In the fish business, we’re often subjected to ‘Bubbeh Maisa’ fish stories about the ‘big one that got away’ and other such tall tales.
So as leaders of the Kosher fish industry, it is our responsibility to draw your attention to the real and True Fish Story that highlights the Yom Kippur Afternoon Service, the moving account of Repentance as expressed by Jonah in the belly of the Whale.
As we prepare for Yom Kippur, let us focus here on the importance of “Maftir Yonah,” and the special role and privileged status it enjoys today in the Jewish community.
Read at a most auspicious time on the holiest day of the year, Maftir Yonah is the longest Haftorah ever. It is far bigger than the shorter weekly Haftorah selections from Isaiah or Jeremiah that usually feature only part of one chapter.
Maftir Yonah runs through the full four chapters of the Book of Jonah, plus concluding bonus verses from Micah. It recounts the dramatic story of Jonah the Prophet who tried to run away from G‑d and escape his responsibility to reach out to save the wicked people of Ninveh from punishment.
Jonah set sail from the port of Jaffa, but turbulence on the high seas thwarted his escape. Identified by the sailors as the reason for the storm, Jonah was cast overboard into the sea, where he was swallowed by a big fish. He prayed and repented from the depths of his heart. By G‑d’s command. Jonah alighted on land, went to Nineveh and called on its residents to change their evil ways, saving them from destruction. The story concludes with the episode of the withering vine that protected Jonah from the beating sun, demonstrating G‑d’s sympathy and compassion for those repenting.
‘Maftir Yonah’ is truly a treasure. We listen carefully to its reading, and try to absorb and personalize its deep and profound lessons.
Maftir Yonah is in big demand. It is said that Maftir Yonah represents a good omen that endows the reader with riches, success and prosperity. No wonder that ‘Maftir Yonah’ has become a sought after commodity, considered to be the Grand prize among the various Synagogue Honors.
The problem is that the Haftorah reader is only one person, so the lucky individual who happens to get the coveted Maftir Yonah becomes the envy of the congregation.
What to do? Much thought and deliberation is thus invested in determining the right Maftir Yonah awardee. The Shul President, a distinguished Rabbi, or an exceptional and highly deserving individual is carefully chosen as the recipient of this rare and singular honor.
“Getting Maftir Yonah” is a Yiddish idiom (also known as a yidiom) for striking it rich, hitting pay dirt or winning the jackpot. As the demand exceeds supply, the custom in some communities is to auction off the Maftir Yonah honor to the highest bidder. The rivalry and competition sparks intense bidding, and the proceeds go to charity. Not a bad fundraising idea.
Some wonder whether it is Maftir Yonah that gets the wealth, or is it vice versa? Either way, the Maftir Yonah message is rich and rewarding, and the moral of the story is virtually priceless.
