The English update issue 164 164 | Page 4

Dear Readers, I was not one of those approached or tapped on the shoulder at the Kosel by Reb Meir Schuster, zatzal, who with such a seemingly insignificant gesture, changed lives forever, but I do personally know a number of people who were. They feel that they owe their very existence, and that of their husband or wife, children and grandchildren to the determination of this one man to ignite the sparks in Jewish souls. If you have ever spent time at the Kosel, you’ve seen the endless stream of people who flow in and out. For some, it’s their first time encountering the Wall, and you can tell from their tentative approach that they don’t know what to expect. While we come equipped with our Tehillim and siddur, some of these newcomers seem to feel self-conscious that they have come empty-handed. Sometimes you find an excuse to speak with them, or they may approach you and ask to be pointed the way to a prayer in a siddur. You manage to share a few words with them, or even have a heartfelt conversation in which you both share your spiritual travels. Sometimes you feel that by speaking you would be a trespasser on the holy silence that reigns, and you speak only with your eyes. You watch them and silently cheer them on, understanding that you can’t possibly know what fills their hearts or how to measure the depths of their suffering or their need to connect with Hashem. You can only know intimately your own need that surges at this incomparable vortex, the Kosel, this gathering place where we are pared down to our very essence. Here, superficial differences of being rich or poor, white or black, chareidi or secular, Ashkenazi or Sephardi, native Israeli or American tourist, young or old, baal teshuva or frum from birth—all these differences fall away. Publisher THE ENGLISH UPDATE Managing Editor Varda Branfman Contributing Writers Meira Cantor, Yosef Shapiro, Rose Jacobson, Tzirel Chana, Vardah Littmann, Chana Rubin Graphics chayamurik.com Update Ads Daniella Kirsch Distribution ‫אפי לקס‬ 054-221-1833 © THE ENGLISH UPDATE, 2012. THE ENGLISH UPDATE is not responsible for the content or reliability of the articles, advertisements, book reviews, or other material, nor the kashrus of products or services. All political advertisements are the responsibility of and sponsored by the political parties represented. Have a beautiful Shabbos. Varda Branfman THE ENGLISH UPDATE [email protected] To advertise in THE ENGLISH UPDATE ‫לפרסום במגזין‬ Re ta pu tion for Good Taste and Fine Qu ali ty MAADANEI ZAHAV CALL: 02 801-8001 [email protected] 5 Malachi Street, Geula 02.537.8342 Kosher l'mehadrin Platters for simchos Selection of wines and liquers Seven layer cake Antwerp Over 100 + salads Cholent Full fresh deli 6:02 TH ERA IE S IN IL Y UD F OR ST PY MA A RRIAGE & F M ta pu tion pick up The English Update here every week! Selection of wines and for Good Taste and Fine liquers 5 Malachi Street, Geula, Yerushalayim. phone 02 537-8342 Seven layer cake *(Limit 200 customers or while supply lasts) HAVDALAH(72 MIN) Re HAVDALAH(3 STARS) CANDLE LIGHTING R TE TH E 7:35 7:13 6:53 6:31 5:23 )1