TBEI Shofar Article - November 2007

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK

Not too long ago, we all went on a first date. We know what it is like to meet our future in-laws for the first time or to go on our first important job interview. We’re nervous and apprehensive but above all we want to make a good impression. Although as sophisticated human beings, we all try not to make judgments based on appearance, it is an unfortunate yet consistent aspect of human behavior. Consequently, when we go on that first interview or date, we want to look our best. We want to put our best foot forward and give ourselves our most advantageous position. Not only do we hopefully impress our future boss, spouse or in-laws with our incredible charm and good looks but we demonstrate pride in our appearance and ourselves as well. After all, if we do not have pride in ourselves, who will and if we do not offer our best presentation of who we are, how can we be attractive to others.

There is a rabbinic principle known as hiddur ha-mitzvah, the beautification of the mitzvah, which should guide our performance of every public mitzvah as individuals, as families and as a congregation. In practice, this principle is quite simple. In every mitzvah we undertake the obligation to fulfill, we put every effort in to fulfilling it with as much beauty, grace and pride as is reasonably possible. For example, when we have a Passover Seder or a Shabbat dinner, we use the best of what we have, the best food and wine we can afford, the good plates and cutlery, and the better tablecloth and napkins. We practice the rituals with sincere intent and celebratory majesty. We do not abbreviate the Kiddush, rush through the Seder rituals so we can eat, or give the lulav and etrog a mere perfunctory shake. We imbue each ritual, ceremony and event with greater spiritual significance and lasting beauty when we abide by this principle.

When we apply this principle of hiddur ha-mitzvah to the congregation, it takes on added significance. We are the Jewish Center of St. Lucie County, serving the greater Treasure Coast Jewish community. In fact, we are the only Jewish institution in all of St. Lucie County and therefore the only place where mitzvot are performed in a collective, public fashion. We, the congregation, so much more than individuals or households, have to be diligent and always incorporate hiddur ha-mitzvah into every Shabbat and festival service and every religious ceremony and celebration. Temple Beth El Israel is the face of Judaism and the Jewish community for St. Lucie County and as such we must demonstrate pride in our Temple and our faith with every religious event that occurs here by practicing hiddur ha-mitzvah putting our best foot forward and making a positive and attractive first, second and third impression.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Arthur Rutberg