Some things could only happen in the Jewish homeland, in 2015. This is definitely one of them: a man in haredi garb riding a rollercoaster with his son fights off fear by reciting Psalms at breakneck speed and videotaping the entire festive event – and all that with a big grin on his face.
The video, which is embedded above (click at the center of the image to view), was featured on a popular Facebook page and has gone viral in Israel, with over 300,000 views since it was posted, immediately after Pesach. In American terms, that would be the rough equivalent of 15 million views.
The beaming dad recited Psalms 122, 67 and 23, ramping up the speed of delivery in the scary parts of the ride.
In between, he passed the time by reciting the formula favored by followers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov – “Na Nach Nachma Nachman Mi-Uman” and shouting “happy holiday” and “Aba” – Father – also a hallmark of Breslover hassidim, who favor a direct approach in beseeching the Almighty.
The entire situation is reminiscent of what is probably the most famous of Rabbi Nachman's dictums: "The entire world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to fear at all."