Timeout with Rabbi Dov Lipman
Throughout the season, Rabbi Dov Lipman will be posting Torah Thoughts related to sports and the Hapoel League. Besides being a former Hapoel Basketball coach, Rabbi Lipman is currently a Rebbi at Yeshivat Reishet Yerushalayim in Bet Shemesh as well as the Director of Sportstar Academy in Israel. Rabbi Lipman wrote the book DISCOVER: Answers for Teenagers (and Adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith. His second book, TIMEOUT: Pausing to Reflect on Spiritual Lessons from Sports, is scheduled to be released by Devora Publishing in the Spring of 2008. Please e-mail Rabbi Lipman at [email protected] if you would like to be updated regarding the release of the book.
Timeout with Rabbi Dov Lipman
Timeout with Rabbi Dov Lipman
Last edited by admin on Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Know Idea
BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE
BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE
By: Dov Moshe Lipman
Who is not inspired by the Colorado Rockies? What they have accomplished over the course of the last three weeks is remarkable.
On May 21, close to two months into the season, the Rockies were nine games under .500 and in last place. Their season reached a real low when they went 1-9 on a June road trip through Toronto, Chicago and Houston. But then, upon returning home to Colorado, they swept three games from the Mets and won two of three against the Phillies heading into the All-Star Game break. Their 46-29 record afterward ranked best in the N.L.
Even so, as recently as one month ago they were a mere four games above .500 and not only 4½ games behind the Padres in the wild-card race but trailing two other teams as well. Then the Rockies won 14 out of 15 games to end the regular season. Now they are in the National League Championship Series after sweeping the Phillies in the first round of the playoffs making it 17 wins in 18 games.
Aside from sitting back in astonishment at this accomplishment, we should try to learn from the Rockies and improve ourselves as people and as Jews. The Rockies, a team which has had six consecutive losing seasons, last place in three of those, could have easily assumed that this would be another one of those dismal seasons. The 1-9 road trip in June should have been the nail in the coffin on another losing season. But, they reached beyond themselves and displayed that they had abilities way beyond what anyone could have ever imagined.
We, as Jews, should learn from this and apply this very Jewish concept to our avodas Hashem. There are contradictory sources regarding the Revelation at Har Sinai. In one source, our Sages teach that when G-d spoke to the Jewish people at Sinai, every Jew felt that G-d was speaking to him according to his individual level. (Psikat D’Rav Kahana 12) However, the Talmud teaches that when G-d spoke to the people, it was too much to handle and their souls left their bodies because of the overwhelming experience.
Which was it?
Rav Zev Leff explains that there is no contradiction. The level of a Jew is not defined by where he stands right now. Every person has remarkable potential and we barely scrape the surface of what we can actually achieve. When G-d spoke to each Jew according to his “level,” it was actually based on the level which the person had the potential to achieve. When the Jews saw the huge gap between who they actually were and who G-d expected them to be, it was too much to handle and their souls left their bodies.
Each of us has the ability to achieve far more than we currently do and far more than we think we can. This applies to all aspects of life, and, especially to the spiritual realm. The Rockies reached deep inside themselves and went way beyond what anyone thought their potential was thus demonstrating the reality of this important lesson.
Some commentaries explain that this is why on Friday nights Jewish fathers bless their sons to be “like Ephraim and Menashe.” These two boys were sons of Yosef and grandsons of Yaakov Avinu. However, Yaakov Avinu elevated them to the level of his sons and they were numbered among the tribes of Israel even though they were grandsons and not sons. Becoming a son and a tribe was, therefore, not beyond their potential despite what seemed to be a limitation. The potential of every person is also boundless, and, thus, fathers bless their sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe - to reach deep inside themselves throughout their lives and reach beyond what they think their potential is.
All of us should try to internalize the example displayed by the Rockies. They had to win 14 out of their last 15 games to reach the playoffs. They did not know that they could do this but they knew that they could win each game they suited up to play. Collectively, approaching each game in this manner, enabled them to reach the playoffs and now the championship series.
We should follow this example. When you think you cannot learn all of shas, study one perek. After learning one perek, attempt completion of a small masechta. After that accomplishment you can build and build until you are a person who has completed and knows all of shas. The same can be applied to any area of learning, prayer or chesed.
We should push ourselves to do even more than we currently think we can and strive for an even closer to connection to G-d.
By: Dov Moshe Lipman
Who is not inspired by the Colorado Rockies? What they have accomplished over the course of the last three weeks is remarkable.
On May 21, close to two months into the season, the Rockies were nine games under .500 and in last place. Their season reached a real low when they went 1-9 on a June road trip through Toronto, Chicago and Houston. But then, upon returning home to Colorado, they swept three games from the Mets and won two of three against the Phillies heading into the All-Star Game break. Their 46-29 record afterward ranked best in the N.L.
Even so, as recently as one month ago they were a mere four games above .500 and not only 4½ games behind the Padres in the wild-card race but trailing two other teams as well. Then the Rockies won 14 out of 15 games to end the regular season. Now they are in the National League Championship Series after sweeping the Phillies in the first round of the playoffs making it 17 wins in 18 games.
Aside from sitting back in astonishment at this accomplishment, we should try to learn from the Rockies and improve ourselves as people and as Jews. The Rockies, a team which has had six consecutive losing seasons, last place in three of those, could have easily assumed that this would be another one of those dismal seasons. The 1-9 road trip in June should have been the nail in the coffin on another losing season. But, they reached beyond themselves and displayed that they had abilities way beyond what anyone could have ever imagined.
We, as Jews, should learn from this and apply this very Jewish concept to our avodas Hashem. There are contradictory sources regarding the Revelation at Har Sinai. In one source, our Sages teach that when G-d spoke to the Jewish people at Sinai, every Jew felt that G-d was speaking to him according to his individual level. (Psikat D’Rav Kahana 12) However, the Talmud teaches that when G-d spoke to the people, it was too much to handle and their souls left their bodies because of the overwhelming experience.
Which was it?
Rav Zev Leff explains that there is no contradiction. The level of a Jew is not defined by where he stands right now. Every person has remarkable potential and we barely scrape the surface of what we can actually achieve. When G-d spoke to each Jew according to his “level,” it was actually based on the level which the person had the potential to achieve. When the Jews saw the huge gap between who they actually were and who G-d expected them to be, it was too much to handle and their souls left their bodies.
Each of us has the ability to achieve far more than we currently do and far more than we think we can. This applies to all aspects of life, and, especially to the spiritual realm. The Rockies reached deep inside themselves and went way beyond what anyone thought their potential was thus demonstrating the reality of this important lesson.
Some commentaries explain that this is why on Friday nights Jewish fathers bless their sons to be “like Ephraim and Menashe.” These two boys were sons of Yosef and grandsons of Yaakov Avinu. However, Yaakov Avinu elevated them to the level of his sons and they were numbered among the tribes of Israel even though they were grandsons and not sons. Becoming a son and a tribe was, therefore, not beyond their potential despite what seemed to be a limitation. The potential of every person is also boundless, and, thus, fathers bless their sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe - to reach deep inside themselves throughout their lives and reach beyond what they think their potential is.
All of us should try to internalize the example displayed by the Rockies. They had to win 14 out of their last 15 games to reach the playoffs. They did not know that they could do this but they knew that they could win each game they suited up to play. Collectively, approaching each game in this manner, enabled them to reach the playoffs and now the championship series.
We should follow this example. When you think you cannot learn all of shas, study one perek. After learning one perek, attempt completion of a small masechta. After that accomplishment you can build and build until you are a person who has completed and knows all of shas. The same can be applied to any area of learning, prayer or chesed.
We should push ourselves to do even more than we currently think we can and strive for an even closer to connection to G-d.
Know Idea
Manny’s “Mussar”
Manny’s “Mussar”
By: Dov Moshe Lipman
The Red Sox had just lost Game 4 of the American League Championship series and the Indians were now up 3 games to 1. Things could not have been too happy, optimistic, or hopeful in the Boston club house. The people in the city of Boston were no doubt distraught.
Red Sox slugger, Manny Ramirez, has not been known to be friendly to the press and rarely conducts interviews. But some reporters managed to confront him about his team being in this desperate situation, on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. They asked him about the desperation his team must feel in this situation.
Ramirez gave an answer which every sports fan should think about, and everyone who plays ball ranging from Hapoel Soccer to Wheaton Little League, from Junior Varsity and Varsity to Adult Rec leagues should strive to internalize.
Manny said, “Who cares? It’s not like it’s the end of the world.” Ramirez then went on to explain that they would show up for Game 5, would have fun playing because it is a game, and then if they lose, there would always be next season.
Boston fans were incensed. The media went crazy with the quote. “Oh my goodness, Manny doesn’t care!” “He won’t play hard.” Teammates and coaches were questioned about it and were put on the defensive. It became a storm.
However, if we take a step back and think about what Ramirez said, it makes a lot of sense and is real mussar. Manny pointed out that sports games are just that – games. We build them up in our minds as being more than that but ultimately, the purpose is to have fun. We should enjoy ourselves. If we want to root for our favorite team we should – because watching sports is entertaining. But, we should not take it so seriously that we are depressed if our favorite team loses. As Manny, not a fan but an actual player on the team said so eloquently, “Who cares?”
Even more than not caring so much as fans, we must internalize this ideal when we play. We certainly cannot claim that any of our games are more important than a Major League Championship Series. And yet, we care so much!
Of course, losing is not the greatest feeling. But we should start focusing on the fun of going out and playing ball, passing to teammates, cheering each other on and trying our hardest. Hapoel soccer games should be filled with young boys and girls who know that after the game is over, “Who cares?” What matters is that we got to play a fun game and try our hardest.
While we usually look to the Mesillas Yesharim and other holy sefarim for our Mussar, sometimes we can actually glean some mussar from the least holy and certainly unexpected sources. In this case, it would serve both children and adult players and coaches alike to learn from Manny’s “mussar.”
By: Dov Moshe Lipman
The Red Sox had just lost Game 4 of the American League Championship series and the Indians were now up 3 games to 1. Things could not have been too happy, optimistic, or hopeful in the Boston club house. The people in the city of Boston were no doubt distraught.
Red Sox slugger, Manny Ramirez, has not been known to be friendly to the press and rarely conducts interviews. But some reporters managed to confront him about his team being in this desperate situation, on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. They asked him about the desperation his team must feel in this situation.
Ramirez gave an answer which every sports fan should think about, and everyone who plays ball ranging from Hapoel Soccer to Wheaton Little League, from Junior Varsity and Varsity to Adult Rec leagues should strive to internalize.
Manny said, “Who cares? It’s not like it’s the end of the world.” Ramirez then went on to explain that they would show up for Game 5, would have fun playing because it is a game, and then if they lose, there would always be next season.
Boston fans were incensed. The media went crazy with the quote. “Oh my goodness, Manny doesn’t care!” “He won’t play hard.” Teammates and coaches were questioned about it and were put on the defensive. It became a storm.
However, if we take a step back and think about what Ramirez said, it makes a lot of sense and is real mussar. Manny pointed out that sports games are just that – games. We build them up in our minds as being more than that but ultimately, the purpose is to have fun. We should enjoy ourselves. If we want to root for our favorite team we should – because watching sports is entertaining. But, we should not take it so seriously that we are depressed if our favorite team loses. As Manny, not a fan but an actual player on the team said so eloquently, “Who cares?”
Even more than not caring so much as fans, we must internalize this ideal when we play. We certainly cannot claim that any of our games are more important than a Major League Championship Series. And yet, we care so much!
Of course, losing is not the greatest feeling. But we should start focusing on the fun of going out and playing ball, passing to teammates, cheering each other on and trying our hardest. Hapoel soccer games should be filled with young boys and girls who know that after the game is over, “Who cares?” What matters is that we got to play a fun game and try our hardest.
While we usually look to the Mesillas Yesharim and other holy sefarim for our Mussar, sometimes we can actually glean some mussar from the least holy and certainly unexpected sources. In this case, it would serve both children and adult players and coaches alike to learn from Manny’s “mussar.”
Know Idea
When Roger Struck Out
When Roger Struck Out
We all write our own legacy. Dare to tell the truth.
By Dov Moshe Lipman
I approached my seat on the Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Seattle expecting to sleep from the moment I sat down until we landed. However, when I sat down, in front of me was a TV screen showing New York Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens entering a congressional hearing room -- and for the next three hours I was glued to the screen.
In 1999 Clemens, regarded by many as the greatest pitcher in baseball history, allegedly began to use banned and illegal substances to give him the strength to continue pitching at a high level despite his aging body. While the evidence points to his use of drugs, Clemens has adamantly denied it. In fact, he requested this congressional hearing to have the chance to clear his name.
The exact opposite occurred.
At the hearing, it was announced that Clemens' teammate and good friend, Andy Petite, testified that Clemens had admitted using these illegal substances, and Petite testified that he'd used these drugs himself. Clemens tried to wiggle his way out of this jam, but in the end it was clear that Clemens was lying.
This baseball legend, who was assured of his spot in the Hall of Fame, not only used illegal substances but also lied about it to the authorities and to his fans. All the strikeouts, the no-hitters, the World Series rings and the record seven Cy Young Awards are tainted. Clemens has likely forfeited his ticket to the Hall of Fame.
This stands in stark contrast with Andy Petite. He told the Congressmen that one day he will have to appear before God and, therefore, he is going to tell the truth regardless of the consequences. Petite's straightforwardness and honesty has earned him the respect and acclaim of the public. People can forgive the fact that in a moment of weakness he succumbed to certain pressures and used an illegal substance while his honesty and dignity will stand as his legacy.
Game, Set, Match
Andy Petite's admirable admission brings another Andy to mind. Andy Roddick has been a superstar tennis player for years with many championships including the top-ranked player in the world. But special respect is due to Andy for one brief episode which took place at the Rome Masters tournament in May 2005.
Roddick was playing against Fernando Verdasco of Spain to gain a spot in the quarterfinals. Roddick had won the first set and had brought the second set to match point. Verdasco was serving, down 15-40, and hit a second serve which the line judge called a double fault. Game, set, match. Roddick had advanced to the quarterfinals.
However, Roddick, himself would not allow it. As he explained, "I looked at it and I couldn't really tell. But then I looked again, and it was in."
Andy motioned to the umpire, pointing to the clear ball mark on the clay -- indicating that the ball was in. The call was changed and the two played on. Verdasco fought through two more match points, held serve, and eventually went on to win the match 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. Roddick was eliminated from the tournament.
Much praise has been heaped upon Roddick for his honesty and what the media called "choosing sportsmanship over the win." Roddick downplayed it all saying, "I didn't really do anything out of the ordinary. The mark was there. It's not like I was feeling generous. It's just the way it was."
Despite Roddick's humility, in the world in which we live, his action was extraordinary. He has the fastest serve in tennis history (155 mph), but when talking about his career, people in the tennis world frequently reference this incident. Roddick understood that achievement through false means is no achievement, and will not stand the test of time. And this commitment to truth became his legacy.
The Talmud teaches that falsehood does not have any lasting quality to it and truth is the only thing which lasts. The Talmud demonstrates this point from the letters of the Hebrew words for truth and falsehood. The letters of the word for truth -- emet -- span the entire Hebrew alphabet: aleph is the first letter, mem the middle letter, and taf the final letter. This shows that truth stands secure. By contrast, the letters of the word for falsehood -- sheker -- are grouped together consecutively, indicating that a lie will not stand up over time.
Furthermore, all of the letters of the word emet stand firmly on a base or on two legs. The letters of the word sheker, on the other hand, stand on one leg; they lack stability and eventually fall over. This is captured by the statement of our Sages that "falsehood has no legs" -- both in the appearance of the letters and in reality.
We all have tests of telling the truth. And of course the test is far greater when your reputation, your legacy -- and millions of dollars of endorsements and contracts -- is on the line. But as Andy Petite said at that congressional hearing, in the end it's all between you and your Creator.
Roger "the Rocket" Clemens has always stood at the pinnacle of his sport. He is a living legend. But now, the man who's struck out so many batters has, ironically, been thrown out on strikes.
We all write our own legacy. Dare to tell the truth.
By Dov Moshe Lipman
I approached my seat on the Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Seattle expecting to sleep from the moment I sat down until we landed. However, when I sat down, in front of me was a TV screen showing New York Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens entering a congressional hearing room -- and for the next three hours I was glued to the screen.
In 1999 Clemens, regarded by many as the greatest pitcher in baseball history, allegedly began to use banned and illegal substances to give him the strength to continue pitching at a high level despite his aging body. While the evidence points to his use of drugs, Clemens has adamantly denied it. In fact, he requested this congressional hearing to have the chance to clear his name.
The exact opposite occurred.
At the hearing, it was announced that Clemens' teammate and good friend, Andy Petite, testified that Clemens had admitted using these illegal substances, and Petite testified that he'd used these drugs himself. Clemens tried to wiggle his way out of this jam, but in the end it was clear that Clemens was lying.
This baseball legend, who was assured of his spot in the Hall of Fame, not only used illegal substances but also lied about it to the authorities and to his fans. All the strikeouts, the no-hitters, the World Series rings and the record seven Cy Young Awards are tainted. Clemens has likely forfeited his ticket to the Hall of Fame.
This stands in stark contrast with Andy Petite. He told the Congressmen that one day he will have to appear before God and, therefore, he is going to tell the truth regardless of the consequences. Petite's straightforwardness and honesty has earned him the respect and acclaim of the public. People can forgive the fact that in a moment of weakness he succumbed to certain pressures and used an illegal substance while his honesty and dignity will stand as his legacy.
Game, Set, Match
Andy Petite's admirable admission brings another Andy to mind. Andy Roddick has been a superstar tennis player for years with many championships including the top-ranked player in the world. But special respect is due to Andy for one brief episode which took place at the Rome Masters tournament in May 2005.
Roddick was playing against Fernando Verdasco of Spain to gain a spot in the quarterfinals. Roddick had won the first set and had brought the second set to match point. Verdasco was serving, down 15-40, and hit a second serve which the line judge called a double fault. Game, set, match. Roddick had advanced to the quarterfinals.
However, Roddick, himself would not allow it. As he explained, "I looked at it and I couldn't really tell. But then I looked again, and it was in."
Andy motioned to the umpire, pointing to the clear ball mark on the clay -- indicating that the ball was in. The call was changed and the two played on. Verdasco fought through two more match points, held serve, and eventually went on to win the match 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. Roddick was eliminated from the tournament.
Much praise has been heaped upon Roddick for his honesty and what the media called "choosing sportsmanship over the win." Roddick downplayed it all saying, "I didn't really do anything out of the ordinary. The mark was there. It's not like I was feeling generous. It's just the way it was."
Despite Roddick's humility, in the world in which we live, his action was extraordinary. He has the fastest serve in tennis history (155 mph), but when talking about his career, people in the tennis world frequently reference this incident. Roddick understood that achievement through false means is no achievement, and will not stand the test of time. And this commitment to truth became his legacy.
The Talmud teaches that falsehood does not have any lasting quality to it and truth is the only thing which lasts. The Talmud demonstrates this point from the letters of the Hebrew words for truth and falsehood. The letters of the word for truth -- emet -- span the entire Hebrew alphabet: aleph is the first letter, mem the middle letter, and taf the final letter. This shows that truth stands secure. By contrast, the letters of the word for falsehood -- sheker -- are grouped together consecutively, indicating that a lie will not stand up over time.
Furthermore, all of the letters of the word emet stand firmly on a base or on two legs. The letters of the word sheker, on the other hand, stand on one leg; they lack stability and eventually fall over. This is captured by the statement of our Sages that "falsehood has no legs" -- both in the appearance of the letters and in reality.
We all have tests of telling the truth. And of course the test is far greater when your reputation, your legacy -- and millions of dollars of endorsements and contracts -- is on the line. But as Andy Petite said at that congressional hearing, in the end it's all between you and your Creator.
Roger "the Rocket" Clemens has always stood at the pinnacle of his sport. He is a living legend. But now, the man who's struck out so many batters has, ironically, been thrown out on strikes.
Know Idea
Spiritual Training Camp by Dov Moshe Lipman
Spiritual Training Camp
by Dov Moshe Lipman
I recently visited the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants training camp in Albany, NY with my campers from Sportstar Academy to watch the team practice. What a mesmerizing experience. It was the perfect preparation for the Jewish month of Elul, which leads up to Rosh Hashana.
Here are some of the pointers I gained.
REPETITION
I couldn't believe how many times the team repeated the most basic plays and drills. Quarterbacks, including Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, would stand under center, call some signals, receive the ball from the center, take a few steps back and throw to a target -- over and over and over again. When the offense and defense came together for scrimmaging, they did not run any complicated plays. They ran the most basic run and pass plays -- over and over and over again.
These were the Super Bowl champions! Why waste the time doing this?
The more times you review and practice, the more successful you'll be when it truly matters - whether it's in a regular season game or in the defining moments of the Super Bowl.
How many of us show up to synagogue for Rosh Hashana and crack open their High Holiday prayer book for the first time? How many of us have no idea what Rosh Hashana is really about and just show up at shul rather clueless? The month of Elul is our training camp; now is the time to start preparing the most basic aspects of the holiday. (For starters, visit Aish.com's High Holiday site a few minutes each day.)
REHABILITATION
I'll never forget seeing two Super Bowl heroes -- wide receivers David Tyree and Plaxico Buresss -- on exercise bikes and working with trainers, and not on the practice field. Both of them have injuries and spend hours a day in rehab trying to strengthen their knees and get into playing shape.
At the end of the practice they looked no less tired or sweaty than the players who were running all of the full drills. They are committed to playing football and putting in months of effort to heal. If they would just get on the field on opening day without this effort they'd fail and re-injure themselves very quickly.
Spiritual rehab takes time, work, and sweat. And we all need it.
We are spiritually injured. We have all messed up throughout the year and have glaring flaws which we tend to overlook and ignore. God has given us this month of Elul for rehab. And rehab takes time, work, and sweat.
If we try to approach God on the High Holidays with the plan to be better without having gone through any rehabilitation, we'll fall flat on our faces, re-injure ourselves and mess up again very quickly. The only chance we have to make a lasting change in our lives is if we first rehab ourselves during this month by trying to make slow and gradual changes for the better, and then get on the field and play intensely once the High Holidays arrive.
Now's the time to start addressing our flaws and make those adjustments.
TRYING TO MAKE THE TEAM
There was an entire group of players at the training camp who were different than the rest. They were undergoing more grueling drills than the others. They didn't have assistants, no fans calling out their names, and they were carrying the more veteran players' equipment.
These were the rookies who are trying to make the team.
When you are trying to make the team there's nothing you won't do. The month of sweat and effort at training camp is well worth it if you can impress the coach and be named to a professional football team.
During the High Holidays, decisions are being made regarding our future during the upcoming year. We all dream of making the team, but how many of us put forth the necessary effort to deserve it? Now's the time to "impress the coach" and demonstrate to God - and to our ourselves - just how committed we are to being the best we can be, and to do whatever it takes to merit a year of life and success.
The New York Giants are working tremendously hard to play their best this season and win another Super Bowl.
It's time we get to work too.
by Dov Moshe Lipman
I recently visited the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants training camp in Albany, NY with my campers from Sportstar Academy to watch the team practice. What a mesmerizing experience. It was the perfect preparation for the Jewish month of Elul, which leads up to Rosh Hashana.
Here are some of the pointers I gained.
REPETITION
I couldn't believe how many times the team repeated the most basic plays and drills. Quarterbacks, including Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, would stand under center, call some signals, receive the ball from the center, take a few steps back and throw to a target -- over and over and over again. When the offense and defense came together for scrimmaging, they did not run any complicated plays. They ran the most basic run and pass plays -- over and over and over again.
These were the Super Bowl champions! Why waste the time doing this?
The more times you review and practice, the more successful you'll be when it truly matters - whether it's in a regular season game or in the defining moments of the Super Bowl.
How many of us show up to synagogue for Rosh Hashana and crack open their High Holiday prayer book for the first time? How many of us have no idea what Rosh Hashana is really about and just show up at shul rather clueless? The month of Elul is our training camp; now is the time to start preparing the most basic aspects of the holiday. (For starters, visit Aish.com's High Holiday site a few minutes each day.)
REHABILITATION
I'll never forget seeing two Super Bowl heroes -- wide receivers David Tyree and Plaxico Buresss -- on exercise bikes and working with trainers, and not on the practice field. Both of them have injuries and spend hours a day in rehab trying to strengthen their knees and get into playing shape.
At the end of the practice they looked no less tired or sweaty than the players who were running all of the full drills. They are committed to playing football and putting in months of effort to heal. If they would just get on the field on opening day without this effort they'd fail and re-injure themselves very quickly.
Spiritual rehab takes time, work, and sweat. And we all need it.
We are spiritually injured. We have all messed up throughout the year and have glaring flaws which we tend to overlook and ignore. God has given us this month of Elul for rehab. And rehab takes time, work, and sweat.
If we try to approach God on the High Holidays with the plan to be better without having gone through any rehabilitation, we'll fall flat on our faces, re-injure ourselves and mess up again very quickly. The only chance we have to make a lasting change in our lives is if we first rehab ourselves during this month by trying to make slow and gradual changes for the better, and then get on the field and play intensely once the High Holidays arrive.
Now's the time to start addressing our flaws and make those adjustments.
TRYING TO MAKE THE TEAM
There was an entire group of players at the training camp who were different than the rest. They were undergoing more grueling drills than the others. They didn't have assistants, no fans calling out their names, and they were carrying the more veteran players' equipment.
These were the rookies who are trying to make the team.
When you are trying to make the team there's nothing you won't do. The month of sweat and effort at training camp is well worth it if you can impress the coach and be named to a professional football team.
During the High Holidays, decisions are being made regarding our future during the upcoming year. We all dream of making the team, but how many of us put forth the necessary effort to deserve it? Now's the time to "impress the coach" and demonstrate to God - and to our ourselves - just how committed we are to being the best we can be, and to do whatever it takes to merit a year of life and success.
The New York Giants are working tremendously hard to play their best this season and win another Super Bowl.
It's time we get to work too.
Know Idea