A Bridge to Somewhere

For the previous Parts of a Bridge to Somewhere click here.

-- 63 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: May 18, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

As usual, I am very interested in your ideas... and I must say that your optimism impresses me : )

Regards,

Mario

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-- 64 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: May 18, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

The idea is quite simple.

Much of human suffering (both experienced and perpetrated) occurs when one is not happy with himself or with what he or she is doing, and thinks that the other guy has more or is worth more.

If one were to understand clearly the reason for his existence and the importance of his place in the world, he would not be so miserable with himself and jealous of others.

You cannot compare the state of mind of someone that thinks constantly about what he needs with one who thinks about what is he needed for.

It is not the same to live life believing that life has a value and purpose beyond personal satisfaction as living life believing that there is no value and purpose beyond immediate, personal gratification.

In fact, it is for this reason that the 10 Commandments address apparently obvious prohibitions such as "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not steal." The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains the reason for this is that if one does not believe in a Creator, eventually he may come to question the very legitimacy of prohibitions such as "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not steal," because who says that life and property of others are sacred?

The public educational system – and in many cases the same is true for private institutions – aims to provide its students with the best tools and techniques for achieving success in life; it does not however provide the criteria that help determine what to use the tools for or how to define "success."

Imagine if every child were to begin his day at school with a minute of reflection... All the students in the class quietly thinking for a minute about their purpose in life... Who should define what they should be thinking during that minute? Their parents and/or spiritual guide. No one from the educational system can tell them what to think; they can and should however educate them that it is important to do so.

When a child comes out from the educational system with the idea that the greatest value is not being a wise guy, but being noble, he will look for and accomplish different things in life.

If everyone were to think every day, "What can I do for others?" instead of, "What can others do for me?" the world would be much closer to the way you would like to see it be...

What do you think?

Regards,

Shabbat Shalom

Eliezer

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-- 65 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: May 20, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

How are you?

Regarding the issue of the Public Educational System, I forgot to mention a cute story that happened several years ago.

One Saturday afternoon, I was walking with a friend in Punta del Este, when a 10 year old boy approached us.

"Where are you guys from?" he asked.

"I am from Montevideo and my friend here is from Buenos Aires," I answered.

"What's with those funny looking caps you guys are wearing?"

"They are called kippah, and we wear them in order to remember that G‑d is always present and watches over us," I explained.

"I don't believe in G‑d," the child responded.

"But you know something?" I continued. "G‑d believes in you. If not, He would not have created you. There is something unique that only you can accomplish and no one else. That is why He needs you."

"Really? There is something that only I can accomplish? What's that?" he asked with great interest.

"I don't have the answer to that question," I replied. "You must look for and find the answer yourself..."

The child continued on his way. I don't know if he found the answer, but at least he now has a clear question.

That is an example of what I think can be accomplished by beginning every school day with a moment of silence.

Regards,

Eliezer

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-- 66 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: May 21, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

I totally agree with your ideas. It is true that violence can be combated by education. In fact, it is a great tool that can be used to improve the quality of life for most people.

But we must also improve the economic situation that people find themselves in. When one is hungry, there is little education that can penetrate his mind. What can we do to eliminate poverty?

Besides, we didn't even mention the violence that is religion-based; think about the different theologies that have brought about the worst wars. In a utopic world we can imagine a better world, with greater quality of life, thinking individuals who are respectful of the life and property of others.

Continuing along this utopic line of thinking, can we imagine a world without racial, economic and religious divisions? A world in which everyone will believe in the same religion (mine, of course... :) )

I told you that I am impressed by your optimism; I was somewhat surprised, however, that you didn't mention the arrival of the Messiah as the solution for all the problems.

But I guess, your approach is not one of sitting and waiting.

What I am convinced of is that throughout history mankind has tended to destroy itself and by improving technology it is able to do so more quickly and efficiently... using his capabilities and intelligence... educating to kill more efficiently.

Why does this happen?

Were I to be a believer, I would say that it seems that the devil is winning the arm wrestle... :)

Regards,

Mario.

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-- 67 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: May 21, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

I think that everything is connected.

The child that was educated with the idea that he must constantly ask himself, "What am I needed for?" will, when he grows up, share his wealth with those that have less...

As far as the Messiah is concerned, it's been a while since we stopped waiting... it is he that is waiting for us...

Regarding your remarks about the religion-based wars, I agree that they are very ugly. But I believe that there is a process underway. The Jewish People has the responsibility – and nowadays the possibility – to educate all of humanity regarding the reason for our existence.

A moment of silence in the classrooms is a good start... Do you have any better ideas? :)

Regards,

Eliezer

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-- 68 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: May 23, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

Human nature is very complicated from whichever point of view you consider it, be it sociological as well as theological.

It is obvious that if a child begins to develop the thought, "What can I do for others?" as he grows and matures this thought will develop as well. Therefore, I must say that I have no better idea. :)

In this regard, let me point out that there are character and personality traits that are a results of genetics (genotype) and there are those that are acquired by experience (phenotype).

In fact, there is a story that illustrates this difference. I am sure that you know it, but just in case you don't, I'll share it with you.

There was this frog and scorpion that had to cross a river. The frog had no problem swimming across, but the scorpion would not be able to make it across by swimming. The scorpion then proposes to the frog that it let it cross on its back. The frog refuses, afraid that the scorpion will sting it. The scorpion replies to the frog that he can rest assured that such a thing would never happen as it would endanger his own life as well, being that he could not swim. The frog agrees, the scorpion mounts the frog and they set out to cross the river. In the middle of the river, the scorpion digs its stinger into the frog's back. "What did you do?" the frog shouts out. "Now we will both die!"

"You are right," replies the scorpion, "but I can't help it. It's my nature."

I think there are certain things that are unchangeable in people's attitudes. Nevertheless I think we should at least try to change the phenotypes.

Regards,

Mario

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-- 69 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: June 27, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

How are you? It's been a while since I've heard from you.

Everything okay with you? I hope so.

Regards.

Mario

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-- 70 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: June 27, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

Everything okay around here. Thank you for your interest.

I've been traveling the past few weeks. I've been to Israel and the USA.

Lots of work here in Uruguay.

I often think about you and our exchanges and I ask myself if this interruption is due to the fact that we've run out of topics to resolve, or simply because each of us is distracted by our respective day-to-day responsibilities.

What do you think?

Regards,

Eliezer

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-- 71 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: June 27, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

I am happy that everything is okay. How are things in Israel? I refer to the worrisome and endless conflicts that go on there.

I don't think that we've run out of topics to resolve. I mean, you surely have many issues resolved; I don't.

The responsibilities are always there.

I always have your words present and in a certain way I am envious of the strength of your convictions. I understand that they are based on deep knowledge and on the security that faith provides.

Regards,

Mario

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-- 72 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: June 27, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

Things in Israel continue to be the same as ever: G‑d protects us... especially from ourselves.

There is much to say about this matter...

As far as "issues to be resolved" is concerned, I am at your service to continue our exchanges and to share ideas and knowledge.

Eliezer

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-- 73 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: August 22, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

Happy Birthday

Heartfelt wishes for health, accomplishments and happiness...

Mario

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-- 74 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: August 22, 2007

Thank you very much

Our sages say that one who blesses is in turn blessed by G‑d.

May G‑d bless you and your family in all things necessary.

How have you been all this time?

Which philosophical fields have you wandered through?

Regards,

Eliezer

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-- 75 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: September 12, 2007

A happy and sweet new year!!!

For you and your family

Mario Grinberg and family

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-- 76 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: September 12, 2007

Thank you very much, friend

May you have a great year.

Regards,

Eliezer

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-- 77 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: November 8, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

It's been a while since we've communicated.

How are you?

I am fortunately fine, with news regarding my children.

I mentioned to you that my son Andy is getting married. Carolina is also getting married in a few months. As you can see I will have a very exciting year.

Carolina met her fiance two months ago. He is religious.

Short engagement period, as is the custom amongst the religious. I think it is because there is no physical contact allowed before marriage.

That is what each one chose for themselves. I hope they will be happy.

In addition to that , I want to share with you that my oldest son is taking my grandson to Buenos Aires today in order to go through with a conversion. I know that according to Chabad it is not possible, he is doing it through the Reform.

What do you think?

I am happy because he will be accepted as a Jew at least by part of the community.

Okay, dear Eliezer.

Best regards.

Mario

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-- 78 --

From: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
To: Dr. Mario Grinberg
Date: December 6, 2007

Dear Dr. Grinberg,

I apologize for not replying sooner.

I was thinking long and hard about what and how to answer.

I do not want to be dishonest; nor do I want to say something that might hurt you.

What do I do?

Regards,

Happy Chanukah and Shabbat Shalom

Eliezer

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-- 79 --

From: Dr. Mario Grinberg
To: Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov
Date: December 07, 2007

Dear Eliezer:

I was almost sure that the delay in your response was because of my question regarding the conversion of my grandson (amongst other reasons perhaps).

I understand your position, and I appreciate your tactfulness in not wanting to hurt me. Rest assured that you will not do that. In fact I value all of your answers and I take them seriously (I even tried to keep Shabbat!).

It's funny that in my family I have two children that married non Jews and a daughter that is marrying an orthodox boy. There are no middle-of-the-way choices! :)

In any case, I hope that they will all be happy with well constituted families full of happiness and harmony.

Okay, dear friend, once again, thank you very much. I wish you and your family a Happy Chanukah.

(I will always consider your answers to be expressions of good feelings and profound logic.)

Best regards,

Mario

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-- 80 --

January 3, 2008

CHAT

Eliezer: hi, friend

what's up?

Mario: Hi. Everything is okay. I am waiting for your reply to my previous email.

Eliezer: :)

Mario: looks like it's going to be a tough one... since you are thinking about it so long... and how to soften it...

Eliezer: It's just that I don't think I can tell you anything that you don't already know.

Mario: Nevertheless, I would like to know what you have to say... even though it might be painful... coming from you it is important...

Mario: My accountant is waiting for me now, so I have to sign off. Just say what you want to without any anesthesia.. hehe

Eliezer: ok

to be continued...