Does G-d like the “Nudge”?

Jack finds himself in dire trouble. His business is in ruins and he is on the brink of declaring bankruptcy. He’s so desperate that he decides to ask G-d for help. “G-d, please help me. I’ve lost my store and if ah ain’t gonna get some money, I’m going to lose my house too. Please let me win the lottery!”

Lottery night! Someone else wins… Jack prays again. “G-d please let me win the lottery! I’ve lost my store, my house and I’m going to lose my car as well!”

Lottery night again! Still no luck.

Jack prays again: “I’ve lost my business, my house and my car. My kids are starving. I didn’t often ask You for help and I have always been a good servant to You. PLEASE just let me win the lottery this one time so I can get back on my feet!”

Suddenly there is a blinding flash as the heavens open and the voice of God Himself thunders: “Jack, at least meet Me half way and buy a ticket!”

***

There are certain words that receive their justice only in certain languages. Most notable are many such Yiddish and Hebrew words which sneakily manage to enter into the vernacular of people the world over: Chutzpa, yokel to name a few. With no alternative in “American” these Jewish words have become household talk the world over. One such popular adoption is the derogatory term “nudge.”

The best English interpretation of nudge is “pesterer,” the one who never leaves you alone. The proverbial nudge is the one who interrupts you in the middle of an important conversation with, “So why did you not come two weeks ago to the lemonade festival?” or asks for the umpteenth time, “Do you promise you’ll come to my wedding?” (Footnote: the nudge has just celebrated his tenth birthday.) You get the picture.

The truth is that “nudge” is not only a title reserved for a select few; each and every one of us holds a bit of that trait, albeit on a smaller scale than the bearer of the official title. When we need something from our parents, spouse, boss, friend etc. we all tend to portray “nudgy” qualities at one time or another.

But let me introduce you to another version of The Nudge, all the way back from ancient history. He’s the first known nudge in the Torah, and a rather unlikely one: Moshe, the first Jewish leader; his “victim” – G-d.

As you may recall, a few short weeks ago we read about how G-d punished Moshe. Due to his desecration of G-d’s Name when he had hit the rock instead of talking to it, he forfeited his entrance to the Land of Israel.

515 times Moshe stood and begged to be allowed to join his brethren in the Promised Land; 515 times his petitions were denied. 515 times! Relentlessly, over and over, until G-d commanded him to stop begging, and, as the faithful servant he was, he complied.

We may understandably be surprised at Moshe’s behavior. Moshe arguing with G-d! How dare he? One should put his personal feelings aside and listen to the Almighty! Where does Moshe get the nerve to question G-d’s decision?

Yet that’s precisely what G-d wanted, and it is what he wants from each of us as well. He has commanded us to pray each day and ask for health, money and all good things. He is the True Judge and will do what is ultimately good. Yet He wants us to ask. He wants to hear us, over and over.

Moshe cried about Israel. We must cry about Israel. Almost two millennia have passed since the destruction of our Holy Temple, and we can not wait any longer. It is high time that we plead – nay, demand, with all the stubbornness we can muster – a new future.

And G-d will hear.

Do something about it:

Cry with all your heart, “We want Moshiach now!”

Moshiach now! Shabbat Shalom!

(Rabbi) Levi Avtzon

A project of Beit Chabad F. Bronzetti, Milan Italy

Special thanks to Ms. C. Avtzon for her editorial assistance.