By Rabbi Yisroel
Shusterman
This week’s Parsha
Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of his
late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
Dedicated in memory
of Leah bas Rochel OBM
Many things
that we do and experience require a combination of emotion and action. The
absence of feeling can affect the sincerity of the action and minimize its
effectiveness. For example, wishing a close friend “Mazel Tov” without a
display of excitement has minimal meaning. Mechanically helping a friend in
need without empathy and interest will result in incomplete support. Praying
just by mouthing the words seems like a meaningless exercise.
But feelings don’t
come automatically. We cannot just turn the happiness switch on, or suddenly
feel love towards another person. So what do we do when we don’t feel happiness
and empathy, or we feel totally uninspired and disinterested?
In this week's Torah portion
Tetza've (Shmos [Exodus] 27:20-30:10), we learn that the Kohen Gadol (High
Priest) had to wear elaborate clothing when serving in the Temple. These
garments had to be sewn according to a very specific design, and wearing them
during service was of critical importance.
The significance of
these garments, explains one of the early commentaries, is based on the
principle that the heart follows the actions. This means that while indeed
feelings can motivate more effective action, the opposite is also true. If
someone is uninspired or disinterested, but forces himself to do what is right
with maximum effort, the power of the action is so strong that it will nurture
and develop feelings and strong emotion.
The Kohen Gadol had
an awesome responsibility. He served in the Temple, representing the entire
Jewish nation, to achieve Divine atonement and blessing. This task required a
strong focus and an intense sense of devotion - one which he might not naturally
have felt necessarily. However, donning beautiful garments, an action that made
him “look the part,” motivated, inspired and ensured that his heart and mind
were in total focus and ready to do all the services the Temple needed to be
done.
So if you show up to
your friend’s wedding in a bad mood, just get right into the dance circle. If
you hear of someone in need but feel apathetic, force yourself to run over and
ask how you can help. If you don't feel like praying, grab a siddur (prayer
book) and say the words carefully. Actions with effort create strong feelings.
Do a good act. The heart will follow.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org – by Rabbi Michoel Gourarie)
Shabbat this week is
the eve of the joyous holiday of Purim, beginning Saturday night (March 11).
Here is a link for everything you ever wanted to know about Purim and more: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim
May you have a
meaningful and uplifting Shabbos and a most Joyous
Purim Holiday!
If you would like to
dedicate the weekly Parsha Perspective in honor or memory of a person
or occasion, please contact Rabbi
Shusterman at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
Thanks for post:
ReplyDeleteship bưu phẩm đi Svalbard
chuyển phát cấp tốc đi Phần Lan
order đặt hàng taobao ở đà nẵng
ship bưu phẩm tới Kyrgyzstan
ship hỏa tốc tới Thụy Điển