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Fear of being regarded as one who is in a fantasy world... by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg
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The greatest pressure in life today is peer pressure. How many young lives are snuffed out because they could not resist the demands of their friends? This is why the Shulchan Aruch begins with the immortal words: "Do not be embarrassed because of the mockers." It is easy to empathize with one who is concerned that he will be regarded as being out of touch with the real world. The approach to strengthen this person can be found in a better understanding of the dynamics of fear of ridicule. A short anecdote will assist us. Several years ago a Polish Chassid was visiting Niagara Falls. For Shabbos he stayed near the Chabad House of Buffalo. He was dressed in traditional Chassidic garb, with a velvet hat, silk bekishe (coat), trousers tucked in his socks, long curly pe'ot (sidelocks). There was one thing missing - his shtreimel (fur hat). When I asked him why he was not wearing his shtreimel, his response was, "I don't want to be too conspicuous here in Buffalo!" This Chassid wore all the other Chassidic garb which he felt comfortable with. To him this was normal and natural. But a shtreimel which is worn only on Shabbos, by married men, seemed too conspicuous to him - not part of his normal dress. As long as Moshiach is a distant concept for us, as long as it is something we put on once in a while and is of recent vintage, it is natural to feel uncomfortable about it. But, think for a moment. Is Shabbos so normal? Is kashrus? But these have become so much a part of us that we think they are normal and do not care what others may think. When you feel comfortable with a concept yourself, then you will not be concerned about ridicule. And the only way to reach this point is to learn about Moshiach continuously. When you feel comfortable with a concept yourself, then you will not be concerned about ridicule. And the only way to reach this point is to learn about Moshiach continuously.
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