Lightning. Thunder. Revelation. Mount Sinai definitely lived up to the hype. Ten commandments reverberating across the world, birds respectfully paused their chirping song, as the newly minted nation took it all in.
That's what we read about last week in the Torah. This week, by contrast, feels like a crash landing. 53 laws are presented in rapid succession. What happens if an ox gores another's animal; who is responsible if I lent someone my wagon and a tornado came along and decimated it; how much does a thief need to repay. It feels a bit anti-climactic. Party's over, back to business.
The truth is that this week is what it's all about.
Sure, Sinai is fun. Splitting seas is cool. Devastating plagues miraculous. But it doesn't come close to living daily life right.
We wish our friends happy birthday once a year, we make our vows
on our wedding day, we give our children attention during that family vacation to Disneyland. But what about on a regular Friday? That's the indicator of whether we are truly a Mensch, if we are truly the spouse, parent, friend, and neighbor that we aspire to be.
on our wedding day, we give our children attention during that family vacation to Disneyland. But what about on a regular Friday? That's the indicator of whether we are truly a Mensch, if we are truly the spouse, parent, friend, and neighbor that we aspire to be.
So while you are running to do an oil change, organizing your cluttered desk, or walking to the bus stop, let's remember; Sinai's inspiration is only the warmup to live a very regular life the right way. Let's make the ordinary, extraordinary.