You Forgot to Tell Me... That You Love Me - Short Story

In 2014, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, a famous author and lecturer, was on the speaking panel of a Tisha B'av Event created by the Chafetz Chaim Heritage Foundation where he told the following story:

Rabbi Avraham Mandelbaum is one of the principals of Yeshivas Orchos Chaim in Lakewood, New Jersey. There are about 300 children in the third and fourth grade classes and whenever a boy is sent to his office for some infraction, Rabbi Mandelbaum would discuss the situation with him and reprimands him if necessary. But, every time, before dismissing the boy and sending back to his class, note in hand for his teacher or rabbi, he tells him "Remember (name), I love you!"

At the time of this story, a boy who was a familiar face to Rabbi Mandelbaum was sent to his office. After a gentle rebuke, he wrote out the usual note for the boys' teacher and sent him back to class. The boy stepped out into the hallway. But remained standing near the office door. Rabbi Mandelbaum asked the boy why he was still there and not returning to class.

The boy looked up and his principal and said, "Rebbe, you forgot to tell me... that you love me"

Who would have thought, those simple, endearing words, would mean so much to young, fun-loving child?

But if they indeed meant so much to him, how much more does it mean for us to hear those words from our father in heaven... G-d?

But G-d... never forgets to tell his children... How much he loves them.

He is always there... watching us... caring about us... loving us...