Elul 3, 5778

Rabbi Benjamin David

This year's Boston Marathon was run in horrific conditions. What is generally a sun-filled day in New England, with kids out on bikes, and spectators lining the streets of Newton and Wellesley, quickly became an exercise in fortitude. But marathoners are a hearty bunch, all the more so those drawn to the historically challenging Boston Marathon. On the men's side, Yuki Kawauchi of Japan claimed victory in 2:15:58. American Desi Linden won the women's race in 2:39:54. Both were the slowest winning times in decades.

What is notable about both runners is the number of marathons they'd run before their Boston victory.  Both are "serial runners." After the race, Desi Linden, soaked but elated, said that the real key to her victory was that she "just kept showing up" year after year until, finally, she came away with a win.

How does this relate to Elul?  During these weeks preceding our holy day season, we are examining who we might become as a new year approaches.  I believe we too live in a world when we need to keep showing up. There would be such temptation to check out. Parenting can be exhausting.  Maintaining a work-life balance is as hard as ever. The current political climate has proven to be nothing short of numbing. The blare of social media is relentless.  And, yes, Jewish life can be tiring as well what with a litany of holidays and religious responsibilities at every turn. The temptation to throw our hands up and remove ourselves from all meaningful engagement is real.  Would anyone notice?

The Mishnah teaches that we are not 'obligated to complete the task, but nor are we free to desist from it.'  Put otherwise: We need to keep showing up. Our fractured world needs our mending words and hands more than ever.  Our kids need coaching. Our friends and relatives need our valuable support. The pressing causes of our day need our attention.  After all this is what we Jews do. We show up to services, to shiva, to simchas. We march and we advocate. We show up at hospital beds and fundraisers, sometimes when we barely have the energy to do so.  

In an age when so many are tempted to bury themselves on their phone, or choose to comment from afar, showing up for real, face-to-face interaction and genuine relationships becomes so vital and so very powerful.