Two Jews by their Rebbe II

Taken in Nezhin during the Ukrainian Trek -Winter 5766

Yesterday I mentioned my trip to the Ohel
To see the many comments, click here
My continued thoughts:

I must admit, I also take pictures in Holy Places -I think most of us do.
My feelings stem from the greater importance that I attach to my time in the Ohel -but, and I must accept this, the feelings are mine.

Ultimately I did take the picture for the person; telling him something would not help on so many levels:
It would only further interrupt the sanctity that I tried to feel at the moment. More so, it would embarrass the him. Such a short exchange would doubtfully bring about any change . . .

Perhaps it was the fact that the person was a Lubavitcher that threw me off . . . Had it been a 'normal' Jew I wouldn't have batted an eye. Because he looked like me, at least superficially, I subjected him to the same criteria that I would use to judge myself.

But then, as mentioned in the comments, we all experience holiness in different ways . . . Perhaps this was his mode of spiritual expression -one that encapsulated the moment in visually.
Just to think from this persons point of view (not that he needs my
limud zchus). I am able to go to the Ohel whenever I want, I can spend as long as I want, and when -as the Rebbe puts it - the yetzer harah acts up, I can schlep it to the Ohel.
This fellow could very well not be able to visit for a very long time to come . . .

My travels in Israeli were somewhat different. The (negative) reactions from the others on the trip frankly seemed to stem from simple immaturity. Reactions are the result of a situation being interpreted by a person and related to. Some people may not have the 'keilim' the vessels to relate to the situation, and thus react by makings jokes, latching onto the seemingly trivial aspects of the experience etc.

Perhaps the common denominator between the two experiences is the need to step out of oneself. I have my tests and my ways of expression, those around me have theirs.
Their reactions may distract me, they may irk me, or even offend me (and perhaps rightfully so) but if my response will not elicit a positive change in them (as was evident in both cases -in the former due to the lack of connection to the individual, and the later a lack of maturity) then what good is a response . . . I should rather focus inward and see the good.

Of note: my Question and Answer on Davening is up at ASJ -check it out.




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