In this week's Torah portion, Moses tells the Jewish people to follow the Torah and live proper lives. Aside from the obvious need to follow G-d's Will, this conduct would bring an additional benefit: The nations of the world would sense that the Jews are connected to G-d, and respect them (Deut. 28:10 "...then all the people of the world will see that G-d's name is proclaimed over you and respect you". ) Seems like an easily understood, inspiring lesson: Do the right thing and you'll have an easier time navigating life.
But the Talmud puts a curious spin on this idea; it teaches that this verse specifically "refers to the Tefillin [on] the head (Tefillin - usually translated as phylacteries - are prayer accoutrements. Black boxes containing scrolls are strapped to one's forearm and head)". Out of all the Mitzvos we keep, it's specifically the Tefillin which trigger a reality in which the world respects our way of life. Why?
One important point concerns the scrolls inside the Tefillin boxes. Those parchments contain the famous Shema prayer, which proclaims G-d's Oneness. When the Torah makes such a 'big deal' of Oneness, it isn't simply precluding a second God; it is establishing a belief system.
In a Torah system, everything in life can fit into a meaningful paradigm. Nothing in life - business, food, pleasure etc. - need be outside the rubric of meaning. Meaning isn't restricted to 'holy moments' of introspection or altruism.
When we engage the world properly, as G-d wishes for it to be engaged, our 'normal' lives can be truly substantive. We can follow a meaningful thread throughout our entire [seemingly] mundane day. The day - with all its hectic variables - can have One theme: Meaning.
That's a Shema message, and thus a Tefillin message.
But the Talmud goes one step deeper. When referring to the Tefillin in this context, the Talmud calls them the 'Tefillin IN (as opposed to 'on') the head".
What could that mean?
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, whose resting place I visited last week, gave an interesting interpetation.
He said that Tefillin, with its Mitzvah-sanctity and message of Oneness, is holy in its own right. But it's only when the message is INTERNALIZED, 'in' the head, that the effect is maximized to the extent that the Torah forecasts.
When we proclaim Oneness, that's important. But when we truly integrate Oneness into our lives, living a wholesome 'Oneness' life, the world can't help but notice - and respect.
Shabbat Shalom
Mendy
Wendy wrote...
I've finally sat down and read through several of your recent postings. I had no idea how prolific your writing has been over the past few weeks.
I would like to respond to your two most recent postings in the context of our class today.
I found today's class intriguing for several reasons, the most profound being the level of engagement of the class members. It seems like each one of us was engrossed, "marinating" in the events you shared. Experiencing a sort of "one-ness" if you will.
Perhaps the importance of the message contained in and represented by the phylacteries is that "one-ness" not only encompasses what is stated in the Shema, but also reminds us of the importance of community- one community of Jews throughout the world...in an airport in Moscow, shabbat in Rostov, or home in New Jersey.
Perhaps, the common thread that binds us all, as people and especially as a group of Jewish people, is the "one-ness" or wholeness we feel as a group joined together and especially by the "one" common belief that is the foundation of our religion.
Thank you again for posting this blog.
Regards,
Wendy
Mendy Herson wrote...
I think your comments are right on.
The one-ness factor, in addition to its theological centrality (the shema etc.), has been a primary experience of my 15 years in Basking Ridge.
People sometimes ask me (perhaps you've heard it at the class): "Do you ever need to go to away and spend time with your friends, with people who share your lifestyle and values?"
And it always strikes me as a funny question; one totally at odds with what I experience in my life.
These ARE my friends (and I don't use the term lightly), and we share a a whole lot. There is a one-ness of perspective, which sometimes gets obstructed by the externalities.
IOW, I really don't see my myself as spending time with a bunch of 'different' people, of a variant stripe or culture. Nor do I believe that my friends are spending time with an alien when they spend time with me.
I have found - and the Sunday group is a good example of the phenomenon - that I and my local group of friends share a tremendous amount, even if our outward conduct remains somewhat diverse.
We share a sense of journey, and a desire to find meaning in that journey. We're not satisfied with status quo. And we're looking to Jewish tradition to find some meaningful guidance - at least some morsels - for the trip.
Your experience and observation on Sunday morning encapsulates what I experience pretty regularly here, and why I love what I do!
Thanks again,
Mendy
Rachel wrote...
Just wanted to write to tell you that I really enjoyed your class yesterday. The points that you were making are things that don't come up in regular everyday conversation. I guess that's the whole point! Anyway, I GOT it. I really did. I really like the idea that our Jewish holidays can be viewed as sort of benchmarks in a year long journey of self-discovery. It was great the way you explained that in the end, the journey is really toward G-d. That when we look at ourselves and take responsibility and make the choices to become better people, in essence what we are doing is searching for and finding peace and happiness in ourselves. I know that when I am most happy and most at peace with myself and my life, it affects the people around me by the things that I do or just the energy that I share. When you are at peace inside, it's so easy to step outside yourself...to give of yourself and to see outside yourself....I think that's what brings us closer to G-d. I think that's what brings that feeling of "safety" to your soul.
Andy really enjoyed it too. We are hoping to be there this Sunday too.
Rachel
Mendy Herson wrote...
Great snapshot of what we discussed!
I think that the whole Torah program - with all its Mitzvot - is giving us the tools for self-discovery, and the spine of Holidays is providing the rhythm for that journey. I also agree with the dynamic you describe in finding peace within, and touching those without. I think that the two are inseparable because:
A: You can't properly connect with others unless you're at peace with yourself (as you described)
B: You can't be at peace with yourself unless you're connecting with others in a meaningful way. IOW, paradoxically, true 'self-actualization' only come by reaching out of one's 'self'.
See you around!
Mendy