By Rabbi Rafi Andrusier
LA MESA, California–Many of us are still reeling from the events in Paris last week. Besides for the massacre in Charlie Hebdo, four holy souls were murdered at Hyper Cacher, a kosher supermarket, shopping for Shabbat.
I came across something remarkable today. Rabbi Hattab, father of the murdered Yoav Hattab, 21, provided the last text message conversation of bhis son before entering the store. The texts were with a friend urging him to observe the upcoming Shabbat.
Translated:
11:24 Yoav: … try to make the Shabbat as soon as you arrive
11:52 Friend: That is to say?
11:53 Friend: This Shabbat is very stressful, I have exams tomorrow morning, and I’m taking a flight, but after the Shabbat
11:53 Yoav: This is a difficult time in France for Jews … At least try …
11:53 Yoav: Do not do everything but at least try to do something
11:54 Friend: Ok, don’t worry; of course I’ll do it
11:54 Yoav: You’re the bomb (slang: You’re the best)
11:54 Friend: Lol thank you
In Kohelet, Ecclesiastes (7:2), King Solomon says“… and the living shall lay it to his heart.” Traditionally, this is understood that we are to take lessons from those who passed on, and with that, the deceased continues to live on spiritually.
What can we learn from Yoav? How do we move on?
Yoav had a special love for Shabbat. Buying fresh food for the holy day. Encouraging others to take part in Shabbat.
So I suggest what Yoav had suggested to his friend. Connect with Shabbat. See the beauty it offers. Light the Shabbat candles and take in the holiness and the peace. Turn off the cell phones, TV’s and tablets. Make Kiddush on a cup of wine. Sanctify the day. See what Shabbat means to you. Take a look at your spouse and family. How was their week? Was the boss difficult? Did you get along in school?
Attend a Shabbat service. Communicate with your inner self. Pour out your soul to G-d. Hear the Torah reading and absorb it’s eternal lessons. See your old friends and make some new ones.
“But,” we say to ourselves, “it’s too much! Every week? 25 hours? I have exams, appointments and shopping.”
So let’s take Yoav’s advice: “Ne fais pas tout mais essaye.” “Do not do everything but at least try to do something.”
The family is still in the week of shiva mourning. Let us start tonight with some Shabbat observances in Yoav’s memory.
Good Shabbos – Shabbat Shalom
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Rabbi Andrusier is the spiritual leader of Chabad of East County. Your comment may be posted in the space provided below.