This year, we reprinted over 50 books, using over 50 tons of paper to spread Rebbe Nachman’s teachings! And all of you who helped us!
The story is told of two travelers who came to a small village on Erev Sukkot. They saw a local hurrying and stopped him, “Do you perhaps have place for two travelers for Sukkot” they asked. The man stopped and thought for a few moments and finally said, “Yes! Come to me for Yom Tov!”
That night, rejoicing in the Sukkah, the guests noticed a restrained smile on their hosts’ face. Asking what the matter was, the host replied, “I was on my way to purchase my own lulav and esrog. When you approached me, I had to decide to either take in guests or buy my own set of the four species. After a few moments, I decided to take in the guests. I’m very happy you’re here but I still long for my own four species.”
The guests replied. “We have a set, which we will give to you as a present, so don’t fret. But let me ask you, after 120 years, when we are before the Heavenly Tribune, they will weigh our good deeds and sins. Which do you think is a bigger mitzvah? A 2 pound esrog or two burly guests who together weigh over some 300 hundred pounds!
A personal story: About 20 years ago, I was on my way to shul for Hoshana Rabba, the final day of the judgment which began on Rosh HaShanah. I stopped at the mikvah, but upon entering the water, I froze. “Kramer! With what are you going to face HaShem today? What good deed did you do this year that you can ask HaShem for forgiveness?” I stood there stark naked—physically and spiritually—and could not muster the courage to immerse in the mikvah. It was then that I recalled the above story. I became energized. I said to myself, “True, I’m lacking. I am embarrassed that I am found short in Torah and mitzvot. But, whatever my faults, I did manage to use 20 tons of paper to print Rebbe Nachman’s books! I felt great, immersed in the mikvah and went to shul to pray.
Which do you think is a bigger mitzvah? A 2 pound esrog or two burly guests who together weigh over some 300 hundred pounds!
I share this with all our friends and donors. This year, we reprinted over 50 books, using over 50 tons of paper to spread Rebbe Nachman’s teachings. And all of you who helped us with your timely contributions are all going to share in that extra weight on High. It will all count as your merit before our Just and Great Judge.
So, be blessed all of you. This week’s parshah is Re’eh, where the mitzvah of Tzedakah is cited. May HaShem bless you all with good health and success you, your families and friends.
May we all see a New Year with everything good in this world and the Next, Amen.
Best regards, Chaim Kramer