Tuesday morning, a few of us representing the Jewish community of Harford County, went down to the rally in Washington D.C. in show of support to the Jewish people in the Holy Land. In addition, to take a stand that we want our brothers and sisters, who are being held hostage, to be freed. And finally, to remind everyone that we are proud Jews and will stand proud!
Personally, I was hesitant to go. Why shlep and spend a day running to a rally, what impact will it really have? was my question. Consulting with others, we concluded that while we are uncertain of our impact in going, we have a responsibility to do the spiritual service that is represented by our unique soul characteristics. Sure enough, we went. One member of our local community stopped a few hundred people to offer them candles, to encourage them to light them for Shabbos. Inspired, she herself recommitted to lighting Shabbos candles. I was offering people to wrap tefillin and merited to have many people come over on their own, asking if they can wrap.
There were many people who did not come to the rally. Their soul characteristics required something else. In this week's Torah portion, we read and learn how each person has their divine mission and path in life. Issac, wanting to do as his father, considered going down to Egypt. However, G-d told him to stay in Israel. Some people elevate the world by being full time Torah scholars. Others do so by squeezing a bit of Torah learning into their work day. Whether a class before work or after dinner or even a podcast during their commute to work.
There is no one way to bring G-dliness into our lives.
Torah scholars need, at times, to deviate from their "main mission" and encourage others to study or to learn with others. Businesspeople need to ensure that they are including Torah study in their day to day.
What is your mission from Hashem today? Now go do your part to brighten up the world!
Have an amazing Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman