We all need to be active and productive. We feel better that way,
because that's the way G-d designed us.
But sometimes our growth actually comes through passivity, through silence.
For example: When you're about to enter an important appointment or
meeting, you need to pause. You need to make sure that you're attuned,
emotionally available and receptive.
As a guiding illustration, let's consider our historic, seven-week
journey from Egyptian slavery toward Mt. Sinai, toward receiving the
Torah. It was the prototypical odyssey from spiritual, emotional and
physical constriction to genuine freedom.
During those seven weeks, the Jews were very busy. As they travelled,
they were simultaneously implementing the 49-step, self-refinement
program known as Counting the Omer.
They weren't just marching in the sand; they were gaining ground in
self-improvement.
On the 45th day, a Sunday, the Jews arrived at Sinai. One can imagine
their excitement! The former slaves, freshly freed from centuries of
physical/emotional/spiritual bondage, could finally see the mountain
which represented their ultimate emancipation. They had arrived at
history's threshold waiting to receive G-d's Manual for a meaningful
life. They would soon interface with the Divine, and, in the process,
they would become a nation.
So what did they do on that especially significant Sunday?
Nothing.
Even Moses, their passionate leader and guide didn't say a word.
Why not? The Talmud tells us that it was "because of the [people's]
travel-induced weakness".
Now?
At one of history's most powerful moments, they needed a lazy-day???
Chassidic thought explains that "weakness", in this context, means
psycho-spiritual surrender.
The Jews suddenly understood that the Torah wasn't only about
self-improvement, study and analysis. That was how they would
pro-actively take the Torah.
When they arrived at Sinai, they exhaled and recognized the majesty of
receiving the Torah.
They saw that they needed to stop reaching out for G-d, and allow
themselves to be reached by Him.
To make space for the Divine in their lives.
Once they put themselves aside, they were - in the words of the Torah
- "like one person with one heart."
That Sunday many years ago, a people recognized that life was about a
collective mission, a mission in which we each have an important part.
They were each individuals, but in essence - in destiny - they were one.
This Sunday, the 1st of Sivan, is the 3321st anniversary of that day.
Think about your place in the universe, your commitment to the Torah
and your Oneness with the world.
Make the day count.