What a year 5780 has been!
I certainly didn’t see this coming, and seemingly no one else did. But one year ago, Hashem knew what was going to be in store for us. If anything, that thought should calm us down, because while we didn’t know what was in store for 5780, and we certainly don’t know what will be in 5781, we can rest assured that Hashem is carefully guiding the world.
If 5780 had been a “normal” year, I would have had an 8-page Rosh Hashanah issue filled with pictures of all our activities over the past year. I am leaving out the pictures this year, as so many of them would have been sad pictures: Weeds growing on the patio due to lack of use, an empty Beis Medrash, or bochurim learning inside of plastic bubbles.
Speaking of newsletters, I remember Mincha erev Rosh Hashanah over a decade ago I panicked asking, “Where are the newsletters?” I could not find them in my bag, and I ran home (a 10 minute walk back then) and they were not home. But I calmed myself down stating, “Hashem runs the world. All we can do is fear Hashem.” When I returned to the shul I found the newsletters in my bag. They were just invisible to me in my panicked state.
So I will repeat again: Don’t panic! If you see someone who is not following the governmental decrees, don’t panic! Remember that Hashem runs the world, and Hashem has commanded us to embarrass another Jew. While “guarding your life” is also in the Torah, Hashem will decide TODAY, Rosh Hashanah, who will live out the year 5781, and not embarrassing someone will weigh the scales in your favor.
Does “hishtadlus” work? I am reminded of a story told to me by a co-worker who had an aunt in Israel . She was scared for her life during the Gulf War (1991) and returned to the USA. As she was walking in LaGuardia Airport, she slipped, fell down the steps, and died. It is today, Rosh Hashanah, when Hashem will decide who will live in 5781 and who will die in 5781.
Did I embarrass any of you during the year? I tried my hardest to be patient and polite to every member (and even non-members). I tried not to embarrass anyone in public. If I did something to you which made you feel wronged, I ask you to forgive me. (Please also let me know 02-999-8923 so I can be more careful in the future.)
I wish to finally thank all the members of the Vaad and all the Gabbaim who have worked so hard these past few months keeping our shul running. I hope to one day soon be able to join you all and resume my work for my favorite kehilla, Ahavas Shalom.
Wishing everyone a Kesiva Vechasima Tova!
Lev Seltzer
