Corona Calculations

And just like that, another year is beginning its slow retreat into history.  This Shabbos, we will bless the month of Elul, the final month of the year and the month of inventory and stock taking.

We could deny the day was coming for only so long.  Rosh Hashanah is on the horizon.  Time to get prepared.  

In the great Chasidic tradition it is told that the wind of Teshuva (return) began to blow already on the Shabbos after Tisha B’Av.  

This year as I take stock, there is an array of extra line items I am adding to my list of profits and losses and decisions for the future. The line items revolve around Corona.

Profits: I maintained clarity that this pandemic is Divinely orchestrated and although I don’t know and can’t know G-d’s plan, I can try to derive some lessons from it. I oriented myself to the things that are truly important in life; relationships, family, healthy, Torah and Mitzvos and kindness towards others. I maintained clarity as to my Chabad mission and tried to “pivot” to move our organization towards delivering on this mission despite the radical change of circumstances.

Losses: I was too judgemental of others who were fearful and operated from a place of fear. I was too impatient at times not living the messages I understood to be derived from the pandemic. Even with the new found time I didn’t spend enough of it on things of value.

Decisions: To translate the positive lessons and changes made in my life into a regular routine in my life. Specifically to bring to mind monthly the lessons surrounding values, things that are important, that there is plenty of time for the things that are really important, that even in tough times G-d is in charge.
To work on my empathy for others and to be less judgemental of those that think differently than I. To move relevant and practical ideas about life from mind to heart.

What are some of the Corona Calculations you are making as you reflect on this past year and prepare for Rosh Hashanah?

Ksiva Vchasima Tova – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year!

Rabbi Schusterman

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