'PERFECT"

At this incredible time of year -- this time for introspection and teshuva -- one of Chicago's most brilliant Rabbis (and we have many), Rabbi Michael Siegel of Congregation Anshe Emet, delivered a powerful sermon on Rosh Ha'Shana. Titled The Blessing of Cain it is a a sermon on the power of redemption, the story of Cain and Hanoch. I want to share the beautful and meaningful closing of Rabbi Siegel's message for all of you who have asked me: "How is Lester Rosenberg doing?" and for all of us:

"Friends, I want to share the identity of the person that inspired me to write this sermon. His name is Lester Rosenberg. Lester is a proud member of Anshe Emet, his family goes back to the founding of this congregation. Lester is also a pillar in the Chicago Jewish Community, The reason he is not here this morning, is that he is presently at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The other day, I went to sound the Shofar for Lester and read what I am about to say, and I want you to know that Lester gave me his blessings to share it with you.

Returning from a family vacation on a “red-eye,” Lester made the mistake of getting behind the wheel of his car upon getting home. Too exhausted to drive, Lester hit a light pole. It took the fire department more than 20 minutes to remove Lester from his vehicle with the Jaws of Life. When they got him to the hospital Lester heart had stopped beating. He was literally brought back to life and awoke to find that he was paralyzed from the neck down: a condition he largely remains in. Throughout this entire ordeal Lester has never spoken of himself as a victim of circumstances. During these months Lester and I have had the opportunity to pray together and talk. We have spoken about admitting our mistakes, the “what if”, “why didn’t I listen” moments. We have examined what it takes to let go of those things that we can no longer control without labeling ourselves as failures in the process, just human. At the heart of our discussions has been the notion of Teshuvah.

Since being admitted to the Rehabilitation Institute, Lester has been a living example of Hanoch. Married for over 50 years, Lester and Norma have initiated a deeper, different and more powerful relationship. A very independent man now finds himself quite dependent, and Norma has been truly remarkable: not only being his stalwart and supporter of her husband, but also being his advocate. Children and grandchildren have stood by his side and given him strength, courage and the will to go on. In the shattering of a cool spring day, relationships were initiated anew and a great love has deepened.

In his therapy, Lester has dedicated him to a grueling, painful daily regimen with nearly imperceptible results. His positive attitude has raised the spirits of the remarkable therapeutic staff. When I was there on Tuesday, a nurse came in to the room to celebrate Lester’s latest accomplishment: 6 and half hours without a breathing tube. The nurse asked, “How do you feel?” Lester did not hesitate: “Perfect”, he said, just as he was in the habit of saying before the accident. But now he is in a wheel chair with arms and legs that barely respond to him. “Perfect” he said. You could see how Lester’s positive attitude inspired her. Lester reminds all of us that dedication to something higher than you; may mean something as simple as offering a kind word to another, or bringing a smile to their lips.

Finally, there is the Hinuch, the education that such an ordeal offers. Not long after the accident, Lester looked into my eyes, and asked, “What kind of life is this?” We discussed the notion that the moment that his car hit that light post his life … of more than 80 years, the life that he knew … ended. When Lester’s heart started beating again in the hospital a new life had begun. I looked into Lester’s eyes and said: “What are you going to do with the life you have”. Even at over 80 years old, even with so much lost, a life of meaning and purpose has begun again. In his new life, Lester has gained a heart of wisdom.

Through Teshuvah and Hinuch L’Atid, Dedication to a better future, Lester is making something of the life he has.

Our prayers this day are with Lester and his family. Our prayers are with all those whose lives feel shattered and in need of recreation: whose lives need to feel like blessings and not curses. The message of our tradition is the same to us as it was to Cain: God will not turn away from those who turn to God openly, honestly, and with a spirit of dedication.

Friends, it is Rosh Hashanah. A difficult year has ended and a new one lies before us. We each have a life, a future, and a day, Rosh Hashanah, starts the New Year. If I asked you, any of you could tell me about the life you wanted. My question for you is as old as the Bible and as relevant as today, what are you going to do with the life that you have?"

Rabbi Michael Siegel is a past member of the Board of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Lester and Norma Rosenberg are his inspiration and mine and ours.

Rwexler