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
ב"ה