9/7/05

                                                Happiness is ???

What is happiness? It can be said that happiness is a feeling that emanates from the combination of relaxation and contentment. This past summer I had the honor and privilege of rekindling a friendship that has changed my perspective on happiness specifically, and life in general.

On a hot summer night in August I was walking home from the train station at 10:30 PM. This train lacked air conditioning and I became overwhelmed by the heat. Stopping at the corner of my block, I saw a friend that I hadn't seen in years. He was modestly dressed in a suit and tie, and immediately flashed an inviting smile. He greeted me and reintroduced himself and I said to him, "you're not roasting from the heat?" He invited me to have a cup of coffee, I agreed telling him that an ice cream sundae with sprinkles would do the trick, not hot coffee in 100 degree weather!!

We sat down in Lucky's Diner on Kings Highway while this man told me what he was doing with his life. 10 years ago, this man decided to pick up and move his family to Israel to pursue a dream. In that short period of time, he managed to establish a Yeshiva housing over 200 children. The institution is named Netzach Yisrael. The various programs provided by Netzach are directed towards many of the less fortunate members within the Orthodox Israeli community. This would include orphans, widows, poverty stricken families. ETC.

Victor Harari, a member of the community has been quarterbacking this task. When describing his function his eyes teared and he told me. Norman, I can't tell you the satisfaction I receive when I see a child progress in his studies. Where would these kids be otherwise? What would be with their futures? They need help, guidance, and direction, - and I have dedicated my life towards assisting these children proceed through challenges in life and succeed. He told me that he sacrificed quality time from his wife and family from Israel on a mission to maintain the finances for the school. After hearing his story, I was embarrassed to admit to him that a half hour ago, I was only worried about the 100 degree weather, his worry is how he will maintain a safe environment for his 200 students. What a difference in attitude!!

As I went to sleep that night, I realized that I had met a modern day version of Abraham Avinu. "And G-d said to Abraham, Go for yourself, from your land, from your relatives and from your fathers house to the land I will show you" (Beresheit 12:1). Victor, left his family, his community and pursued a dream that he is fulfilling on a daily basis. This man is one of the wealthiest men I have ever met. "Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion" (Pirkei Avot 4:1).

How happy are we? Are we happy with our families? Are we happy with our careers? After meeting Victor, I have realized that true happiness is when other benefit from one's kindness. If we would ever watch the effect of an act of kindness, we would be overwhelmed with emotion. How far our charitable donations reach is limitless. Even a quarter that we give during prayers, how many mouths are we feeding?

After meeting Victor, he helped me realize that true happiness is doing what one love's most. He is a man that does what he loves best, he loves children. We should all pray to the Al-mighty and beseech upon him the blessing of Abraham and hopefully we can live up to our own expectations of happiness. Amen.