Rabbi's Message - Parshat Beha'alotcha, June 22, 2019
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B"H Parshat Beha'lotcha, June 22, 2019
It’s 3:00 am over the Atlantic Ocean and sleep is more of a dream than a reality. However, I refuse to allow this precious hallowed time to go to waste; I won’t succumb to temptation and subscribe to an internet service while flying. For a brief few hours I want to remain oblivious to reality and allow my mind to experience a prolonged state of serenity and peace.
If only it would be so easy to shut down and forget about what I read and saw just a few hours ago. If only each day we could set the reset button and yesterday’s troubles and concerns would dissipate and cease to exist.
With little else to occupy my time I begin the process of relieving my mind of work related thoughts and beginning my vacation. However, it’s often far easier said than done. Thus I decided to ease the transition by jotting down a few last minute thoughts.
1. Life actually has a built in reset button and it’s called Shabbat. Once a week we are told to take a break from a steady barrage of hearing or reading that our world is descending into a chaotic abyss.
2. Good ideas should be inherently good for everyone. However, ideas that result in others feeling rejected, maligned or neglected are inherently bad even if and when motivated by good intentions. These so called ‘good’ ideas may benefit from a reset button as well.
3. I always thought I was friendly but that was before I arrived in Scotland. Walking at Hadrian’s Wall (in yener ek velt - in the middle of nowhere) everyone walking by said hello. They had no ulterior motive other than being mannerly and friendly. I’m embarrassed to realize how much need I still have for improvement.
4. It’s permissible to erase the name of God to promote harmony between spouses. It’s far better not to erase the name of God and still live harmoniously.
5. The instruction not to mistreat a widow, orphan, or convert is the Torah’s way of saying don’t mistreat anyone. It only uses an example of those members of society who are generally mistreated.
6. The ‘Golden Rule’ is merely one rule out of many that was essentially fundamental to Rabbi Akiva. However, it may be imperative that everyone find their own ‘Golden Rule’; an ideal or value that is fundamentally essential in guiding their life. (Think of it as raising a child - there are so many important values you want to impart on them but ultimately you must choose)
7. Love your fellow human beings may be known as the Golden Rule, but other precious materials exist that are far more valuable than gold. So what are the Diamond and Emerald Rules?
We only arrived in Scotland yesterday but due to a lack of sleep last night and the time change I was too exhausted to do much. Looking forward to keeping you posted on our exciting trip. And maybe just maybe, I will begin to appreciate amber fluids.
