9 Av, 5774 / August 5, '14
Many years ago I heard an amazing story that I will never forget.
It was about a Jew named Chaim Shapiro who lived in Europe with his wife
and 6 children. Everything was fine until Hitler (may his name be
erased) came to power. Shortly after that, the Holocaust began and
tragedy struck Chaim and his family. By the time the hell was over,
Chaim Shapiro had lost his beloved wife and 5 of his 6 children. He
emigrated to Israel (called Palestine at the time) with his 19 year old
son, Baruch, the only child left. Upon arriving in Israel, his son was
immediately drafted into what became known as the IDF. Baruch Shapiro
fought several battles with great bravery yet fell in combat in the
Latrun area while fighting to open the road to Jerusalem. Chaim Shapiro
had just lost his last son and was truly left with nothing.
Word
quickly spread around Israel and thousands attended the funeral of
Baruch Shapiro. And then, something incredible happened. As they lowered
Baruch's body into the freshly dug grave, the father, Chaim Shapiro,
started to sing "Am Yisrael Chai". People were in shock and everyone was
silent. Not one person joined the singing yet the father continued his
singing even as the grave was filled with dirt. It was then that Chaim
addressed the crowd. "I'm sure you think I lost my mind, but nothing
could be further from the truth. I know exactly what I am doing and I
will explain my actions. Just a few years ago I lost my wife and 5 of my
children. They were all murdered for nothing. They went like sheep to
the slaughter. Their blood was shed like water for no reason at all. Yet
this son, Baruch, fell as a hero. He fell in the battle for Jerusalem
our holy city. He fell while fighting the enemy and even though his
death is painful, it proves that our nation and people live. We have an
army and are fighting for a country! What an honor and privilege to have
a son die in that way. This is why I sang Am Yisrael Chai and I ask you
all to join together with me!" At that point he continued singing and
many of those present at the funeral joined together with him.
I
must add a note to this story. I heard about Chaim Shapiro and his son
Baruch z"l from Rabbi Stewart Weiss of Ra'anana. He wrote this story
many years ago in the Jerusalem Post and it changed my life. A few years
later, Rabbi Weiss' own son, Ari, was killed in battle while serving in
the IDF and fighting terrorists in Shechem. At the funeral for his son
Ari, he told this story and sang Am Yisrael Chai as well.
Unbelievable...
Dearest
friends; as tragic as this story is - it is the message of Shabbos
Nachamu. It is about Jews being comforted, even though the tragedy is
still fresh. It is about focusing on the "WHY" and not just the "WHAT"
and as horrific as events sometimes are, a Yid must ALWAYS see the good
and the inner message being given. Tisha B'av was just a few days ago
and the kinnos we read are still ringing in our ears but now is the time
for Nachamu, Nachamu Ami. Now is the time for comfort and strength. Now
is the time to brush off the dirt and sing "Am Yisrael Chai", even
though it is hard.
I
write these words even as missiles are still flying in Israel and
millions are in great danger. I write these words as our boys in Israel
traded their bathing suits for IDF uniforms and their beach umbrellas
for M-16s. Nevertheless, we take comfort knowing that Hashem is leading
them in battle and the great Jewish nation is fighting in the Promised
Land. The stories of King David, Joshua and Shimshon are not simply
bedtime stories but are real and alive in these very days.
Be comforted my people and be happy because as Chaim Shapiro taught us: Am Yisrael Chai!!!
Shmuel Sackett is the International Director of Manhigut Yehudit
No comments:
Post a Comment