Case Study in Derech Eretz

895. For those with a limited knowledge of professional hockey, that number may be the biggest story of the year, if not the decade. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored his 895th NHL goal earlier this month against the New York Islanders, passing Wayne Gretzky for the record of goals scored in the National Hockey League. For decades, hockey fans have never thought somebody could eclipse Gretzky’s record. Gretzky, who reached otherworldly status as a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, set record after record on the ice as he electrified crowds in Edmonton, LA, and New York. I’ll never forget a sunny day in August 1988 when Canada learned that its most beloved son was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. It was a day of mourning, and in a sense, Canada has not recovered.

With that in context, I wondered what Gretzky would react to his most prized record getting eclipsed by the gritty Russian player who plays for Washington. I have to be honest: I was blown away. Gretzky was in the stands with his wife Janet, and they were applauding when Ovechkin finally scored 895. Gretzky reacted with graciousness and admiration as he gave Ovechkin a handshake and a hug on the ice after that historic goal. It was a masterclass in good middos and derech eretz.

I think of this as the time of year called “Sefirat HaOmer.” In addition to the actual mitzvah, this period is known to have an element of mourning. The reason for some practices that are associated with mourning is that many students of the great Sage Rabbi Akiva passed away in a devastating plague. Our Rabbis teach us that the students of the great Sage were not respectful in their interaction with each other and they were harshly punished. One cannot overstate the importance of maintaining civility and derech eretz with others that we may disagree with. In a polarized world where differences in political views and religious observance have become more pronounced, it has become open season to denigrate and insult others. The earlier part of a schism may occur with the lack of ability and desire to even listen to someone with whom you might disagree.

Wayne Gretzky was called “The Great One.” As we continue to work on improving the culture of derech eretz in our communities, let us be mindful that 895 doesn’t just represent the number of goals scored. It turns out that being a class act of a mensch, even during trying times, is greater than putting pucks in the net.