The Rabbi and The Rebbetzin Read Online Free PDF Page B

‘Do
not make the Torah a tool with which to dig.’”
    In
raising the question, Aaron had an inkling of the seriousness of the issue, but
he had never delved into it as the question was removed from reality until now.
He waited anxiously for the dean to continue.

Chapter Two
     
    The congregational
committee interviews the candidates.
     
     
     
    “The
Code of Law resolved the issue of earning money on the Sabbath for work which
does not violate Sabbath prohibitions. Take the case of a babysitter. If she
were paid exactly for the hours she put in on the Sabbath, she might not be
allowed to accept her fee. If, however, she were hired for a long period of
time such as a month or a year, the part of her services which was performed on
the Sabbath would be included in her total obligations and not be sufficiently
distinctive to be prohibited. Ilan Solomon, who served the congregation up to this
year, did in fact work on annual contract for all rabbinic services here at Beth
Israel.
     “The
general question of accepting fees for religious work was resolved only six or
seven centuries ago. Permission was granted on the grounds that, while a
religious practitioner should not work for money, he is not required to lose
money while serving God. The time he spends on the sacred work could be equally
applied to gainful employment and, as such, it is what is commonly called an ‘opportunity
cost.’ Our Sages worked out a contract formula where the rabbi is paid – not
for religious services, but for lost time. I trust that whoever is selected
will look into these matters before he negotiates with the congregation.”
    Shalom
was surprised by the last remark. “You mean the yeshiva will not make the
financial arrangement for us?”
    “I
am afraid not, Shalom,” Rabbi Weiss answered. “If you are wise enough to lead a
congregation, you should be mature enough to negotiate for yourself.”
    Aaron
was too sharp to accept the statement at face value. “I am afraid we are not
looking at a policy intended to teach us self-reliance, but rather as an
exercise in skirting responsibility for this venture. The irony is that such
actions are totally unnecessary. It is clear under Jewish law that even if we
acted as the direct representatives of the yeshiva, we would be held personally
liable for our mistakes. A messenger cannot claim in his defense that he was
sent to do an improper act.”
    The
Rosh Yeshiva could not hide a broad smile. “I am happy to see that you learned
something at the yeshiva. We know that in so far as Jewish law is concerned,
the yeshiva is not responsible for what you may do in Dunberg. Unfortunately,
lay people are not versed in Halacha. If we act as your agents in this venture,
your behavior will be more of a reflection on the yeshiva than otherwise.”
    “How
much time do we have before we advise you of our decision?” Shalom wanted to
know.
    “You
can take all the time you need,” Rabbi Weiss answered wryly, “as long as it
doesn’t exceed an hour and a half. At 5 PM I have to call the president of the
congregation.”
    The
students left the office to ponder the matter. Shalom went to the study hall to
confer with the Mashgiach, Rabbi Kurland. Aaron left the building to go to a
nearby playground. There he sat on a bench and reflected on a course of action.
He was able to concentrate better on serious matters away from the loud voices
in the study hall. To him, the issue was clear cut. He was absolutely certain
that Shalom would be the chosen one. The boy had far more experience in all
aspects of the assignment and had a sparkling personality. The faculty had
justifiably selected him as their first choice. If he himself had been first,
or had been the only candidate, the situation would be different. To refuse
under those conditions would be understandable, even if it would antagonize his
teachers and hurt his yeshiva. Noble as those causes were, he was not obligated
to sell his soul for either of