By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — This week’s parsha comes at a time many are feeling anxiety, fear, worry about the state of our world. As we approach our High Holidays, it’s natural to feel a sense of trepidation and fear about the future. In our spiritual journey, the phrase “al tira” – “do not be afraid” – is laced into the very foundation of our faith. Maimonides, in his wisdom, elevates this reassurance to a divine commandment, urging us individually and communally to cast off the psychological shackles of fear and embrace genuine courage as a sacred duty.
By approaching the High Holidays with an attitude of openness and a willingness to grow, we can transform our fears into a catalyst for positive change. The days ahead invite us to confront our deepest anxieties and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more connected to our truest selves.
I’m reminded of the concept of the “egla arufa” (the ritual of the broken-necked heifer) in our parsha that emphasizes communal responsibility. Certainly, from a contemporary perspective, individuals and communities are accountable for their actions and should strive to create a just and ethical environment. The High Holidays, indeed, Shabbat, are communal experiences. Coming together with others who share our hopes and fears can provide comfort and strength. The collective energy of a congregation engaged in prayer, reflection and kind, compassionate, genuine social support can be profoundly moving.
Our parsha further illuminates this theme, offering compassionate exemptions from battle for those with unfinished business in life. This teaches us a profound lesson: that we must honor our personal circumstances and limitations, even in the face of great challenges. It’s a reminder that self-awareness and self-care are not selfish acts, but essential components of our spiritual and emotional well-being.
As we enter the month of Elul and approach our High Holy Days, we find ourselves once again at a crossroads, facing uncertainties that may stir thoughts that create anxiety within us. Yet, we are called to approach this season with steadfast emotional resolve, recognizing that fear, like a virus, can spread and overwhelm us when left unchecked.
In these times, we’d be wise to draw strength from our community and from the divine commandment to be unafraid. We’d be wise to find the courage to prioritize our needs, to seek comfort when necessary, and to face the future with what overcomes fear, hope and resilience. As we step into our season of holy transformation, we can truly do so without fear, ready to embrace the unknown with open hearts and unwavering spirits.
How?
The spiritual art of judging ourselves and others favorably rests on the idea of “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” – “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” This repetition emphasizes the importance of seeking true justice, both for others and for ourselves. It’s a call to cultivate compassion and fairness in our hearts.
As the Baal Shem Tov teaches, “Hashem is your shadow,” the mirror of divine judgment. Our judgments of others reflect how Hashem judges us. This insight reminds us that every act of compassion we extend, ripples through to others.
Here is a blend of contemporary psychology and practical wisdom for spiritual growth:
- Cultivate Empathy: “Do not judge your fellow man until you have reached his place.” Better, seek to understand others instead of judging others.
- Avoid Assumptions: “Judge every person as meritorious.” Give others the benefit of the doubt, for this is the foundation of lasting relationships.
- Focus on Strengths: See Hashem’s spark in yourself and in others. By acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the good, we nurture its growth.
In practicing these principles, we not only elevate our relationships but also our own souls. As we learn to judge favorably, we open ourselves to greater compassion from Hashem and create a world illuminated by understanding and love.
As we approach this sacred “Shabbat of Judges,” let us embark on a profound spiritual journey of self-reflection and growth. As we enter this special Shabbat, it’s a good time to release the heavy burden of self-judgment and embrace the lightness of self-acceptance. Our souls, created in the image of Hashem, are beyond measure, beyond rating. They are precious gems in the eyes of Hashem, our true Judge, who sees our infinite worth beyond our earthly actions.
In this time of introspection, we are called to embrace a transformative wisdom: to separate our essence from our deeds. Like a loving parent who corrects a child’s behavior while unconditionally cherishing the child, we would be wise to learn to lovingly critique our actions without diminishing our inherent value. This is the path to true teshuvah, a return to our highest selves. We are not what we do. Put simply as Albert Ellis, Ph.D. taught, “you are not a worm for acting wormily.”
At this time of the year, standing before the mirror of our souls, why not cultivate a compassionate gaze? We are not the sum of our mistakes, nor are we defined by our shortcomings. Rather, we have infinite potential, constantly evolving and growing. Our task is to nurture this potential, to refine our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with gentle determination.
Currently as we prepare for the High Holidays, it’s a good time to practice the sacred art of balanced judgment. Like a skilled gardener who prunes with care to encourage new growth, we’d be wise to learn to assess our actions with both honesty and kindness. This is not a call for harsh self-criticism, but for loving discernment that leads to positive change.
May this Shabbat bring us closer to our true selves, to each other, and to the Source of all being. May we learn to judge with wisdom, love with compassion, and grow with grace.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.