More than just Goal Scoring

895. For those with even a limited knowledge of professional hockey, that number may be the biggest story of the year, if not the decade. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored his 895th NHL goal earlier this month against the New York Islanders, passing Wayne Gretzky for the record of goals scored in the National Hockey League. For decades, hockey fans have never thought somebody could eclipse Gretzky's record. Gretzky, who reached otherworldly status as a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, set record after record on the ice as he electrified crowds in Edmonton, LA, and New York. I'll never forget a sunny day in August 1988 when Canada learned that its most beloved son was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. It was a day of mourning, and in a sense, Canada has not recovered. With that in context, I wondered how Gretzky would react to his most prized record getting eclipsed by the gritty Russian player who plays for Washington. I have to be honest: I was blown away. Gretzky was in the stands with his wife Janet, and they were applauding when Ovechkin finally scored 895. Gretzky reacted with graciousness and admiration as he gave Ovechkin a handshake and a hug on the ice after that historic goal. It was a masterclass in derech eretz. I think of this as the time of year called "Sefirat HaOmer." In addition to the actual mitzvah, this period is known to have an element of mourning. The reason for some practices that are associated with mourning is that many students of the great Sage Rabbi Akiva passed away in a devastating plague. Our Rabbis teach us that the students of the great Sage were not respectful in their interaction with each other and they were harshly punished. One cannot overstate the importance of maintaining civility and derech eretz with others that we may disagree with. In a polarized world where differences in political views and religious observance have become more pronounced, it has become open season to denigrate and insult others. The earlier part of a schism may occur with the lack of ability and desire to even listen to someone with whom you might disagree. Wayne Gretzky was called "The Great One." As we continue to work on improving the culture of derech eretz in our communities, let us be mindful that 895 doesn't just represent the number of goals scored. It turns out that being a class act of a mensch, even during trying times, is greater than putting pucks in the net. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

What Is Our Toil?

A wedding guest was asked to speak at the special occasion. He apparently had no compunction about going on for too long as his remarks stretched to longer than an hour. Most of the guests had left at the 90-minute mark of his speech as they had enough. At the two-hour mark, the parents of the groom and bride decided they had enough as well and left the hall. At the three-hour mark, the bride said to the groom," This is the happiest day of our lives, and we don't want to let the speaker hijack our wedding." They slowly headed for the exit. After three and a half hours, the speaker finally concluded his speech and opened his eyes to find an empty wedding hall. He did see his friend Chaim Yankel at the other end of the ballroom. He inquired as to where all the guests had gone. Chaim Yankel responded, "Are you meshuga? You can't speak for four hours and expect people to stay for it." The speaker then asked Chaim Yankel why he remained when everyone else had left. Chaim Yankel responded," I am still here because I am the next speaker!" I am thinking of this old kibitz as this week, history was made in the United States Senate regarding the longest-ever speech. Cory Booker, the Senator from New Jersey, gave the sermon of his career that lasted 25 hours and 5 minutes, surpassing former Sen. Strom Thurmond (S.C.), who held the previous record as he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes. I understand that Booker did not eat, drink, or have any bathroom breaks during this marathon speech. I read an article that quoted Booker saying that he intentionally dehydrated himself so he would not require any bathroom breaks. I was curious as to why the esteemed Senator would climb the Mt. Everest of speeches. The longest speech ever was a reaction to the Trump Administration's policy. Some call this an amazing feat, while others call it a pathetic stunt. While I am not in the practice of providing political analysis, the longest speech ever is noteworthy. For whatever reason, Senator Booker felt this was something worth investing an extraordinary amount of effort and energy. We all invest much of our effort and energy into various endeavors. This investment takes a toll on us, and sometimes, we need to ask ourselves what we are sacrificing so much of our well-being for. The Talmud in Sanhedrin quotes the verse from Job, אדם לעמל יולד. Translation: Man is created for toil. The Talmud elaborates in its analysis. Everyone was created for toil, but the person who chooses to toil with the Torah is fortunate. In other words, no one on this earth has immunity from stress or everyday pressures. Some fantasize that if they only abandoned the Torah and tradition, their lives would be much easier and less stressful. However, we know that EVERYONE has to endure stress and pressure in one way or another. It's just a question of what arena we want to put our effort or energy into. Fortunate is the person who chooses to toil and receives his dosage of stress from the areas of engaged Jewish life. Others choose to expend their energy and effort into delivering a 25-hour speech or other dubious endeavors. It's up to us how we toil. Let's choose wisely. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch