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Rabbi of Love: A Personal Encounter with Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach |
by Rabbi Uziel Weingarten Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach was one of the most loving teachers of Torah in the 20th century. This incident, which happened close to twenty years ago, expresses for me the essence of who Shlomo was. The understanding of how he loved people, and how that love elevated us, continues to move me. You can read more on Shlomo in, "Holy Brother: Inspiring Stories and Enchanted Tales about Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach," by Yitta Mandelbaum, published by Jason Aronson Inc. You may forward this to others, provided you keep the copyright and mention the website. Here is the incident: It was true whenever I went to hear Shlomo. No matter how upset I might have felt walking in, no matter what was going on in my life, as soon as Shlomo started singing or teaching, I felt deep joy. It was as if the light of his spirit reached out and touched mine, kindling sparks of hope and love. Over the many years that I continued going to hear Shlomo sing and teach Jewish thought, he always touched my soul. And I kept wondering how he does it. Over time I also realized that I was not the only one who felt that way. Whenever Shlomo started speaking or singing he created around himself a very powerful field of love, one that touched, and connected, all our hearts. But I still couldn't figure out how he did it. And then one day the light bulb went off and I "got" it! So the next time I attended one of his classes, I approached him during the break. "Holy brother," he greeted me with a radiant face, just as he would greet everyone, "you're the greatest." And I shared with him my discovery. "Shlomo," I said, "I'm beginning to understand." "What do you understand?" Shlomo asked eagerly. "I'm beginning to understand how you affect us so deeply." Shlomo looked at me intently; this had clearly touched him in a special place. "So tell me, what do you understand?" "It has to do with how you love," I said. "You come with complete, total and unconditional love, and with absolutely no judgment. What is more, you see us not as we are now, but as we can be. You touch our highest selves, and that is how you elevate us." Shlomo looked at me for a long moment, taking in what was said. "So if you understand," he replied softly, "please be my friend. Here is my card. Call me when you get a chance." (c) 2003 Uzi Weingarten All rights reserved. |
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