Shabbat Table Talk from the desk of Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld
June 27-28, 2025 • 2 Tamuz 5785 • Korach (Num 16-18).
In memory of my grandmother, Yehudis bas Alexander, on her 19th yahrzeit.
In memory of my grandmother, Yehudis bas Alexander, on her 19th yahrzeit.
My grandmother, Bubby, loved people.
Due to this trait, taking her on an errand was never a speedy activity.
Unlike many of her peers, into her 90s she wasn't mobility challenged; she never used a cane etc. Even after she gave up driving because she realized that her reflexes had dulled, she continued to walk everywhere and enjoyed every step.
But what slowed her down was that she seemed to be able to find an excuse to talk to everyone she met. It could be a stranger walking a dog or merely wearing a hat - anything slightly unusual would be an excuse to start a conversation. And if the person had absolutely no unusual garment or pet, she would break the ice with something like, "Are you enjoying the fabulous weather?"
Those were the quick conversations. The longer ones were in the stores. She couldn't buy a box of toothpicks without getting the salesperson's life story and without explaining why she needed that box of toothpicks on that particular day.
But I cannot recall anyone ever responding to her in anything other than the most warm and lovely way. The reasons is obvious - her questions were genuine - she truly was interested in everyone and spoke from her heart.
Question for your table... In Proverbs (27:19), King Solomon says, "As water reflects one's face, so does the heart of person to another." - Do you think that's true?
Due to this trait, taking her on an errand was never a speedy activity.
Unlike many of her peers, into her 90s she wasn't mobility challenged; she never used a cane etc. Even after she gave up driving because she realized that her reflexes had dulled, she continued to walk everywhere and enjoyed every step.
But what slowed her down was that she seemed to be able to find an excuse to talk to everyone she met. It could be a stranger walking a dog or merely wearing a hat - anything slightly unusual would be an excuse to start a conversation. And if the person had absolutely no unusual garment or pet, she would break the ice with something like, "Are you enjoying the fabulous weather?"
Those were the quick conversations. The longer ones were in the stores. She couldn't buy a box of toothpicks without getting the salesperson's life story and without explaining why she needed that box of toothpicks on that particular day.
But I cannot recall anyone ever responding to her in anything other than the most warm and lovely way. The reasons is obvious - her questions were genuine - she truly was interested in everyone and spoke from her heart.
Question for your table... In Proverbs (27:19), King Solomon says, "As water reflects one's face, so does the heart of person to another." - Do you think that's true?
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