"IF" opens up a world of possibility....A d'var Torah honoring Gail Wishnow

When I first realized that today’s Torah portion was Bechukkotai, I worried about how I could possibly create a d’var Torah that would honor Gail Wishnow and still speak about a core value found in a portion that contains lines known as the Tochacha, a section about rebuke.  And then it struck me that the key was to focus on the first word in today’s Torah portion….Eem.  Eem means if.  Although it is a small word in both Hebrew and English, it is a word that opens up a world of possibility. 

By the time you reach adulthood, it becomes quite apparent I believe, that life has many challenges. Some are physical, some are emotional.  No matter who we are, we might see ourselves as “victims of circumstance.” Yet, the Torah does not believe in determinism.  It believes that we can choose how we respond in any given situation. That’s why we can be “victors of circumstance.”  Even though we do not choose our parents or where we will be raised we are still responsible for the choices we make that are within our control.  

Parshat Bechukkotai suggests that the way to achieve a healthy balance in life is to follow G-d’s laws.  If we work to bring holiness and completeness to the world via mitzvoth, then our efforts will be rewarded. The Torah reminds us that we are accountable for our actions and we need to be mindful of the well-being of others as well. What we do not only has an effect on our own life, but has an effect on the entire community as well.

Gail, I think this parasha, is actually perfectly suited for a Shabbat celebration of your 80^th birthday.  I have watched over the years as you have faced many personal challenges with amazing resiliency.  As your mother, Bea, and Aunt Ruth aged, and needed care, you were always present to support them both physically and emotionally.  As you faced the loss of your dear husband, Bernie, you knew that as a single parent you would need to be fully engaged in promoting the well-being of your three children, even though you were working as a teacher and busy with helping others grow and develop as well.  As a member of this congregation, you have always been willing to lend a hand when help is needed.  Whether it’s showing up to make a minyan, prepare a meal of consolation, or set tables, you volunteer.  You always have your calendar handy to make sure you jot down the upcoming gatherings in the Jewish community and we can always count on the fact that you and Max will be among the strongest supporters of all of our communal events.  

If you had chosen to face life’s challenges by simply succumbing to despair, you would not have positively impacted others.  We would not be spending time on your birthday, declaring what a strong and admirable woman you are!  I believe that you have understood all along, that the reward for correct behavior may not be riches, but the sense of having done what is right.  The Torah definitely promotes a world based upon treating one’s neighbor (including family) with dignity which is what we have witnessed as you have made choices in your own life. “ IF” has definitely been the operative word in your life.

Yom Huledet Sameach.

Ad meah