Rabbi Simcha Bunin of Peshischa says a parable of a king who has a son that does not follow the proper ways of a prince and therefore has to throw his son out of his palace. The king has guards who secretly watch his son and finally one day, the king decides he wants to allow his son to come home. He sends his guards to his child and they tell him, “The king has decided to grant you one wish. Anything you desire he will give to you. What do you want?” The boy quickly answered that he was cold and he begged for a nice warm coat. The guard called the boy a fool. He could have asked to come home and live in the warm castle. He could have asked to live his life as a prince again, but he asked for a coat.

Rabbi Simcha Bunin states that we are that prince. We lived with Hashem in His castle before we were born, but were sent down to this world. What do we desire? What should we ask for?

As I was walking home one day during Rosh HaShana, I saw a butterfly flutter by. As we know, butterflies are one of the most beautiful creatures on this planet. As I saw this butterfly, I thought about the average lifespan of a butterfly – which is only a few weeks. If it’s lucky, it might live a month or two. I then realized that this symbolizes the “beautiful” things in this world. Things we think of as awesome looking do not last very long.

I was driving on Saturday night and saw a tow truck drive by with a very nice looking convertible attached to its back. The car probably cost a lot more money than I make in a year. I’m sure the owner of the car was very excited as he signed the papers and received the keys to the car. Even though the car did not look very old, it was now having problems and being brought to a mechanic; I’m sure the owner was not overjoyed now.

Yom Kippur is here – Hashem stands in front of us and wants to hear what we desire for this coming year. What will will you pray for?

Gmar Chasima Tova!
Good Shabbos!
-yes
please send any comments or questions to: [email protected]
to see previous Divrei Simcha on the Parsha, please go to www.divreisimcha.com OR www.chesedclub.com > Torah Study