Never ignore a non-orthodox person

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Never ignore a non-orthodox person

Posted by Michael Plaskow on March 18, 2008 at 4:38pm in The Jewish Home and Education

When I was the Chazan of Woodside Park Synagogue in Finchley, London, I had the habit of immediately going to the home of a person who had just suffered a bereavement. This particular gentleman lost his father and I tried to help him in every way possible. We were sitting in his kitchen and he suddenly said that the mezuza on the kitchen was troubling his daughter for many years. I knew his daughter very well as she went to the same school as my daugfhter. He told me her premonitions always turned out correctly and I became fascinated by what he had to say. He told me that it was ONLY the mezuza in the kitchen and no other one that bothered her. I took the mezuza off and opened it thinking that I would find it passul like the majority with either words or letters fading. A cold shiver went right through my whole system. I had to read it over and over again because I could not believe what I was seeing. The man said to me, "Are you alright?" I replied that his daughter was an amazing person. I read the first line. "Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokainu HASHEM HASHEM echad". The sofer had written an extra HASHEM. I could not believe it. I removed all the other mezuzot and although they were old and passul I did not see this error. I was Chazan of my shool for 43 years but on my 30th anniversary. I was honoured by the prence of Chief Rabbi Lord Jakobovits ZTL at a melave Malka. I related this incident to the large audience assembled and explained how this had taught me a most important lesson. Never underestimate a non-orthodox person. Hashem has given a spark of yiddishkeit to all and this was a perfect example to me. How did this girl know there was something radically wrong with this mezuza? Lord Jakobovits told me on several occasions later how he had related my story and how well it was received. Chazan Michael Plaskow, Netanya, Israel

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Permalink Reply by Sam- on March 18, 2008 at 9:36pm: Wow! What a story of the power of a "feeling" which turned out to be something. Thank you for sharing. There are so many wonderful stories with Tefilin & Mezuzos.

Permalink Reply by Rabbi Joshua Waxman on March 19, 2008 at 1:27pm: This story would seem to prove more than just the Jewish spark of a non-Orthodox girl. It would *seem* to justify belief in general in the girl's psychic powers. After all, it did not bother the father, but only her, and the setup is "He told me her premonitions always turned out correctly and I became fascinated by what he had to say."

I am not saying yes; and I am not saying no -- I don't feel like getting into this. But we should realize the possible broader message within this story.

Permalink Reply by Avi Silverstein on March 19, 2008 at 5:16pm: B"H

I can personally relate to having many powerful spiritual gifts that HaShem has given me since my birth. I thank HaShem that on my ima's side of the family, her mother had similar gifts, so when I was born and my parents immediately recognized these special gifts in me they understood that they were from HaShem, and didn't become alarmed (especially when they noticed my powerful spiritual connection with Him). I had always from early on, as far back as I can remember, been attracted to the Holy Scriptures. For a time it was the only book I would read and look through. It was only after I started learning (I was home schooled) that I HAD to read other books. But like then, today Tanakh is my favorite book because it contains Torah, which I love with all my being. I was always aware of HaShem's powerful presence and His powerful love for me. Shekina is always around me and I know I could not live without HaShem's presence in my life. To me, all of this is normal. I don't know of any other way of life. I'm happy that Michael Plaskow posted his blog about the girl and the mezzuah because for me it's rare to read these kinds of stories of how spiritually powerfully HaShem works in the lives of His creation. Thank you, Michael, for your blog.

Permalink Reply by Michael Plaskow on March 19, 2008 at 5:49pm: Thank you Michaelangelo Silverstein for your positive reply and may Hashem bless you always. You may like to know that I have only just started my discussions relating to interesting episodes during the time I was a Chazan and Mohel. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of a cancerous tumour which Baruch Hashem has been wiped out with chemotherapy and 25 sessions of radiation. I had a major cancer operation 11 years ago in London. When a person comes through all this one feels even more indebted to Hashem for His kindness. My personal way was to actually teach the Daf Yomi in my local shool in Netanya. If you have that Emuna then you are a lucky person. I have always had this and try my utmost to pour my feelings on to others. I wish you well and Purim Sameach to you. Michael Plaskow, Netanya

Permalink Reply by Avi Silverstein on March 19, 2008 at 5:55pm: B"H

I thank HaShem, blessed be He, for healing you of your cancer. It's so wondeful to know that there is at least another person "out there" who can relate to me and who also possesses this wonderful and powerful Emuna. I wish you well, and Purim Sameach to you.