With all the talk about fake news, it got me thinking. No, this isn't going to be yet another political rant. But let's talk about being fake.
Should we always express our true feelings? Should we always speak exactly what's on our mind? When we're not in the best space, should we display that to the world? How does "fake it till you make it" correlate with being authentic?
To explore this, let's travel to the desert, to the pop-up temple the Jews built. There, in the Holy of Holies - only the High Priest entered it, and only on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur - was one piece of furniture: The Ark.
The ark was essentially a golden box covered with 2 angel like cherubim. Inside were some of the most important Jewish artifacts, including the Tablets with the Ten Commandments, the very first Torah transcribed by Moses himself, and a portion of the Manna to be preserved for all generations.
Actually, the Ark was made of three boxes that fit into each other. The inner one was solid gold, the outer one was also pure gold, while the center was made of acacia wood. Why the wooden layer, if it was never to be seen?
We are made up of layers, much like the ark itself. Our innermost layer, the Soul, is perfect - pure gold. Then we have our conscious self, our feelings, emotions, and thoughts. This level may have a more natural, unfinished look. Finally, we have our outer layer, the way we connect to the rest of the world.
Should we put on a golden smile when inside we feel "wooden"? Is it hypocritical to act kind and loving when that might not reflect our inner emotions? Should we act calm when there is burning anger? Or should we let loose our genuine feelings?
The message of the ark is clear. Take positive action, and it will actually influence and transform the way you feel. When we act "golden" we create internal change.
So go ahead and smile and it will leave you in a better mood. Act calm, and feel the anger dissipate. Do an act of kindness and watch as you begin to feel empathy and love.
Because in truth, you aren’t really acting. Deep down, your inner self is pure gold.
Wishing you a golden Shabbos!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
ב"ה