“It is only by becoming builders that we turn from subjects to citizens.”
-Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Most of us find commonality in our past, our history, and our experience. An alcoholic can generally understand another alcoholic, and someone who has suffered a specific trauma can often relate to others who have experienced a similar trauma. Religious people can typically find commonality—or for that matter, differences—between people who share their history.
Yet many of these commonalities are based on our past, and they are based on our victimhood.
Arguably, the greatest miracle in Jewish history is the revelation at Sinai, yet 40 days later the people created the Golden Calf, a sin which symbolized our lack of faith. How can this be?
The answer lies in the message above; it’s only when we build together, it’s only when we build for each other, when we find common goals, that we build towards a permanent foundation and a shift is created.
Today’s leaders are attempting to get us to focus on not only wanting what you have, it’s about not wanting you to have it.
Imagine a world where we seek what each of us want and need, and see if we can build that together. If we can stop with this perceived zero-sum game, we can than focus on a world where there is more than enough for all of us. Only then will there truly be abundance.
This week, let’s find ways that I can do for you, while recognizing that when I do for you, I’m actually doing for myself too.
|
