By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort
CARLSBAD, California–On Monday, June 11, ’12, history was made as the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings became champions. Wait a minute! What does a Chabad Chasidic Rabbi know about hockey? Actually, not a lot (but I am teachable). The Los Angeles Kings were born a mere couple of years after Yours Truly, and in the same city. Until last night the Kings remained a study in futility. In all of the 44 years of their existence they have failed to earn a championship. Even the greatest hockey player of them all, the world renowned Wayne Gretsky, also known as “The Great One,” could not bring a championship toLos Angeles. But last night, the Kings were crowned.
As a Chasidic Rabbi I decided that I must take a look at this monumental achievement as I try to live by the teaching of the great Chasidic Master, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, who said that a Jew must learn from everything he or she sees, and apply it in his/her service of the Almighty. When Kings are crowned, how can we not take notice?
I did some quick reading on this “Team of Destiny” as they made their way through the playoffs. They brushed aside teams that were considered far superior to them only a few weeks ago; seemingly with ease. As they got closer and closer to the championship I noticed several of my online Facebook pals rooting them on in their status updates, and I couldn’t help doing a little bandwagon jumping myself, as I began habitually ‘liking’ their pro-Kings comments. What can I say? I am a native Angelino and love underdogs. I knew something really special was up when last night my wife texted me, “5-1 Kings!” then a couple of seconds later “6-1.” I assure you my wife and I have never discussed professional hockey in our 24 years of marriage. Yet somehow this magical event captured our imaginations.
I am by no means a hockey maven at this stage and will never be one, but I did pick up a bit of insight into this fascinating sport. Hockey is the fastest sport of the ‘big four’ (baseball, football, basketball, and hockey). The players combine tremendous speed, strength, and grace and display mind-boggling athleticism. As opposed to the other major sports I have always been struck by the humility displayed by hockey players, who are always quick to credit their teammates, their coaches, and their fans with whatever success they achieve. Conventional wisdom says that the hockey championship is the most difficult to attain due to numerous factors.
In the mainstream press the articles began appearing at a rapid rate following the one-sided 6-1 victory last night over the New Jersey Devils. It spoke about the storybook ending to an otherwise unremarkable year for the Kings. How they came from the hockey hinterlands to win it all. I was struck by the momentousness of the Kings beating the Devils. Of course this is just a metaphor, but come on now!
Let’s dig a bit deeper for a moment.
According to all of the hockey pundits the best players are those who are “two way” players. A two-way player is one who excels both at offense, trying to score, and defense, trying to stop the opponent from scoring. Think about it for a moment. What is the Jewish equivalent of a two-way player? Actually, there are several possibilities. One might say that an individual who “Turns from evil” and “Does good” can be considered a two-way player. Fulfilling all types of commandments, both the “Thou Shalt Nots” and the “Thou Shalts” is critical to our way of life. An individual who does the one without the other is incomplete. Fulfillment of each of these types of commandments is actualized through either our awe and fear of Heaven or our love of the Almighty. Both elements are necessary in a Jew’s divine service. Fear of G-d without love of G-d, or conversely the love of G-d without holding Him in awe is an imperfect service and ultimately cannot be sustained.
Another possible way of imagining a two-way player is one who focuses on the divine commandments that are between an individual and G-d, and those commandments that are between man and his fellow. Both are critical components of a complete individual and one without the other cannot sustain one’s Jewish identity. How often do we so those who seem to focus exclusively on one part of the divine service at the expense of the other? That sort of one way approach will never reach the pinnacle of success.
No championships will be realized without “two-way” players.
With that said I found it remarkable that the most valuable player from the Kings’ playoff run was one, Jonathan Quick, the goaltender. While others on the ice must certainly concern themselves with both offense and defense the goalie’s role is pretty much purely defensive, as he ‘stands on his head’ to keep the opponents’ puck out of the net. And yet with deeper reflection the goalie is arguably the most important piece in the successful team’s composition. If you watch a hockey game you see the unmitigated affection shown to the goalie by his teammates. They know without him they cannot win. And neither can we.
We all have our own personal goalie; our inner voice that helps us to keep the opponent from scoring and us from losing. Our G-dly soul, described as a “Portion of the living G-d” protects us from negative and evil influences. He stands guard and allows us to shine as we achieve our own goals and earn greatness. Everything is built upon him. Like a championship team we use our talents and our fellow men/women to move our lives forward; to build a better world. But it is all built on the rock-solid foundation of our inner spark of G-dliness, our Neshama, our soul.
When we work hard at perfecting our lives and the world around us, when our souls function as they should, keeping the opponent from scoring, we too will be crowned King.
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is Director of Chabad at La Costa and welcomes readers’ comments and questions via email to RabbiE@ChabadatLaCosta.com.