Three small steps for man; three giant leaps for mankind
Every small step can make a big difference
The great Babylonian scholar Rabbi Saadia Gaon lists 10 thoughts that we must bear in mind when we listen to the shofar.
Every Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world that culminated in the creation of man and fusing two important concepts together, the body and soul – substance and purpose. The world was created with 10 divine utterances which are the hidden energy behind the Hebrew letters, which infuse the world with life and substance. The 10 commandments, revealed at the giving of the Torah, is the reason and purpose of creation. The act of creation represents the world’s ‘body’, whereas the giving of the Torah represents its soul.
I believe this is what Rabbi Saadia Gaon had in mind that we must mediate upon when we hear the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.
Something simple yet extraordinary happened at the burning bush. The Torah records that when Moses saw the burning bush, which was clearly visible where he stood, Moses still said to himself: “I must leave this place and go over there to see this wonderous sight”. The midrash tells us that Moses was only three short steps away, yet the greatness of Moses’ prophecy and the revelation of Mt Sinai is attributed to these three steps.
I believe that Moses understood that he was standing at a crossroads that would change his life forever. Never complacent in his efforts to achieve self-refinement and spiritual greatness, he knew that it is the small steps and decisions that we make in life that make the greatest impact.
This year there seems so little that we can do, but the shofar reminds us to never be discouraged because every single one of us can take small three steps forward that can infuse our lives and our world with purpose, meaning and spirit. To do something extraordinary or meaningful does not always require that we move mountains. More often than not, we can create memorable moments in our willingness to take three small steps that can change the world for the better. It is the small steps that we take to bring people closer, to help a friend or our communities in need, to give comfort to someone experiencing suffering or pain, but are all steps on the path that leads to miracles, revelations, unity and redemption.
This Rosh Hashanah we may be forced to pray in our homes but let us not be discouraged. Let us all gather our families and allocate a small holy corner in our homes for prayer, study, reflection and good deeds. Let us light a small candle of inspiration, love and faith that will illuminate the world – one small candle and one small step at a time.
May our small steps this Rosh Hashanah lead to giant leaps in heaven that opens their gates wide, showering upon us blessing of good health, long lives, divine protection, happiness and redemption.
Wishing you all a Shana Tova and well over the fast.
Rabbi Michael Chriqui has served the Sephardi Synagogue for the past 28 years together with his wife Dalia. He is a member of the Sydney Beth Din and vice president of the Rabbinical Council of NSW.
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