She talked about all the lessons our children have taught her - the one that sticks out most in my mind is that:
"Hamster and Play dough, do NOT belong in the same sentence".
A few weeks ago we celebrated Shauv'ot. For those not familiar with this holiday, it is the day that Moses and the Hebrews received the Torah, and most famously the 10 commandments at Mt. Sinai. I had a long talk with Rabbi Roston about this holiday - debating whether Moses had actually received and written the ENTIRE Torah from G-d on that day, or if it was more of a spiritual awakening among the Hebrews and a revelation.
Whatever your thoughts toward the literally or figurative meaning of the holiday (which is actually very similar to the Christian Pentecost) you have probably heard a lot lately about one part of the Torah in particular - The Book of Leviticus.
Our friends at Wikipedia define it as -
...the third book of the Hebrew Bible, and the third of five books of the Torah (or Pentateuch).The English name is from the Latin Leviticus, taken in turn from Greek and a reference to the Levites, the tribe from whom the priests were drawn. It would be wrong, however, to describe Leviticus simply as a manual for priests as it concerns itself, at least equally, with the role and duties of the laity.[1]Leviticus rests in two crucial beliefs: the first, that the world was created "very good" and retains the capacity to achieve that state although it is vulnerable to sin and defilement; the second, that the faithful enactment of ritual makes God's presence available, while ignoring or breaching it compromises the harmony between God and the world.[2]The traditional view is that Leviticus was compiled by Moses, or, in less extreme form, that the material in it goes back to his time.[3] However, the tradition is comparatively late (it dates from Josephus, a 1st century AD historian),[4] and scholars are practically unanimous that the book had a long period of growth, that it includes some material of considerable antiquity, and that it reached its present form in the Persian period (538-332 BC).[5]
While that is LITERALLY what the book is, it is essentially an explanation of how to please G-d, and a code of what is holy. You are probably most familiar with this text as it is heavily quoted in the controversial same-sex marriage debate.
I am not here to debate same sex marriage - I have my beliefs on the topic, and frankly don't appreciate having others force their beliefs in my face, so I try not to do the same to them. With that said, I will leave the debate out of this and focus on my actual topic.
This book is essentially a code for people to live by - yes, it's thousands of years old. Our world has changed completely, and think about how our world is changing now. When you, and even when I, went to school we were handed a stack of books (which my mother immediately covered in brown paper book covers to keep from damaging) with all the information we need for the year. (The best part was the math book that gave the answers to the even number questions, thus helping you cheat on half your homework...I mean, check your work...)
When I had my confirmation (or you had your Bar or Bat Mitzvah) I received a paper version of the bible (you probably got a Tanakh, and a nice Yad to read it with). But now - think about it. Paper books are slowly becoming a thing of the past. We communicate now more via facebook and other social networking sites that not only is email becoming passe but so is the US Postal Service.
When our children go to school - they probably won't have books. They'll have some type of tablet or e-reader. Teachers will collect homework electronically, and it will probably grade itself...
However, as times have changed, and things that were once taboo (like tattoos) are now becoming a norm, it is important to see that while times have changed...people haven't.
We experience a wide range of emotions - we have the same problems (relationships, politics, religion and taxes...) they've just been more complicated by the technology and age that we live in.
I am not an expert on life - in fact, there are some moments where I seriously sit here and attempt to figure out how I've managed to survive so far. And what makes it even more nerve racking is the fact that I have two beautiful children, who I love very much, and I try to lead by example for them.
This is my new philosophy when raising my children -
There are some parts of this book of the Torah that are hard to find a place for in our society today. There are even some commandments that seem to have gone by the wayside...
And while I think it's important as a society for us to have a set of values to adhere to, I think that like all things they need to evolve. But - just as some must evolve, some will stay the same.
I'm not out to rewrite the Bible, or the Torah. But I am out to write the story of my life. And In it, there would definitely be a chapter like Leviticus. But It would be LIVE-iticus. On how to live, and live life to the fullest.
So Here is my LIVE-ictus -
- The world is a beautiful amazing place. We've complicated it. Take at least one day to travel somewhere and enjoy the world in the pure unspoiled way that G-d intended.
- Take a few minutes each day to focus on the things that make you happy. In fact, write them down, and as your day gets tough, pull the list from your pocket and remind yourself of those things.
- The Constitution said it - "Life, Liberty, The Pursuit of Happiness". If you haven't figured out what makes you happy, you have the liberty to find it, and then purse it with all you heart.
- Try to do one thing each day in the name of Tikun Olam (healing the world). Even if it's donating a dollar to some kids with a lemonade stand to help them achieve a little goal. Give up your seat on the subway...something, but do something that it completely selfless and makes someone else have a brighter day.
-Remember - everyone has their own burden to bare, and it can be heavy. Before you curse back at someone, remember that you don't know what they're going through (I need to remember this one sometimes more).
- We are all G-d's children, remember that.
- Jesus...whether you believe him to be the Messiah or not was at the least a Rabbi. He tells a fantastic story about 3 slaves, who were given Money by their master. One buries it, one spends it, and one doubles his master's money. The moral of the story - is do not hide the talents that G-d has given you. Share your talents, and when you can, share them freely. (see above Tikun Olam).
- Judge Slowly...I like to think of Hedy Lemar...you may remember her as the Topless Actress from the 30's, who went on to invent frequency hopping that saved countless lives during WWII....Judge SLOWLY (Thanks Mr. Wuhl)
-Remember that your children see you, and that they want to be like you (This becomes a horrifying idea as they get older...) It takes a few minutes to build a child up, and a second to tear them down. Be a great role model - and remember that it's easier to build a great child, then fix a broken Adult.
- Be the Shabbat candles. Be a light to those around you, not just on Shabbat, but everyday.
- End every night with a kiss and Laila Tov.
- Learn something new EVERY DAY.
Sit down now, and think about ways that you can help Tikun Olam. Think about the example you want to be in your personal life, your professional life, and your spiritual life. Ask questions - and never be too afraid to speak up.
I told Rabbi R that I was nervous because there was so much to learn - she admitted to me that she herself, as a Rabbi is still learning something new.
Teach your children - think about what's important to you that you want them to learn. Be involved in their education. Remember that love, hate and indifference are LEARNED. Focus on the right lessons.
Shalom!
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