This week’s CTN Shabbat Fax is sponsored by all of us at CTN and the entire extended CTN Family, wishing a huge ‘Mazel tov’ to Yehuda Spielman on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah this Shabbos. May you continue in the ways of your wonderful parents and grandparents and grow to be a wonderful human being and a great Jew! We are so proud of you!
1. AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED IN G-D. AND HE CONSIDERED IT TO BE A KINDNESS.’ (15:6).
Abraham. One man. Who changed an entire world.
He did so much for G-d.
Like teaching the world that He exists. That there is a G-d Who demands a life of ethics. Morality. And kindness.
And he did so much for people.
Jewish tradition is filled with stories of Abraham’s kindness. Towards all human beings.
… We think of Abraham as contributing so much.
But he saw it differently.
‘He believed in G-d. And he considered it to be a kindness.’
Abraham felt fortunate to recognize G-d. And to teach others.
It’s a powerful lesson. And a very Jewish one.
That every opportunity we have to bring G-d into our lives.
And every opportunity we have to help others.
Is exactly that: An opportunity.
… Something we gain from.
More than we give.
2. STORY OF THE WEEK
Rabbi Yisrael Mayer Kagan. Known as the Chafetz Chaim. The leading saint and scholar of pre-war Europe.
His life was dedicated to helping the Jewish People. Their spiritual as well as their physical needs.
… After finishing one of his major books on Jewish law, Rabbi Kagan was overheard saying the following:
“L-rd of the Universe. You have done so much for me.
Imagine – allowing me to complete such a major work. Helping me clarify so many difficult issues in Jewish law.
Now G-d, please let me know.
What can I do for You?”
3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
They tell a story of a boat that docked in a tiny Mexican village.
And the American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish. “How long did it take you to catch them?”
“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was enough to meet his and his family’s needs.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs … I have a full life.”
The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”
“And after that?” asked the Mexican.
“With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican.
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.
“And after that?”
“Afterwards? Well my Friend, That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that?” said the Mexican.
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your friends …”
Join the thousands of people who get a weekly dose of Jewish knowledge and inspiration, through the CTN Shabbat Fax & Email. It’s short, it’s thought provoking and it’s free.