Over the last 4-5 years, in rekindling my essence with Judaism, there have been a number of challenges……Recently; there has been a concerted effort to acquaint myself with Chabad texts and literature. In doing so, my understanding and knowledge of what ‘it’ represents and stands for has deepened. This in turn established a connection with the Lubavitcher Rebbe… a bond that has showered much light and love into my life.
One of these challenges is living externally as a Jew. Being a Jew at home, in shule or with Jewish people is one thing, doing it out in the “world”, at times, appears like a hurdle that cannot be jumped. No matter what.
Whenever this happens I delve into my connection, with the Rebbe, what Chabad stands for, and do my best to ensure that the hours spent learning from Jewish texts do not lay dormant in my mind, but rather are engraved in my heart which ultimately manifest themselves in speech and action. When I do this the vast mountains seem like flat ground.
On arrival in Sydney and taking up a position at St Vincent’s Hospital, I did not think my colleagues knew what they were getting themselves into. The orthopaedic department, in which I am involved, is very social. Both socially and financially. Immediately, I was faced with corporate meetings, clinical meetings, and social work gatherings where food comprised the highlight of the evening. Keeping Kosher meant my colleagues have to go out their way and ensure the food is catered for according to our tradition. A challenge. At times I wondered just what they were thinking. On taking up my position at the hospital they all had to acclimatize to my belief system…. I never wanted to give in, but there were times I wished it could be easier. Nevertheless, I knew that I needed to be PROUD of who I really am: this was fuelled by my connection to the Rebbe.
Three days ago after rushing home from morning prayers, I had no time to make my regular sandwich for work. Instead I grabbed some instant noodle soup from the cupboard and raced off.
Only a couple of weeks ago we employed a Physiotherapist, Rachel from England. It’s lunchtime and I have a quick 20 minutes before my next patient. I am rummaging through some notes trying to get through my noodle soup and Rachel walks in to my office. After some serious clinical chatter she notices the word KOSHER in bright red on my polystyrene noodle bowl and unexpectedly asks,
“What is Kosher?”
Oh no, I think, here we go, a challenge! How I am going to explain this one…
After briefly explaining Rachel says with much confusion,
“you know what? My grandmother was Jewish”
My heart skips a beat
In return I ask, “were your parents Jewish?”
“Well, my dad rebelled so, no, he isn’t”
Sitting on the edge of my chair now, wondering what is coming next I gasp…
“Well, your mother, was she Jewish”
“No, my mother was an atheist”
My heart skips another beat
“Yes but was she Jewish?”
“No, she did not believe”
“Right, but was she the daughter of your grandmother”
“Yes, why?”
My heart skips two beats and shivers race down my body
“Did you know that makes you Jewish…. I mean like, that makes you…. Jewish”
Rachel’s face goes pale; astounded she asks politely “What does that mean?”
I explained to Rachel that it is not ones physical make-up or intellectual belief that makes them Jewish but rather a person’s soul, which has a connection to our forefathers, dating back to the creation of the very planet she lives on and universe she exists within, which was actually created by G-d; and as Chabad literature explains each Jew within has a G-dly spark or soul which is connected to its source and creator that is of course, G-d.”
Here I was experiencing first hand the post holocaust dwindling of Jewry. I was seeing the symptoms of a generation that lost hope, lost pride, and lost touch with who they really were.
It was like walking down a footpath on a mid autumn afternoon, covered thick in leaves and all it takes is just one gush of wind to turn over a leaf and a precious stone is revealed. I was seeing the effects of a world with so much materialism and mal-education. How they covered the precious stone within each and every one of us, this G-dly spark, a special connection and deep treasure of fulfilment, happiness and truth.
Rachel told me she knows more about Christianity and Buddhism than Judaism. She appeared heart-broken, shocked and VERY CONFUSED.
Due to the teachings of the Rebbe, specifically, that we are all responsible for each others spiritual wealth and illumination of world Jewry I knew I had to do something about this. Consequently, this week Rachel will be making contact with the right people to assist her on her path back to Judaism and connection with G-d.
The icing on the cake to this story is I never even bought the Kosher Noodles! I don’t usually eat this type of instant food. Despite the fact that instant kosher noodles are available in Sydney, they were actually sent as a gift to me (with a whole bunch of other delicious treats) from my sister in Perth. Two weeks ago when I asked her why she sent them, she told me it was out of love.
Know that everything in this world happens for a reason and is a result of Hashem’s workings. The outcome of loving your fellow Jew is unbounded. The power of EXTERNAL JUDAISM has rippling effects and one never knows the affects this can have in the world; just by trying to set an example. Whether it’s helping someone across the street, giving money to charity, or even, simply eating Kosher Noodles. Even more so, the manifestations of making a diligent effort to reconnect yourself with your essence and your creator help others too. In fact, they help save Jewish souls.
All my love
Michoel |
