This World Is Only A Temporary Stop

Mr. Jack finally arrived in the village of Radin, Poland. After a five-hour train ride from Warsaw, and a two-hour horse and buggy excursion, Jack concluded the last leg of his trip by foot. Upon arriving in the village, he immediately inquired as to the whereabouts of its most famous resident, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagen, author of "Chafetz Chaim" (on the laws against gossip) and "Mishneh Brura" (on laws of daily observance).

With trepidation, Jack knocked on the door and it was opened by an old, bent-over man who asked him to please enter. Mr. Jack explained that he was visiting from America and strongly desired to meet the world famous authority. Looking around, Jack noticed that the house was bare of furniture as if it had been hit by a hurricane. There was just one table, two chairs, a bookcase and a bed.

"Rabbi, may I ask a question?"

"Certainly, my son."

"I don't notice any furniture in your home. Where is all your furniture?"

The rabbi, unaffected by the guest's chutzpah, asked in turn, "And may I ask you a question, young man?"

"Certainly," came the reply.

"Where is all your furniture?"

Taken aback by the response, Jack cried out, "I have a custom kitchen, oak dining room set, and beautiful bedroom set - all at my house in New York. Do tourists generally take such possessions along in a moving van? I'm only passing through!"

To which the rabbi replied, "And I also am only passing through."

This world is only a temporary stop. A person on a journey must consider his priorities - the true destination - and not only his comfort during the short trip.