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Passion Fruit

Thursday, 20 August, 2015 - 11:15 am

Surrender of self or self-assertion?

Which of these are the proper pathway? Does G-d want me to completely submit to His authority? Or does He wish that I express myself and allow my talents and personality to shine?

Powerful arguments can be made for both positions.  One the one hand, if I don’t abnegate my own ego and leave my spiritual journey to what feels best and most aptly expresses myself, I may not be serving my Creator. I may be serving my own ego.

Conversely, if I fail to find my personal calling – my unique contribution – I may flounder.  Lacking a personal identity, my commitment might be shallow and unenthused. Is that really what G-d wants?

***

When commanding us not to destroy fruit trees in this week’s parsha Shoftim, the Torah compares a tree to a person.  “For a man is the tree of the field.” There are various interpretations into this statement.  The Talmud explains why a person is compared specifically to a fruit tree. Why not any tree?

The Talmud clarifies that the comparison is particularly to a Torah scholar.  One who studies Torah is analogous to a fruit tree.  Equating a student of Torah – versus one who engages in mitzvoth, good deeds – to a fruit tree, sheds some light on the issue. 

The mitzvoth are G-d’s commands to humanity.  To live up to His expectations requires sacrifice. We must put aside our personal interests to fulfill His demands.  I may want to keep 100% of my income. But, as a Jew, I must surrender my desire and contribute at least 10% to charity.

Torah study, by contrast, is G-d’s wisdom.  It might take discipline to study, but ultimately, the purpose of study is that my mind should perceive Divine wisdom.  My personal take is important here.  I may need to surrender my will in order to study Torah, but if I entirely check my sense of self at the door, I won’t grasp G-d’s knowledge.

A great rabbi was once called upon to settle a dispute between two of his followers.  The first man poured out his complaints to the rabbi, and when he finished, the rabbi said, “You’re right.”  Then it was the second one’s turn.  When he finished, the rabbi said, “You’re also right.”  The rabbi’s wife, who had been listening to the conversation, said incredulously to her husband, “What do you mean, ‘You’re also right’? They can’t both be right!”  The rabbi thought for a few moments, and then replied, “You know, my dear, you’re also right.”

Sometimes, my children come with similar challenges.  One says, “Can I be first?” I respond, “Sure.” Another then says, “How about me? Can I go before anyone else?” “Absolutely,” I reply.  Now, I’m not going to split the baby in half, but – as a parent – I believe saying yes (and, at times, no) to both is important. (Sometimes the answer is yes to one and no to another).  It’s going to be my duty to figure out how they can both be first.

***

Mitzvah observance requires – primarily – submission of self. Torah study, on the other hand, is mainly about my perspective.

Both are critical in our relationship with the Almighty. Sometimes, the answer really is is yes and yes.

Grains primarily provide sustenance.  Fruits are also tasty and a source of pleasure.

By comparing Torah study to fruit trees, we are reminded that – more so than our other religious observances – Torah study isn’t only a duty. It’s a passion.

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