By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman
This week’s Parsha
Perspective is dedicated in memory of Elka
bas Zisel OBM
Dedicated in memory
of Leah bas Rochel OBM
"Don't get me
wrong Rabbi, I know that Judaism is important and all, but I just don't have
the time. And I can't afford it. And I don't want to look hypocritical.
Besides, my parents were good people and they didn't see the need to go so over
the top. And also I did business once with a religious person and he robbed me
blind."
Fact or fiction,
explanation or excuse, who among us hasn't trotted out some justification or
other to rationalize our inability or unwillingness to do more?
In theory we all
wish to be good Jews with more of the same for our children. In practice, for
many of us, most of the time, the price of commitment is just too high. People
are creatures of habit, we tend to fall into a rut and it would take the
proverbial crowbar to pry us out of our pattern.
Please don't get me
wrong, I'm not just having a go at the non-observant; rabbis and orthodox folks
are not exempt. Even an orthodox Jew, who keeps Judaism out of the habit of his
upbringing, should also subject his observances to self-analysis, to truly
appreciate and grow in his Judaism.
The Law of Inertia
states that "objects at rest tend to stay at rest and objects in motion
tend to stay in motion." Humans are the same; it is the rare individual
who has the vision and courage to voluntarily make wholesale changes to his
lifestyle. Those exceptional examples, the seekers and the searchers among us,
blaze a bright trail on their journey through life, while we lesser mortals
scurry around in their shadow, vainly eking out a humdrum existence.
Unfortunately, for
many people, only when faced with hardships or tragedy do they examine their
existence. At times of maximum vulnerability, people tend to gravitate to the
sanctuary of their faith, hoping to ride out the hard times under Judaism's
shelter. This time of crisis becomes the impetus for a rapprochement with
their G‑d.
In this week's Torah
portion Va’eschanan (Devarim (Deuteronomy) 3:23-7:11) we read the
first paragraph of the Shema, the basis credo of Jewish belief: "Hear
O Israel, the L-rd, Our G‑d, the L-rd is one." The verses
continue to describe our love for G‑d and some of the basic commandments. Twice
a day, "night and morning," we are instructed to reaffirm that
commitment. This obligation is fulfilled by the recitation of the Shema.
Perhaps one can
present an alternative explanation for this verse, as well. The love of G‑d is
the basis of our faith; as a feeling of connection to one's Creator, it drives
one to live up to His religious expectations. This connection must be a
constant, both during the blackness of night, when all is dark and turning to G‑d
for succor comes naturally, and under the bright lights of daytime when the
average man feels no need of reassurance.
Connecting to G‑d
during the hard times comes easily, but how many have the intelligence to hop
off the gravy train while the good times still roll? Don't wait for the cold
shower of tragedy to shock you into conformity, the verse advises; reconnect to
G‑d now, consciously, during the good times and take pleasure in choosing and
appreciating your path, not under duress, but because it is the right thing to
do.
(Excerpts from
Chabad.org - by Rabbi Elisha
Greenbaum)
May you
have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
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
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