Hi,
Please allow a personal note.
This Shabbat is my Mom’s yartzeit. The anniversary of her passing.
“Elisheva bas (daughter of) Dov Ber”.
… Some of you may know parts of this story.
But I want everyone who knows me, to know it.
… I grew up in a Torah observant home.
But my Dad didn’t come from an observant background.
And what happened?
He met my Mom, who did!
They met at a time that most American Jews were drifting away from Judaism.
Certainly the younger generation.
My Mom had made a few conditions. “Deal breakers!”
Like a Kosher home. Shabbat. And Jewish day school for the kids.
Not where most American guys were headed in the 1940’s!
… One thing about my parents.
They both knew a good deal when they saw it.
My Dad decided to “just go out and see what happens.”
And my Mom?
She saw my Dad’s potential.
And she inspired him!
Not with books. And not with lectures.
But with her love for Judaism.
Because it was contagious!
… When my mother was a teenager her grandmother called her over.
She wanted to talk to her privately. Had a favor to ask of her.
Not what you would expect a “Bubby” to ask of a 15-year-old girl!
But it tells you a lot about America in those days. And a lot about my Mom.
What did she say to her?
She said, “Please promise me. If at all possible.
G-d willing, you’ll have children.
Have someone in your family named after me.
Because I know that I can count on you.
That your children will live by the Torah!”
… My niece Shaindel is named after my Mom’s grandmother.
She lights Shabbat candles every week with Mom’s candelabra.
And Shaindel has one thing in common with over forty cousins.
All of them were raised to love Torah and live Torah.
… Shaindel’s brother married a very special young lady from Chicago.
She was also raised to love and live Torah.
And she even wrote a book of Jewish thought!
She proudly wears my mom’s diamond ring.
How right my great grandmother was!
… If you enjoy the “Torah Minute”?
Please thank my Mom for the fact that I have any Torah to share with you!
All the best,