Dear Friends,
In this week's designated Torah portion of Pinchas, we read about Moshe, one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people, who is informed that he will not be able to enter the land of Israel.
After leading the Jews out of Egypt and leading them through the dessert for 40 years, experiencing the land of Israel was at the heart and center of his life. It was his lifelong dream to see his people settled in their true home. And now, that privilege and pleasure was being denied to him. G-d lovingly told him no.
And yet.
The Torah tells us that Moshe's "eyes never dimmed." He did not allow his initial hurt and disappointment crush him. Because ultimately, this, too, came from G-d. And therefore, he accepted this.
Every literal story in the Torah has a spiritual message for all time.
Every one of us, by virtue of being human, has had dreams that have gone unfulfilled.
It is part of the reality of life.
But if we can respond to the denied dreams like Moshe...accept that there is a Divine hand that wills what is good for us, and what is best unfulfilled...our eyes will never dim.
Yes, there is the human reaction of disappointment and pain- a loved one that died too soon, an opportunity that didn't quite actualize, a child that didn't quite fulfill our expectations- but then there is the gift of knowing, that in the midst of my pain, is the idea of Divine Providence.
That ultimately, what has actualized in my life, and what has not actualized in my life, is exactly the way it is meant to be.
May we be privileged to see only revealed good in our life's dreams and aspirations.
****
Bronze over Silver
The Olympic Games kick off tonight in Paris. Over the next few weeks, we will witness dreams come true and crumble in real time.
Imagine you’ve spent years training and preparing for the Olympics. You’ve worked hard, made sacrifices, and dreamt of your moment on the world stage. Only one person can win gold, but there are two other medals up for grabs – silver and bronze. Which would you rather win?
Dr. Victoria Medvec's study examined the reactions of Olympic silver and bronze medallists and found that bronze medallists tend to be happier than silver. Surprisingly, third place often feels better than second.
Why? The silver medallist thinks, “I almost won gold,” whereas the bronze medallist reflects, “I almost missed a medal, but I won!” It’s all about perspective. The silver medallist focuses on what could have been; the bronze medallist celebrates what is.
We often let our blessings be overshadowed by what might have been. Few of us naturally think like a bronze medallist, appreciating the goals met against the odds.
A special shout-out to the 88 brave and talented athletes of the Israeli Olympic Team. Unlike any other competing nation, Israeli athletes have been subjected to death threats. May all athletes and their staff enjoy safety and success in Paris!
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
This week's Kiddush is being sponsored by Dave and Sue Schaffel in honor of Dave's birthday. Mazel Tov!