Refine Your Act

BH

The following words may surprise no one: I just got back from Israel. Again.

Once again, leading a group of fine young American men and women through the Holy Land at lightning speed. Caesarea, Tiberias, Safed, Galilee, Golan, Jerusalem, the Negev, Tel Aviv and more. 10 short days. Memories that will last a lifetime.

Everyone comes to Israel with their own thoughts. Some verbalize them, others remain silent. One things for sure - with regard to the Land, the State, the People the Religion and the region - each of us has our personal views.

Statements voiced publicly are rooted in the mind and thought. Some things are deliberately kept as thoughts, while others, possibly subconsciously slip through the teeth.

Thoughts are the deepest proof of a person’s inner beliefs and values. Not the speech. However, so often we see people judged based on what they say.

Throughout modern political history or the recent strides of media and news, people find themselves diving head first from top to bottom because of one moment of shame. One thing they said or did in their tenure as a storied reporter or seasoned policy maker.

Its like sixty to zero in 0.8 seconds.

Most recently, stories of Helen Thomas and Anthony Wiener come to mind. But its happened many times. Why such an emphasis on the one act or statement? Cant they be forgiven for the one time mishap? Do they need to have such a tragic downfall for one act or word that literally took 15 seconds?

This weeks Torah portion actually has the answer. Yes. Because the act or opinion is not created on the spot. The tongue doesn't speak its own mind, it speak yours! Its a result of being trained to “keep certain things inside” and suddenly have it squeeze its way through.

Twice in this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, it states “if you shall say in your heart,” i.e., think a thought.

“If you should say in your heart: "These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?" (7:17)

“You will say in your heart: "My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth..."

What is the meaning of these two statements? Moses is telling the Jewish people that fearing the enemy in actuality is just as bad as thinking about it. G-d commanded it, then there is no question, not in thought or in action!

Additionally, Moses continues, having thoughts of haughtiness, while not even expressed, is wrongful doing. You shall not even think that your might resulted in anything. Its because of G-d!

Let us all take this opportunity, the second of the seven Shabbats of consolation between the 9th of Av and Rosh Hashana, to think thoughts of consolation rather than destructive harmful thoughts.

Lets polish our ways by refining our minds.

Shabbat Shalom from the Chabad Center at McGill University in Downtown Montreal, Quebec!