AVI:
Am I dreaming or am I awake?
What am I, Avi Shapiro, considered to be a good bochur from a good yeshiva, doing here in an amusement park, of all places?
Do I want to be here?
No.
Did I choose to be here?
Also not.
I’d rather be safely ensconced in the Beis Medrash, arguing out a s’varah with my chevrusa. Why then am I, Avi the Masmid here at the entrance to this place with its garish posters? Just reading them makes my stomach dizzy and ties my head in knots:
‘Take the Ride of Your Life on the Steepest Rollercoaster in the World’
‘Chills and Thrills Guaranteed in Our A-Mazing Mirror-Maze Mansion ’
‘Merry-Go-Round: the Ride That Has Withstood the Test of Time’
I would not have chosen to come here, at least, not yet, but no less a personage than the Rosh Yeshiva himself insisted that it was time for me to move in this direction. He told Shlomie the G’vir to take me shopping. Shlomie re-outfitted me from head to toe, making me feel like the Kohen Gadol with the Shemona Begadim. He then filled my pockets with cash, and told me not to be cheap. He said that I should expect to spend a lot of money, and that I should look at it as an investment.
Anyway, I’m here, and I might as well get started. The Rosh Yeshiva told me to start with the A-Mazing Mirror-Maze Mansion.
Okay, so here I am, just inside the entrance of the mansion, in a hallway with twelve closed doors. Only one will eventually get me through to the other side, while the others may seem promising at the beginning, but end at a blank wall. How can I know which will be the right choice? How many false starts will I have to make until I get it right? Can’t I just go back to the Yeshiva for a few more years? Figuring this out is harder than any piece of Gemara, and it seems like such a waste of time...No! I mustn’t say that! I’m here to fulfil a Mitzvah and one that is not meant to be delayed!
*******************************************************************
CHAVI:
“Hey, lady, wrong entrance. Follow the yellow arrows, and go through the yellow archway.”
Whoops! I feel like a fool. I wish I didn’t have to come here at all, it’s sooo not me! I mean I, Chavi Klein, am known as a teacher par excellence, a curriculum co-ordinator, a Bikkur Cholim volunteer. Is it any wonder that I feel very out of place in an amusement park? I only hope I don’t meet anyone I know!
Ah! Here’s the yellow archway. Now I’ve got to turn right and find the ghost train. Ugh! It’s spooky in here. I seem to be the only one waiting for the ride to start. I hope it won’t take too long. I’ve heard of girls getting stuck here for ages!
******************************************************************
AVI
I’m still here, trying out doors. This has been a frustrating exercise, to say the least. I’ve been trying to be methodical, but logic doesn’t always seem to work here. I’ve opened four doors already, and after lots of promising twists and turns, either found myself confronted by a blank wall, or back in the entry hall! Each time I’ve had to start all over and usually with a seemingly endless wait until the next door is ready to open. What a waste of time and energy. Why do I have to go through this? I know that those of my friends, who have parents that are able to help them, have streamlined this part of the exercise. Their parents did much of the door choosing and maze searching. I, however, have no parents who can help me with this. I have no one to rely on, except the One Above. Hey, that’s it! I need to daven for help from Hashem Yisborach.
Okay, now it looks like I’m finally getting somewhere. That yellow door seems to have been the best choice. I’m not out yet, but at least I’ve reached ‘The Hall of Mirrors’. Oy Vey!! See how awful I look in this mirror! How did I get so tall and skinny?? Wait a second; in the second mirror I’m short and wide! Oh, now I get it, it’s all an illusion, the mirrors distort the truth. I hope no one judges me by them. What a powerful reminder to me not to judge the other person by appearance or by superficialities!
****************************************************************
CHAVI
Whew! I’m out at last. It was a very spooky ride. The ghosts of all the hidden fears and worries popped up from those dark corners. But now I’m moving on to the next step, at last! My davening must have helped!
Oh! What a funny wall! There are painted figures from neck down. I get it now, you’re supposed to stick your head through the hole and look in the mirror.
Do I make a good astronaut? How about a clown? Oooh! I love this olden day gown, too bad it’s only a wooden facade.
Hey! One minute...you don’t think anyone is really going to imagine that this is the real me??
***************************************************************
AVI
Whew! Finally got out of there. Let me look at the instructions that I was given and find out what’s next. Let’s see, it says that I have to choose a method of transport as the next ride. The go-karts are impressive and fast, but give a sense of recklessness. Bump-em cars are family friendly and somewhat heimishe, but they don’t get you anywhere. The scenic train goes around the parameters of the park, slow, out of the way, but safe and reliable. The scenic train is the one for me!
***************************************************************
CHAVI
Now I think I need a simple but pleasant ride, where I can just be me. The scenic train, perhaps?
*****************************************************************
Avi
Just got off the train. That was exactly my speed! If the rest of this program will be as smooth and enjoyable as that calm ride, wouldn’t it be great. But what’s next on the list? OH NO!! I’m not ready for this!.... THE ROLLERCOASTER???? I can’t, I really can’t. Maybe I can go around the park another few times on the scenic train, instead? I know, I know. I’ve got to be brave and follow the instructions. To the rollercoaster I go!
******************************************************************
CHAVI
The scenic train was sooo nice. What will be next? Something a bit faster and bumpier, I suspect. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do!
*****************************************************************
AVI
Oy vey! Do I feel sick! HEY, CAN SOMEONE STOP THIS RIDE?? I WANNA GET OFF!! Uch, no one seems to be paying attention. UP UP UP, then DOWN DOWN DOWN, up and down, up and down all at top speed! One minute I feel like I’m at the top of the world, and the next minute, lower than a cockroach’s knee. My heart is beating wildly; I just can’t take all of these conflicting emotions. Ribbono Shel Olam, please help me make the biggest decision of my life!
Aaaaaaaaah! BORUCH HASHEM, I think the ride is finally slowing down.
I get off, a bit wobbly on my feet. There’s a feeling in my heart that is hard to describe, a wholesomeness and a deep happiness. I don’t have time to think about it, and anyway, my head is still dizzy. A crowd has gathered around me. Hey! My chevrusas are here, my Rabbeim; even my late father’s friends have come to congratulate me!
***************************************************************
CHAVI
What a crazy ride! I just held on to the safety bar and told myself not to look back, but to keep focus on where we are heading. It was hard, but well worth it. Now I feel so light and happy, like I’m not quite back on the ground. Oh! Here come my parents, family and friends. Everyone looks so happy for me, it must be catchy!
*******************************************************************
AVI
Mazaltov! Mazaltov! Although it took a tremendous amount of effort and alacrity, patience and prayer, faith and fortitude, it was worth all of the difficulties, as I’ve found my bashert.
I’m going back to being a full time Yeshiva bochur, but only for a short time. Soon I’ll have to get on the last ride, the Marry-Go-Round. I can still continue learning, it’s true, but life will never be the same. I’m sure that sometimes there will be ups and downs, not as drastic as the rollercoaster, but hopefully more like riding the Ferris Wheel. I’m not worried though; it will be fine, as I’ll have my kallah, Chavi, at my side, together forever until the end of the ride.
Am I dreaming or am I awake?
What am I, Avi Shapiro, considered to be a good bochur from a good yeshiva, doing here in an amusement park, of all places?
Do I want to be here?
No.
Did I choose to be here?
Also not.
I’d rather be safely ensconced in the Beis Medrash, arguing out a s’varah with my chevrusa. Why then am I, Avi the Masmid here at the entrance to this place with its garish posters? Just reading them makes my stomach dizzy and ties my head in knots:
‘Take the Ride of Your Life on the Steepest Rollercoaster in the World’
‘Chills and Thrills Guaranteed in Our A-Mazing Mirror-Maze Mansion ’
‘Merry-Go-Round: the Ride That Has Withstood the Test of Time’
I would not have chosen to come here, at least, not yet, but no less a personage than the Rosh Yeshiva himself insisted that it was time for me to move in this direction. He told Shlomie the G’vir to take me shopping. Shlomie re-outfitted me from head to toe, making me feel like the Kohen Gadol with the Shemona Begadim. He then filled my pockets with cash, and told me not to be cheap. He said that I should expect to spend a lot of money, and that I should look at it as an investment.
Anyway, I’m here, and I might as well get started. The Rosh Yeshiva told me to start with the A-Mazing Mirror-Maze Mansion.
Okay, so here I am, just inside the entrance of the mansion, in a hallway with twelve closed doors. Only one will eventually get me through to the other side, while the others may seem promising at the beginning, but end at a blank wall. How can I know which will be the right choice? How many false starts will I have to make until I get it right? Can’t I just go back to the Yeshiva for a few more years? Figuring this out is harder than any piece of Gemara, and it seems like such a waste of time...No! I mustn’t say that! I’m here to fulfil a Mitzvah and one that is not meant to be delayed!
*******************************************************************
CHAVI:
“Hey, lady, wrong entrance. Follow the yellow arrows, and go through the yellow archway.”
Whoops! I feel like a fool. I wish I didn’t have to come here at all, it’s sooo not me! I mean I, Chavi Klein, am known as a teacher par excellence, a curriculum co-ordinator, a Bikkur Cholim volunteer. Is it any wonder that I feel very out of place in an amusement park? I only hope I don’t meet anyone I know!
Ah! Here’s the yellow archway. Now I’ve got to turn right and find the ghost train. Ugh! It’s spooky in here. I seem to be the only one waiting for the ride to start. I hope it won’t take too long. I’ve heard of girls getting stuck here for ages!
******************************************************************
AVI
I’m still here, trying out doors. This has been a frustrating exercise, to say the least. I’ve been trying to be methodical, but logic doesn’t always seem to work here. I’ve opened four doors already, and after lots of promising twists and turns, either found myself confronted by a blank wall, or back in the entry hall! Each time I’ve had to start all over and usually with a seemingly endless wait until the next door is ready to open. What a waste of time and energy. Why do I have to go through this? I know that those of my friends, who have parents that are able to help them, have streamlined this part of the exercise. Their parents did much of the door choosing and maze searching. I, however, have no parents who can help me with this. I have no one to rely on, except the One Above. Hey, that’s it! I need to daven for help from Hashem Yisborach.
Okay, now it looks like I’m finally getting somewhere. That yellow door seems to have been the best choice. I’m not out yet, but at least I’ve reached ‘The Hall of Mirrors’. Oy Vey!! See how awful I look in this mirror! How did I get so tall and skinny?? Wait a second; in the second mirror I’m short and wide! Oh, now I get it, it’s all an illusion, the mirrors distort the truth. I hope no one judges me by them. What a powerful reminder to me not to judge the other person by appearance or by superficialities!
****************************************************************
CHAVI
Whew! I’m out at last. It was a very spooky ride. The ghosts of all the hidden fears and worries popped up from those dark corners. But now I’m moving on to the next step, at last! My davening must have helped!
Oh! What a funny wall! There are painted figures from neck down. I get it now, you’re supposed to stick your head through the hole and look in the mirror.
Do I make a good astronaut? How about a clown? Oooh! I love this olden day gown, too bad it’s only a wooden facade.
Hey! One minute...you don’t think anyone is really going to imagine that this is the real me??
***************************************************************
AVI
Whew! Finally got out of there. Let me look at the instructions that I was given and find out what’s next. Let’s see, it says that I have to choose a method of transport as the next ride. The go-karts are impressive and fast, but give a sense of recklessness. Bump-em cars are family friendly and somewhat heimishe, but they don’t get you anywhere. The scenic train goes around the parameters of the park, slow, out of the way, but safe and reliable. The scenic train is the one for me!
***************************************************************
CHAVI
Now I think I need a simple but pleasant ride, where I can just be me. The scenic train, perhaps?
*****************************************************************
Avi
Just got off the train. That was exactly my speed! If the rest of this program will be as smooth and enjoyable as that calm ride, wouldn’t it be great. But what’s next on the list? OH NO!! I’m not ready for this!.... THE ROLLERCOASTER???? I can’t, I really can’t. Maybe I can go around the park another few times on the scenic train, instead? I know, I know. I’ve got to be brave and follow the instructions. To the rollercoaster I go!
******************************************************************
CHAVI
The scenic train was sooo nice. What will be next? Something a bit faster and bumpier, I suspect. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do!
*****************************************************************
AVI
Oy vey! Do I feel sick! HEY, CAN SOMEONE STOP THIS RIDE?? I WANNA GET OFF!! Uch, no one seems to be paying attention. UP UP UP, then DOWN DOWN DOWN, up and down, up and down all at top speed! One minute I feel like I’m at the top of the world, and the next minute, lower than a cockroach’s knee. My heart is beating wildly; I just can’t take all of these conflicting emotions. Ribbono Shel Olam, please help me make the biggest decision of my life!
Aaaaaaaaah! BORUCH HASHEM, I think the ride is finally slowing down.
I get off, a bit wobbly on my feet. There’s a feeling in my heart that is hard to describe, a wholesomeness and a deep happiness. I don’t have time to think about it, and anyway, my head is still dizzy. A crowd has gathered around me. Hey! My chevrusas are here, my Rabbeim; even my late father’s friends have come to congratulate me!
***************************************************************
CHAVI
What a crazy ride! I just held on to the safety bar and told myself not to look back, but to keep focus on where we are heading. It was hard, but well worth it. Now I feel so light and happy, like I’m not quite back on the ground. Oh! Here come my parents, family and friends. Everyone looks so happy for me, it must be catchy!
*******************************************************************
AVI
Mazaltov! Mazaltov! Although it took a tremendous amount of effort and alacrity, patience and prayer, faith and fortitude, it was worth all of the difficulties, as I’ve found my bashert.
I’m going back to being a full time Yeshiva bochur, but only for a short time. Soon I’ll have to get on the last ride, the Marry-Go-Round. I can still continue learning, it’s true, but life will never be the same. I’m sure that sometimes there will be ups and downs, not as drastic as the rollercoaster, but hopefully more like riding the Ferris Wheel. I’m not worried though; it will be fine, as I’ll have my kallah, Chavi, at my side, together forever until the end of the ride.