This past weekend was a good example of why it so hard to keep obligations during the pandemic. Our synagogue community was celebrating three major events in the space of a few days, each of which had taken months of planning and preparation only to have all of the original plans toppled by the weather forecast. After a week of sustained ninety degree weather, thunderstorms hung ominously overhead. Wisely, we chose to bring events indoor. So, no more to the drive-in annual meeting and park-and-pray, and two Bnei Mitzvahs scheduled for Saturday – those of Zelda Abramovich and Noah Brooks – would have to be moved inside as well. Now, instead of forty to fifty people attending each of these events, less than a dozen could be present.
Still, our synagogue community was determined not to let anyone down. For, as we learn in this week’s double portion, Matot-Masei, an obligation is still an obligation even during Covid. And, while the events were not exactly as we first intended they were spectacular all the same. Particularly, the Bnei Mitzvah celebrations, as both Zelda and Noah shown bright despite trying circumstances. If you have a chance, please take a look at the recordings of both of them as they both made their families and community proud. Bring tissues, you will definitely need them.
I leave you with the words of Noah Brooks who spoke about the importance of fulfilling obligations in his own life.
“The beginning of the Torah portion talks about how obligations were taken much more seriously in the past. These obligations to yourself or others had to be fulfilled or there would be consequences. Some places give you more obligations, like school, and home. At my home I have obligations like, doing the dishes, and walking my dog. In my religion I have obligations as well such as, preparing for my bar mitzvah and being a kind person. These obligations are not very difficult for me, but sometimes the circumstances affect them in a negative way. Sometimes staying interested in what the teacher has to say is difficult because someone is making noise. My motivation to continue and ignore the circumstances and try my best, because if you work hard on something difficult, it pays off when you don’t have to do that again. It’s important to fulfill these obligations to show people that you are reliable and that you can help them if they need it. My parents have helped me learn this. Their bosses give them jobs to do and they fulfill them. They have shown me what it is like to be a responsible adult. I hope to be just as good of a role model as them when I’m an adult.”
Thank you, Noah for your wisdom snd Mazel Tov to you and Zelda on a job well done.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex