Simple Spirituality!

I’ve been thinking, isn’t it just great to be Jewish? Now your thinking, in what regard do I say that? Allow me to explain.

So, last week, if you were in synagogue (or read my email ;) ) you would be familiar with the fact that G-d revealed himself to the Jewish people at Sinai. During that revelation, G-d delivered the Ten Commandments to his chosen people.

This week, we receive many laws from G-d, as the Parsha, Mishpatim, relates. These laws however seem very nonspiritual. Why would G-d, who had just finished the greatest spiritual act of all time, continue in a very mundane and simple way?

Well, that’s where my sentiment about the greatness of being Jewish sprouts from. Figure this... While most religions of the world give most of their focus to the ‘spiritual’ side of their faith, Judaism spends lots of time and practical observance and physical life.

G-d is telling us that through keeping these simple common sense and logical laws, we are indeed being as spiritual as it gets. By G-d telling us to pay up a pledge, he is making that simple act spiritual. When we do it because G-d commanded it, its different than simply doing it.

The name of the Parsha means “Laws.” But more than that, it means laws that are understandable. Don’t steal. Don’t murder. Repay a loan. Treat your workers properly. These laws make sense. Yet, the Torah is telling us that they too are as important as those that we need to work to or may never understand.

This is one of the most powerful messages this week’s Parsha delivers. If we are unable to derive spirituality from the mundane, simple, logical aspects of life, then of what benefit was G-d’s revelation?

Of course, we can always read inspiring words, hear an uplifting sermon or attend a masterful Rosh Hashana service. All good and encouraged.

However, drawing inspiration and spirituality from deeper wells is the trick.

Every action we do brings a “force” into the world. Negative or positive. Lets make sure that our next action uplifts the world and changes it for the better.

Shabbat shalom from the Chabad House at McGill University in Downtown Montreal, Canada.

This week I am serving as head chef at Chabad House as the Rebbetzin has traveled to Crown Heights to attend the International Conference of Chabad Shluchos. Annually, the Chabad Rebbetzins converge on New York to brainstorms and share ideas for the future.

The gathering always falls at the time of the Yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. “The Rebbetzin,” as she was known, was a role model and source of inspiration to thousands of women and girls around the globe.