Rabbi Meyer Heller tells of the strongest and shortest
sermon on record, consisting of only nine words, given in New York City at the
turn of the century. Rabbi Jacob Joseph
had come from Vilna to become the Chief Rabbi of New York City. He was a man with vast learning and a phenomenal
memory who could speak for hours, quoting at length from a variety of sources.
No one of such Jewish learning and stature had ever graced America’s shores
before. When he spoke, the entire Lower East Side came to hear him. People
walked from all over, even arranging to sleep in Manhattan wanted to be present
at what was considered a major spiritual and intellectual event.
But sadly, Rabbi Joseph suffered a stroke. It was not known
whether he would ever be able to speak again. To recover slowly and was finally
released from the hospital just before Rosh Hashana. The community waiting anxiously
to see if he would address them again.
His family and friends tried to dissuade him from speaking, but he
insisted that he could do it. He
requested only two changes: instead of standing, and instead of answering by
heart, he would use texts.
As the news spread that he would deliver a sermon,
excitement grew. People lined up early in order to get a seat. This is not just
a speech. It was a heroic figure’s refusal to be silenced. The moment arrived
for Rabbi Joseph to begin. Every eye was upon him.
He began, “The Talmud says…” Silence. Again he tried: “The Talmud says…” He started again: “The Talmud says…” no one
uttered a sound. They couldn’t
understand why he kept repeating those three words.
The Rabbi sobbed inconsolably as he was led off the pulpit.
A few weeks later, he sent a letter in which explained what happened. He had
started to think about his sermon while still in the hospital, going over every
word carefully. Despite all his preparations, when he started his address, his
mind went blank and he could not bring forth the words. Only a few months before he could have given
a learned discourse without notes, and no he couldn’t even remember the subject
was. And then he added these words: “See what can happen to a human being in a
split second. Today, anything is possible; tomorrow, who knows where we may
find ourselves! Therefore, while there is still time, while we can still do and
see and walk and talk and, pray, we should value each day is precious gift.
Today is all we have!”
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