November, 2003

What Can I Do?
Rabbi Mordekai Shapiro

It seems as if every time I sit down to write an article or to prepare a sermon or lecture, something unusual occurs that causes me to alter the direction and substance of the material.  Such it was when I was putting the finishing touches on the article that was to appear in the September Newsletter.  The horrific bomb blast that shattered a quiet Jerusalem summer evening killing 21 people and maiming over 100 others capped a day already bloodied by the bombing of United Nations headquarters in Iraq.

I often wonder, as I am sure you do, about the purpose of these events within the context of the grander scheme of things.  Although we firmly believe that nothing in this world is mere happenstance, it is often difficult, if not impossible for the human mind to make sense or logic out of many events.  As a Rabbi said at a funeral for one of the children murdered on the Jerusalem bus, “there are no answers for the murder of children.” 

The truth of the matter is, that even those events which we think we understand, are in fact, probably being misinterpreted and surely have some other meaning and purpose which we have missed.  Our sages have taught us in numerous sources that when certain events occur it is imperative to “examine one’s deeds.”   There is nowhere else to turn but inward and no one to rely on except for Hashem.  This is especially true when one is faced with the inexplicable.  There is a certain measure of perfection that everyone is obligated to strive for.  This does not mean absolute perfection, for that is humanly impossible.  Rather it is the obligation that we have to be as perfect as possible.  This requires us to know what the goals are and to work on getting as close as possible to those goals.  We already know that our Torah expects us to observe 613 mitzvoth, and the goal is to perfect our mode of observance of each of those mitzvoth to fulfill the letter and spirit of the law.  It is our ability to recognize that even though I may daven every prayer every day, there are still ways to improve my fervor, concentration, or understanding of those prayers.  It is the awareness that my observance of Shabbat requires more attention to detail and more spirituality.   It is the awareness that my knowledge of Torah law and Jewish lore would benefit from greater diligence and an enhanced interest.  Yes, the suggestion at this juncture, when faced with the inexplicable is to “examine one’s deeds.”   To take an honest look at oneself and ask, “what can I do to improve myself?”  Maimonides often writes about the similarities between the physical needs and the spiritual needs of a human being.  One can often see people trying to perfect a physical act by repetitive motion and concentration on form (swinging a golf club or tennis racket come to mind).  The same is true of the spiritual acts; they also require repetitive motion and concentration on form.  It is taught that every one must view himself as if on a balance scale, hovering at an even horizontal.  That is, with a 50% liability and a 50% merit.  It takes just one deed to tip the scale in either direction.  Similarly, we must view the world at large in the same light, and it is my good or bad deed that can tip the balance of the world in either direction.  It is not fantasy to think that the act of one person can hold the balance of the world at bay.  Consider what catastrophic events can occur (and we have witnessed them) if there was but one intelligence breakdown in the international security community.  Consider the impact of one piece of foam insulation on the lives of seven astronauts, their families, their homelands, the agency, company, country and world that launched them into space.  Consider the impact of one lunatic who explodes a bomb belt while riding a bus or at a table in a crowded coffee shop on the lives of the hundreds of victims and their families, and the economic, political and social well being of their nation and the world. Just one act, by one person changes everything. 

This is the message of Elul.  The impending Yomim Noraim is not just the time to line up good seats in shul or an opportunity to buy a new suit and try new recipes.  It is the time for spiritual introspection and honest evaluation.  It is a time to recognize one’s shortcomings while at the same time living up to our potential.  Our Torah and our heritage expect more from us.  It is our duty to rise to the occasion and help ourselves, while helping the world at the same time. 

May we be inscribed in the book of life for health peace and prosperity for the coming year and for always.