Rabbi David E. Ostrich, Congregation Brit Shalom
Clergy Column for The Centre Daily Times
Published Sunday December 14th
Our country is immersed in a lot of controversy, and it can really weigh us down. Sometimes we feel hopeless. Other times we look for quick answers and grandiose solutions. We find ourselves facing unprecedented problems and often grope for solutions. However, sometimes I wonder if we are as unique as we think we are. The kinds of challenges we face—competing values, different points of view, and neighbors with varying degrees of friendliness—have always been part of the human condition.
This means that Religion—which has been working on life and its challenges for a long time—may have some helpful advice. Not necessarily solutions, but advice for navigating life’s complexities.
A first bit of advice calls for introspection. When we think about our problems, let us also think about our motivations and our possibilities—and which influences we allow to enter. For instance, rather than thinking about prayer as beseeching or negotiating, perhaps we could open our hearts to God’s influence. Reb Mendel of Kotzk spoke about this when he said, “Where is God? Wherever we open our hearts.” And the Baal Shem Tov cautioned: “There is no room for God in those who are full of themselves.” What are our values, and what do we allow to dominate our motivations?
A second bit of advice involves a combination of humility and courage. As the ancient Rabbi Tarphon teaches (Avot 2.16), “We are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are we permitted to ignore it.” The perfection of the world will not be accomplished by a miraculous wave of the hand, nor by a pithy observation. No, it will take a million small acts of love and kindness, building a better tomorrow step by step and day by day.
A third teaching calls on us to learn satisfaction. We are all smart enough to see that “the glass is half empty.” It is. But can we be hopeful enough and appreciative enough to see that it is also half full? This is the point of Ben Azai, an ancient Judean sage: “Who is rich? One who rejoices in blessings that are available.” (Avot 4.1) I understand this wisdom, but I must admit that I often find myself dwelling on what I do not have. Thus do I pray that I can take delight in the blessings I am given.
A fourth involves the aspiration for peace and the path to it. We all have prayers for peace, but peace does not just happen. It is built with relationships and sacrifices and grace. And for this holy work, we need strength. This is the insight of the Psalmist (29.11) who reminds us of the energy that God allows to flow through us. “The Lord gives strength to our people, (and through this strength) the Lord will bless our people with peace.” Some paths are not easy, but they may be worth the effort.
And finally, there is the need for decency. As important as strength is, it should not be used for angry hostility or vituperation. The conflicts that swirl around us may tax our patience and grace, but godliness means being a Mensch (Yiddish for a decent human being). As the ancient Sage Hillel reminds us, “In a place where no one behaves like a human being, try even harder to be a real human being.” (Avot 2.5)
Our challenges are great, but Religious faith and wisdom can help us as we navigate the challenges and complexities of life. Despite our problems, there can be goodness in life. There are blessings to find. There is good work for us to do. And fortunately, God has given us both brains and strength.