What is most important in being a Jew?
If you asked each person you know they would come up with a different response. We look, study, and integrate what is most important to us and that will differ from person to person. Answers would probably wildly range from being guardians of the earth and protecting the environment, to social justice, to loving people, forgiving those who harmed you, getting close to G-d, showing kindness to strangers, repairing the world and on and on.
The ancient rabbis also reflected deeply on what is most critical in being a Jew. One said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself:” another stated “If it hateful to you do not do it to others.” And then there is the old argument about whether if one had to choose one over the other - study or practice- which is preferable? (Study won that discussion.) Even “Google” weighs in on the question and determined pikuach nefesh, saving a life, was most important.
This is the season when we contemplate the course of our lives. Inevitably what will come to mind are the places where we veered from our elected path. It is our judgment call how we assess ourselves and what intend on changing, based on what we think is most important.
One question that we should also consider during this auspicious time of year is, “What makes me happy?” Now do not be deceived into thinking, “Oh, that is an easy question.” It is not. It may be the most difficult question you ever ask.
One writer answered this way; “I want to believe there’s some reason for living….” This is a wise response.
When the day ends, and you lay down to sleep what determines whether it was a good day or one that was wasted? I suspect we make that determination based on doing what makes us happy. Can you answer that? If you can, you hold the key that unlocks the door marked “a contented life.” Not every day will be contended or happy but if we know that drives us, our reason for being alive, we can then be a whole body and soul, not one that is distracted and unfocused.
No two people are alike. Everyone will come up with a different answer to their life's pathway, one that touches them soulfully. Of course, there will be similarities, but one core Jewish belief is that we all have something vital and unique to contribute to the world. Acting on that innate gift not only allows us a genuine sense of contentment but also provides a necessary ingredient to the world’s brokenness that only we can provide.
Answering the question of your life’s pathway is exhilarating and liberating as you no longer need be enslaved by what your neighbors, community or world thinks. You are your own universe capable of greatness and joy. No wonder the psalmist informs, “You have made us little less than angels.” (ps. 8)
Viktor Frankl challenged, “Being human means being conscious and being responsible.” What Frankl means is that we must work to find our life’s passage, the reason for our being, why we exist and then mete it out. In its wake, will come contentment.
