From head surgeon to janitor.

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  • #2326000
    chaimberg
    Participant

    John’s passion for medicine was ignited early in life, fueled by his innate curiosity and fascination with the human body. He excelled in science and math throughout high school, his dedication evident in his academic achievements and volunteer work at the local hospital.
    After earning his medical degree, John furthered his education with a master’s degree in public health. This broadened his understanding of the healthcare system and equipped him to address the broader social and environmental factors that impact health.
    Through his residency and subsequent years of practice, John honed his surgical skills, becoming a respected surgeon in his field. His unwavering commitment to patient care, combined with his exceptional talent, propelled him to the position of head surgeon.
    John’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His story inspires aspiring physicians, demonstrating that with perseverance and passion, even the loftiest goals can be achieved.
    After years of dedicated service as a head surgeon, It was during this time that he stumbled upon a job posting for a janitor position at the hospital where he had worked for so many years.
    With a newfound appreciation for the importance of sanitation, John decided to apply for the janitor position. Despite his unconventional background, his passion for the hospital and his commitment to providing the highest quality of care impressed the hiring committee. He was offered the job.
    As a janitor, John brought a unique perspective to his work. His understanding of the surgical environment allowed him to anticipate the specific cleaning needs of operating rooms, ensuring that every nook and cranny was thoroughly disinfected. He also used his knowledge of medical terminology and procedures to communicate effectively with the surgical team, ensuring that cleaning schedules did not interfere with patient care.
    John’s dedication and meticulous attention to detail quickly earned him the respect of his colleagues. He became known as the “surgical suite specialist,” his expertise in cleaning and disinfection techniques invaluable to maintaining a safe and sterile environment.
    While John’s career path may have taken an unexpected turn, he found immense satisfaction in his new role. He realized that even in the most seemingly humble of jobs, it is possible to make a significant contribution to the well-being of others.
    I’m sure as you are reading this story you are filled with amusement The irony of a person who once wielded a scalpel now wielding a mop.
    Now let me share with you an article which I came across in a distribution in Lakewood. With the title going “From Yeshiva to CFO, invest in your future, Join one of our open houses”
    writing a success story about how someone went from Yeshiva to become a CFO, we all agree that the Baalei Batim of Klal Yisrael are very important like we find a in the Mishna in Avos says Ein kemach, ein Torah if there is no food there is no torah. So, they are defiantly important and necessary. And one must earn a livelihood to support his family and be a responsible fellow and give his wife what he committed in his Kesubah.
    Well, just like you understand that even though it’s necessary to have a good janitor in the operating room, which cleans the germs well and without it we would not be able to operate well, still you all agree that the most valuable person is the Head surgeon and only a fool would pride himself on the success of becoming a janitor.
    So, why in the world would there be an advertisement in a distribution from a city that prides itself with the name of “City of Torah”? How can such an article go unnoticed? Where are our values? Every Neshamah who reads that awful article should become nauseous.
    Do you publicize that someone went out from a ballroom to use the restroom, even though using the restroom is also a mitzvah by doing the will of Hashem and taking care of your body. Well, we keep it private.
    Do Bikor Cholim rooms advertise in papers to come for a visit? No, if unfortunately, someone is in the hospital he will find his way there when he needs it. So to if someone is in need of Parnassah and would follow his rebbiems advice to leave our holy beis medrash and give his gemara a kiss with tears, as the the gemara in Brachos says that a lot did like Rabbi Shimon ben Yochi and it didn’t work out, so he will find parnassah.
    So, our torah is crying and saying, “STOP STAMPING ON ME” and let us all realize that yeshivah bochurim are the crème de la crème of the Jewish People. They are our pride and joy — our very future depends on them!
    May this be a fulfillment of the Mishna in Sotah of the time of Moshiach. And the wisdom of the scribes will stink, and those who fear sin will be despised, and the truth will be absent.
    And we should see mashiach soon.

    #2326178
    hashkafas hatorah
    Participant

    ahhhh! yaashar koach for some good hashkafa.
    (also – great job writing it clearly)

    #2326257
    nem621
    Participant

    there is a big diference…I’m hoping that they aren’t against learning…
    there are people who can’t stay in learning as you wrote the big difference is that it isn’t hard or considered an achievment to be a janitor or to go to the restroom… I mean to say that if someone came to the point were he sees that he has to work now he has to try to make best and what the ad is saying is that after you got to that position work as a cfo and not as a janitor… I have a hard time when I see people take stances like what you wrote I’m a yungerman and a lot of time I see people try to bring others down that is like a janitor that is like the restroom, do you think thay learning is worth more because the other is a janitoy?!?!?!? the other job is a wonderful thing it could be that the job is chesed it could be he does chesed with his money he is able to provide for himself and his family in a kosher way. It’s wonderful that said learning is kium of the whole world and the Ta”z says that the reason chazal say that godol talmud torah yioser mhatzalas nefoshos even though it is not nogea lemaseh because if one sees someone in danger one is mechuiev to stop learning and go help him is to know the truth. chazal didn’t say you should know hatzalas nefashos is like going to the restroom next to talmud torah they said hatzalas nefashos is great but you should know talmud torah is even greater.

    #2326260
    ujm
    Participant

    +1

    #2326376
    Hello613
    Participant

    Thank you AI for this message.

    #2326475
    Someday
    Participant

    Thank you @[email protected] !

    #2326494
    joeydweck2002
    Participant

    Pretty good rant I must say. Yashar Koach

    #2326500
    sensibleyid
    Participant

    In a community where there is huge poverty, causing a plethora of other terrible issues, overcoming poverty is a hue accomplishment. if everyone in a place had huge stomach problems overcoming that would be notible.

    #2326559

    Bava Basra: Moshe’s grandson (incorrectly) claims that he learns from his grandfather that it is better to work avoda zara than asking for tzedoka. He is corrected – it means working a “strange job”. Just modify your story that hospital stopped paying the surgeon and then this tzaddik became an exemplary janitor using all his skills, and the story looks different.

    Of course, the surgeon will have a challenge that he needs to answer to his bosses, that he needs to sterilize his mop himself, that people do not remember his name and do not call him “Dr” … Hopefully, he overcomes these challenges.

    Once a shoichet told R Salanter that he is exhausted being on the hook for kashrus for the whole town and wants to go into business. R Salanter answered – you are afraid of violating halochos of shchita, but what about all halochos of business – honest measures, paying on time, etc – there are way more challenges. So, hopefully medical school taught the surgeon all the skills he needs to be an ehrliche janitor.

    #2326582
    DaMoshe
    Participant

    The OP makes an assumption that everyone is a doctor already. A better analogy would be as follows:
    There was a class of medical students, training to be surgeons. After the first year, some of the students realized that they didn’t have what it takes to finish the program and become a head surgeon. Some went off into other areas – research, internal medicine, or other non-surgical specialties. Some kept pushing to complete the program, although they would likely not succeed, and as time went on, they’d be known as lower-tier surgeons. Some switched to different fields entirely, determined to find the career that was best for them, that utilized their strengths, and they could shine in.

    #2326685
    Haimy
    Participant

    A Jew is a soldier in Hashem’s army & he should be proud of whichever position he was assigned. If he can go from learning in Yeshiva to supporting his family honorably & not needing to come on to other’s, then Kol Kakovod! Please announce it from the rafters!
    He should leave the Yeshiva with a heavy heart that he’s no longer sitting in the Beis Medrash but look forward to a life of Kvius Itim, Mitzvos & Maasim tovim!

    #2326741
    pure yiddishkeit
    Participant

    Whilst I understand what you say and you have a very strong point, you have to remember that once upon a time, years ago before the war, MOST of our ancestors where not in Koillel or Yeshiva.
    No I am not advocating stopping yeshivos ch”v and definitely not part of the crowd that use this as a springboard to be anti yeshiva and anti chareidi etc, –
    BUT, and BUT, that does not retract from to very strong points that are facts now-a-days as a direct result of the “system” as you may call it:

    1) Many falling out the Yeshiva system today are doing so because they are not made for it, just as many years ago most were not. Humanity does not change. Hashem sends each person down to this world with their own unique tachlis.
    How many falling away haya lo tihiyeh, are falling away because they went through a system that they were not made to go through, get burnt out and then leave ch”v, when they could have followed a different path and remained?

    2) Superficiality. Because it has become a system, learning in yeshiva itself is not given the chashivut that it deserves, because “everyone” does it. doesn’t matter weak, strong, clever, not clever, sharp not sharp, lamdan not lamdan, like a sausage factory, where each sausage started off as a cow, which no two cows are the same but eventually ended up the same looking red sausage, each bachur unique and special how Hashem created them, goes into a system and are expected all to come out more or less the same.
    The system is broken.
    No one medicine can be the refua for every machla.
    Yeshivot AS THEY ARE CURRENTLY are just not made for everyone.

    Given this, whilst you have a point – a very strong one, the above should be taken into consideration.

    Given the above, from past experience/history, such leaflets, publications, sent around with no real address or hascama usually comes from people indeed looking to undermine yidishkeit and the yeshiva system

    #2327939
    ChatGPT
    Participant

    DONT AGREE WITH YOUR LETTER BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING:
    1. Broad Contributions to Klal Yisrael Beyond Torah Study
    The article equates roles in secular fields, particularly high-level positions like a CFO, to the role of a janitor. While janitors are vital to hospital operations, the author implies that pursuing a secular profession equates to “stepping down” from a higher purpose. However, the role of a CFO contributes to the economic foundation and financial stability that support Torah communities. Every Torah scholar depends on a network of supporters—teachers, parents, community members, and donors—who often earn their livelihoods outside of kollel. Mishna in Avos indeed emphasizes that “If there is no flour, there is no Torah.” This verse acknowledges that financial stability is not only necessary but also an enabler of Torah learning, facilitating institutions, resources, and aid for Torah scholars.

    2. Dignity in Making a Parnassah (Livelihood)
    The article argues that secular accomplishments should not be publicly celebrated or encouraged, asserting that individuals should only leave the beis medrash reluctantly. However, Gemara in Berachos notes the example of Rabbi Yishmael, who advocated for combining Torah study with work. The great Rishonim and Acharonim in our history often balanced Torah study with their own livelihoods, recognizing the virtue in honest work that supports one’s family and the community. By advertising programs that equip young people with career skills, Lakewood isn’t “stamping on Torah.” Rather, it’s providing resources for individuals who wish to support their communities and families responsibly while contributing to Torah values through work.

    3. Misrepresentation of Jewish Community Values
    The author argues that publicly advertising career programs is a violation of “City of Torah” values, claiming that such an approach promotes materialism over spirituality. However, these programs don’t compromise community values; rather, they reflect a balanced approach to life. Communities like Lakewood support Torah scholars and also recognize that Klal Yisrael is multifaceted, including businessmen, professionals, and tradespeople who contribute to communal growth. Both the scholar and the working individual uphold and nurture the community, embodying values of integrity, charity, and dedication to Torah principles.

    4. Respect for Individual Life Paths and Choices
    The notion that only yeshiva learning should be celebrated overlooks the diverse talents and inclinations Hashem instills in each individual. The article suggests that “only a fool would pride himself on the success of becoming a janitor.” However, in today’s world, many successful people in secular fields use their resources and influence to support Torah learning, thereby showing that secular accomplishments don’t detract from but rather complement one’s Torah dedication. Celebrating these paths isn’t about diminishing Torah values; it’s about recognizing and respecting Hashem’s unique plan for each Jew, as well as the diverse ways they can serve Klal Yisrael.

    5. Building Torah Support Systems for the Future
    Finally, this article misses the broader picture: Torah institutions thrive on financial support, often from successful members within secular careers. Such members may sponsor yeshiva programs, build shuls, and provide for families in need. By fostering opportunities in fields like business and finance, communities ensure that future generations can continue to support Torah institutions, enabling scholars to focus on their studies. Instead of assuming that secular career training weakens Torah values, the community should recognize it as a practical approach to creating a strong, sustainable support system for Torah learning.

    Conclusion
    This response doesn’t aim to lessen the value of Torah study, but rather to highlight that financial success and community contributions are compatible with a life dedicated to Torah values. By embracing diverse career paths, the community strengthens its financial and social foundation, creating a robust support system for Torah study. Emphasizing only one path as valid is restrictive and ultimately limits the community’s ability to thrive. Embracing the unique roles each individual plays, regardless of occupation, is a true celebration of Hashem’s creation and the multifaceted nature of Klal Yisrael.

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