Rabbi Linda's blog

Which Jewish texts, prayers or practices sustain you through the challenges of life? One verse that speaks to me at this time comes from Micah, one of the Nevi’im (Prophets), who lived in a time of great upheaval and sorrow. The words that I’m about to share are some of the most oft-quoted in prophetic literature. The verse was considered by some as summing up the essence of all the Mitzvot.

The Hebrew text can translate as follows:

God has told you, mortal, what is good, and what the Lord demands of you; only to do justice, to love loving-kindness, and to walk modestly with your God.

הִגִּ֥יד לְךָ֛ אָדָ֖ם מַה־טּ֑וֹב וּמָֽה־יְהֹוָ֞ה דּוֹרֵ֣שׁ מִמְּךָ֗ כִּ֣י אִם־עֲשׂ֤וֹת מִשְׁפָּט֙ וְאַ֣הֲבַת חֶ֔סֶד וְהַצְנֵ֥עַ לֶ֖כֶת עִם־אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ

When I read this text, it helps me set constructive intentions for my day. Love loving‐kindness is a reminder to use each day as an opportunity to practice chesed – to practice loving‐kindness, through action. We know that whether we are the receivers of, witnesses to, or the bestowers of loving‐kindness ‐ savoring these actions uplifts our own spirits and is a path to tikkun olam – repairing the world. Acts of kindness create caring relationships, a building block to creating a just world.

Doing justice, seeking justice, pursuing justice – these are Jewish values. We know that. But at a simpler level, this instruction is to reach up to our higher angels at all times and to do the right thing, even when we might be tempted to go a simpler route. It is about the choices that we make and the opportunities that we seek that contribute to a more just world.

Walking modestly or humbly with God is an interesting instruction. What does it mean to you? A colleague suggested that we translate this phrase as “Walk humbly with your Source.” Each of us can determine what we understand to be our Source, be it God, our ancestors or our highest principles. The point is that we walk humbly with that which connects us to something greater so that we see our place in the world. For me, it is a reminder that eternity is so much greater than this moment, especially when this moment feels impossible. When I walk with my Source, with God, I am reminded that I need to do my best to contribute to this world in this moment but that this world and this moment are vastly bigger than me. I can only do and be but so much. But what I do, what I offer, matters.

Walking modestly for the prophet means walking with eyes wide open to the presence of anyone in need, looking to perform acts of mercy, justice, and loving-kindness. I am not a prophet, but I can emulate their example. So, I practice loving kindness, as best as I can. I set an intention to do justice and work to make good choices. I strive to walk mindfully and humbly, taking comfort in the perspective that this affords me. I try to forgive myself and others when we, inevitably, fall short.

The past 4 months have been so difficult in our world. As Jews we are taught that we should savor joy and blessing and work to do good, even in the midst of sorrow. As February approaches, as we move toward the joyous Hebrew month of Adar, as more light gets in literally and figuratively, I invite you to join me in finding the texts, the prayers and the practices that broaden your perspective and strengthen you when you are weary. May they help you live into and manifest the words of Micah.