Loud And Clear

In a book called “The Rabbi’s Gift”1 there is the story of a once great monastery that had fallen on hard times. Once it had been filled to capacity with hundreds of dedicated monks. But, for various reasons, the monastery’s population had dwindled to the extent that only the abbot and four monks remained. And all five were in their seventies. Clearly, it looked like a great order would soon no longer exist. In the woods nearby, there was a small hut which a wise old rabbi used as a hermitage. The abbot decided to visit the rabbi to see what advice he could offer that might restore the monastery to its former glory. After the rabbi had listened to the abbot’s presentation, he said, “I know how it is. The spirit has gone out of the people. Almost no one comes to the synagogue any more.” After much conversation, the abbot prepared to leave. “It has been wonderful being with you,” he said, “but…