Be Above the Stars, a Channel for Divine Response |
MAZEL TOV! A phrase that the world knows to be of celebration and wishing luck. What is luck? In Hebrew, MAZEL refers to nature, and the laws of nature including all of the magical systems that we see in front of our eyes, consistent day after day. Throughout history, these systems have been worshipped and believed as truth, and as a way to control what is and what will be. Judaism makes it clear that everything is in God’s hands, and these systems, although miraculous, do not have a will of their own. I found it fascinating that for this reason we are not told to respect astrology in the Ten Commandments. Instead, there is a commandment to respect your mother and father, because they have free will. The stars do not have free will, and do not rule man, and ultimately we can choose to be above the stars.
We are all stars! We are unique in our genetics, upbringing and life purpose. There is no competition or comparison. What you will do, cannot be done by anybody else. So just do it. Just be you. Maor in Hebrew means to shine your light and inspire others, be the star. The stars do not hinder you or help you, there is only God’s plan. The goal is to be a “Channel for Divine Response,” which I read about in Torah Studies, A Parsha Anthology from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
What does this mean? For me it means to be a blank slate, and the word Bitul in Hebrew is the closest understanding of this state of being. We are in this world to be a vessel, a conduit and have to allow for things to keep flowing. If we get stuck, that is what causes discomfort, chaos and feeling out of alignment. I feel most at peace with the unknown, because then there is possibility.
We just celebrated Rosh Chodesh Nissan, which is a month of revelation and miracles. It is also my youngest son’s birthday, last year was his Bar Mitzvah, unbelievable! We make a blessing on sprouting fruit trees, and connect with the message that human beings are just like trees. So beautiful to watch a tree that looks barren, to suddenly start to flower. That is what happens in life as well, we may feel at a crossroads, in a breakdown or just static, but the right fork, breakthrough and life dynamic are up to you to grab on to, knowing God is always by your side.
As warning alerts and sirens sound, I take a pause and look around.
On Friday, especially, People have more important places to be.
I just came from a Brit Mila celebration, We have our priorities as a Jewish nation.
To celebrate life and get ready for Shabbat. Cleaning for Pesach, while running to the Miklat.
Then right back at it, the streets are full. Tourists and families visiting from Chul.
We hop on a bus, there is no room. With strollers and walkers all ages cocoon.
Finally home, my day of rest begins. On Friday I turn off my brain and I win.
The world can wait while I recharge and learn, Torah is the only truth, connect and yearn.
For freedom, revelation and peace on earth Moshiach is here now, about to give birth.
(RAK SMACHOT! We celebrate life and prioritize joy. I am making a funny face at a Brit Mila celebration, in between non stop alerts and sirens. Our priorities of uniting with our community, Shabbat and Pesach keep us focused as the world is upside down.)