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ב"ה

The process is the goal

Friday, 11 March, 2016 - 3:52 pm

dartboard.jpg As a society we’ve become obsessed with results, we measure achievement by goals attained. The process of getting there is not deemed important.

This attitude often has detrimental results. Someone who falls short of their goals feels like a failure. Some people are so compelled to reach their goals that they fall into unethical and even illegal behavior in order to achieve them.

In Judaism results are important, of course, but they’re not the only determination of success.

We see this idea in this week’s Torah portion (among the many other places that this idea is taught). Moshe is completing the construction of the Tabernacle but there is a problem: he can’t lift the walls - they’re way too heavy for one person to erect.

Moshe turns to G-d saying, you want me to build this structure, yet I can’t raise the walls. G-d replies to him, you do your part and I will do my part. You make the best effort that you can and I will support you and make you succeed.

In fact, the very notion that this physical structure can become a “home” for G-d is beyond the human capacity to attain - we can design and build a beautiful structure but we can’t control if G-d will “dwell” within it.

And that’s exactly the point; it’s not only about the goal, it’s also - and perhaps primarily - about the process. And when we do our part, when we make our best effort, G-d helps us fill in the missing parts that we cannot accomplish alone.

When it comes to Jewish practice many Jews have a goal oriented mindset, they think solely about the result. And if they can’t see themselves reaching that goal, they determine that it’s not worth making the effort at all.

Just last night I had a conversation with someone who explained to me that they don’t see themselves being able to keep Shabbat properly and therefore they don’t do anything. I encouraged them to simply light Shabbat candles at the appropriate time - even if you don’t manage to keep the entire Shabbat, it’s not a reason to miss candle lighting.

The point is simple - embrace the process, even if you can’t see yourself attaining the ultimate goal. The process itself is of infinite value and you never know what type of blessing G-d will provide - perhaps your experience will be like Moshe’s and G-d Himself will partner with you to construct a ‘home” for G-d in your own life.

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