The Gemora in Yoma (85A) which is brought l’halacha in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim (329:4) requires one to be mechallel Shabbos to extend the life of another Yid-even if the chillul Shabbos will extend the life for just only one more minute. The sefer Shaarei Orah (page 23) writes that we see how precious, halacha l’maasah, one minute of a person’s life is. What can be accomplished in a minute? The first parsha of S’hma, the six zichiros, Birchas HaTorah, to name just a few great mitzvos. The next time somebody asks you, "Got a minute?" or "Can I take a minute of your time?" perhaps your answer should be "I’m not so sure," for there are truly so many great things that one can accomplish in the "few minutes" that others may simply throw away. The word "minute" may come from the same source as minutiae, but in Yiddishkeit, its significance is great and, quite literally, everlasting. For life is not like treading water or just getting through the day—every minute is a very special opportunity.
Important Numbers
