Theme introduction for Senenca Shabbat: Parsha Mattot-Massei
(Comments inspired by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks’ ‘Covenant and Conversation,’ weekly Torah portion commentary: http://www.chiefrabbi.org/category/covenantandconversation/#.UdYm6js3s1E)
(Comments inspired by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks’ ‘Covenant and Conversation,’ weekly Torah portion commentary: http://www.chiefrabbi.org/category/covenantandconversation/#.UdYm6js3s1E)
Joe DiMaggio knew all eyes looked his way.
Every move on the baseball diamond scrutinized each throw, every swing.
Of course, Joe wanted to win.
Every move on the baseball diamond scrutinized each throw, every swing.
Of course, Joe wanted to win.
However, Joe felt a deep sense of obligation to present the appearance of grace, power, and precision. Joe D. knew all those in the ballpark expected to see the great DiMaggio, not an average Joe. Mr. DiMaggio said to the Sporting News in 1951 “There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best.” Joe DiMaggio knew: appearances are of critical importance.
Two of the twelve tribes, Reuven and God, decide they rather
not cross the Jordan River with the other ten tribes. Instead, the land east of
the Jordan River would be ideally suited pasture for their cattle. Reuven and
Gad present their request to a stunned Moshe who feels granting their request
would demoralize the other ten tribes: “Shall your fellow countrymen go to war
while you sit here?”
Soon, Moshe realizes that the Reubenites and Gadites will
stand with their fellow Israelites: “We will not return to our homes until
every Israelite has received his inheritance.”
From this Biblical story emerges the Halachic prinicple of
marit ha-ayin, appearances. One cannot perform certain action, permitted in
themselves, which could lend themselves to misinterpretation. For example,
yesterday’s Independence Day scorcher dictated everyone would be thirsty.
Running back and forth, to and fro on participating in block party feats of
strength, agility, and concentration, liquid replenishment was critical. With
coolers of watering waiting, yet no cups in sight, I was halachically permitted
to drink.
Not so fast.
The appearance of a grown man kneeling before a cooler,
mouth agape with lips inches from the spout dispensing liquids, this image
could easily lend itself to misinterpretation.
Thankfully, there was a friend there to remind me of the
halachic principle of marit ha-ayin.
Charles Barkley proclaims he is not a role model.
HOWEVER, as Jews, we are commanded to be role models, to show others how to conduct a dignified life replete with social action in our every changing complex global village.
Spend this Shabbat thinking about how YOU could be a more
effective role model. Listen to these Seneca campers, feel the passion in their
words, the joy in their songs. Reflect on how YOUR appearance, how YOU conduct
yourself helps define you.
How do you want to be seen?
Shabbat Shalom.
David Zarkowsky
Judaic Director
