Reality hits home. The Jews are strolling through the dessert, ensconced in cloud protection, eating manna fallen from the heavens, having crossed the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, free from the oppressive Egyptian regime.
And then, Mount Sinai. Also an impressive spectacle; the dessert mountain covered in beautiful flowers, yet engulfed in flames, thunder and lightning, G-d's booming voice piercing through the air, as millions stood at the foot of the mountain listening to the Big Ten (the 10 commandments that is).
But then the inspirational moment is over. Life in its new format as the Jewish nation begins. And with it, a plethora of new "commandments". Plow your field like this, bake your bread like that, and so many others. This week's Torah portion has 53 out of the 613 Mitzvahs (commandments).
Which begs the question: Why leave Egyptian slavery, just to enter into a new set of restrictions, rules, and limitations? What happened to freedom? Why the need to conform and perform?
So let's think of an iPhone for a second. An elegant, hi-tech device, something one could only dream of just a few years ago.
Now, imagine using this fancy smartphone on your desk as a paperweight to prevent your documents from blowing away from the spring breeze wafting in through the window. While it may be effective, it would not be remotely fulfilling its potential. To take advantage of all its many features, one would need to read and follow the instruction manual, watch a few YouTube clips, and most important, actually use the device. Using it for it's intended use is not restricting, but rather the truest freedom it could experience.
Wouldn't it be awesome if everyone released from prison would look at their freedom as the opportunity to grow, to achieve, to become the someone they can be? Not to remain a paperweight. When we left Egypt, it wasn't just to be free from, it was to be free to. Free to discover, implement and realize our true inner potential. And to do that, we look to our own instructor's manual, that outlines how we can best operate. The Torah gives us guidance into how we can be a better person, a better Jew.
The word Mitzvah is also derived from the Aramaic word Tzavta, meaning connection. The Mitzvahs are ways of connecting. Connecting with each other, and connecting with Hashem. And unlike the rotary phones of ancient times, we have so many different ways to connect!
This week we have 53 featured connection points. Let's try some out, let's discover the power and potential. (Our weekly Torah class always looks to explore one of these connections in a relatable way.)
Happy Shabbos! (the month of Purim, beginning this week, is a month of joy)
Rabbi Dovid Bush
From the Rabbi's Desk
Egyptian iPhone
Roots
Highway 37 has been underwater for the greater part of the last few weeks. Drivers inconvenienced, homes flooded, kids ready for spring. One group that is thrilled with all the rain is the trees, flowers and produce.
Tomorrow is Tu B'Shvat (the 15th day of the Hebrew Month Shvat) - which in Jewish culture is the birthday of the Trees. We celebrate the life-giving nature of fruits we eat and reflect on the beautiful world that we are blessed to live in.
There's a custom to eat from the 7 fruit that the Land of Israel is blessed with. We'll be doing that tonight in the company of 30 Israeli-Petalumans!
But why so much emphasis on trees? Can we perhaps learn something from these majestic botanical beauties?
Let's dive beneath the surface - literally. Under the ground, a complex network of roots works together to keep the tree upright. The roots, while perhaps not the prettiest part of the tree, are the most important. A tree with luscious fruits, a thick canopy of green leaves, but has weak roots, will unfortunately not last long. A storm will come along and shake its reality, threatening its very existence. Conversely, a solid foundation will ensure longevity, even in the face of gale force winds, and provided with the proper nutrients and care, will ultimately yield bountiful results.
Man is compared to a tree in the Torah. When we set solid foundations for our children and for ourselves, we can be sure of proper growth and protection against any negative elements. While Mitzvahs are like the branches and fruit, faith is what anchors us.
Tonight, let's reflect and strengthen our foundations.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
SuperBowl Musings
Superbowl. The most popular day in sports. In fact, it is watched more than any other program in television history.
Passover. The most celebrated Jewish holiday. And what we read about this Shabbat in the Torah.
Can there be a connection between the two, (beyond Deflategate and the "deflated" Matzah that we eat)? Perhaps we can find something to think about during the million dollar commercials?
One thing that jumps out is the mutual focus on their mission and goal. With over 70,000 in attendance, the cheers and boos can be deafening. While the encouragement can propel a team to victory, the players must not let the noise of the crowd bring them down. They need to be laser focused and in the zone, performing the way only they can. By keeping their eyes on the ball (literally), they can silence an unfriendly crowd, breathe new life into a dejected fanbase, changing the dynamic of the stadium and the game itself.
Being in Egypt wasn't exactly Home Team Advantage, and yet they did not let the negative energy of the Egyptians get between them and their touchdown goal of Mount Sinai. 210 years, and they refused to allow the slavery and culture to impact them. When Hashem instructed them about the Passover lamb, they were undaunted by the fact that the Egyptians served the sheep as an idol. They were totally committed to play. They shut out the noise, and chose their reality. A reality of freedom, to become the SuperBowl champions of their time.
In our lives, let's take a lesson from these pros. Instead of listening to the external tumult, let's shift our focus to our own game, and not let anything affect us. What is my goal? What challenges do I need to tackle to reach my end zone? How can I bring that trophy home?
As a facebook post I encountered this week wisely read (I know, right?!), "Ships don't sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them".
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Dovid Bush