“Welcome to the BFFL Show!” began the host, “where we ask our contestants, ‘How well do you know your best friend for life?’ Friendships will be strengthened and possibly ended; keep your eyes glued to the show to find out what happens!”
Following the usual introduction, the host, James Downey, turned to introduce the contestants. “These two were born in the same hospital, on the same date, and at the same time! No, they aren’t twins … please welcome Simmy and Moishy!” The crowd applauded while Simmy and Moishy smiled nervously.
James then approached the two boys. “So you guys were destined to be best friends, huh? Same date, time, and hospital?” He leaned the microphone in front of Moishy, who responded. “Correct, James. Simmy says he remembers hanging out in the hospital nursery together, but that’s impossible.” Simmy rolled his eyes and spoke up. “It’s true, I’m telling you. We chilled in cribs next to each other.” The audience laughed.
The time came to play. “OK, contestants, you know how this goes. We will ask Simmy five questions without Moishy in the room. Afterwards, we will call Moishy in and see if he knows Simmy as well as he thinks he does.” James then waved his hand toward the door. “And we have a special waiting room for you, Moishy!” At that moment, the walls split apart, revealing a large glass window with a giant hospital nursery crib. The audience laughed again as two “doctors” led Moishy into the other room to wait in the “nursery.”
Five minutes later, Moishy was led out from behind the glass window and back into the main room. He sat down across from Simmy as the pair performed their private handshake. Six high fives, two dabs, nine chest bumps, six hugs, three sets of finger guns, numerous other goofy maneuvers, and four minutes later, Moishy was ready to answer questions.
“Okay Moishy,” began the host. “Now it’s time to find out, are you and Simmy really Best Friends for Life, or if it’s time to go your separate ways. First question: What is the best compliment Simmy ever received?” Moishy took a minute and then his eyes lit up. “That time Simmy’s piano teacher told him he was good enough to be a professional.” James shuffled to the next card. “What is Simmy’s most treasured possession?” This time Moishy answered immediately. “Easy. His copy of a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock asking him why his signature on the Declaration of Independence needed to be so big. Moishy loves history.”
After two easier questions (Simmy’s mother’s maiden name and the name of his first pet), one more was left. “Moishy, who did Simmy root for in the last World Series?” Moishy laughed. “Seriously? Simmy is a huge Houston Astros fan. Of course it’s the Astros.”
With Moishy’s answers locked in, James called Simmy out to compare and calculate the results. “OK guys, are you ready to find out if you are truly best friends?” Both nodded, although Simmy looked nervous and Moishy seemed excited. “Here we go…”
Unfortunately, the results didn’t go as the boys hoped. Moishy only got two answers correct, mother’s maiden name and first pet. Simmy’s favorite compliment was actually when his sixth-grade rebbe complimented his middot. Simmy’s most prized possession was the stuffed bunny his baby sister gave him when she turned 5.
The common thread between these two was the values of the giver. Simmy’s rebbe had the best middot Simmy had ever seen, so Simmy knew the compliment was as real as can be. Simmy’s sister Avigayil had that bunny since she was born but wanted Simmy to have it and refused to let him return it. That was a true gift. And the Astros? Simmy was a fan, but his little brother cared way more for the Braves than Simmy did for his team. So Simmy rooted for the Braves.
Parshat Ki Tavo begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim. The first fruits are given as a gift to Hashem. But why the first fruits? Hashem is above time, with no beginning or end! The answer is that time matters to us. The true value of a gift or compliment is how much it means to the one giving. This teaches us to try our best to act with meaning—when doing things for ourselves, for Hashem, and for others.
Oh, and don’t worry about Simmy and Moishy. They were disappointed to lose, but not knowing random facts about each other didn’t really matter to them in the first place.
By Yair Daar
