In my view: Thoughts amidst rising waters

By Roy S. Neuberger

Issue of Nov. 14, 2008 / 17 Cheshvan 5769

I believe that we are entering a period of history in which we must be very cautious. During the month of Cheshvan, the flood inundated the world in the time of Noah, and it now seems the water is rising fast.

There is a terrible news story these days about a kosher meat-processing plant in the Midwest which is in bankruptcy as a result of alleged illegal practices. This has drastically reduced the supply of kosher meat throughout the United States. In Lakewood, NJ, it has now become difficult to buy kosher chicken.

I do not know all the facts of this case. I do know that media sources who hate Jews are making every effort to portray the operators of this company as evil beasts. The fact that they are observant is perfect material for those who are looking for any way to denigrate the holy Torah and characterize observant Jews as vicious egotists who flout the law and victimize others for their own aggrandizement.

In this environment, we must be extremely careful. Our enemies are searching for any evidence of weakness in our observance, G-d forbid. We have a responsibility to act with total integrity in the eyes of the world.

The other day I was entering the grounds of a local institution of Jewish learning when a luxury car sped into the parking lot and pulled up at the “disabled” parking area closest to the entrance in such a way that it blocked two parking places. I had seen this car parked that way on many occasions previously, and I decided to take it upon myself to speak to the driver, who is not a disabled person.

I may have had no standing to open my mouth, as I am filled with my own personal shortcomings, but I do understand that it is a mitzvah to rebuke a fellow Jew in a brotherly way if one thinks the words may be taken seriously. After asking “mechila” in advance, I spoke to this Jew and addressed the point that he was taking up two spaces in a crowded parking lot in which people are sometimes unable to find a spot.

His answer was to look around for a few seconds. Then he said, “No, I’m not going to move the car. I’m not a nice person.

I may have been wrong to speak to him, although I didn’t know in advance what his response would be. He did not appreciate my words, and perhaps I should have known that would happen.

My friends, we are being judged, not only in the eyes of the world but in the eyes of G-d. Are we behaving as His children should behave? Are we creating a Kiddush Hashem? Are we worthy of the redemption which we so desperately need?

“I am not a nice person” is not for a Yid to say. If I am not a nice enough person there are ways to change myself. I can at least regret my inadequacies. But right now, in this tinderbox world in which one spark can, G-d forbid, ignite a worldwide conflagration, we are, I believe, mandated to become “nice,” even if it is contrary to our nature. We are supposed to work on ourselves, to elevate ourselves, to make our Father in heaven proud of us.

My own father, who, bli ayin hara, is 105 years old, did not grow up in a religiously observant home. At the age of 29 he went to Wall Street to pursue his dream of supporting young artists. He founded a great Wall Street investment firm and had the zchus of fulfilling many dreams. Never, in the almost 70 years since that firm was founded, was there a hint of any deviation from the most rigid forms of honesty, integrity and fair play. Never was one corner cut for personal gain or to take advantage of someone else. My father today wears the crown of a Shem Tov, a good name. He is beloved, respected and trusted by all who ever knew him, because of his incorruptible honesty.

Our lives are hanging in the balance. The nations are gathering together, planning what they believe will be the final attack on the land and the people of Israel. We have only one Friend and Protector, and we must act in such a way that He will recognize us as His children and desire to help us. Every action, every thought, every intention is scrutinized by Him.

Are we going to provoke our enemies? That is very dangerous. Our shield is called “Magen Avraham,” and Avraham Avinu was considered a prince by the nations of the world because of the uprightness of his actions and his steadfast devotion to the service of G-d and man.

But even more dangerous is to provoke G-d. I do not think “I’m not a nice person” is going to work before the Heavenly court. Our lives depend on Torah and achdus, service of G-d and unity among ourselves. We will not be able to begin to heal ourselves until we understand that “derech eretz kadma l’Torah” –– proper behavior comes before Torah.

G-d is warning us. The flood waters are rising. The increasing worldwide unity and strength of our enemies, the disastrous economy, the environment, the many faces of tzaros in Israel and other Jewish communities, the growing worldwide social destabilization, declining levels of morality, the list is endless. Yes, when the wicked bloom like grass, it is to destroy them forever.

May our actions bring us merit to see the day very soon when the earth is cleansed of evil and the children of Israel are once again a source of nachas to each other and to our Father in heaven.