Two weeks ago, I stood in Shul with the holy ark open in front of me, as we all proclaimed G-d's name with the passion and devotion of millions of others with us and before us in history, rededicating our lives to Him.
One week ago, I stood in Shul, reveling in watching my children dance joyfully on Simchat Torah, until they literally spilled into the street.
And here I am now, trying to figure out our perplexing religion which commands three weeks of a non-stop spiritual marathon when we entrench ourselves in spirituality…and then it all comes to a sudden halt.
On this Tuesday morning.
As I sort through piles of mail, chop some vegetables, pre-treat some laundry and retie my son's shoe.Or does it?
I sort through my mail and discover an envelope that belongs to the neighbor next door. Looks like mindless, useless junk, but I take the time to bring it to her, knowing that only she deserves to make that decision.
I chop some vegetables, and cook a hot, nutritious kosher dinner for my family.
I pre-treat the laundry and have the pleasure later of folding warm, fresh clean undershirts that will wrap my children in a layer of love from the icy winds outside.
I retie my son's shoe, once again, without losing patience with him, and conclude with a kiss, once again, that will stay in his emotional memory forever.
Because Judaism is not about serving G-d and being spiritual solely in a Shul, with the holy Torah scrolls in view. It's about serving G-d at all times, wherever you are, and whatever is demanded of you. You can bring G-d pleasure with intense prayer on Yom Kippur, and you can then bring G-d the same pleasure on an ordinary Tuesday when you are honest in business, cook a hot, nutritious kosher meal for your family, or take care of their physical and emotional needs warmly and lovingly.
So in a spiritual way, it's actually Yom Kippur-on this regular Tuesday.
Chana S wrote...
Adee wrote...
Suzee wrote...