Page 2 - The Jewish Voice - July '23

Page 2, The Jewish Voice

From the rabbi

You Can’t Help Getting The Rebbe is the one who puts this puzzle into perfect

Older, but You Don’t perspective as he states that longevity is a gift from G-d, not a
nuisance that needs to be endured. Don’t ever make the mistake
Have to Get Old! of regretting getting older — it’s a privilege denied to many.
Contrary to the scorn with which modern society views the
We Don’t Stop Working Because We Get Old, elderly, the Torah teaches us that every moment given to us is
We Get Old Because We Stop Working on purpose — to utilize with wisdom and grace. Age is simply
the number of years that the world has been enjoying you!
By Rabbi Dovid Vigler When asked for his advice on retirement, the Rebbe always
A quarter of a million discouraged people from doing so. We don’t stop working
people showed up at a funeral because we get old, we get old because we stop working. Man is
last week in Israel. They came like a machine in the sense that overworking him will break him, Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, 100, teaching a Torah class on the
to pay their final respects to but underworking him will cause him to rust. When someone last day of his life
Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, one protested that he was already seventy-five years old, the Rebbe
of the great Torah leaders of quipped that he still had forty-five good years ahead. Your best our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but giving up your
our time, who passed away at years are ahead of you — look forward always; once you look enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
the age of 100. I was deeply behind you, you’re old! Deflect the voices that tell you that you’re no longer relevant.
moved by this photo of his In describing graceful aging, the Torah tells us that Abraham Throw yourself into making a difference. whether it’s in your
last day on Earth, showing and Sarah were “old, coming on in days” (Genesis 18:11). This field, career, or some other contribution to society and to this
that he insisted on delivering unusual expression sheds light on the enigma of sagacity as the world. There is no time to waste. Utilize the gift wisely.
his regular Talmud lecture, which he had taught for over 75 Torah informs us that Abraham and Sarah were sure not just to And if you are already retired, there is so much that you can
years, despite being in the ICU. He passed away in the midst count their days — they made each day count. If G-d has given do to enrich your life and others. Devote your time to spiritual
of preparing his next Talmud lecture. you the gift of time, it’s for you to use it to fulfill your Divine growth, learning, reading, and all the things you never had time
While many of us eagerly look forward to retirement, the purpose on this Earth for one more day. for previously.
Torah, in contrast, takes a fascinating and counter-intuitive You’re not over the hill. You have great value, experience, My favorite age is right now — it’s time to make a twinkle
approach to this deeply personal life experience, which I and wisdom to share with the world. If you view yourself as in your wrinkle!
thought you’d find enlightening. aged, the world will treat you in kind. If you take yourself Rabbi Dovid Vigler is spiritual leader at Chabad of Palm
With regards to the Levites serving in the Holy Temple, seriously, others will do the same. Nobody grows old by Beach Gardens and host of the Jewish Schmooze Radio Show.
the Torah states (Bamidbar 8:24-26): “This is [the rule] merely living a number of years — we grow old by deserting Email him at rabbi@jewishgardens.com.
concerning the Levites: From the age of twenty-five years
and upwards, he shall enter the service to work in the Tent
work legion, and do no more work. He shall minister with Experience Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch
of Meeting. From the age of fifty he shall retire from the

his brethren in the Tent of Meeting to keep the charge, but
he shall not perform the service; thus shall you do for the
Levites regarding their charge.” Cosmetic & Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry
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heavy lifting that was the primary role of the Levites. But
with regards to the musical and counseling elements of their Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation Available
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as they were able to. Why would the Torah allow the elderly
to work and not simply send them home to enjoy their sunset Joanne Green, D.D.S.
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