Rabbi Silberman – not enough words in the dictionary to describe the man or better yet an angel. The man dedicated his life tirelessly to everyone and anyone. From people he knew to random strangers. I am sure I am one in thousands.
My story is as follows, a rebellious 15-year-old boy from a great family and home stuck in a bad situation surrounded by a bad crowed and a loathing for Rabbis due to past experiences. This story took place almost 15 years ago and impacted the rest of my life and will determine the fate of generations to come. I was in a bad place in my life doing the wrong (worst) things hanging with the wrong people with no regard and thoughts for my future. One day I was in “Our Place” an incredible organization at the time in the basement of a retail space set to have a place for young adults giving them a place to call home eat a warm meal with no force or influence toward religion. The goal of this organization is to give boys or girls who are having issues with authority, parents and are misunderstood a chance to learn and build their life’s and change course.
Rabbi Silberman approached me one day asked me my name I smugly replied (at the time was anti rabbis). He offered to take me for dinner and buy me some cool clothing of my choice. This was the first time in my life a rabbi took interests in my personal life VS just religion or their personal interests or beliefs. He made sure to follow up with me and meet with me very often throughout that year. Took me for dinners provided me with inspiration and self-motivation helping me believe in myself.
That summer my parents wanted me to go away with them for the summer. I refused and was at an impasse with my parents. Randomly complaining about this to Rabbi Silberman he automatically responded “WHY DONT YOU STAY IN MY HOUSE?!” No hesitation!!! Initially I refused he insisted! I stayed in his house for the summer, through the summer I got sick with the flu fever and was on bedrest for weeks. The rabbi and his family took care of me like I was their own “CHILD” regardless of the way I dressed and looked.
He made sure at every second I felt comfortable and never out of place!
WHOM IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD TAKE A TROUBLED KID IN THIER RELIGIOUS HOME WITH AN EFFORT TO MAKE THEM FEEL GOOD AND NOT EVEN PUSH AN AGENDA.
Story continues; I was in touch with the Rabbi very often for years through his doing not myself. He made sure to contact me as if I was the only person he was in contact with. He even helped me build a connection with my parents and help understand them. I then went to Israel for 1.5 years and came back. Headed in the right track, Rabbi Silberman STILL made it a point to contact me as see how I was doing.
FAST forward a few years I got married to an amazing wife and now have an amazing Son. I opened up several very successful businesses. Make an effort to give charity hold hard-idly, help all people around me be the best me I can be. This is not about ME. This ONLY came about through the Rabbi. He helped build me as a person I did not know it yet. The people in your life can shape you… IF I did not meet him, I do not know where I will be.
My only regret I did not contact him more often in the recent years. The lessons I learned, and hope people will take from this.
- GIVE NEVER EXPECT TO RECEIVE. THE RABBI NEVER EXPECTED RESPECT IN FACT RAN AWAY FROM IT.
- HELP ONE PERSON AND YOU REALY HELPED THOUSANDS AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS
- ITS NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU MAKE BUT WHAT IMPACT YOU LEAVE ON THIS WORLD! WE LIVE FOR A SHORT PERIOD AND WE DIE
- APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE IN LIFE NOT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AND WHAT WE DONT HAVE!
- LIVE FOR OTHERS NOT YOUR SELF, THE REWARD YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER.
Joey Safdieh