Buff Humility

Neither the bent over, suffering, depictions of Jews by anti-semitic cartoonists, nor the image of the modern Jew, the buff warrier are the authentic depictions of either the Torah’s value nor the true meaning of greatness.

Authentic greatness is a reflection of authentic humility.  The combination of the two becomes a potent force that the greatest warrior will be hard pressed to be victorious over.

***Shavuos which is celebrated this Friday, commemorates the revelation at Sinai.  The Midrash tells us the story of Mt. Sinai, a basic staple in every Preschool and Sunday School.

When G-d approaches the mountains to choose which mountain to give the Torah upon, the mountains begin to boast.  Each mountain puts forth its greatness and mountainous qualities, putting forth the reason the Torah should be given on it.

“I’m bigger”, “I’m greener”, “I’m stronger”.  Only little Mt. Sinai is quiet.  “I’m not tall, I’m not beautiful, the Torah will never be given on me.”  Hashem appreciates Mt. Sinai’s humility and chooses to give the Torah on it.

The depiction while imaginatively is pleasing for the little child fails to convey the real message of humility and the relevance to us of the Torah being given on this humble mountain.

***

When Abraham argues on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, he says, “please let me speak, as I am but dust and ashes”. 

 
This statement begs for explanation.  If you are dust and ashes then why are you speaking? And if you are speaking to G-d you must not be dust and ashes?!
At an earlier time, Abraham had been thrown into a furnace for refusing to bow to Nimrods gods.  Miraculously G-d saved Abraham and he came out of the fire unscathed.

This is the meaning of the words of Abraham I am but dust and ashes and the true definition of humility and greatness.

Abraham realizes that indeed he is but dust and ashes, he ought to have been consumed in the fire.  The fact that he wasn’t is only because Hashem had saved him.

  
As such his true existence is only Hashem Himself.  I am but dust and ashes, I am non existent, Abraham says, but for the fact that You want me to exist.

If G-d wants him to exist then he has purpose.  And that recognition and that purpose gives Abraham the strength to press forward and argue with G-d for the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

In a similar manner, Mt. Sinai is not quiet because he is not pretty or worthwhile.  Mt. Sinai says, G-d you created me, that is my worthiness.  Mt. Sinai is silent because he doesn’t need to put forward his value.  It speaks for itself.  And that is enough for G-d to choose it.

  
Humility is a recognition that what we have comes from Above.  The more we recognize that, the more empowered we are to be the greatest warriors in the causes that Hashem puts before us.

May you receive the Torah this Shavuos with joy and inwardness.