Balance

Rabbi Hillel lived nearly two thousand years ago in ancient Israel. He was astute and a keen observer of the challenges of being Jewish as the times were changing. There are some whom refer to him as the first Conservative Rabbi as he would adapt Halacha to the meet those challenges. One of his most beloved statements can be found in Pirkei Avot, a compendium of pithy statements of the early Rabbis that was incorporated into the Mishna: If I am not for me, who will be? If I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, when? [Avot 1:12]

If I am not for me, who will be? We have to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. Each of us needs to exercise, get regular physicals and sufficient rest. We need to be able to find the right people when the time comes to unburden ourselves as well as cease work, including emails and texts. The human soul seeks refreshment as well, as we struggle to answer the big questions of our purpose on this planet. I don’t think that Rabbi Hillel’s assertion suggests that we never have anyone in our lives that cares for us deeply. But if we don’t demonstrate that we care about ourselves, what message does that give to others?

If I am for myself alone, what am I? Many people are involved in organizations that act upon local, regional, state-wide, national and global concerns. All of us have moments when we are besieged by telephone calls, emails and mail solicitations for funds from worthwhile groups. The sheer number can be overwhelming, and each of us chooses those whose purposes align with our interests. There are enough opportunities to better the world to keep all of us occupied for a very long time. Judaism is a religion that favors action as the natural progression of knowledge, and the performance of mitzvot through our involvement with others is an regular expectation.

The big question is: what is the proper balance? Where do we find equilibrium? Should it be half and half? I compare this to a see-saw: sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down. Most of the time you are in transition from one to the other, passing by the fulcrum rather speedily. So too the tension between the first and second sentences of Rabbi Hillel’s statement. There will be times that we are excessively engaged in a communal act, so much so that it can become too much. We can inwardly sense when the see-saw has gone too far in one direction, and try to gently prod it back the other way. Sometimes we just need to take care of ourselves. Then there are times when we get too self-absorbed and need to rediscover outlets for our interests.

And if not now, when? I see Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha at a significant point in its storied 154-year history. We are at the now moment. The range of possibilities for which we serve our members is limited only by our imagination and desire.

If I am not for Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha, who will be? That is the question I pose to you today. If the answer is inaction, or, no answer, then the number of people on the one end of the see-saw will create a trajectory that will answer the question. I’d prefer to hear “what can I do?” or “how can I help?” I leave you with the question, and welcome your answer. My email is rabbi@tolols.org.

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