HONESTY (EMET/TEMIMAH)
In all of our complex interactions, are we able to present ourselves in a genuine way and act in a sincere way, without pretense? Are we able to take responsibility for our feelings and our actions and are we able to channel our awareness and perceptions into productive responses?
Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our Teacher) commanded on the matter of integrity — as it is written, ‘You must be wholehearted before your God.’
-Sefer Ma’alot haMiddot on Deuteronomy 18:13
When we wish someone a Shabbat Shalom — we are wishing them a Shabbat of wholeness and contentment — and we wish the same for ourselves. We look to move away from compartmentalization and from niche living — we are to see the grandeur and the totality of the world (perfect and imperfect), right before our eyes
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER:
When do we tell ourselves (and each other) white lies? While these accommodations are a necessary part of life, how addicted are we to them as we use them? How can we bridge the gap between what we feel and what we say? How often do we delude ourselves because we don’t want to rock the boat, or disrupt the uneasy balance of detente that sometimes gets us through our days? How often do we merely endure, instead of thrive?
SOMETHING TO DO:
If you haven’t started yet, keep a confidential, written spiritual journey (not online) in these days of Elul. Begin to develop a meditation or contemplation practice that allows us to take deeper breaths during the day. In this time, we examine our choices — how we are in the particular place that we are this year. Where can we increase sincerity in our life? How can we create the spaces for more honest conversation with those whom we love, respect, and with whom we work so more harmony can be brought to bear in our daily interactions? Pick up the phone and speak with someone with whom, because of the exigencies of time, you have been separated for a period of time. Tonight, wish everyone you will meet a Shabbat Shalom.