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Rabbi's Blog

Thoughts and Musings by Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

Embracing Your Inner Tourist

 

Esty likes to say that although she grew up in NYC, her first visit to the Statue of Liberty was a couple years back, when visiting New York as a tourist.

People are often more excited about attractions in other cities, because of a certain novel allure and unfamiliarity. When we travel to new places, everything is fresh and exciting, and we're more open to new experiences and adventures. In our own hometowns, we may take our surroundings for granted and feel like we've seen it all before, leaving us unenthusiastic about local tourist attractions.

In a similar sense, it is not uncommon for a convert to Judaism to be even more enthusiastically observant and meticulous than their born-Jewish counterparts. The convert has a special place in the eyes of G-d, because of them choosing Judaism, on their own initiative, with the inspiration coming from deep inside.

We can all take a page out of the conversion book. When a Jew chooses to increase his or her Jewish observance, even in the smallest way, one more visit to Synagogue, Shabbat candles lit, Teffilin wrapped or charity given, G-d’s reward is commensurate (not based on the deed, but) with the effort and enthusiasm invested “Lifum Tzaara Agra” (Avot chap 5) .

So while yes, we ought to feel right at home in our Judaism, when it comes to enthusiasm and curiosity, we should channel our inner tourists.

Run With It

 

Since the pandemic, one of the sustained changes I've noticed, has been a significant uptick in people running in my neighborhood. From early morning until late evening, it seems as if running has become increasingly popular.

The Mishna teaches that: “One should run to do a Mitzvah”. Running to do something expresses deep excitement. Some people ‘run’ to the game, others ‘run’ to work or to their favorite restaurant. But when it comes to supporting a community cause, going to Shul or to a Torah class, it may be much more difficult to schlep ourselves out of the house. 

Just last night one guy said to me: “I don’t know how to get my children to be committed to Judaism like I am”. I asked him: “Do your children see you ‘running’ to do anything Jewish? Do you do Jewish with ‘Oy’ or do you do it with ‘Joy’?”

When you're running to do something, you're moving purposefully, with a sense of urgency and determination. It shows that you are willing to put in the effort to get there as quickly as possible. This kind of enthusiasm is contagious. When your children see you running towards that Mitzvah, they can sense your excitement and passion and they may even be inspired to follow your lead!

So the next time you are gearing up for a good cause, a Mitzvah opportunity or a Jewish experience, consider the fact that if you're going in that direction anyway, you may as well run towards it!

 

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