Lama or the Days of Why

The Jewish New Year is upon us and my temple’s kick-off and inspiration for the High Holidays comes with the introduction of a year-long theme, “Finding and Living Your Lama (Why).”

The marketing executive in me thinks this is particularly fortuitous timing, considering that Nike, with one of the most famous slogans of all time (“Just do it”) has launched a new campaign for a new generation entitled “Why do it?”

In short, this new campaign and slogan examine the reasoning behind the gargantuan effort that athletes go through to become athletes. And, according to the Nike website and Nicole Graham, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, “…it’s about discovering the greatness that unfolds the moment they decide to begin . . .  ”

But how can I be sure that “lama/why” will resonate for me? Most years at this time, as I am uncomfortably assessing my past year, thoughts collide with the perfectionism that is my nature. I say “sorry” a lot more at this time (if that’s even possible) and sit more uneasily in the pews while the holiday services unfold.

But this emphasis on “why” is suddenly a refreshing new perspective that’s a lot more comforting. That is, given these demanding days of self-reflection, perhaps asking, “Why?” is a natural companion to asking, “What can I do?” and “What can I do even better now?”

In essence, turning reflection into action.

Last year, I really loved the charitable efforts our family participated in with purpose, clarity and care. For example, on our temple’s annual Mitzvah Day in May, I spearheaded an effort that resulted in having congregants stuff 50 donated teddy bears for delivery to immigrant children. My son and husband were there, stacking and packing finished bears as I monitored the process of “Stuffing 101.”

Later that same day, my husband and I helped cook to-go dinners for guests at the local Ronald McDonald House, guests who were in the facility because they were caring for a sick family member in the adjacent hospital.

In late August, we contributed our time as part of a back-to-school donation program, which outfitted children with everything from backpacks to winter coats for the coming school year. I helped in the “hats/gloves/socks” section, interacting with so many youngsters who selected the items that will keep them warm this winter.

In each of those moments, I lived in the “why” – understanding the teachings of Tikkun Olam, repairing a little part of my corner of the world. I weighed this feeling against the moments this past year when I had missed the mark. But these days, rather than looking back for too long, now I am considering how important it will be to look ahead – to do more, to do better for better’s sake.

I won’t deny it. These Holy Days still feel a little ominous. In fact, when someone suggested to me that, perhaps, our ancestors understood human fallibility and sought to heal our people collectively, we both agreed that, if so, it was a pretty complex psychological idea for its time. I don’t know if all these retrospective efforts will bring about a better Lauren in 5786 but I’m going to give it a try – because I’m just getting started knowing my “why.”

Lauren is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place. It’s where they celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Hadassah members are proud of their Zionist mission and their role as keepers of the flame of Jewish values, traditions and beliefs as well as advocating for women’s empowerment and health equity for all. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 650 columns in The Times of Israel Blogs and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.