The Holy Rebbe of Tzanz used to tell parables
during the third meal of Shabbos during the month of Elul which proceeds Rosh
HaShanah*. One of them was: 'There were two people lost in a forest. One of them was going alone and he was lost
for many days in the forest, and he had no idea of the right way to go to get
out of the forest. Suddenly he saw
another person going in the forest towards him. A great joy rose in his heart
that now, finally, there would be someone to show him the correct way out of
the forest. When they came to each
other, he asked him, "Brother, tell me. What is the best way to go. I have
been lost in this forest for many days."
The second one answered him, "I cannot tell you what is the proper
way. I have also been lost here for many days. However one thing I can tell
you. The way that I have been going you
should not go. It is NOT the correct way. Come let us together chose out a new
way." ' When the Rebbe finished the
story there were tears in his eyes from emotion. Then he said, 'I am not able to tell you
anything except this. The way in which we have been going until now we should
not follow any more. This way is an
error. Let us try for ourselves a new
way.' (p 267 sefer Otzer HaChaim customs of the Holy Rebbe Chaim of Tzanz.)
“Between 1305 and the early 1800’s. the House of Taxis ran a form of pony express service all over Europe…. Its couriers clad in blue and silver uniforms, crisscrossed the continent carrying messages between princes and generals, merchants and money lenders.” –Alvin Toffler, The Third Wave We may think we are the first generation consumed by rapid communication but we are not. Throughout our history it has been a priority. Of course, now in the 21 st century we must ask: are we better or worse for it?
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