SHANA TOVA U’METUKA
In the eyes of Judaism, life is sacred and every human being is considered to be utterly unique and invaluable. That is why the Talmud teaches to save a single life is as if we have saved an entire world (Sanhedrin 37a).. This is how precious every life is but how do we continue to work to refine ourselves enough to be worthy of such thinking?
It takes a human-divine partnership to craft a soul in God’s image which is not always easy. Life is a serious endeavor and is measured in the choices we make, in our relationships, in the legacy we leave and so much more. But life is meant to be enjoyed as well. Not everything has to be serious. Indeed, creating and spreading joy is considered a great Mitzvah. Not every decision we make should be characterized by a kind of burdened heaviness. We’re not supposed to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders; just do our part to make the world a better place.
As we approach our High Holy Days, and reflect upon a world that to many may feel supremely challenged, it is important to remind ourselves we still have our own lives to live fully, seriously and joyfully.
It takes a human-divine partnership to craft a soul in God’s image which is not always easy. Life is a serious endeavor and is measured in the choices we make, in our relationships, in the legacy we leave and so much more. But life is meant to be enjoyed as well. Not everything has to be serious. Indeed, creating and spreading joy is considered a great Mitzvah. Not every decision we make should be characterized by a kind of burdened heaviness. We’re not supposed to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders; just do our part to make the world a better place.
As we approach our High Holy Days, and reflect upon a world that to many may feel supremely challenged, it is important to remind ourselves we still have our own lives to live fully, seriously and joyfully.