During my years at Yeshiva in Jerusalem, my friends would, from time to time, lovingly point out my idiosyncrasies much to their amusement. You see, we were an eclectic bunch, gathered from across the globe; each of us bringing a unique sense of humour and personality. One such occasion would elicit a very strong response….whenever I ate an apple. Yes, an apple. Apparently I have a specialised outlook on how to tackle the most efficient way of eating said delicious fruit. I would (and still do) begin with a targeted strike (bite) to the top of the fruit. That would be followed by a fluid yet strong series of bites down the apple from top to bottom lengthwise, creating a veritable “trench” down the entire side of the apple. Once that hard work was accomplished, I would easily use the “trench” as an anchor in order to maximise the size and quality of bites henceforth, until my victim (the apple in question) was nothing more than a rotting core. I was reminded time and time again that I was the only person in the world who ate apples in such a manner. Truthfully, I have yet to find a kindred spirit who would be able to enjoy that shiny and juicy red sphere the way that I do. The search continues.
Cute anecdote? Yes. Something deeper going on below the surface? Yes again.
One of the more common complaints that I have encountered from students is the seeming minutiae of details surrounding the daily conduct that Orthodox Jews are obligated to follow. For example, did you know that one is supposed to put one’s right shoe on before one’s left? Or that when Shabbat begins at 4:52, it begins at 4:52 and not 4:51?
Really? Why does G-d care which shoe I put on first? Doesn’t He have more important things to worry about like war and peace, hunger and famine, natural disasters and the upcoming US Presidential election?
Our Sages teach us that the devil is in the details. You see, we live our lives from day to day, doing everything by rote and routine, without ever stopping to think “why”. Why pray 3 times a day? Why refrain from certain work on Shabbat? Why the right shoe before the left? It seems to me that our nature as human beings is to cling to habit. With an iron fist. Hanging over a cliff. We love stability and consistency and spurn change. We do what we do because we’ve always done it and there’s no other reason to change. So the Rabbis explained that certain seemingly mundane aspects of our lives are not mundane at all-- but an opportunity. An opportunity to connect to the Infinite and to the Almighty Himself. It is by doing these little detail orientated actions that allow us to visualise and live with the idea that there is a G-d and that He loves us and only wants the best for us….and any opportunity to come to that realisation should be pursued and treasured.
Like what you’ve read? The next article will dig even deeper in the mechanics that dictate the effectiveness of minding even the smallest of details. Until then, happy reading!!!
