Let me set the scene. I am sitting at my desk reading this week’s parsha Achrei Mot. After an audible sigh, I grunt. “Ooofff!” I let out another, “ooofff.” I am reminded that the clergy team at Jeremiah love Letivicus and all that it has to teach us. Again, I let out an audible “ooooffff.” I have admitted to struggling with these parshot and the constant barrage of rules that were written for a different day and age. How do we connect with drawing close to the Eternal, the litany of rules for Aaron who is preparing to enter the shrine within the tent of meeting and cleansing of sin? And who can forget the numerous rules dealing with incest that close out this parsha? It’s a lot to digest.
I found myself landing on one line while reading through the parsha. “You shall keep My laws and My rules, by the pursuit of which human beings shall live” (Let. 18:5). For some reason the title The Pursuit of Happyness landed in my head while reading this line. I couldn’t tell you why. Maybe it was the use of pursuit. Maybe there is something to the line that I should follow more deeply.
There is a wonderful commentary written by Rabbi Isaiah Halevi Horowitz in which he states, “When you do mitzvah they should be done with life (that is, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm). This makes your whole being come alive.” There is no comparison between doing a mitzvah feeling oppressed or forced as opposed to doing the mitzvah with joy and excitement. The life of a person who lives with joy is a life of pleasure and elevation – and one which motivates others. When they see how much enjoyment you have from doing good deeds, they will be motivated to emulate your behavior.
I know that I sing the praises of our Social Justice Committee often, but the hands-on work that they help lead is no easy feat! Our building regularly resembles the inside of any major food distributor. After the dust settles, there is a huge number of people not within the Jeremiah community that are able to benefit from our collective acts of kindness. As the school year starts to end, think about the opportunities to give back during the summer. Just because it’s a little quieter around the synagogue doesn’t mean the needs are any less. Consider hosting a packing party for Feed the Hungry with your friends and neighbors. It’s a fun way to perform a mitzvah. Just a small act can make a big difference!