The large clock was the talk of the town. Flawlessly accurate, it kept everyone on schedule. The townspeople had only one problem, the clock was simply too high up. Why crane their necks to see the time?
And so, a town hall decision was made to lower the clock. Time passed and something strange happened – the clock ceased to be accurate!
You see, once the clock was within reach, instead of adjusting their watches to the clock, people began adjusting the town clock to their watches…
Humans are constantly forced to make adjustments in life. Indeed, if we don’t adjust, we become outdated or even obsolete. Adjusting is the name of the game.
But adjusting isn’t declaring bankruptcy. It’s not about diluting the goal; it’s about perseverance and focus. Yes, there are and constantly will be new ways to reach a destination. For example, snail mail used to be a preferred method of communication; it’s been replaced by email. But at the end of the day, the message is sent. The goal is achieved.
So as we make our adjustments in life, let’s remember to keep our eye on the prize. After all, it is the focus and perseverance that ensure our adjustments will indeed bring us closer to our goal, rather than make it obsolete!
In Judaism this is of particular importance. Yes, we have adjusted; we have Torah via email! But, we haven’t changed the Torah! If Moshe were to attend a Torah class today, he would recognize what is being taught! It’s exactly the same one he received at Sinai!
That’s eternity! We ought to be proud of it!
Takeaway:
The way we consume the Torah’s timeless wisdom always changes, but it’s message and relevance never waver.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendy
