Parshas Eikev 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
כי על כל מוצא פי ה' יחיה האדם ... (ח-ג)
MASHAL: In honor of the ninetieth birthday of Mr. Bergstein, his family prepared a lavish event. No expenses were withheld to make this something memorable. After all, Mr. Bergstein was no simple man. He spent many years building up his multi-million-dollar business, and now his eight kids, their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, lived very, very comfortable lives. Many Rabbanim as well were invited to attend, from organizations and yeshivos he supported, to family and friends - and so many came!
Once the meal commenced and everyone was enjoying themselves, the speeches started. One naturally talented speaker, a Rav and close family friend got up to speak to everyone’s anticipation. And what a speech it was! He had the crowd on his fingertips - laughing and crying at the same time! But then for some more serious talk he began to talk about the accomplishing life of the birthday boy, 90-year old Mr. Bergstein. It was a hit speech! When he finally finished, Mr. Bergstein said he wanted to say a few words.
He stood up and looked out at the crowd. “To my dear family and ‘extended’ family gathered today. What the Rav just said is all very true and I have so much gratitude to Hashem. For my family, for my money, and for everything I have today.” Every person was hanging on his every word.
“But I want you all to know, it didn’t come easy. I had to shvitz for this. I worked very hard to get here and you should all remember that!” The crowd erupted in cheer.
NIMSHAL: “Although this speech may seem innocent,” said R’ Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l, “there is something very wrong with what Mr. Bergstein said. After giving credit to Hashem for helping him get to his celebrated stage, he just couldn’t let Hashem have all the credit. Unfortunately, he needed to take some credit for himself too. This is really improper.”