Distractions are a major concern in the 21st Century.
When driving, distractions can cause accidents, with severe and dangerous consequences.
When studying, distractions can cause us to lose focus and miss critical information.
Distractions can derail conversations and destroy relationships. Distractions can ruin business deals and waste lots of time.
Nowadays, in the information age, there are so many distractions competing for our attention. It often takes a herculean effort to stay focused.
Psychologists and sociologists today are continuously assessing the effects of distractions on our society.
Sounds like a dismal view of reality, doesn’t it?
Not quite.
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This week’s parsha Nitzavim is the last parsha of the year and the one read immediately before Rosh Hashanah. It’s got some telling messages for the New Year.
One interesting verse that we may choose to focus on is this promise from G-d: And the L-rd, your G-d, will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you may love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul, for the sake of your life.
We are familiar with the ritual of circumcision. But, here the Torah is telling us that when Moshiach comes G-d will circumcise our hearts. According to Nachmanides, this verse teaches us that G-d will remove the ‘foreskin’ of the heart, meaning our lust and desire for selfish affairs and material gain. As such, we will no longer struggle, but rather devote ourselves to selfless and spiritual endeavors, making this world the prefect place G-d designed it to be.
In other words, circumcision is the removal of negative forces. If the nasty façade is removed, the beautiful interior is able to shine. As the verse itself suggests – when the ‘foreskin’ is removed, the natural love of the soul to G-d emerges.
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Yes, we have lots of distractions. But, that should not be taken as bad news. Rather, it’s uplifting to realize that inside I am full of virtue. The negative aspects of my life are simply distractions.
Absent the distractions I am a great driver, student, spouse, parent, child, investor, neighbor, citizen and master of time-management! The real me is fabulous!
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As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, let us remember that we don’t need to recreate ourselves. We simply need to refocus our attention and energies on the real me.
The love and goodness will certainly flow.