Stories for Rosh Hashana by the Gaon, Rosh HaKollel Rabbi Yosef Shmueli - based on the words of the Head of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Benayahu Y. Shmueli
Eight times King David cried out "my son," and with each time he cried out, he raised Avshalom to a higher level, until he brought him out of the seven levels of Gehenna (Hell) and brought him into the Garden of Eden. Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz prayed to Hashem at the Monument of Avshalom with these words: "Master of the Universe, how much did Avshalom sin against his father David, and how much did he pursue him? And what did David the King do? He mourned for him, prayed for him, and cried out: 'My son Avshalom, my son...' to bring him out from the seven levels of terrible Gehenom and bring him into the Garden of Eden.
The Chafetz Chaim's Soul-Searching Rabbi Mordechai Dov once observed the Chafetz Chaim retreating to the synagogue attic during the High Holy Days for solitary introspection. Standing outside, he overheard the Chafetz Chaim envisioning himself standing before the Heavenly Court, awaiting judgment while a herald calls for his merits to be announced.
In his meditation, the Chafetz Chaim pictured legions of holy angels appearing—created from his lifelong Torah study, religious observance, and the spiritual merit brought to the Jewish people through his published writings. The list of merits was so extensive that he was amazed by their magnitude.
However, he then imagined heralds calling forth prosecution for his shortcomings, such as moments where his performance of mitzvot or devotion lacked full perfection. As these accusations mounted, the Heavenly Court deemed his status as beinoni (average/intermediate). He reasoned that under the divine attribute of Rav Chesed (abounding in kindness), the scale would tip favorably. Yet, he pictured the Divine Presence asking whether he was alive or deceased. Upon the reply that he was still living, a heavenly voice declared: "Repent for your sins while you are still alive!" At that moment, the Chafetz Chaim burst into tears.
What Connects Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz to the Tomb of Avshalom? It is recorded that Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz used to pray at the Tomb of Avshalom. This was surprising to many, as people typically pray at the graves of the righteous to benefit from their merit—not at the monument of a wicked figure. Avshalom had rebelled against his father, King David, attempted to subvert the people's loyalty, sought to usurp the throne, pursued his father to kill him, and publicly took his father's concubines.
Addressing this, Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz explained: "I pray at the Western Wall, at Rachel's Tomb, and also at Avshalom's Tomb. At Avshalom's Tomb, I do not address Avshalom; I speak to the Holy One, Blessed be He, and plead before Him."
He explained that despite all of Avshalom's severe rebellions and sins against his father, when news arrived that Avshalom had died, King David wept bitterly, crying out: "O my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would I had died for you, O Avshalom, my son, my son!" (II Shmuel 19:1), turning the victory into a day of public mourning.
Eight times King David cried out "my son," and with each time he cried out, he raised Avshalom to a higher level, until he brought him out of the seven levels of Gehenna (Hell) and brought him into the Garden of Eden. Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz prayed to Hashem at the Monument of Avshalom with these words: "Master of the Universe, how much did Avshalom sin against his father David, and how much did he pursue him? And what did David the King do? He mourned for him, prayed for him, and cried out: 'My son Avshalom, my son...' to bring him out from the seven levels of terrible Gehenom and bring him into the Garden of Eden.
Are we any worse than Avshalom?! For we are Your beloved children, even if we have sinned and transgressed—save us, Father... The Day of Judgment is approaching, we are in great danger, please save us, Our Father, Our King..."