ANA EYLI...

BS"D
11 Menachem Av


Written Thursday, during the Fast of the 9th of Menachem Av...


Remains of our Beyt Ha-Miqdash, Holy Temple, which were pushed into the street by the Romans as Jerusalem burned. There are still soot stains left from the ferocious flames which licked & hungrily consumed our spiritual & national home.

The Holy One gave us the letter Tzadi to teach us not just to be perfect, but how to be perfect.

Tzadi was the first letter formed by The Holy One, before all the other otiyot, letters, in the Alefbet, for "deeds of giving are the foundation of the world."
Tzedeq, "justice".

Tzadi comes to us in the shape of a Mystic bent in humble prayer, arms extended and hands raised.
According to our tradition, the only time of the year we take this position is during the Aleynu of Musaf, the afternoon service, on Yom Kipur. The Final Tzadi, Tzadi Sofit, is standing tall with arms raised in joy for having his/her act of devotion accepted & answered - whether the response is "Yes" or "No". This is the key: to learn to accept from Ha-Shem either answer with equal joy.

What is a Tzadiq/Tzodeqet (upright person)? It is usually translated into English as a "perfect" or "righteous" individual. But "perfect" has the wrong
connotations, even baggage, in English. & "righteous"? Only ever heard in the context of a holier-than-thou attitude or at a concert, often followed by "dude" & the sign of the devil horns.

A Tzadiq is one who is present in every moment, whose consciousness is such that s/he is able to make correct choices and act appropriately in any given situation. If s/he does make a mistake, s/he rectifies it and learns from the experience.

Mishlei/Proverbs 25:26 compares the Tzadiq to a spring of water, which, even if it becomes polluted
sometimes, eventually recovers its purity. Not a Perfect One, but One Perfecting. Process.

So don't think "perfect-ion".
Think "perfect-ing".

Thank G@d for the purge of Tisha Be-Av, before the Full Moon, before the month of Elul when we begin our supplications in preparation for the Days of Awe. Empty only to fill up to overflowing. Ameyn.



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