to sunrise- until past 9 o’clock at night-no Jewish man or women -over 13 for boys and 12 for girls- would put any food or drink- even water- in their mouth unless they are sick, and even then, only after consulting with me.
“C’mon, you are pulling my leg -right?”
“No, really, the entire Passaic/Clifton Jewish community will be fasting tomorrow; men, women and children.”
I thought for sure that the next question would focus on why we fast, however, I was wrong.
The next question was, “Rabbi, level with me. How many of your people do you really think fast? Meaning, you do not have cameras in their homes. Do you really expect me to believe that privately they are not sneaking a swig of juice or grabbing a piece of cake? I mean Rabbi; do you really think that behind your back they are really fasting the entire day in the middle of July?”
I must admit that I never thought of this question and I took a moment to reply.
After considering his question, I looked back at him and said rather confidently and proudly, “Sir, I have to thank you. I never really thought of that question, however, after thinking about it, I must tell you the truth. I truthfully and sincerely believe that no one in the community is sneaking around and eating or drinking. Meaning those that are not fasting, admit it. However, the overwhelming majority of the community who claim they fast, do fast; without guards and without cameras. They may not be thrilled with the fast, however, fast they do”.
He looked at me and shook his head and turned to leave, however, before he took his turn at the teller’s booth he said, “I sure hope you are right Rabbi, because where I come from, whatever the priest told us what not to do, you can bet that at least 50% of us did just that, including some of the priests!”
As I watched him approach the teller I just kept thinking- “Hashem, Mi K’Amcha Yisroel”- Hashem- who is like Your Jewish nation?
You have no army and no guards; no police and security force; yet, fast we do.
We may kvetch and complain, however, fast we do.
“Hashem, Mi K’Amcha Yisroel”- Hashem- who is like Your Jewish nation?