I’ve been reading “the gifts of imperfection” and it’s got me thinking. Words like vulnerability, shame, belonging and fitting-in have been swirling in my head. I chatted with Chavie about how hard it is for me to be vulnerable, to admit imperfection, to recognize I can’t tackle everything alone. It’s against my “Bruk” gene which demands bottling it all up inside and presenting machoness. In truth, it’s only flawed humans who think they must be perfect.
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayikra, the first in the book of Leviticus, we read about the Temple offerings. G-d demands that the wealthy, poor and broke each bring a unique type of offering. Whether an expensive animal, a bird or a handful of flour; it’s your heart that matters most, not your financial capabilities. It’s ok to show up at the Temple in a vulnerable state, penniless and perhaps flawed, as your humanity doesn’t diminish your status in the eyes of G-d or man, but actually shows your healthy character. We’re not on show and G-d doesn’t want our show, He wants us imperfect beings who are trying to be better.
I asked my buddy Stu this week, why were the ten tribes lost when the Assyrians dispelled them from Israel? Answer: there was no Rebbe who sent loving couples to inspire and uplift the exiled Jews wherever their journey took them. In 1945 the Rebbe saw a world of vulnerable Jews and started a revolution to ensure that their vulnerability doesn’t shame them away from their faith and people, but encourages them to come together in their current state, non-judgmentally, to learn, celebrate and grow. It for this reason, that despite his passing in 1994, on Friday, the 11th of Nissan we will celebrate and toast L’Chaim for the Rebbe’s birthday. He’s the gift that keeps giving to the Jewish people.
Angels are perfect; humans are a work in progress!
May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Moshiach speedily. May He protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Shabbat Shalom! Chazak!!! L'Chaim!!!