Rav Yosef Chaim of Baghdad – better known as the Ben Ish Chai (1832-1909) – once told a story about one of the lay leaders of a certain Jewish community who invited the entire community to his son’s wedding. Its three rabbis got special invitations for this auspicious occasion.
Chacham Moshe, the first rabbi to get the invitation, thought it would not be fitting for him to go. After all, he was busy with his study and would not want to waste his precious time. He, therefore, declined the invitation.
The second rabbi, Chacham Reuben, wasn’t too keen to go, but since he heard that Chacham Moshe had already sent his regrets, he agreed to go, thinking that if he didn’t, it would look awkward.
The third rabbi, Chacham Yaakob, agreed wholeheartedly to go.
The wedding took place in a big hall, and the two chachamim were placed in different parts of the hall and didn’t see each other the entire evening.
Chacham Reuben seemed uncomfortable throughout the whole evening. He was constantly squirming in his seat, and people noticed. When midnight arrived, the time Tikkun Chatzot is recited, mourning the destruction of the Temple, Chacham Reuben sat on the floor and started weeping, as is customary.
The host, who wasn’t familiar with the Tikkun Chatzot service, heard the rabbi weeping and came over to find out what was wrong. He was upset about the rabbi who was ruining his son’s simchah.
The third rabbi, Chacham Yaakob did everything modestly. He interacted with other guests and was happy to partake in the simchah. When it was time for Tikkun Chatzot, he recited it in a soft voice, not drawing any attention to himself.
The Ben Ish Chai points out that a person has to serve HaShem with humility by not drawing too much attention to himself or herself and trying to avoid the limelight.
The prophet Micha (6, 8) teaches that a person has to walk humbly with God. I believe that this is one of the most important factors in the service of God. The reason for God’s commandments is to remind us of His presence and thus humble us. If a person isn’t humble, the mitzvot he does are worthless.
The Vancouver Jewish community recently lost Rabbi Lipa Dubrawsky, who was the epitome of what the Ben Ish Chai taught. He was a man who walked with God every moment of his life in a quiet, unassuming and simple way. He was involved with many people and attended their simchahs with joy and love. His sudden loss, at the young age of 56, shocked the entire community.
Many people felt as if they lost their father. I believe that Rabbi Dubrawsky had an impact on so many people because he walked in HasShem’s path sincerely and truthfully. People sensed that and were drawn to this great man.
As we approach summer, let us all remember that we were all created in the image of God to serve Him in our unique way. That means that wherever we are, God expects us to act humbly.