Keep it Fresh – Parshat Ki Tavo

Sometimes we have projects to do that are exciting, refreshing and invigorating. Other projects may be tolerable and we perform them by rote, while others are on the official 'procrastinate list'. Which of these would be the easiest to perform? (Yes, that was a rhetorical question - and as Radar said: "We didn’t have to answer those in school."1) Obviously the fun and refreshing projects. That is where our motivation is highest. Sometimes, though, the projects that are the most important are the most tedious, boring and time-consuming ones. And, yes, sometimes we even get our priorities a bit confused and complete fun but trivial projects before we even start to think about doing the higher priority items.

The manner in which we approach certain projects is a direct outcome of how we view them. Are they important to us? Are they fun? Are they time-consuming? Are they efficient? Who is involved? These are just some of the questions we ask ourselves, not necessarily on a conscious level, as we make this determination.

It is fascinating, then, to read this enigmatic passage from parshat Ki Tavo: "Today you have become a nation before God."2 This passage is said to Bnei Yisrael at the end of their 40 year sojourn. Yet, we read that at an earlier date, while they were still in Egypt, God Himself called them 'His people'.3 Well, then, when did they become His nation? When they were still in Egypt? Or 40 years later on the eastern side of the Jordan River? Rashi offers an answer to this seeming contradiction: "Every day you should view as if today was the day you entered into the covenant." They in fact became His people at the beginning of the 40 years – even while still in Egypt.4 And they are told to retain that sensation of freshness and newness is to remain. To be able to constantly find it fresh every day is the daily imperative.

Whether it is a job, a chore, a relationship, a hobby or anything else that is important to us the Torah reminds us to keep it fresh. We can do something different, do it in a different way, or change an attitude about it – whatever you choose, keep it fresh. It will help you perform the tasks you love most as well as the ones that rate lower on the "I like" scale.  If you walk/run for exercise, take a different route. If you are in a relationship, have a 'date night'. If you have a job, change the order in which you do things. Keep it fresh.

It is not always easy and it is not entirely dependent on you. Yet there are always certain aspects that are dependent solely upon you.5 There is always an area of choice. Under all circumstances – even if it's just choosing the attitude that we will take towards our circumstances. We can always choose.

And keep it fresh. 

Click here for another logoParsha article on Ki Tavo

Notes

  1. Radar was a TV character on the show M*A*S*H
  2. Devarim 27:9
  3. Shemot 3:7
  4. Divrei David - Devarim 27:9
  5. This concept is discussed by Dr. Viktor Frankl in numerous places in his writings.

 

Have A Great Shabbat!laughing

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