|
|
|
|
Minister’s Forum for August 8, 2003 By Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich Temple Bat Yam
“You came close and stood under the mountain, and the mountain was ablaze with fire up to the heart of the heavens, darkened with cloud and fog.” - Deuteronomy, chapter 4, verse 11
This week Jews will read this quote in synagogue as we read through the Five Books of Moses. This reading highlights a special quality of the Israelites – their willingness to stand up together in the face of frightening conditions, and come close to a divine presence that was intimidating beyond any of their experiences. They got what it means to “do” community – being there for each other all the time, even in the most difficult of instances. About a year and a half ago I decided to get up early in the morning, and accept the invitation of a new acquaintance to join his running group. I have always been a runner, and always struggled to do so regularly. This group, however, was made up of seasoned marathoners. They have strict rules – Tuesday through Friday every week they meet to run at 5:50am in the same place. They leave within a minute of that time – as they say, “If you’re there, you’re there.” Not the blazing mountain under blackened heavens, but the cold and darkness of Cleveland’s early mornings in February intimidated me. Still, I persevered. The coaching and consistency of the group got me through my first three marathons last year, and hopefully has given me the discipline to run the Lake Tahoe marathon in October. Yet, what amazes me about this group is not their consistency or their dedication to running, but to each other. Every morning was a chance to share, in an extremely unedited fashion, our struggles and our triumphs. Sure, we kept in shape, but facing those early morning hours with each other was the point. This kind of “coming close together,” is the essence of communal life. Whether it is running, social action, prayer, study, or any number of other activities in which bonds are built – what matters is showing up and taking part. While I have never been one to divide up the world into two types of people, the only way I am ever tempted to do so looks like this – there are those who opt in, and those who don’t. “Opt in” – participate in making the world a better place, show up and give some of ourselves to improve the whole. Sharing in communal life – be it a running group, a knitting circle, a religious community – has become the road less traveled in our highly individualistic society. Don’t give in – opt in, and see how much more valuable your own life can be. |