CyberTorah

Maimonides has a unique definition of idolatry. For him, it means ascribing power to anything other than God. I don’t really know anyone who has an actual idol to which they make offerings in our community. But all of us, myself included, ascribe power to the work of human hands in ways that bind, limit, and hurt.

As one example, I am guilty of the “fomo” response to my phone. My fear of missing out, or having something urgent leap up in my texting or email means that I have a hard time putting my phone down. I am trying to limit myself to checking email and text only 3 times a day but mostly failing. I make all kinds of excuses, but I am giving it too much power over me and it has created an addictive habit.

I also let my calendar exert control over me. Sometimes I will note that each day feels harder than the last and I feel trapped. Then I look at how I am spending my time and remind myself of my values. This starts a process of pruning to reassert control over my calendar to have it once again reflect me. And then of course as time goes on, I lose control and feel out of balance.

We all have these habits, addictions and behaviors that come from our fears. Without effort, fears easily turn into compulsive habits that can dominate us. Excessive busy-ness, overeating, loss of sleep all arise from fears unexpressed. Initially these rituals let us ignore or cover over that fear. But over time, these habits become increasingly unhealthy. Our only way out is through confronting our fears and reminding ourselves of faith.

As we approach the Holidays, we are in the month of Elul, a time of personal reflection to better express the holy soul that we each hold. I suggest this year to look at those behaviors and activities that we have let control our lives. We want to remind ourselves that they are the work of human hands. They control us only because we let them.

Second, we can confront the fears that drive these behaviors. Perhaps it is fear of mortality or of being loved or of being safe. I invite you to simply notice the fear. Do not try and fix it or talk yourself out of that fear. Rather, gently acknowledge the fear and say, “I am indeed afraid. And yet I work on trust in God (or the Universe or Love). I fear because I care about myself and others. Please help me hold my fear and discover a new way of being.”

I wish us all a renewed season of growth and change.

Shabbat Shalom-

Rabbi David Booth