This week’s Torah portion is Miketz, featuring the emotional reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers. In honor, of the struggles all humans have in meeting one another where they are, I would like to share my final Chelm story, a story I told at the family service this past High Holy Days.
Rabbi Sarah was beloved in Chelm. To them she was the kindest, nicest, and wisest rabbi in the whole of the world. There was only one small thing she needed to work on: Rabbi Sarah was always late. Whenever she was heading over to the synagogue, she would forget something and have to turn around.
The people of Chelm gathered to discuss what to do. “I have an idea,” said a younger member of the group. “What if we made a list of all the things Rabbi Sarah forgets and then get them to her on her way to the synagogue.”
That Shabbat the people of Chelm were ready. As soon as Rabbi Sarah began her journey to the synagogue, a few people went into her home and retrieved the items. They then raced to give them to people standing in a long line from Rabbi Sarah’s house to the synagogue.
As Rabbi Sarah walked, she would remember she had forgotten something. She would turn to go back to her house, only to find that one of her congregants was holding the item for her
When she arrived at the synagogue door, she checked over everything she could possibly have forgotten, and realized thanks to the kindness of the people of Chelm, she had everything she needed. Walking into the synagogue, Rabbi Sarah was surprised to find it empty. She checked her watch, and she was exactly on time. Where could everyone be? Oh, well, she said to herself. And, with that she turned around and started back home. The townsfolk gathered after and decided maybe it was better for Rabbi Sarah to be late than the whole town.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!
Rabbi Alex