Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings

“Rebbi, why do we have to learn this?”

Last week, my ninth grade b’kius shiur at Heichal HaTorah completed learning Maseches Tamid and Midos. Tamid is the shortest masechta in Shas, with only six dapim (folios) and includes a couple of dapim that contain only mishnayos. However, there is a modicum of challenge in its study in that Tamid and Midos detail the structure of the Second Beis HaMikdash, destroyed in the year 70 CE.

Undoubtedly, it was one of the greatest moments in the annals of Jewish history. When our ancestors stood at Sinai and were asked if they would accept the Torah, they unequivocally proclaimed “Naaseh V’Nishma – We will do and we will hear.” It was a proclamation of complete and unyielding obedience and commitment.

It is no exaggeration to say that my summers and camp experiences have had a tremendous impact on who I am. Some of my foremost rebbeim I only know from my summer camps. During a confusing time during late adolescence, when I was trying to find the right yeshivah for myself, my camp friendships were a source of great encouragement for me. But above all, being a counselor taught me a great deal about responsibility. Having to deal with the vagaries and annoyances of a dozen kids helps give a teenager perspective and appreciation for the challenges of parenthood.

My esteemed colleague, Rabbi Dr. Joel Berman, related the following story from his years as a soldier in the IDF:

In the month of June, the word “commencement” seems to pop up a lot, because graduations are known as commencement exercises. I had a colleague who would say that the only exercise he gets all year is when he attends commencement exercises in June.

It’s not easy to be menacheim avel, as we don’t like going to “sad places.” At the same time, however, it is often an elevating experience. I often leave a shiv’ah house with inspiring ideas I heard related about the niftar, some that I could adopt and implement in my own life.