Shabbat Shalom Dave!
Rabbi David Rosenthal
In 1987, a young man named Dave, had a spiritual awakening and began taking a greater interest in his Jewish heritage. (Not me, I was only born in ’86 ). Away from home, he had become inspired to live a more meaningful life according to the teachings of Judaism. Unfortunately, his family did not share his enthusiasm for religion. Upon returning home, Dave attempted to observe the Sabbath, but it was harder than he had anticipated. While his family was going about their usual activities, Dave was alone, lighting candles, making Kiddush, and attempting to have a festive Shabbos meal by himself. If they ignored him it would have been bad enough, yet they also taunted him for his newfound commitment to spirituality. What was supposed to be an evening of holiness turned out to be an experience in loneliness and ridicule.
For several hours, Dave tried to observe Shabbos, but it was too much for him. He said to G-d, “I can’t do this anymore. Unless you give me a sign, I give up.” Dave patiently waited for a sign but…nothing. Finally, he threw his hands up to heaven and said, “I’m done.” He sat on the couch, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV. At that very moment an episode of Late Night with David Letterman was airing on NBC. Tom Hanks was being interviewed by Letterman and was describing his recent trip to Israel. He mentioned how Jews stop working Friday afternoon and delivered the customary Shabbos greeting to Letterman. As Dave turned on the TV he heard Hanks say, “Shabbat Shalom Dave. Shabbat Shalom.” (Clip here). Having received his sign, Dave decided to observe the rest of Shabbos, and today is a fully observant Jew.
While we can’t always expect G-d to send Tom Hanks wishing us a “Shabbat Shalom,” Hashem helps those who try to get close to Him. It is not always easy to serve G-d and to do the right thing, but He promises that even if we take a small step forward, He will be there helping us along the way.
(I heard this story from Rabbi Mordechai Becher).
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