inspiration – The Tree of Life

Pick a Word, Not a Fight

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”

– Proverbs 25:11, JPS

Raise me up above my thoughts, so that I do not equate ideas with personhood. We are more than our beliefs, ideologies and political views. Perhaps, if more of us realized this, rather than falling prey to the unspoken adage, “the personal is political,” the world would be less divisive. A word well-chosen is better than an onslaught of personal opinions, or flow of ideological ideas. A barrage of convictions held, delivered as a statement of faith, may truly get the point across to another person who holds different views; however, this does no make for good conversation, nor bridging the divide between the entrenched positions have lurking below their personas.

I, myself, and included as one who needs to hear these words, written partly from personal experience, as well as from an understanding gained through what others have recommended for the sake of conversations. Meeting another person where he or she is at is crucial. Although, sometimes, I have to backtrack in a conversation, and explain directly that I’d rather learn more about the other person’s viewpoints than espouse my own, I am making my way closer the better conversation. Sometimes silence for the sake of peace is the best remedy.

Yet, when, it is more a matter of defending truth, especially that of the existence of G-d and the authority of scripture, as well as the actuality of Biblical events, like the revelation on Mount Sinai, I can hardly keep silent. For the sake of conscience, I must speak my mind, as well as a deterrent against being influenced by the words of others, intended to undermine my own faith. Yet, can I do any of this with a smile on my face, and compassion in my heart toward the other? It is challenging to maintain a balanced approach to open and honest communication, for sure.

An Honest Appraisal

Five Thing Essay: Sluggishness

Somewhere between disinterest and overconcern, lies the peace of mind that comes with resting in the assurance that HaShem is sovereign over the events in the lives of my loved ones, and will bring them to a correct realization of the truth in due time. Yet, what will be my role in their conversion of heart? The question remains elusive. So, I will focus on my own derech.

Remove the orlah (obstacles) between yourself and HaShem. How may this be done in an effective manner? This involves teshuvah (repentance) – a return to G-d; however, it may not be as simple as applying oneself to the observance of the mitzvot within the framework of yiddishkeit. The orlah itself may be preventing this from being brought into actuality. Therefore, it may be necessary to work on oneself, in order to improve upon the detriments of the soul, transforming them into a mindset that is open to “receiving the Torah everyday.”

For myself, this includes dealing with a sluggishness at times, that may have its roots in concerns that negatively impact my emotions. And, so, I understand through my experience, the need to resolve emotional issues, in order to find a place of equanimity, from wherein to approach G-d in prayer, and ultimately rely on Him, despite not being able to rely on others within my familial and social milieu. Only G-d can provide the needs that we seek at the depth of our being.

Then, there is the recurring theme of the “pain of the generations,” as per my awareness of my ancestral past, and the shadows of my lineage. Not even my family is bothered the past. They are too busy living their lives in the present, irrespective of the value of heritage. What a tragic loss.

Within the midst of the chaotic unravelling of my life at times, sometimes, I feel “inflated.” At other times, I feel “deflated.” Perhaps, this is a pattern that needs to be examined further. I am too easily affected by my surroundings, conditions and circumstances. What will prevail upon me one day is gone the next. Perhaps, this is because I am irresolute about my own commitments. So, again and again, I reach out to HaShem to have mercy on me.

Omer Count: Day 32 A Modest Estimation

Netzach shebbe Hod: Endurance within Splendor

(Otherwise rendered as endurance within humility).

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”- Proverbs 16:32, JPS

Israel is called to show all humility and deference to G-d, in acknowledgment that He will fight our battles for us. Figuratively speaking, this may apply to the inner battles that we face everyday within ourselves, especially, in our attempts to rule over our passions.

In order to maintain humility, we should be aware of pride in all of its manifestations, such as arrogance, haughtiness, and self-centeredness. By diminishing the potential for pride in ourselves, we allow for the presence of humility. Pride is an overexaggerated sense of self-importance. Yet, a healthy sense of self-esteem is an exception to pride. Self-esteem is both healthy and necessary in a person’s life; although, there may be a fine line, between self-esteem and pride that would need to be drawn by the individual.

Maintaining a modest estimation of oneself and one’s abilities is not an easy endeavor. There is the lure of human tendency to aggrandize ourselves, compete against others, and climb up the ladder of egoism towards self glory. On the other hand, humility does not require becoming a doormat, for others to wipe their feet upon.

A comprehensive understanding of our strengths and weaknesses is necessary. Ultimately, by humbling ourselves before G-d, we can allow Him to raise us up, to build and rebuild our lives, and to cast His glory [splendor] upon us.

Omer Count: Day 26 – Resilience in Adversity

hod shebbe netzach

The quality of humility in regard to endurance may be envisioned as a bamboo tree yielding to a strong wind in a storm, signifying, that endurance in the face of life’s challenges may also require resilience. When we are able to acknowledge our limitations in the face of adversity, then we may be compelled to gather inner strength.

Acknowledgment of our limitations may compel us to renew our strength through a resilient spirit. Our resilience in the face of adversity may depend upon an added measure of assistance from outside of our own resources, in order to persist with any worthy endeavor.

The splendor of hod represents the light of G-d, that shines upon us when we humble ourselves in respect to Him. (We mirror his light). By recognizing our limitations, we may receive His blessing to endure, with a little help from Above. In G-d’s eyes, when we reach out to Him, we are being dependent in a good way.

Omer Count Day 8

Chesed shebbe gevurah

This combination of middos connotes the gentle persuasion of discipline towards those whom we love Correction from a place of love does not appear to be stern; yet, at least, firm enough to make the point clear. The motivating factor is compassion, sometimes expressed in a manner akin to the phrase, “tough love,” or some variation thereof.

If we truly love another person, then we are cautious in any attempt to rebuke; this should be done so only for the sake of that person’s benefit. In consideration of the path that HaShem desires us to walk upon, we should instill those values in others. And, the end result should be from a place of love, from the one who institutes the admonition. Additionally, we are to humbly receive admonition from the One Who would only like the best for us.

Where do I fall short in my life? How can I be an example for others through discipline, tempered by loving-kindness?

Day 1 – counting of the omer

Day 1 – chesed within chesed

The amount of kindness that we show to others is dependent on how we view and treat ourselves. Genuine kindness is from a place of empathic consideration for the other. If we are kind to ourselves, we may be kind to others. We should act toward others the way we would show kindness to ourselves. This is encapsulated in the commandment to love your fellow as yourself.

The mercy that we show to others, especially in times of weakness, when we might otherwise respond in a harsh manner, is a way of transcending the egotistical drives that fashion us as human beings. Our instincts are usually focused more on ourselves than others. Yet, being truly human, means going beyond our comfort zone, by not giving in to our lesser inclinations and selfishness.

We must seek the welfare of others, not only ourselves. In this way, we lift up our souls to be cleansed from taint and impurity.

Seeking Solace Amidst the Chaos

There is a spirit of unrest upon the world. I am speaking figuratively; yet, I am reminded of the opening of the Book of Genesis. The Ruach HaElokim (the spirit of G-d) hovered over the water. The earth itself was tovu vavohu – formless and void – and there was “darkness upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of G-d hovered over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2, JPS). The opening passage of the six days of Creation has to do with the unfolding of chaos into order over successive stages in the earth’s history.

It seems that rather than progressing from chaos into order according to G-d’s directive, his creation has again descended into chaos. This restlessness that compels dissent, protest, and division is in direct contrast to G-d’s presence hovering over the waters at the beginning of creation. Yet, there must be a compelling reason to believe that G-d’s presence, although not discernible at times, is still with His creation. And, He is the only One of whom we may turn toward to still the restlessness in our hearts.

For, if we tune into His presence within the silence of the nighttime, or in the early hours of the morning, the daily grind, and excessive focus on world events melts away into the air. It is at this quiet time, from evening to dawn, that solitude may be sought in the stillness. Within that peace, that is almost tangible, begins renewal, and the realization off what is essential in life.

A certain kind of detachment from the uproars in society, as portrayed in the news, and people’s constant attention on these distractions, is necessary in order to remove ourselves from the turmoil, so that our emotions are not compelled to react in a negative way. Without the solace provided by seeking out the peace from Above, I can’t imagine how else to bear with the incessant continuation of noise, whether it’s political, cultural, or societal. Religion has always provided a sanctuary for the heart and troubled mind, and faith the constant security of the soul.

Awe & Reverence

Approaching life in a reverential manner requires a distance between the self and the sacred. It is also helpful to foster an inwardly silent mind; yet, in order to do so, great effort must be made to quiet the mind. Rather, we need to separate the essential jewels from the nonessential clutter of our minds. Only then, can we arrive at a place of stillness in the mind, wherein we can acknowledge the uniqueness of others and creation from an experiential standpoint of awe and reverence.

In solitude, or around others, an inner calmness may reside, within the sense of self, fostered, when connecting to the essential dimension of being human, that unique aloneness of our existence. This is not the normal state of mind that we are familiar with, unless we are able to become comfortable spending time alone, connecting to the stillness of our existence.

As human beings, our sense of “existential isolation” is minimized by our incessant activity in life, and preoccupations of the mind. We do not often leave ourselves much time to reflect upon ourselves, or the meaning of our lives, beyond our vocations. We busy ourselves with other things, than the inner dimension of the soul.

We are unique individuals on earth with a purpose for being here, above and beyond our everyday concerns. Moreover, our connection to G-d and the world around us is limited by our preoccupations with self. We enclose ourselves in our own personal spheres, surrounded by a bubble of protection from the other, the unknown, and anything that is outside our comfort zone.

Yet, the expansiveness felt by becoming absorbed in the beauty of a sunset, or the sky with its deep endless blue, is the type of awe that is available to us in regard to all of creation. We only need look beyond ourselves, while keeping our hearts pure. “Above all that thou guardest keep thy heart; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Spiritual Sustenance

Five Thing Essay: Spiritual Sustenance

Every moment of this life is precious and holds great potential. We should value our time, and not carelessly squander our time on meaningless distractions from our goals in life. Rather an emphasis on spiritual development should guide our lives. Yet, for the mind to do so, calmness needs to prevail over our busy lives, hectic schedules, and general concerns.

Reflection on spiritual things may be fostered in us, through music that uplifts the soul. Moreover, this can enhance hisbodedus (meditative prayer), wherein we speak to G-d with words that may arise from within us. Prayer from the heart is one way of reaching out to G-d from the depths of the soul.

In our lives, the more we focus on G-d, the less anxiety we will have about our worldly concerns. Moreover, our growing concerns about the future, as well as the current state of affairs on earth, may weigh us down, if we do not bring a proper perspective into alignment with our thinking.

G-d has decreed that the world will not be completely destroyed, like at the time of the Mabul (Great Flood). Rather, we should look forward to the messianic era, when Torah will flourish upon the earth, amongst all peoples. And, “the word of the L-RD shall go out from Zion.”

Perhaps, this is one of the prime differences between the expectations of the Jewish people, and the incessant drive of radical Islam to impose Shariah law upon the world. We are waiting for Moshiach, in hopes of bringing peace to the world. No one is forced to accept the G-d of Israel, Who is a G-d of Mercy as well as Justice. So, let us not misuse our time until that day, when Moshiach will reign from Jerusalem; instead, let us focus on the cry, “Ad mosai” (how long will we wait)? And, prepare ourselves for that day, in great expectation.

Embracing Virtue

weekly Torah essay: parasha Nitzavim-Vayelech 5783

“See, I have placed before you this day life and good, death and evil.” – Deuteronomy 30:15

How can we freely choose, based on information that will permit us to make an informed decision? If we know right from wrong, then, we should have enough discernment to make the best decision for all who will be affected by that decision. Yet, if we lack discernment between right and wrong, and knowledge of good and evil, what precedent do we have to base our decisions upon? This is the tragedy of post-modern culture, that deprived itself of truth.

G-d is like a loving-parent, who sets clear boundaries and expectations with consequences for the child’s behavior. Out of the mouth of G-d proceeds the reward for doing good, and the judgments for wrongdoing (Lamentations 3:38). If we are unaware of G-d’s commitment to our moral condition, wherein He has made everything clear to us for our sake, then we are no better off than if we were in unchartered waters.

If we attempt to navigate life without a map, what can our decisions be based upon, except for subjective notions of right and wrong, that might be vague and ill-defined? The truths established in scripture are time-tested, and will not be undone by the attempt to undermine Western civilization today.

This has been going on for centuries, ever since the French Revolution and the Enlightenment. And, now, the cultural revolution that has captured the institutions of society is wreaking havoc upon classical Western values. Yet, the value of scripture, and the qualities that are promoted by its teachings, such as truth, forgiveness, and compassion are even more important now than ever before. Our humanity is at risk if we fail to embrace the virtues that make us human.