Torah Thought ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday, at our weekly Lunch & Learn, we discussed the passage "Make for yourself a teacher, acquire a friend and judge every person favorably".
We tend to categorize people...those who are superior to us, equal to us, and those who we view as inferior to us.
The mishna is saying that we can and we have to learn from all people from all levels.
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Lisa was out driving her car and while stopped at a red light, the car just died. It was a busy intersection and the traffic behind her was starting to pile up. The guy in the car directly behind her was honking his horn continuously as Lisa continued to try getting the car to start up again.
Finally Lisa gets out of her car and approaches the guy in the car behind her. "I can't seem to get my car started," Lisa said, smiling. "Would you be a gentleman and go and see if you can get it started for me. I'll stay here in your car and lean on your horn for you."
***
Recently I was asked to say a few words at a memorial service. Not having any notice, I managed a few paragraphs of whatever I was thinking at that time. I noticed afterwards that a recurring theme in all of my talks (whether I prepare or not!) is the need for action, some sort of deed. Even in the last minute talk I talked about the need to give to others just like the veterans have given so much for us.
Shavous, accepting the Torah, also has an action - a deed , the need to do mitzvoth, good deeds, with our hands, causing physical change to spiritual elevation. Without the action, the Torah can't accomplish anything down here.
It's not enough for G-d to give us the Torah. We have to receive it.
May we all merit to appreciate the mitzvoth that we do and the spiritual change in the world on an essential level inspiring us and those around us to even greater heights.
Have a great Shavous!
- Rabbi Elazar Green
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