No matter where you sit on the political spectrum, we can all agree that the world, and more so, the USA, is in turmoil. The devastating pandemic and governmental upheaval dominate our daily lives and confound our thinking.
Where do we turn? Who can offer direction? Perspective? Solace?
Had we been in this maelstrom of mayhem and chaos some years ago, many of us would have turned to our mentor and spiritual guide, Rabbi Noah Weinberg o.b.m. His inimitable and erudite persona soothed and guided hundreds of thousands of Jews of every walk of life, during times of trouble and confusion.
What would he say to us today? Would he offer any wisdom that might make a difference in how we navigate these stormy waters of life in 2021?
I imagine he would.
So…
I watch from Above with a mixture of pain, anguish, and frustration. So I am pleased that you reached out to ask for my opinions, my points of view, and my help. (That’s the way it works up here. We cannot offer our assistance unless it is requested.)
Let’s begin.
Forgive me for being blunt (that hasn’t changed), but the world’s response to this Corona thing was way off the mark. The Almighty has a plan and a purpose to everything He brings. There are no coincidences in life. I always reminded you that He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Therefore, as much you suffer from this deadly plague, He actually “suffers” more. Is it a wake up call? Of course it is. No one likes to hear that. But his punishments are not vindictive, they are instructive. Big difference.
So here’s the problem. He sent Corona. Many people died. It was tragic. I’m not getting into the mask thing or the lockdowns. That’s for you guys to work out. But it was supposed to wake people up to change. To be different. To be better. Better friends. Better spouses. Better parents. Better Jews. Better people! How many people do you know that have really changed in the past 10 months?
Remember what I taught you:
Every day, set aside time to ask these questions:
- What am I living for?
- Review your day and ask: What do I need to change?
- What am I going to do about it?
Watch. When enough people start changing, the disease will vanish.
Now, I know you are convinced that the world has gone insane. Looking down on the events of this past year or so, which I have done, makes it hard for me to argue with that. But I have always said the battle for life is the battle for sanity. To a certain extent, we are all crazy. But if you are aware of it you prevent the insanity from taking over.
Which brings me to another vital point. With all the daily drama you encounter, you’ve become news junkies – addicted to your phones and devices. Most of it is a waste of your precious brain cells. Need I remind you that killing time is like committing suicide on the installment plan. Imagine if you used that time to better understand yourself, your purpose, and the meaning of your life. If you don’t know yourself, you don’t know anything. Now that is a worthwhile investment.
I recall from the temporary world that I used to inhabit that a lot of people wanted to understand themselves better but didn’t know how to do it. You know my answer for that. Torah. That’s where the wisdom is. That’s how to fight ignorance.
The most virulent disease in the world is ignorance.
The most virulent disease in the world is ignorance. Ignorance can kill you.
It spreads throughout entire societies and is extremely difficult to combat, especially since the victim is usually not aware he has been infected.
By following the guidelines that the Almighty gave us – in the Torah – we can fulfill our purpose in the world.
So stop the nonsense. Push out all the noise. Don’t constantly worry about who is President or Prime Minister or in the Cabinet. I guarantee you that the Almighty can handle that. Your job is to keep your eye on the ball. Got it?
Something else that concerns me is that many of you look around at the current state of affairs and respond by becoming despondent and pessimistic. Dare I say, a lot of people seem actually hopeless. There is something very wrong with that. My life down there was full of failures and disappointments. Before Aish, every organization and yeshiva that I started went nowhere. Had I given up, my legacy would have been zero.
Every human being has moments and even chapters in his life when he feels that he can’t go on. The fight is just not worth it. The burden is too great. Don’t be afraid of those thoughts and emotions. Use them to sharpen and refine your true purpose. Pick yourself up and out of the doldrums. Study. Accomplish. Communicate. Don’t be a spectator. Lead. And you need not be loud to lead. Many lead by example, by becoming great role models. Yes…even you can lead.
And finally, I need to remind you that you have a weapon in your arsenal that is potent, persuasive, and powerful – and under-utilized. It’s called Prayer. Prayer is the skeleton key that gives you entry to every door that seems shut or out of reach. Simultaneously, it soothes the soul and stirs the heavens. It orders your priorities and unlocks the portals of mercy, clarity, and blessing. It is an eloquent demonstration of your desire to establish a meaningful relationship with your Creator. And yet, so many squander or misuse this mighty opportunity.
There may be tough times ahead. As you know, Mashiach (the Messiah) beckons. Turmoil and societal disorder is likely to accompany his arrival. A few short minutes of daily, heartfelt prayer, in any language, can go a long way in helping you cope, discern, and affect change.
Life can be tough. But the Almighty put us here to access all the pleasures that He fashioned. The pain that so often comes is the currency we use to get maximum pleasure. Without that pain and effort, there is no meaning.
Be strong. Be wise. Count your blessings, but also make your blessings count.
In commemoration of the yahrzeit of Rabbi Noah Weinberg, zt"l, Shevat 11.
(27) Anonymous, February 7, 2021 6:43 AM
Had to smile as I felt Rabbi Salomon captured Rav Noah's voice!
Thank you for "bringing Back" Rabbi N. Weinberg! And I miss your ten years of articles, too. Be well.
(26) Anthony J Ciao, January 29, 2021 11:00 PM
Thanks
Thank you, Rabbi, for encouragement to face just one more day... one more... one more minute... thank you for reminding us that G-D is in control and has the final word in this, His world. Good Sabbath, Rabbi! And, thanks again
(25) Ff Barish-Stern, January 28, 2021 5:55 PM
I hear the voice of Rabbi Noah of Blessed Memory
Rabbi Salomon, I read and listened to Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt"l for many years and your article speaks in his voice, his words, his way of telling it like it is. If I didn't know you wrote it I would be willing to say that was written by Rabbi Noah; with 100 % certainty. Thanks for reminding me (us) of his way of putting everything into the proper perspective. I once wrote an article here on Aish on the anniversary of his Yahrzeit to express how he had changed my life... now once again through you in these dark times....together your words and his make a new change and help again! Thank you Rabbi's both! and Aish !
(24) ARIELLE BARTLEY, January 28, 2021 6:49 AM
WONDERFUL WISDOM FROM A WONDERFUL RABBI! WHAT A BLESSING AT A TIME LIKE THIS. WE NEED TO HEED THESE PRECIOUS WORDS AND TAKE THE TO HEART. THE TORAH HAS ALL THE ANSWERS TO ALL OUR PROBLEMS. IT'S HOLY WISDOM FROM HASHEM! SHALOM TOV.
(23) Norman 3, January 28, 2021 4:30 AM
Keep calm
After all, just like this weeks parsha Yud HAY VAV HAY strengthened PHAROS heart. Can we cope with what's irritating us today.
(22) Leora, January 28, 2021 3:48 AM
Brilliant
Needed to hear this. superbly written article.
(21) sheila Hecker, January 27, 2021 9:46 PM
wonderful reminder of Reb Noach`s advice
Great to hear his word from above. And you wer able to translate it into words that we can follow
(20) Renee Bryer, January 27, 2021 12:54 AM
Inspiring and excellent
Inspiring and excellent and worth sharing.
(19) Bracha Goetz, January 26, 2021 2:42 AM
GREATNESS!
(18) Gwendolyn Austin, January 25, 2021 8:54 PM
The Rabbi is Correct
I read the entire article. It was uplifting and straightforward. It gave me something to think about. I saved the article to my drive. The Rabbi is right in everything he said. If ALL people would follow his advice, we ALL will be better people and treat each other with loving kindness and we will hear from heaven and God will heal our land.
(17) Harry S Pearle, January 25, 2021 4:45 PM
Struggling with fear and DANG - R (Thanks for 48 Ways)
Dear Rabbi Weinberg, I want to thank you for your "48 Ways to Wisdom"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back in January, 2020, before the Virus came, I noticed a strange auto license
plate: DANG - R. My first reaction was to appreciate the driver for his message
of caution. The blank space seemed to suggest that it was up to me to pay
attention, in traffic, or not.
Now, I am also thinking of your comments on FEAR, (Yirah) in the 48 Waya.
You encourage us to use FEAR to wake up and to pay more attention to life.
(In my own home, someone got the Virus, and I tried to use FEAR to distance)
Let me also thank Rabbis Coopersmith and Shraga for the 48 Ways book.
(16) Sharon Barnett, January 25, 2021 3:26 AM
Very uplifting, wise words
This article has helped bring perspective to my life at present. Such a wise man.
(15) Miriam, January 25, 2021 2:46 AM
So well written. Thank you
My siblings and I often say “what would Daddy a”h say?” Our father was not a rabbi but was very wise. I love this article because it captures the voice of Rabbi Weinberg a”h and gives real comfort. It’s possible for us to reflect back on wise lessons from the past to help us cope.
(14) Yosef, January 25, 2021 2:23 AM
me-tsu-yan
Excellent, this is exactly my thought on 2020. “ But it was supposed to wake people up to change. To be different. To be better. Better friends. Better spouses. Better parents. Better Jews. Better people! How many people do you know that have really changed in the past 10 months?.” This is so true. Unfortunately, most people have missed the opportunity to learn from the events of the past year. Great Post. Toda.
(13) 037, January 24, 2021 10:23 PM
Great teachings.
Dziękuję bardzo za wspaniałe naucznie! Shalom shalom
(12) Sora Wolasky, January 24, 2021 8:12 PM
All Jewish children of appropriate age should read or be taught Reb Noach’s philosophy
The most poignant and far reaching part of the essay above for me was where it stated that the most virulent disease is ignorance and that closeness to the almighty via the Torah Torah is the pathway out of the ignorance. Therefore everything can be learned from Torah and ALL comes from Hashem!!! The concept that Hashem loves us is where it all begins! We need to open our hearts and our minds to the reality of Where It All comes from.
(11) Jonijo Child of The Most High, January 24, 2021 7:22 PM
Best part God is in control! Yes Count your blessings and make your blessings count double blessings as mentioned in the Bible ????
Count your blessings and make your blessings count double blessings. Malachi 3:10
(10) miriam hefetz, January 24, 2021 5:46 PM
getting to know r'weinberg
not having the opportunity to really 'know' r'weinberg ztz"l in person, your above article makes me feel that i know him a bit better. thanks. keep going.
(9) Anonymous, January 24, 2021 4:48 PM
Best Article Ever!
I’ve never read a better, more encouraging, and exquisitely articulate article ever. It’s one I will not only share with all my friends, but will print to save. I’m not a religious person, and in order to save my sanity, I have turned to praying regularly and started reading the book of psalms. Since early childhood all my nightmares have revolved around wars and I have an unnatural attachment to the Holocaust. The prospect of the possibility of facing another war literally had paralyzed me. Daily prayer has helped to release some of that fear knowing God will protect me and my loved ones.
(8) Daniel, January 24, 2021 4:19 PM
Nice
Thank you for the nuggets of wisdom and for bringing rav Weinberg back to life
(7) Anonymous, January 24, 2021 4:15 PM
Fabulous
Brilliant
(6) Maria Dodoc, January 24, 2021 3:07 PM
Thank You!
(5) Margo Donovan, January 24, 2021 3:04 PM
I could hear his voice
Thank u for sharing his words from above It was so the Rabbi who guided so many on earth Now we hear him giving us direction during these challenging times
(4) Michael Chesal, January 24, 2021 2:36 PM
Thanks for helping to refocus us
I miss seeing you and learning from you. Thanks for putting this together. As always, you're spot on!
(3) Nancy, January 24, 2021 2:33 PM
Welcome back Rabbi Salomon!!
I hope you are safe and healthy. Please continue to write more essays. Btw--I am currently reading Rabbi Weinberg's obm biography. Whatva great book it is! Shavua tov.
(2) Anonymous, January 24, 2021 1:31 PM
Thank you for the beautiful article. We miss the Rabbi, zt”l. And we miss you too!
(1) Anonymous, January 24, 2021 9:10 AM
When a rebbe leaves students like you he is still alive....Yasher Koach
When a rebbe leaves students like you he is still alive....Yasher Koach
Nina Kotek, January 24, 2021 11:02 AM
Beautiful article
And beautiful comment...he really captured Rabbi Weinberg's style, too!