fbpx
[additional-authors]
October 24, 2014

By Rabbi Mark Borovtiz


I am overcome with Gratitude for my life. Sitting here at Starbucks, writing my Parsha and this blog has me thinking of how Blessed I am. My ego goes from being less than—thinking that I am not deserving—to more than— thinking that I am supremely qualified and entitled to everything that I have. Thank God, I don’t stay long in either place. What I have discerned is that I am worthy rather than lucky; I am deserving rather than entitled.

In coming to this way of being, I am able to not take anything for granted. I am able to not be indifferent to the sublime wonder of living, as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel teaches. Yet, I also remember that what is true for me, is true for everyone. All of us are deserving and worthy, yet most of us don’t recognize this. Too many of us take things for granted, good and bad, and we miss the sublime wonder of living because we get stuck in extremes.

I see this everyday in my work and in my living. It is hard to fight against these two destroyers of joy. How do I fight? I keep being Addicted to Redemption. I continue to look at my life with care, concern and Truth. I ask myself the questions: What am I taking for granted? Am I missing the joy, beauty and wonder of life?

In doing this, I am able to stay right-sized and on track for a life of Radical Amazement. I do this through study, prayer and action. I am asking you all to join me. Find a teacher and friend(s) to study with. Seek out a community to pray with. Take actions for and with others to make your life, the lives of those around you, and the lives of those you don’t know better. In this way, we will live an examined life, live a life of meaning and purpose and continue to Redeem the world as we are charged to do.
 

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Difficult Choices

Jews have always believed in the importance of higher education. Today, with the rise in antisemitism across many college campuses, Jewish high school seniors are facing difficult choices.

All Aboard the Lifeboat

These are excruciating times for Israel, and for the Jewish people.  It is so tempting to succumb to despair. That is why we must keep our eyes open and revel in any blessing we can find.  

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.