אלץ פאר א פאר דאלאר

Maybe it's me, but I felt bad for this guy last night.

At a Bar Mitzvah I attended I see this guy from the neighborhood, a prominent member of a certain Galicianer Chassidic sect, acting as the "lounge singer", singing with the keyboard player for all to hear. Never mind that in that tiny hall the guy is annoying everybody to death with his loud singing, but he obviously was very uncomfortable at his new job. I know that the guy had tried various jobs, and seemingly was unsuccessful, but this is a bit much, even if you need the cash.

I know that there are entertainers; singers who make their living entertaining people at Simchas, whether Badchonim who also chip in as singers, or regular guys with good voices who decided to take this route on the road to Parnossoh. Yet, I think that for this guy, not the type you expect at a job like this, cash is not always the only reason to do a job, there's a self-respect that needs to be maintained as well.

Yeah, I know you guys will go on about "his courage" to do the right thing to support his family, but c'mon, work at a warehouse or something, or even play in a band, but don't become a lounge singer, please.

A Freilichen Shabbos.