Hi,
I hope you’re having a great day.
And Happy Chanukah!
I’d like to share one more thing about my recent encounter with a policeman.
… As you may remember I made a turn I should not have made.
And was pulled over by a policeman.
While I was expecting him to throw the book at me?
He took note of my yarmulke and was very gracious.
Besides seeming to respect me as a Rabbi?
He was not the type of policeman that while he has you, starts “looking around”.
Like checking your city sticker. Noticing a nick in your windshield.
And then going to the back to find that your break lights don’t work!
His let me off with a warm reminder to drive safely.
… Being that he took note that “I don’t look like the type to steal license plates”?
And we seemed to have developed a good chemistry?
I decided to take a chance.
“Officer. I really appreciate it. Can I ask you a question?”
He was a bit taken aback. Probably thinking to himself …
“Where is this guy heading?”
But he cleared his throat and said, “Sure”.
I asked him, “Are your blessed to still have your parents?”
And he told me that, yes, his parents are still living.
So I said to him, “You need to do me a big favor”.
(At this point he was probably thinking that it may have been easier to just give me a ticket!)
“Please call your parents and tell them that you met a Rabbi today.
And that the Rabbi sent them a message…
“You folks did a real good job raising your son!”
The officer broke out into a huge smile.
“It’s too late to call them tonight. I’ll call first thing tomorrow!”
I thanked him again and we parted ways.
And I have been driving more carefully since then!
… I’m sharing this story because it’s Chanukah.
Because we went to war against the Greeks to preserve Judaism.
And to preserve Jewish values.
The world would be a much different place if not for Chanukah.
Because Greek culture saw things very differently.
Do you know what would have made a mother proud in Sparta?
A slightly different message.
“You should be very proud of your son…
He’s a mighty soldier!”
… We don’t give as many presents on Chanukah as many people around us.
But Chanukah is a great time for the most meaningful gift.
Just tell someone they should be very proud.
Because they raised a real mensch!
All the best,
Moshe