Rabbi's Chayva's Chat

It seems so fitting that we are concluding Shavuot, the holiday of receiving the Torah, on 6/13, given that tradition says there are 613 mitzvot (commandments). In the Talmud (Makkot 23b), Rabbi Simlai breaks the number 613 into two parts: the 248 positive mitzvot (“do X” rather than “do not”) correspond to the number of a person’s organs and limbs, and the 365 prohibitions correspond to the number of sinews in the human body. Calling all doctors and anatomists for a fact check!

All kidding aside, Rabbi Simlai saying that the things that we are asked to do - being kind, being honest, sharing what you can with those who need it, loving your fellow person -  are the beating heart of life. The things that we must not do - to not spread gossip, not steal, not become worshipful of people or vacuous ideals - these are the boundaries and connecting pieces that tie everything together. We must have both the things that fill us and the boundaries that keep us on the right track.

So what are the mitzvot that will keep us on the right track this summer? Perhaps we’ll have time for a self-improvement practice such as meditation, gardening, reading, or taking long walks. Maybe we can find some extra time for family and friends. We can celebrate the magnificent human and natural diversity of the world in many ways: at Pride this month, on walks in the woods or by the beach, in the way the fog turns into sun and then into sunset. We can spend time doing the work of tzedakah and tikkun olam, setting the world back into balance. And we can give this season a flavor of Shabbat, with its added spaciousness, joy, and love. 

Chag Shavuot Sameach, Happy Pride, and here’s to the start of summer!