Rebuilding Project: Cover Your Eyes, Open Your Heart. By Marshall Lestz
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Rebuilding Project: Cover Your Eyes, Open Your Heart. By Marshall Lestz
Good Morning Everybody and Shavua Tov,
I know everyone is busy getting their lawn chairs and eclipse-approved sunglasses ready, so I’ll try to keep things short with two quick thoughts regarding today’s big event.
As we know, today’s eclipse is one of those rare totality-eclipses, where depending on your location, you may see a total blockage of the sun for about four minutes. So here’s thought #1:
What will you think about during today’s eclipse?
Of course it will be “cool” and amazing and exciting, but perhaps we can use this rare moment to enrich our relationship with Hashem. Why not use a couple of those minutes to channel our awe for the spectacle, into our awe for the CREATOR of the spectacle? Turn our “Whoa, cool!”, into “Whoa Hashem!” Let’s prepare to see the G-dliness in this rare cosmic experience. Yes, it’s a “natural phenomenon,” but you know what else was a very natural phenomenon? The entire Purim story we just read! All those events were very “normal” and seemingly “un-miraculous.” Yet the whole point was that Hashem was intimately involved and running the show. Let’s not forget that lesson! The eclipse is no different! Just because scientists can perfectly predict the eclipse, and the next thousand eclipses, doesn’t mean Hashem isn’t the real star of the show! (Yes, pun intended.)
Here’s one more thought––one that’s more interpersonally related: When the sun appears dark, you might say that it symbolizes someone we don’t like. The displeasure or disdain we feel toward the other person is what blocks our ability to see any of the person’s “light”––their good qualities and G-dliness. But the eclipse reminds us that just because we can’t see any light doesn’t mean it’s not there! Our negative view of the other person is blocking our ability to see their light. We’re too busy looking at him with a “totality of discontent”. So what if during the eclipse we take a minute and think about that person in a new way that will brighten our view of him? Focus on the fact that he or she was created by Hashem and is loved by Hashem … he or she surely has commendable qualities but we’re just not perceiving them right now. It may also help to think about what hardships or pain the other person might be enduring. Recognizing their vulnerabilities awakens our empathy which lets some of their light shine through. Either way, the light is there; that’s for sure. We just aren’t seeing it. G-d willing, by opening our hearts we can start to let go of the thoughts that are blocking us from seeing the person in a “positive light.”
May today’s eclipse strengthen our relationship with Hashem and our fellow Jews! Let’s resolve to use these 4 precious minutes of darkness to brighten our lives and illuminate our world.
Have a stellar day, everybody,
Marshall
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