Rabbi Tuvia Weiss, one of the leading Rabbis of Jerusalem, recounted a story about his childhood as the Second World War broke out. The head of the community in Pressburg was able to secure 1,000 visas to allow children to escape and emigrate to England. R' Tuvia was one of the lucky children who received one of the coveted visas. He parted from his family as a young boy at the age of 12 and escaped with the other 999 children to England. Upon their arrival, the minister in England that was responsible for saving these children wanted to see all of the children he saved. They lined up all of the children in a nearby park and the minister with his entire entourage and carriage passed between two lines of children waiting to greet him. R' Tuvia was standing next to a rowdy boy aged 13 and as the minister passed by the boy tried to jump into the carriage and speak with the minister. Of course the guards pushed the boy away but he continued to try and make his way to the minister. There was a big commotion and the minister finally asked what was going on and they told him that a young boy wanted to speak to him. The minister had a very big heart and desire to help the children and he told the boy to enter the carriage so they could speak. The boy told the minister that he is forever grateful that he saved his life and there is no way that he could ever repay him but he is extremely sad that he is in England and he knows his parents will be killed by the Nazis YM'S in a short time. The minister was moved by the boy and asked him for his parent's information. Three days later the minister was able to successfully save the boy's parents and bring them to England as well.

R'Tuvia explains that many people tried to speak to politicians and ministers to save their family and loved ones but were not successful. This boy realized that the minister was right in front of him, and it was his time to ask. He explains that this is analogous to the time of Elul and the High Holidays. Right now we are close to Hashem we can ask and pray for help and salvation. Let's take advantage of this precious time to ensure that we are inscribed in the book of good life for the upcoming year!

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath