The Short Vort
Good Morning!

Today is the 11 of Tammuz 5779 and July 14, 2019

We Daven and We Hope

As I continue to absorb the sanctity and spirituality of Eretz Yisroel, I too am simultaneously saddened by the tragic disappearance of Rabbi Reuvain Bauman.
For me the sadness is threefold.
First of all Rabbi Baumen was my student in eighth grade over twenty years ago.
Anytime our paths have crossed over the years, I schepped nachas as I observed his growth as a Ben Torah and as a Rebbe.
Secondly, Rav Reuvain’s father - Rabbi Mark Bauman has been a close friend of mine for over thirty years as we taught together at the Yeshiva of North Jersey beginning in 1988.
However, most of all, I am saddened as a member of the Jewish people.
I cannot help myself from being immersed and engaged in the pain of another Jewish family.
Nevertheless, in spite of our sadness, we have hope.
We are a people who have defied all odds.
We are a people who walked from Auschwitz to Yerushalayim.
We are people who believe that that which seems impossible is in reality very possible.
No one knows or can guarantee the future.
However, at the same time no one and no force can stop us from believing in HaShem and for maintaining our hope in spite of the difficult reality.
May HaShem heal the wounds of His children as we scream out:
אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי, אֶל-הֶהָרִים-- מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי
עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם ה׳ עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from HaShem
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

“If not now, then when?”- Hillel

Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
Rabbi, Congregation Ahavas Israel
Passaic, NJ