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What is Retirement?
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Tevet 23, 5771 · December 30, 2010
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In 1971, we had just had a family audience with the Rebbe, of
righteous memory, on the occasion of the upcoming bar mitzvah of our
only son, Yacov Yisroel. The atmosphere was filled with a special joy
and excitement. Thank G‑d, the children had behaved well and followed
all our instructions, and we had discussed everything that had been
planned.
And then the Rebbe surprised me by asking about my uncle, Rabbi Noson
Note Zuber of Roselle, New Jersey. I responded by saying that he was
well, thank G‑d, and had just retired. The Rebbe shook his head. In
Yiddish, he said, "Retired—what does that mean?"
The Rebbe shook his head. In Yiddish, he said, "Retired—what does that mean?"
Foolishly, I thought he needed an explanation, and thus I began to
relate that his congregation had dwindled in size as its members aged,
and there wasn't much of a crowd left.
The Rebbe responded that there is no such thing as retiring.
Situations may arise in life that necessitate changes, and one must then
make the appropriate adjustments. But retirement? Never!
The Rebbe suggested various options for my uncle. His ideas included
moving to New York City, where there were many opportunities for
involvement in scholarly pursuits. He emphasized the importance of
finding avenues for my uncle to use his talents and capabilities to
contribute to the Jewish world.
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