First Story of 5755...from Rabbi Denburgs Shabbos Shuva Sermon Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885) was without a doubt the greatest and best-loved Jewish statesman of his time. Raised in London, he became one of the twelve Jew brokers licensed by the city. Eventually, he and his brother in law Nathan Mayer Rothschild became partners. In business, he was an innovator, investing in street lighting to European cities, founding the Alliance Life Assurance Company, and directing the Provincial Bank of Ireland. But Montefiore “officially” retired in 1824, and used his time and fortune for communal and civic responsibilities. Three years later, his first visit to the Holy Land changed his life. He became strictly observant. He even traveled with a personal shochet (ritual slaughterer), to ensure his meat was kosher. From that time on, he devoted himself to philanthropy, particularly alleviating the distress of Jews all around the world. In 1840, he went to the Sultan of Turkey to liberate Jews from Damascus arrested after a blood libel; in 1858 to Rome to free a Jewish boy baptized by his Catholic nurse and kidnapped by the Catholic Church; in 1846 and 1872 to Russia; in 1864 to Morocco, and the list goes on. It was these missions that made him a folk hero of near mythological proportions among the oppressed Jews of Europe, North Africa and the Levant. But at the center of Montefiores interests was Israel. He traveled there seven times; his last journey at the age of 91. In 1860, he built the first Jewish residential settlement - Mishkenot Shaananim - outside the old city of Jerusalem. Living outside the city walls was dangerous because of bandits. So Montefiore offered financial inducement. Later on, he established other neighborhoods, Ohel Moshe and Mazkeret Moshe. He promoted industry, education and health, as part of a broader program to enable the Yishuv to become self-supporting. He built the Windmill in Yemin Moshe to provide cheap flour to poor Jews, a printing press and textile factory, and helped finance agricultural colonies. Physically imposing at 6 foot 3 and highly regarded, he was elected Sheriff of London, knighted by Queen Victoria and received a baronetcy in recognition of his humanitarian service. Montefiores 100th birthday (when average British life expectancy was less than 50 years) was celebrated as a national event in Britain and by Jews around the world. One Shabbat, the great sage, the Chasam Sofer stayed with Sir Moses. Montefiore was overjoyed to have the honor of hosting such a great Torah scholar and he did not stint to honor his guest in every way. And not just physically. As was his way, Sir Moses was more concerned with the Shabbats spirituality. Sir Moses was truly humble. He did not want to pass up the opportunity of correcting even the smallest infraction of halacha, and so after Shabbat, heasked Chasam Sofer, Was anything you saw about our Shabbat that was not in accordance with that which is written in Torah? The Chasam Sofer replied, I saw nothing here this Shabbat that was in accordance with what is written in the Torah! Sir Moses jaw dropped. He couldnt believe his ears? Continued the Chasam Sofer, It says in Torah (this weeks portion), And Yeshurun became fat and kicked. Rashi explains this means the Jewish People became rich and prospered because of G-ds kindness but neglected the service of their Creator. I have spent a Shabbat with someone whom the Creator has blessed with great wealth and yet everything is done in the service of the Most High. So you see, nothing I have seen here this Shabbat is accordance with what is written in the Torah! This year may we merit Sir Moses blessings and humility. Pics: Sir Moses as a young man, a portrait in 1818, on his 100th birthday, the windmill in Yemin Moshe (today part of Jerusalem).
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:03:31 +0000
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