There’s the new viral Pokémon Go game that exploded onto the scene. The augmented reality game overlays these animated Poké characters on a map of the player’s real life location. The
player captures it by actually throwing a virtual ball at it. In one week, this has become the most popular smartphone game ever. While reportedly it has increased health benefits, motivating thousands of gamers to get off the couch and run around, there have also been incidents of a teen getting bitten by a venomous snake, and two other players falling from a cliff, after getting too absorbed in the game. All are currently recovering. There are even reports of players coming to Chabad Centers in search of Pokémon. Pretty crazy, right?
The truth is, we can probably all identify with it a bit by reflecting on what are we crazy about. Is it a sports team? A particular show, a hobby, or even a morning routine that we simply cannot start our day without.
On Monday, we commemorate the previous Chabad Rebbe's release from soviet prison in 1927. He had been incarcerated for "counter-revolutionary" activities - maintaining a network of underground schools throughout Russia that would teach the children about their rich Jewish traditions.
In what would be his final printed Chassidic text just before his passing, he explains a profound concept. We all have our things that aren't logical. The big question is, whether they are belowlogic or above logic.
This "crazy" can be channeled for good. It can be a healthy experience; a passion that fuels growth and productivity, that motivates us to achieve for ourselves and for those around us.
Do a senseless act of kindness. Love where there is hate. Shine in the face of darkness. Be crazy.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
p.s. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Nice. On Bastille Day, as the French were in the midst of celebrating unity and independence from political tyranny...
Let's respond to this darkness with light - Light the Shabbat candles this evening at or before 8:15pm. How, what and why.
ב"ה