In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)

The Mishna in Avos (6;9) R'Yosei Ben Kisma said "one time I was walking along the way and I met a man who greeted me, I greeted him in return. He then asked me where do I come from? I responded, from a large city of great sages and scribes. He then said to me , " would you like to move to our city and I will pay you one million gold coins and precious stones?" I responded to him, "my son, even if you give me all the silver and gold in the world I would never live in a place devoid of Torah, for when one dies silver, gold and precious stones do not accompany him, the only thing that accompanies him is the Torah he studied and the good deeds he performed".

Everyone is faced with similar enticements like R'Yosei Ben Kisma was. It may be an offer for a new job which will impact our surroundings and way of life or it may be a certain business deal but we are constantly faced with tests which may offer us money or honor in exchange for crossing certain religious/ethical lines. Sometimes what we are being asked to sacrifice is time with family or even important time with ourselves which all contribute to living a healthy, upright life. A person needs to be steadfast in their religious values and not compromise for even the greatest amounts of wealth and honor. But how can we stand up to such a test? R'Yosei Ben Kisma gives us the answer, when the time comes for each person to die none of the wealth and honor will accompany him, the only thing which will accompany him are his Torah and good deeds. How could any logical person trade in money and honor which will last maybe 40-50-60 years for eternal reward which is so much greater? The more we can internalize R'Yosei's message we will be able to stand up to these constant test that we are faced with.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath