Shabbat Shalom with a Side of Torah – Ki Tavo

My first Rosh Hashanah in Lexington was eventful.  I was already nervous. I was still in the process of meeting my congregation and community. My sermons were ready, the choir was ready, and I was wearing the white robe that made me look and feel like the Pillsbury doughboy. I was ready to face the congregation. The sanctuary was filled, and I knew it was time to welcome the holiday. As I turned to face the ark, I heard nervous laughter, a couple of held breaths, and more than a few exclamations, "Oh My!" Of course, I panicked. The robe buttoned in the front … so there was a not a robe malfunction. The people did not react badly on first seeing me, so it was not that the robe was a little tight. As I faced the Torah scrolls standing in the Ark, It hit me that I had forgotten to change my "Smiley Face" kippah (also known as yarmulke or skull cap). "Great!" My first impression and I messed up big time! And, then I thought about it a little more. The truth is that people now had something to talk about beyond the sermon or music. As I turned back around, several smiles met me in response. I am probably the only one who knew that the act was a mistake. Yes, some people were … we will say "concerned," as I am sure that they considered it irreverent. I also knew that lots of people thought it was a neat statement about my personality. Now, herein, I am confessing that it was a mistake, but as people have gotten to know me, no one will ever believe it so. Those who thought it irreverent "talked" to me about it, and I expressed my remorse … and we moved on. Many others told me it was the most fun they had had on the High Holy Days in years (of course, this is a sad commentary on holiday celebration).

In truth, though, even if accidental, it was absolutely in line with the demands of our tradition. We get so concerned with being repentant and sad that we forget to celebrate. This week's portion reminds us that observance without joy is still a transgression. "Because you did not serve God, your God, with joy and gladness of heart when you had an abundance of everything—you will serve your enemies whom God will send against you. (Deuteronomy 28:37-38)" The concern that God raises is not that the people did not pay attention. The way the text is worded, the concern is that the people are observing mitzvot, but doing so out of obligation or fear, and not out of joy. Success is not found in the completion of an act or accomplishment of a feat. Success is not about perfect service. If it were, not one of us would have a place with God. Success is measured by the joy and celebration with which one lives. In fact, our rabbis teach that when one dies and goes before the throne of heaven, one has to make confession before God. In recounting the merit and transgressions of one's life, one must atone for life's pleasure he denied himself as part of the list of his life's failures.

The Baal Shem Tov (founder of Khasidism) argued that joy and celebration are actually the building blocks upon which all other spiritual behavior is built. He felt that given the harshness in the world, even as he knew it 300 years ago, the news we receive too often discourages us. Blessings cannot reach us where we are closed to them. The Baal Shem Tov taught that if we are to grow in spirit, we have to first be able to appreciate the blessings we hope to garner.

What we know is that people who celebrate have a better outlook on life; they are more positive. We also know that positive people are more creative and more productive. It is where we stagnate that we suffer, and where we suffer we cannot feel blessed. Too many of us go through the motions every day. We go to work, check off the list of things to do, then come home tired and burned out. My grandfather taught me that if you love what you do, it is not work. As with so many things that he taught me, on this … he was right. This is not an admonition to change careers. Rather it is a reminder that life is a gift, and if it is one that we appreciate, we should live it with joy. There are always a host of reasons to put off enjoying our days until one more task is completed, yet I have known too many who waited to retire and enjoy life until they were too old or frail to actually do so. Every day is a gift. Every moment is a blessing. Every interaction with another is an opportunity to touch lives and share the gifts of our hearts and our souls. Helen Keller wrote, "Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence a glow." From Ecclesiastes we read, "Gladness of heart is the life of man and the joyfulness of man is the length of days." Let us grow joyfully old together, celebrating each other, certainly acknowledging the many places where we all fall short … but celebrating each moment as a blessing moving us from strength to strength. Shabbat Shalom.