Rosh Hashana
Shofar in Darkness
Having Shabbos visitors is always wonderful... especially when they bring us some kosher food from afar! However , this week our guest left us with something equally precious: a special family story for us to share and treasure.
Our guest, Michael Berkowitz from New York told us the following story about his grandfather, Reb Menasche Yosef Schamroth, who came to America after his horrific experiences during the Holocaust.
He was anxious to begin a new life, and was determined to take advantage of the opportunity to learn Torah in his new country. Shortly after moving to Baltimore, my grandfather went to hear a Talmud class in his new city, where he experienced a most unusual welcome.
The rabbi began each learning session by recounting inspiring Holocaust stories that were just becoming known as new immigrants made their way to America.
That first morning, when my grandfather came to class, the rabbi told a moving incident about a man who miraculously obtained a shofar in Auschwitz!
Knowing full well that the Nazis would kill him in a heartbeat for such a 'crime', this courageous Jew blew the shofar on Rosh Hashana, so that everyone could share in the mitzvah. He was willing to risk his own life, in order to keep Torah and mitzvot alive!
My grandfather listened to the story with growing amazement. He couldn't contain himself; he smiled and shook his head in wonder. "The rabbi grew curious. "What is it," he asked my grandfather. "Don't you believe this story?" "I certainly do," replied Grandfather. "The man in the story... was me!"
This year, when we hear the Shofar on Rosh Hashana, let us remember the inspiration of generations past, those who listened to theShofar in times of sorrow and pain. And, let us transmit our love of this precious yearly wake up call to our own children and grandchildren, with joy and commitment.
May G‑d bless all of us with a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year, full of new and precious opportunities to grow in Torah and mitzvot!
Shana Tova!