Once during the special “Ne’ilah” service recited only on Yom Kippur, the saintly Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (founder of the Chasidic movement) cried and entreated more than usual. His congregation understood that there was a great prosecution in the heavenly courts and the situation was grave, and they also intensified their prayers and crying.
There was a young farm boy, who had come for the High Holidays to the Baal Shem Tov's court. He was uneducated and he stood the whole time looking at the face of the cantor without saying anything.
As a farmhand, the boy knew the sounds made by all the different farm animals, and he especially esteemed the rooster's crowing. When he heard the weeping and the outcries of the entire congregation, his heart was also shattered and he cried out loudly, "Cock-a-doodle-do! G-d, have mercy!"
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The worshippers in the synagogue were confused to hear a voice crowing like a rooster, and a few of them scolded him to quiet him down, the Baal Shem Tov quickly intervened and directed his disciples to let the boy be. And so, he continued screaming in prayer, “Cock-a-doodle-do! G-d, have mercy!"
As Yom Kippur ended the Baal Shem Tov related to his disciples that there had been an accusation leveled in the Heavenly courts, with the prosecution seeking to have a particular community sentenced to destruction.
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However, the sound of the farm boy’s “Cock-a-doodle-do! G-d, have mercy!“ Pierced through the heavens and its incredible sincerity and humility brought great pleasure to G-D, immediately nullifying all the prosecutions.
From the many volumes of Baal Shem Tov stories in my Dad’s collection, this has always been my favorite. G-d speaks all languages, and loves all people, from the great rabbis to the simple farm boy; we are all the same in G-d’s eyes, and our prayers when recited sincerely mean the world to Him.
Yom Kippur starts tonight with the Kol Nidrei Service, join us in Shul, come pray with the Rabbis, teachers, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, doctors, accountants, and farmers. We are all the same in G-D’s eyes, and he loves us all. This Yom Kippur Cock-a-doodle-do your heart out!
May will all be signed and sealed for a happy, sweet, and inspiring new year,
Rabbi Shmaya
P.S. There is always one more seat at the Chabad Community Shul at 44 Burrill St, join us.
