I promised to tell you some of the conversation I had with the great author, Mr. Herman Wouk, when I met with him briefly this past summer. "One of the guiding principles of my life has been Torah and Derech Eretz," he said as he was about to leave my car.
What that statement truly means takes a lifetime of working on oneself to fully grasp. However, let me attempt to translate that statement. Torah - The practice and study of Jewish Law - (Torah isn't just another subject, it must be applied to your daily life to truly comprehend its meaning). Derech Eretz - Literally "Ways of the World." Better translated - Acting with consideration and kindness to one’s fellow human beings, and in so doing, fulfilling the will of God. "American Jewry excels in Derech Eretz," Mr. Wouk concluded. "They need to be introduced to Torah. May you have much success in being a leader to the Jewish people."
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The Rabbi & Author Part II
The Rabbi and the Author of the Caine Mutiny
Have you ever gone to Palm Springs, CA during August? Ever experienced 1200 weather? Since I hadn’t and the prices for hotels were ridiculously cheap, there I was in the heat of Palm Springs, with my four kids limping through the outdoor living desert museum wondering how the Jews did this for forty years after they left Egypt. However, I digress, the real reason I went to the desert on that summer day was to meet the author of “The Caine Mutiny” and “Winds of War”, Mr. Herman Wouk.
At 94 (may he live and be well), Mr. Wouk still attends the daily 7 a.m. (Shachrit) Prayer service at Chabad of Palm Springs. That’s where I met him and had the opportunity to give him a ride from the synagogue to his modest home. I must admit I was intimidated. This world-famous and wealthy author who still has the humility to pray to his G-d every morning and observe his Mitzvot for over 75 years is someone I have tremendous respect for. Meeting this truly great man will stay in my memory for as long as I live. As the New Year approaches, I suggest a Rosh Hashanah resolution for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of their Judaism to read Wouk’s, “This Is My G-d” and the “Will to Live On”. May you and your families be blessed with a sweet New Year. More on what we spoke about next week…