This Shabbat we come to the last chapters of Leviticus. In Bekhukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34) we read a straight-forward rule, “If you follow my laws and faithfully observe my commandments,” then God will cause you to prosper and be blessed. Surely, Torah isn’t referring only to wise and able people who follow all God’s laws! You and I know that it must mean more, so what are we left to understand?
Our Rabbis respond to our concern with a reference from the Book of Job. There we learn, “[Job’s] days are determined; You know the number of his months; You have set him limits that he cannot pass.” Like Job, we have many human skills and abilities, and we are also limited. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have what it takes to meet God’s commands. Our Rabbis didn’t mean to disillusion us; rather, they meant to develop our appreciation for what we have and what we can do with what we’ve been given.
Remember the young man who asked, “Can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?” He was told, “Practice, practice, practice.” There are young people whose raw talent can get them to Carnegie Hall, but there are also those whose countless hours of practice will never get them out of the last chair in the band. When we accept our assets and our liabilities, together, we can be more realistic about what we can do, and the ways we can open ourselves up to God’s blessings.
It’s like our Rabbis also taught, “And I grant you also what you didn’t ask for, both riches and glory all your life.” There is the possibility that the young person who will never make it to Carnegie Hall, will nonetheless find blessing in the pleasure of his God-given musical talent. Not everyone can be Itzhak Perlman. It is human nature to be limited. It is also human nature to want more and even to demand it. How do we reconcile our thirst for more than we have with what we have been granted?
Too often, you and I don’t fully cultivate what is already true about us. We fail to live up to our best in areas where we have had some success. For example, have you ever wondered what you would do if you weren’t working in the job you have today? What if you had the liberty to do what you love to do, and maybe even get paid for it? Would you do what you’re doing now, or some of it, or something completely different? I’m assuming that fishing and golf would still be your recreation and not your profession. If you asked me, I’d teach. Years ago, when I served a smaller congregation I taught Jewish enrichment courses at a small liberal arts college. Teaching college students and professors who also attended was one of the most exhilarating parts of my week. At Beth Israel, I still look forward to teaching you every week and in special classes on many Jewish subjects.
Each of us has a God-given talent. Each of us has a way of fulfilling God’s commandments. No one said it was always going to be easy, but making an effort is a mitzvah, too. This week, take a moment to think about what you love to do most or what you’re really good at doing. Maybe you don’t earn a living from it, but what if the reward is that you really enjoy it? Is it cooking, reading, teaching, planning, fixing, constructing, or listening? Whatever your gift is, consider the Source from which it comes, thank God for it, and honor your gift through the ways you choose to use it. Then, as Torah teaches, you will surely prosper and be blessed.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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