Coming from the inspiration of the High Holidays, followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah, many of us commited to stay more connected and involved with our Jewish life. Too often this commitment soon wanes as we get back to the “regular grind”. Why does this happen to us? Were we not sincere when we made the commitment?
One recurring explanation that I’m told is “Rabbi, how can I come to shul on Friday night – I barely read Hebrew” or “Rabbi, you know we don’t keep kosher at home” etc. As if somehow, the fact that we are not perfect (i.e. that we're human) means that we shouldn’t try. That if we can’t get it all – we don’t do the (albeit little) that we can.
That’s why I like the way that Noah is described in this week’s Torah portion – he is described by Rashi as a man of “small faith”. He didn’t completely and wholeheartedly believe… yet he did what Hashem asked of him.
Rabbi Yossy Goldman of South Africa expands on this theme - there is an old Yiddish proverb, Fun a kasha shtarbt men nit--"Nobody ever died of a question." It's not the end of the world if you didn't get an answer to all your questions. We can live with unanswered questions. The main thing is not to allow ourselves to become paralyzed by our doubts. We can still do what has to be done, despite our doubts.
Of course, I'd love to be able to answer every question every single one of my congregants ever has. But the chances are that I will not be able to solve every single person's doubts and dilemmas. And, frankly speaking, I am less concerned about their doubts than about their deeds. From a question nobody ever died. It's how we behave that matters most.
So Noah, the reluctant hero, reminds us that you don't have to be fearless to get involved. You don't have to be a tzaddik to do a mitzvah. You don't have to be holy to keep kosher, nor do you have to be a professor to come to a Torah class. (Read the entire article here).
So, as we get back to the regular schedule of the year, let us commit to getting more involved. I hope that we’ll get to see you soon at a class or a service. Please look at our calendar for details of upcoming events and programs.
Following our unique appeal at Kol Nidrei, we distributed the “Volunteer Skills/Interests Assessment Form”. Thank you to those who have already completed and returned the form. If you have not yet completed and returned it, please download the form here.
After three years, our local community is beginning to truly flourish and you have the ability to make a real change in the community and a significant difference in the lives of others. Please consider this important opportunity to volunteer and make an impact! The form can be faxed to 916 404 6263 or mailed to 302 South Lexington Drive #B, Folsom, CA 95630.