Lying and Telling the Truth

I came across this reading (shortened for use on this blog) in a book by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkin called "Rosh Hashanah Readings". It arrived on my doorstep a mere two days ago, and I spent last night reading in bed, marking with a sticky note all the readings I wanted to insert into our High Holy Day services.

I was struck by this reading last night, and am still struck by it this morning. It may be more meaningful if read on Yom Kippur, before either Ashamnu or Al Chet - I haven't decided where I am going to place it.

A story told by Martin Buber, from Tales of the Hassidim, Early Masters:

Once, during the holy season of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Hasidic master Rabbi Levi Yitzkah of Berditchev, paused in his devotions and looking at his disciples with sad, tear-laden eyes, remarked, “What a funny world it is that we live in these days. There was a time, you know, when Jews would be scrupulously honest in the market place and be the most outrageous liars in the synagogue. These days, however, everything is reversed. The Jews are surprisingly honest in synagogue, but in the streets and market places, I’m ashamed to tell you…”

“But rabbi,” his followers asked, “why are you so distressed? How can it be bad if Jews are telling the truth in synagogue?”

“I’ll tell you why I’m distressed,” answered Levi Yitzhak. “In days gone by, Jews were known for their honest dealings. They took the words of Torah seriously. Their “yes” always meant “yes” and their “no” was always a “no”. They had honest weights and fair measures. Yet, on the Days of Awe, they would fervently recite the confessional prayers declaring that they had lied, cheated, swindled, and dealt dishonestly. THIS was a lie. Everyone knew that truth and faithfulness were the lamps lighting their way.

But these days, the reverse takes place. In the streets and in the market place, the world of commerce and social interaction, they lie and cheat, but when they come to the synagogue, they, sadly, profess the truth”

Maybe I like it so much because I just didn't see the punchline coming, and because it takes a small amount of processing to really understand it.

Shana Tovah.