BASEBALL AND THE GAME OF LIFE
Published September 2017
Just as the wise physician recommends a “physical” to preserve physical health, so does the responsible rabbi advise a “spiritual” to maintain spiritual well-being. At this season of the year, each Jew is urged to conduct a heshbon hanefesh, a spiritual self-examination. This spiritual examination might very well be conducted in a manner similar to the typical physical examination.
We might survey our reactions. How do we respond to the new world? In what way do we react to our families? Do they grate on our nerves or do they please us?
We might test the function of our heart. Do we respond with heartfelt sureness to the needs of other? Do we have the stout-hearted courage of our convictions?
What is the condition of our spiritual eyes? Do we have insight into the character of others? Can we see clearly the worth of people, or are we made color blind by prejudice?
How does our coordination function? Is our entire being coordinated by a definite purpose in living? Do our spiritual goals unite our life so that we do not waste or scatter our emotions? Do we coordinate our reactions, our heart and our eyes so that we truly live a healthy spiritual life? Miryom, Sarah, Lewis and Sarah, Danny and Debby, Judah, Bennett and Nava join me in wishing you a happy, healthy and sweet 5778.
L’shanah tovah tikatevu – May you be inscribed for a good year!
Rabbi Alvin Kass
Chief Chaplain of the NYPD