"Seeds in Heaven"

by: Norman D. Levy

 A few months ago I was driving to Massachusetts to see a few important customers. Before preparing the samples for my presentations, I went on Map Quest to make sure I had proper directions towards my destination. The directions were perfect until I had to make a wide turn at a fork in the road at the loop near the intersection. Next thing I knew I was in a wilderness without any signs of life. After an hour of trying to find my way to civilization, I found a service station. I could never understand why people ask service stations attendants for directions. During this imbalanced state I realized that I didn't have a choice. I was more confused when the attendant told me how to get to my destination. Finally, I called road service from my cell phone and pleaded for directions. Thank G-d I got to my destination on time. I said to myself, in the merit of my grandfather I didn't miss the appointment. My mother often told me stories of how my grandfather David J. Beyda (A"H) sacrificed himself for his family. He went on the road every Monday and would return home for Shabbat. My dear Grandmother Mollie Beyda (A"H) would take care and nurture eight children while her husband was out sacrificing himself to support his household. On a typical Monday morning he would get in his car and drive to Boston or anywhere in the New England territory. Not so versed in English, he would ask the toll booth collector "where is Boston" He would manage to find his way there. Today, with Map Quest and Navigation systems it's quite challenging to get to our destinations without getting lost. Imagine the self - sacrifice of our parents and grandparents.

One might wonder in his life, why is he so fortunate? Why does he deserve all the good G-d is sending him? Due to the self sacrifice of our parents and grandparents, we are constant recipients of their seeds planted in heaven. We are constantly cashing in on their merits.

When the Children of Israel were slaves in Egypt, they reached the 49^th level of impurity. One level lower, they would not have been spared. Hashem remembered the "Seeds in Heaven" planted by our ancestors to spare the nation of Israel. "G-d heard their moaning, and G-d remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob" (Shemot 2:24). In the merit of our forefathers, our ancestors were spared.

The first paragraph of the Amidah we read "Our father and father of our forefathers, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob".

"The one who remembers the kindness of our forefathers". Our forefathers were the building blocks of our great nation. Abraham spread the knowledge of one true living

G-d to the world and was responsible for convincing countless souls of his belief. "And Abram took his wife Sarai and Lot his brothers son, and all the wealth they had amassed and the souls they made in Haran"(Beresheit 12:5). Yitzchak adopted G-d as his personal king. Yitzchak demonstrated this action by his willingness to sacrifice his own life for G-d. Yaacov embodied the establishment of the Jewish nation. How do we plant our own seeds in Heaven for our children and future generations?

 "The world is based on three things, the Torah, Serving G-d and acts of Loving - Kindness" (Pirkei Avot 2). It is the duty of every Jew to perfect himself and engage in Torah study. The Torah signifies the highest form of spirituality attainable by man. By serving G-d through prayer and observance of His commandments we are acknowledging his personal involvement in our daily activities. This creates a comfort zone of faith with the knowledge that G-d takes care of all. Loving kindness for our fellow man through acts of charity and personal assistance is one of the highest forms of kindness we can offer. "The world is built on love and kindness" (Tehilim 89:3). G-d Almighty remembers kindness for thousands of generations. "Preserver of kindness for thousands of generations" (Shemot 34:7).

Sometimes we don't reap the rewards of our acts of kindness and performance of mitzvoth. They are being preserved in heaven for our children and grandchildren. Our children and grandchildren and generations after us will need it. In our merit (G-d willing) they will be spared from challenges.

Performing acts of kindness and assistance to those in need is a way to plant everlasting "Seeds in Heaven".

Let's hope and pray that in the merits of our parents and ancestors we can see the final redemption. Amen.