Ki Tavo Torah Thoughts

Ki Tavo Torah Thoughts       Elul 17/18, 5773  August 23/24,2013

True Opportunity to do what’s right

The very last sentence of this Parsha (Portion) reads, “Therefore observe faithfully all the terms of this covenant, which you may succeed in all that you undertake.” Deuteronomy 29:8

A true road map for success! 

This Torah portion opens with the word “Va-Haya” which means, ‘and it will be’.  In Judaism, we believe that you build your future based on your past.  There are curses mentioned in this portion, and instead of dwelling on them, we should proactively learn from and build upon to help with our successful and bountiful lives!  If you truly desire an uplifting life, take the sincere time and learn from your past, and build, and walk the map of a successful life!  Remember, but do not live for the past, but use it to plan your future.

This applies not only to us and our own lives, but also how we treat others, and how we act inside and outside of our homes.  Are we true? Do we treat others with respect? Do we act out of kindness?  Do we offer a sincere hand when needed, and even when not needed?

One of my favorite words in the English language is, “RECIPROCITY”.  I remember my folks literally preaching, The Golden Rule, “do onto others as you would want done onto you”.   YOUR goodness should not be based upon how YOU are treated, but upon how YOU treat others.   Sometimes other people act out of fear, or ignorance, or circumstance, and who are we to judge; treat them with respect, and just maybe, you never know, their action in the future may just surprise you, and give you a smile, Or maybe, just maybe, your action towards them gave them a smile!  A true mitzvah!

This reminds me of a story that dates back a few years to my 20’s in San Francisco.  I was out with my friend, Dave, on March 16, year unknown, (The fact that I remember the date, shows you the impact that this person that I was about to meet had on ME).  Dave and I were enjoying ourselves and ending our night, and stepped outside and were approached by two guys, one very young and one, probably in his 40’s or so.  Me being me, I talked to them, and engaged in conversation.  So, after about a half an hour of talking their ears off, I invited them to eat breakfast with us at Clown Alley in the marina area of San Francisco.  They both said, “Yes”. “Get whatever you want”, I blurted out, with sincerity.  I started to really listen to both of their storied lives, and after we ate, the younger of the two, bolted off, and the man stayed and we visited for a bit and we had a great and insightful visit. I learned a lot. After our visit we went our separate ways.  About a month later, I was out with another friend in a different part of the city, and needed some cash, so I walked to a nearby ATM, as I was withdrawing, what felt like a gun was shoved in back, and I heard, “give me your money!”  I slowly turned around to hand my cash over to the person with the gun in back, and as G-d is my witness, the man that I met a month earlier and visited with in detail, was walking my way and told the guy with the gun, to stop harassing his friend (Me), and grabbed him with such force, and saved ME!  What are the chances?

That story has stayed with me for years, as I can detail that man’s face, his look, and demeanor after 30 years.  He remembered me at that moment, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM!  Such an influence of powerful impact!  I am Thankful! As I share this story, my father is smiling in San Francisco, as he has heard it at least a few hundred times!  One man did for me, what some would walk away from.  I am grateful!

As I have shared with my children, family and friends, “Inside Out”.  Beauty is from the inside, and that only enhances one’s outside.  One’s true beauty comes from with-in!

Follow the commandments, follow your heart, do what is right inside your home, and outside when the public sees you. Do right because it is what YOU DO!  G-d is with you by your side, watching and walking with you.

-Amen-