Community Magazine October 2009

24 Community magazine some time here and there to reenergize. But when an employee spends most of his workday on coffee break, he will very quickly lose his job. Similarly, if we spend the bulk of our time on “break,” unproductively, then Gd will no longer want to “employ” us. If we aren’t using our time constructively, then, quite simply, we forfeit our right to time. The Hafess Haim reportedly refused to wear shoes with laces, saying that he did not want to waste the few seconds required to tie and untie the laces each time he puts on or takes off his shoes. Over the course of a lifetime, those few seconds could add up to about an hour. “I don’t have an hour of my life to spend tying and untying shoelaces,” the sage remarked. He therefore wore loafers, so he wouldn’t have to spend the time dealing with laces. We, of course, are very far from that level of commitment. But the Hafess Haim’s comments alert us to the incalculable worth of every moment, and warn us of what a crime it is to waste our time. Running Out of Room on the Postcard The Hafess Haim compared life to a postcard. When people travel and send a postcard to their friends, they often begin writing in large letters, “Hi, I’m having a great time! I wish you were here!” They then begin writing about their trip in greater detail, and, soon enough, they realize they are running out of room. The only option is to write in tiny print to squeeze all the content in the small amount of available space. Unfortunately, the Hafess Haim lamented, many people go through life the same way they write postcards. Early in life, they use “big letters,” they are lax with their time. Figuring they still have many years remaining, they go about their days in a relaxed, casual manner, seeking enjoyment, pleasure and relaxation. It is often only as we approach the end of the “postcard,” as we grow older and realize that time might soon be running out, that we redirect our focus onto meaningful matters. Many people spend the latter part of their lives trying to squeeze a lifetime’s worth of spiritual achievement into a short period of time. And in most cases, tragically, it doesn’t fit. Our challenge is to use our time responsibly when we are still young, before we start “running out of room.” The Talmud teaches, “Whoever answers, ‘ Yeheh Shemeh Rabba – May His great Name be blessed’ with all his strength – his harsh decree is torn.” The plain meaning of this passage is that one should respond to kaddish in the synagogue with concentration and emotional intensity. Additionally, however, it may convey the broader message that one must work to glorify Gd’s Name in the world while he still possesses “all his strength,” during his youthful years. Every moment, at every stage of life, is too precious to squander. We must not wait until our older years to begin filling our lives with meaning. If we recognize the value of our time, and use it productively and meaningfully, then Gd will grant us many more long years during which we can continue our loyal work of striving to perfect both ourselves and the world. The better we use our time, the more time Gd will be willing to give us. 1837 Coney Island (Corner Ave O) 718.951.9533 Borsalino Studio Milano Best Hat Shaper In The World Biggest, Best Selection & Quality Huge New Inventory Reg. $279.99 NoW $219.99 coMe eaRly WHIle SupplIeS laSTS 100% cotton Shirts -Wrinkle Free Famous Brand Names Regular $ 79.99 NoW... Buy 1 FoR $21 Buy 2 FoR $40 Buy 3 FoR $4 5 all ecco SHoeS Reg. $180-$220 Now $139 Including latest styles caMBRIdge & oak SHoeS Reg. $119.99 Now $49.99 MezlaN Reg. $180 Now $109.99 RockpoRT SHoeS Reg. $95-$110 Now $64.99 excluding impriel FloRSHeIM Reg. $95-$110 Now $64.99 excluding impriel all BoyS SHoeS Reg. $119.99 Now $59.99 Mega shoe sale Dedicated in memory of Mr. Irving Semah    