
What an interesting confluence of events this week! MLK day coincides with Inauguration Day and new administration and the Torah portion which speaks about hardening the heart of Pharaoh and the beginning plagues. Several sermons here!!!!
No doubt we will be bombarded with new phrases and slogans in these weeks. I was, however, thinking about what we can do to try and make some impact on our world. I am going to bet that for the vast majority of us, we will not be consulted on domestic or foreign policy by the new administration, I know I will not! The emphasis on social justice work, so much of a focus on the MLK weekend, will, for many, fade until next year, or the next crises. Yet, the eternality of Torah can remind us of something, something that each of us can do to make some small impact on our world and community. When Pirke Avot reminds us that we do not have to save the entire world, just to take care of our part of it, we can infer from that a need to elevate in our life, a sense of “chesed”. Indeed, if there is a revolution that we can create, it is one that elevates the sense of compassion and kindness in our world.
I know for some that this may seem naïve. However, I have come to believe that we really can use a revolution of compassion and kindness. The world’s heart, in so many ways, has been hardened. Yes, so many of us will respond quickly to a disaster like the wildfires in Los Angeles. And that is great! We will write a check or donate material goods, buy food for the food pantry etc. But the everyday challenges of living in the world and dealing with people, that’s what I am speaking about. For many of us it seems that we have lost that sense of common civility, of seeing in each other a common link of humanity, despite our differences. Can we move forward, each of us, and dedicate every day to deeds of “chesed”, acts of kindness and respect. Yes, we will disagree with others whose views may challenge ours. We may be put off by the attitude of an administrator or co-worker, or random encounter with someone we do not know. But if we remember that we are all engaged in the human journey and daily challenge to make ends meet, create some sense of meaning in life and grab some joy along that journey, maybe we can greet each encounter with kindness and compassion.
There is enough meanness, discomfort and challenges in our world right now., Maybe, one relationship at a time, we can counter that with a “chesed” revolution. If nothing else, we may feel better about ourselves and, who knows, over time we may be able to change behaviors.
Shalom
Rabbi Richard F Address
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