Wells of Inspiration

Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

A survey of Jewish American adults was recently distributed, with the first question being, “Please list one thing that you learned in Hebrew School.” Here are some of the answers:

• The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.
• The seventh commandment is: "Thou shalt not admit adultery."
• David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.
• Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

Are your Hebrew School memories as clouded as these ones? Hopefully not. But if you’re like so many Hebrew School graduates, it’s possible that your memory of what you learnt is somewhat fuzzy. Or perhaps you never even had the opportunity to attend Hebrew School. Often I meet people who explain to me that they are not Jewishly involved because they can’t read Hebrew, they don’t keep kosher or some other reason.

The truth is, no matter the status of your Jewish observance, a Jew is defined primarily by their Jewish soul. This fact has surprising ramifications.

When studying the biblical narratives of the Founding Fathers of the Jewish people, an interesting observation can be made: Abraham’s story is recounted in great detail; Jacob’s story is recounted in great detail; but Isaac is hardly featured.

Of the few details the Torah does share, one peculiar detail stands out and seems to be considered a central factor in the narrative: Isaac dug wells. A number of wells, and they were closed up by his detractors and then he re-dug the wells. An interesting detail perhaps, but is this truly such an integral piece of information?

Here’s the thing - a well is not a natural body of water, but then again it is also not entirely man made. The water is always there, but it is concealed beneath the earth. The human contribution is that of removing the earth and revealing what is hidden.

When we are presented with a gift, we treasure it less than something which we personally labored to accomplish. A natural body of water is less appreciated than one in which we toil to uncover.

We each have a uniquely Jewish soul that at times is deeply buried. It is an important detail to emphasis because our Jewish connection is not lacking, it is always within us. Its expression may be lacking but that is just a matter of revealing that which already exists within.

And when we do work to reveal our Jewish soul, it is so much more precious to us - thanks to the effort we invested in uncovering it.

Don’t allow your Hebrew School education - or lack thereof - to impede the expression of your Jewish soul!