Since I began to live in New York some four years ago I've come to understand that the subway is one place where you can exhibit all sorts of odd behavior and nobody will really pay any attention. This recently worked to my benefit and I'll explain how.
A few months ago I purchased Rabbi Israel Meir Lau's biography, "Out of the Depths." Translated from it's original Hebrew I would venture to say that this book is a good seller in bookstores and online (any retailers want to confirm or deny that claim?). One reason is probably because Rabbi Lau, former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel and current Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, is a dynamic and much beloved Jewish leader. I had the privilege to hear him speak last year in Queens and his drashos were incredibly powerful and moving. While reading his book it becomes clear how many lives he has touched and benefited. The second reason that his book is probably popular is that Rabbi Lau's story is a phenomenal tale of survival and triumph amidst destruction and despair. As a small child he lost his mother, father, and brother to the Nazis and was taken with his other brother to Buchenwald. It's remarkable to read about how such a small child survived such a horrible tragedy, and not only survived but thrived and grew to become a leader in our generation. Since this books centers on such an emotional story, it's extremely difficult to read this book without crying. I was warned not to read this book on Shabbos but I thought that only applied to the beginning of the book, which is all about the Holocaust. However, even the later parts of the book are emotionally stirring, including Rabbi Lau's descriptions of his work with terrorist victims and his return to his hometown in Eastern Europe.
So back to the subway. As I read this book during my daily commute I found myself often tearing up and crying. In any other situation I probably would have felt awkward but on the subway there are so many stranger things than crying people and so I didn't get any looks. This book is really just so good at bringing out the reader's emotion. I don't want to give the wrong impression that this book is only going to make you cry. Reading about how Rabbi Lau grows through his yeshiva years, marrying, and building a family, there are many happy moments that will make you smile. Of course, if you're like me and you cry when you get very happy I guess you'll end up crying even for the happy parts, but the point is that the happy stories are there.
"Out of the Depths" is filled with many stories that demonstrate to the reader the incredible Divine Providence that accompanies Rabbi Lau throughout his life. One such story that I found to be remarkable (although there are even better ones) is the following:
When I was elected chief rabbi of Israel, the members of the election committee gathered in Jerusalem at Heichal Shlomo (the former seat of the chief rabbinate) to honor me on the occasion of my election with congratulations. Among them was Lippel, who then served as acting director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After many comments of praise and congratulations, right before people got up from their seats to leave, Lippel asked permission to say a few words:
Friends, after we have toasted le-chaim with His Honor, the chief rabbi, I must tell you a personal story. This is a story I never told any of you before, so as not to sway your decision. When I was the secretary and close associate of Chief Rabbi Herzog, there was a young man who came to the house every morning at six o'clock, at the rabbi's request, to ensure that Rabbi Herzog would have a minyan. Rabbi Herzog loved him dearly. One day, when this youth left for the yeshiva after the prayer service, the rabbi said to me, "Israel, you see that boy? His name is also Israel." "Certainly," I answered, "that's Israel Lau. I know him well, he comes here every day." "A day will come," Rabbi Herzog continued, "when he will sit on this grand chair of the chief rabbinate. Make note of this."
If you've heard Rabbi Lau's story before I'm sure you understand why this book is a worthwhile read. If you aren't familiar with Rabbi Lau I'm letting you know that you should go out and buy or borrow this book. It is both interesting and inspiring. Some of the most fascinating parts of the book involve Rabbi Lau's time as Chief Rabbi. He takes you along with him as he meets such diverse figures as Pope John Paul II, Fidel Castro, and King Hussein of Jordon.The vivid details and captivating stories will keep you reading until you finish, even if that means you read it on your way home from work with tears streaming down your face. After you read it leave a comment about your impressions. I'm curious to hear what you think!
