יבמות מד

A shul President in Skokie, Illinois, after many years of faithful service, was betrayed by a close friend whom he had assisted in many ways.  This “friend” badmouthed him to the congregation and persuaded the members to fire the President and appoint him in his place.  The congregation, however, made a big mistake.  They threw a farewell dinner for the departing President at which he took the opportunity to tell the following story:  Three characters complained to the רבונו של עולם. Aleinu said “It’s not right.  I’m at the end of the Tefilla, when everyone is already removing their talleisim, talking and getting ready to leave the shul.”   השם said: “You’re right.  As compensation, on יום כיפור, the holiest day of the year, I’ll place you right at the heart of the davening.”   Similarly, Asher Yatzar complained that it was unseemly to be recited after use of the bathroom.  השם said you’re right as well.  As compensation, I will give you a lead role under the Chuppa, the happiest time of a person’s life.  Finally, the ממזר complained “It’s not fair.  What did I do wrong?  Why should I be made to suffer because of something my parents did?”  השם answered: “You too are right.  As compensation, I will make you the new President of the shul.”

05/10/2021