By Rabbi Michael Skobac
Over the past ten years, our community’s focus on
continuity has led to a growing interest in Jewish spirituality.
This has not been limited to a desire for more intensity
and passion in synagogue services, but a quest for the
transcendent in all areas of life. Could there be more
to giving and community involvement than the emergence
of our “inner mentsch”?
In a famous biblical story, the Almighty’s presence
came to comfort and visit with Abraham after his circumcision.
Spying some desert travelers, Abraham “puts G-d on
hold” and runs to offer his hospitality to the three
strangers.
If developing intimacy with G-d is the ultimate spiritual
activity – why would Abraham give priority to being
a “nice guy”? He understood that “hanging
out” with G-d was one thing – but acting G-dly
himself was even higher.
An ancient rabbinic teaching relates that Chanoch, who
lived in the 8th generation after Adam, achieved the highest
mystical levels working as a shoemaker. Rabbi Yisroel Salanter
explained that he didn’t do this by praying and meditating
as he worked, as this would have been a breach of ethical
responsibility to his clients. Rather, he was able to achieve
union with G-d by putting all his effort into each stitch.
He strove to make shoes of the highest quality that would
give maximum use and pleasure to their owners. G-d only
gives us the best and Chanoch desired to make shoes as
G-d would.
There is no greater closeness with G-d than transforming
ourselves to act as G-d acts.
When this consciousness informs our charitable giving and
community involvement, we are not just helping others – we
are connecting with the Almighty and with the essence of
who we really are.
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