I've been reading lots of wishes and reflections for Elul - all of them wonderful, for sure. I'd like to add my own.
Previously the Torah has, I believe, talked about how there is one law for all those who live in the land - the B'nei Yisrael and the "ger" - a word which I don't think we ever have come close to defining yet (proselyte, stranger, convert - all of them are far too formulaic and lifeless). Now, the Torah takes it one step further in Devarim 26:10 - which is that, and I have to say that I believe this is the first time the Torah has ever even come close to mentioning something like this - that there shall be rejoicing about the goodness that H' has given (1) to your household (it's so amazing that this is listed first before ...) (2) you; (3) the Levite; and (4) the ger within your midst.
I think that a book could easily be written about why the Torah chooses to list the recipients of blessing this way - that it's never about me receiving first, it's always about my household, something I need to keep in mind all the time and which I experienced first-hand over this past shabbes - and yet I still must receive, too.
What I want to celebrate is the equality of blessing - at least for those gerim living in a Jewish state. There is some phrase that I believe goes "a rising tide raises all boats." To be sure, the Torah is quite explicit about clearing out the land - but then who could possibly be this ger who is also entitled to blessing? It is those who make peace with the land and its people - they, all of us, are entitled to blessing.
I've been thinking increasingly about how this arrival - this giving, possessing, living, harvesting, and bringing - all of this must be a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. That knowledge of G-d and living first-hand in H's presence - that is the goal, and it is achievable, and, fortunately, the mitzvot do not ever stop - in fact, they actually grow (take the mitzvah of bikkurim that we read about here - this is only a mitzvah that applies once G-d has delivered us to the Land and allowed us to possess it, and we are able to look back at the journey that got us here, all in an effort to thank, recognize (literally prostrate) and rejoice).
There are a lot of mental gymnastics about what the purpose of religion is. I'm not saying that any of them are wrong, but I would keep in mind this verse that the point is not constant suffering and growth - the point really is to eventually arrive, grow in abundance, give thanks and praise, and do it over all again. And to perhaps grow so close that the mitzvot are no longer about drawing oneself closer but instead of recognizing the utter closeness now present. Present in the land - enlightened presence, and appreciation. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment