Opinion: Homeless in Cedarhurst

Still in Mitzrayim

By Mitch Krevat

Issue of May 1, 2009 / 7 Iyar 5769

The weekend before Pesach, as Jews scurried around the Five Towns preparing for their annual Passover exodus to points around the globe or completing their home makeovers, my friend was also preparing. His travel plans were simple. He was, as always, planning to spend the night in Cedarhurst. His kitchen was easy to kasher — he has no kitchen. His sale of chometz at his place of work was unnecessary — he has no job. And he was unable to sell his chometz at home — he is homeless.

And he was actually not preparing for Passover just yet. Although just days away for most of us, for him Passover was far off. He was more concerned with where he would get his next meal, in which bank lobby would he spend the next night, and which bathroom would next be open to him.

A shomer mitzvot man wanders through town (in fact five towns) and is invisible. But I don't think he goes completely unseen. His large black yarmulke is on his head all day long as he sleeps on benches throughout the area. He is not a newcomer to the area. People recognize him from his childhood. But when asked, “How are you?” no one really listens to his answer.

The sketchy details I have been able to garner have him living in the area for nearly 40 years. His father owned businesses here. His education stopped at the sixth grade. He spent 30-plus years with a family, not his own. They were a well-known couple in the community who provided him with room and board. In return he helped care for the couple; the man suffered from polio. The couple died, the home was sold. My friend was homeless.

As we prepared to celebrate our redemption, my friend remained unredeemed. Or did he?

My friend passes the time writing sayings. Some are very funny and some not. Some are very insightful; others deeply moving. A personal favorite that I have often repeated: “A Jew can never be in shadows, for we are light.” Whenever I think of this statement it gets me wondering… Who is still in Mitzrayim? Is it my friend who has nothing of value; no home, no silver, and no seat in shul, but who has the emunah to write such an affirmation of his faith? Or is it us as we hurriedly prepare for Yom Tov and complain about our backbreaking work?

Who is still in Mitzrayim? Who is redeemed and who still awaits redemption?

The Saturday night before Pesach I wrote letters to seven local rabbis. My friend needs help. Is there a place at a Seder table… any Seder table? I received one response from a rabbi who “is aware of the situation.” No place at a Seder.

As we count the days to the ultimate act of our redemption, the revelation at Sinai, we have the opportunity to reveal our goodness. Please let us all shine our light on our fellow Jew, on my friend, so we can all come out of the shadows. And his light, his faith, can shine on us.

Mitch Krevat is President & CBO (Chief Burger Officer) of Burgers Bar on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY.

This essay appeared in the print edition as a guest editorial