Rabbi Pini Pink, Chabad Greenstone
The day is usually marked by joyous communal gatherings and events. I was talking to a congregant who was despondent about the current state of affairs, and the reality of a virtual Lag B’Omer.
It reminded me of a story told of two Chasidim, one named Chaim and the other Dovid, who lived in Odessa and travelled to see Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth rebbe of Lubavitch. Chaim entered, and the Rebbe asked him, “How are things in Odessa?”
Still seated in the waiting area, Dovid could hear their conversation.
“Thank G-d, Jewish life is growing in the city. Of course, there are challenges, but on balance, things are good,” Chaim replied.
Dovid was dismayed at this sugar-coated version of reality in Odessa. Why had he failed to mention all the problems the Jewish community was facing?
He heard the rebbe give Chaim two roubles in gratitude for supporting his work and in appreciation of the good report.
When Dovid entered, the rebbe, too, asked him, “How are things in Odessa?” Determined to tell the truth and set the record straight, he described the bleak state of Odessa Jewry, particularly the young people who had become corrupted by the worst that big city life had to offer.
The rebbe thanked Dovid for his report. But he didn’t offer two roubles or even one. Shocked, Dovid exclaimed, “The rebbe asked, ‘How are things in Odessa?’ I told the truth. I’m rebuffed, while another is rewarded?”
“Do you think I don’t know how things are in Odessa?” the rebbe responded. “That’s not why I asked. The purpose of my question was to see in which Odessa you live.”
In these times, when we face unprecedented challenges and so much is unknown, the question we need to ask ourselves is which world we live in. Is it the world of doom, gloom and despair, or is it the world of hope and positivity?
Let’s internalise the message of Lag B’Omer, which is unity and joy. Let’s make sure that we are in the right headspace, and try to share this with all those around us. A simple phone call to check in on someone can make their day. Let’s show G-d that even during these difficult and trying times, the Jewish people are unified and strong.
