כבד את אביך ואת אמך (יתרו כ:יב)

There was a renowned psychologist in Eretz Yisroel, Dr. Frankel, who related this fascinating story:

In 1938, when the Nazis ym”s* annexed Austria to Germany, he was living in Vienna, together with his elderly parents.  Dr. Frankel managed to obtain an exit visa, which enabled him to flee Vienna.  He knew, though, that if he left town, he would leave his elderly parents behind without help.  He was extremely conflicted as to what course of action to take.  So  did what every Yid does: he davened to Hashem.  He prayed: ‘Ribbono Shel Olam – Master of the universe –  send me a sign so I know how to proceed.’

That day, he went to his parents’ home and found a stone on the kitchen table.  He asked his father about the stone, to which his father responded: “Oy! I was on the street and passed in front of a burnt Shul.  I tried to see if I could salvage something from the shul, but unfortunately, the Nazis destroyed everything.  Suddenly, I found one piece of stone on the floor, and upon closer inspection, I realized that it was part of the Luchos – the Tablets – that had adorned the destroyed Aron Kodesh.  I could not bear to leave such a holy stone lying in the street, so I took it home”.

“With tears in my eyes,” related Dr. Frankel, “I gently lifted the stone and read the words “כבד את אביך ואת אמך למען יאריכון ימיך” – honor your father and mother so that you will live long – etched in stone. 

The message was clear: I would remain with my parents and merit to live!”

Dr. Frankel survived the war – in the merit of honoring his parents.

*Acronym for “yimach shemom” – “may their name be blotted out”