How a Megilah Reading While Driving Changed Lives

A recent episode of a bochur who read the megilah to an Uber driver on his way home brings to mind a similar story with Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz (“Schwartzy”) whose reading the megilah while driving had far reaching effects on that man’s grandchildren.

By Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon

The Lubavitch Mesivta in Chicago arranged for their students to assist various shluchim in their vicinity by helping them spread the joy of Purim to the Jews of their community. The shluchim would then divide the boys into smaller groups and they went to various places to read the Megilla for Jews who were homebound or in whatever location they were. 

In the spirit of Purim, one of these Shluchim decided to send the group back to the Yeshiva in a limousine. The boys between the ages of 14 and 17 enjoyed the gesture, and they arrived back at the Yeshiva. 

Before exiting the limousine, one of the boys asked the driver, “Are you Jewish?”

Yes, the driver replied.

“Would you like to hear the Megilla?” he inquired.

I must return home, the driver replied. 

“Start driving and I will read the Megilla while you’re driving home,” the student responded, “and then when I finish you will drop me off.”

Twenty-five minutes later, the boy concluded reading the Megilla, and he asked the driver to drop him off at the closest shopping center. Once there, he called an Uber and returned to the Yeshiva. 

This is a beautiful and heartwarming story, showing how our bochurim are dedicated to fulfilling the desire and mission that the Rebbe entrusts us with, and implores us to continue, bringing every Yid closer to Hashem. However, this might not be the end of the story.

When I shared the above episode, someone shared this story with me:

Years ago, a similar story happened with Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz (“Schwartzy”), who opened the first Chabad House on a college campus, UCLA Westwood in Los Angeles, California.

There was a teenager who grew up in a non-observant house and went to the local public school. He excelled in his studies, and his parents were planning or trying to figure out which college will their gifted son benefit from the most. But one evening, to their bewilderment and shock, the son informed them that he is not interested in going to college; rather, he would like to continue his learning in a Yeshiva – a religious Institution.

The parents, who themselves were very educated and not religious, tried to convince their son to change his mind and get what they considered a proper education. They argued that only through a prestigious degree would he be able to be successful in life! After some lengthy discussions did not resolve the issue, they decided to bring in Grandpa who was beloved by everyone, including this grandson, their son, and ask him to help straighten out the situation. They were positive that Grandpa who opposed religious observances, would support their position and their son would respect and accept his opinion.

When Grandpa sat down at the table, he first asked his grandson when and why he made that decision, as everyone else in the family either received or plan on receiving a degree.  After the grandson answered, he then asked, that yeshiva that you wish to apply to, is affiliated with which organization?

With Chabad, the grandson answered.

Chabad, they are good people, the grandfather said.

Gasps were heard throughout the room. The parents were shellshocked, especially when Grandpa said to his grandson, “Be successful!” This was something they never anticipated. Grandpa, who was anti-religious, just gave his blessings to his grandson to join a Jewish college or institution and become religious himself. How could that be?!

But at that point, they realized, the damage could not be undone, they too had to respect and abide by grandpa’s strange and unexpected decision.

The grandson was ecstatic, hugged his grandpa and signed up into the Yeshiva.

Years later, the grandson was sitting with his grandfather and asked, Grandpa, we all know that not only are you not observant, but you are also against religion. So can you please tell me, why did you give you’re okay for me to go to Yeshiva and for which I am eternally thankful to you! my life is a wonderful blessing. I feel that I am one of the most fortunate people in the world.

The grandfather looked at his grandson and said, You know, at that time I was a professor, and on the campus was a man called Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz. One day he came over to me and asked politely, “Professor, would you like to hear the Megilla today?”

In order not to be rude, I replied truthfully, “I am going home, which is in the city of—-, and I must be there as soon as possible. “

The rabbi exclaimed in joy, “That’s perfect! Because I happen to have to be there too.” I did the proper thing, and I offered him a ride. While I was driving, he was reading from his scroll some words I had never heard before, and when he concluded, we talked a little bit.

Shortly before entering the city, I asked him Where are you going? I will drop you off. The bus station will be perfect, he replied.

Hearing this, I saw that he only came because he was committed to a cause. Although I was and remain not observant, I saw that he is a person that there is what to respect. Therefore, when you said you two want to join that movement, I decided to respect your conviction, because I recognized that there is truth in their conduct.

Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran mechanech and the author of numerous books on the Rebbeiim and their chassidim. He is available to farbreng in your community and can be contacted at avtzonboks@gmail.com