A Law, A Line, and a Lesson for Life

This week, I was standing in line at the post office, bored out of my mind, counting the seconds until it was finally my turn.

And then the action started.

“I was ahead of you, sir, with all due respect,” said an agitated older man.

“It’s fine,” replied the other man as he moved to the front of the line. “Trust me, it’s fine.”

That’s when the other people waiting started chiming in: “Uh, no disrespect, but you’re cutting the line and expecting us to just let you through. We’ve been waiting here for half an hour.”

I looked at the man, trying to understand why he was skipping ahead. His face was expressionless- calm and unwavering, like a guard keeping a secret.

“I told you it’s fine,” he repeated. Then came the bombshell: “I’m disabled,” he said, pointing to a modest sign on the wall that suddenly made everything clear. Apparently, those with a disability card are entitled to skip the line and receive immediate service.

The man smiled- not out of nervousness, but with confidence, knowing the law was on his side and no one could argue. To be honest, he didn’t look disabled, but experience teaches you not to judge a book by its cover.

The crowd fell silent. They obeyed the law- not happily, but respectfully. They waited patiently while the man received quick service.

Truth be told, I was a little jealous. What confidence he had, standing tall in the face of everyone’s confusion and judgment. He had the law in his hand and he used it. Even if it seemed strange or unfair to others, the law is the law. He believed in his cause, and nothing could shake him.

Shoshi, my neighbor, recently started wearing a head covering. I don’t know what inspired her, but it clearly gave her a sense of inner peace, until Edna showed up. Edna always has something to say about religion. Shoshi usually avoids her, but one Shabbat, she couldn't escape. They bumped into each other in the garden.

I was sitting on the bench nearby, tense with curiosity, waiting to see how it would unfold. Sure enough, Edna pounced: “What’s this thing on your head, Shoshi? It doesn’t suit you. Honestly, it really doesn’t look good. Just take it off- why cover your beautiful hair?”

I looked at Shoshi with sympathy, wondering what was going on inside her. She tightened her headscarf and smiled: “I was at a Torah class, and that’s what they said- a married woman should cover her hair.”

Edna was momentarily stunned. Eventually, she replied: “Well, up to you. That’s just my opinion- do whatever you want.” And they parted ways.

When Shoshi passed by me with a “Shabbat Shalom,” I thought to myself: how brave. She listened, she learned what she needed to do, and once she made a decision, she followed through.

If only I could act that way too.

Imagine I decide to strengthen my speech, to guard my tongue. I study the laws, feel inspired- and then comes the test. G-d puts me face-to-face with old friends who ask, “What’s up with her?” And honestly, there’s a lot of juicy gossip I could share. But what can I do? He, up there, said otherwise- and thank goodness He did.

Imagine saying, “Sorry, I have urgent errands,” and walking away. The truth is with me, and I stick to it. If only.

No wonder G-d put me in that post office scene. He knew exactly what I needed to internalize and showed me the perfect example.

That man- he didn’t look religious at all. But who knows how much merit he earned that day just for teaching me, without knowing, how to stand firm in who I am as a religious woman in today’s skeptical, critical world.

The law was his shield and his confidence. It told him he was special. It gave him privileges- for his good, if he chose to embrace it. He wasn’t embarrassed to claim it. Why don’t I see the Torah that way?

The laws of Torah aren’t just rules- they’re a way of life. Without them, society breaks down: people steal out of desperation, disrespect their parents out of resentment, and justify gossip because “this one deserves it.” Everything becomes subjective and driven by ego. The Torah comes to guide and teach us how to use our traits the right way.

As Rabbi Zamir Cohen says: Those who follow the Manufacturer’s instructions gain not only joy and spiritual quality of life in the World to Come, but also a good, rich, and happy life in this world.

G-d considers us special (and I don’t mean disabled, but spiritually “VIP”), and therefore He gives us extra protection in the form of Torah and mitzvot, our lifeline in this world.

If only I can learn to stand firm in the face of the world’s winds, maybe I, too, will get to bypass the line and receive direct, immediate attention from the Creator Himself?

Half an hour of boredom at the post office turned into a whole bundle of life lessons. If I have to sit around and wait, at least I’m walking away with spiritual packages in hand.