Back to the Aspiration Business

A six-year-old child recently described the Seder’s four children like this. “There’s one who’s good. One who’s naughty. And two more who listen.” I love this take on the simple and un-asking children. It actually got me to listen a bit more attentively this year. 

What are we seeing and seeking from this year’s Seders? Somebody in this morning’s class said: “I’m hoping there’ll be more than four questions asked.” Nice. 

Personally, I’m also seeking the ability to get back into the business of aspiration. This week’s prophetic portion comes just in time with high hopes: an invitation to Elijah.

Much can be said about our invitation to Elijah toward the end of our Seders. For example, Elijah and Moses have a lot in common. They both fast for 40 days. They both have memorable visits to Mt. Sinai. And in the Talmud, they’re especially good at resolving disputes. The Prophetic Malachi brings them together in this week’s special prophetic passage. “Recall the teachings of my servant Moses…I will send the prophet Elijah before the perilous final day of the Lord” (Mal. 3:22-23).

This passage comes from the last words ever uttered by any biblical Prophet. Not surprisingly, the last words are the most lasting.  

What can Elijah teach us? Aspire for solutions, even though they may not arrive until the end of days. Still, aim high. 

In general, problem-solving hasn’t been living-up to its potential lately. Perhaps staying pragmatic about the promising can inch us forward. 

Matti Friedman’s visit last night brought many compelling lessons. He writes in his award-winning new book of Zionist pioneers, “They wrestle with hatred, with the soil, with homesickness, with their own weaknesses.” But they keep aspiring. And then one of them concludes, “In the end, the good in me will win” (P. 97). Amen.

A sweet and safe Shabbat and Passover to you.