 An older man approached me on the street recently.
“I just have a feeling you’re someone I can talk to,” he began. My curiosity was piqued. “I’m Jewish, I’m 76 years old, and I’m healthy but I’m getting older and I’m scared of dying. Can you share some Jewish wisdom about that?” For a moment my mind raced with possible answers, information, resources. Then a feeling of awe struck me: this man is getting a knock on his heart’s door and he’s listening. Wow. I knew exactly what I wanted to share with him. “There is something deep, deep inside of you that knows that life is a gift and that you don’t want to waste it. That might feel frightening to you but it’s valuable information. That’s your heart, your connection to God. It’s beautiful and it’s open. You can trust it. Keep following it!” We spoke for 10 minutes, exchanged info, hugged and then wished each other farewell till later. As I walked away I reflected on how moved I was. A man had felt an existential stirring, a need to seek wisdom, a connection with a complete stranger and he acted. What a partnership: Divine wisdom in a human heart. Do we see the capacity of our own human heart to receive and hold Divine wisdom? Do we see how miraculous and yet how routine that is? If we don’t, how else will we vault past even mundane obstacles? As my teacher, Rabbi Noah Weinberg, obm, used to say, “Know what you know!” You can know truth and wisdom in your heart. Look for that wisdom. Say thank you for it. There will be more. There’s no way to be the person, spouse, parent, child, leader you most want without it.
3 Comments
8/24/2019 07:46:36 am
I was/am thrilled to have met Rabbi Harris. I thank him for his spontaneous acceptance of my meeting him on that recent, sunny day on a street corner in Passaic, NJ (where I was born in 1943). I have led and continue to lead a vital, passionate life. My 3rd grade teacher wrote on my report card "Happiness Is His Virtue". I was, for many years, an international photographer which took me, intimately, into the lives and hearts of people on several continents. What a thrill! What an ever-lasting experience! Continually going beyond my own doubts and fears and reservations to experience the glory of what I wanted to accomplish in life. Now, as I age, the passion is as alive as ever. And, with that, is the fear and sadness of someday leaving this life as I know it. I actually feel "guilty" to some extent that there will be a day when I will no longer physically be with my beautiful son. Perhaps I share this as a reflection of many people. Perhaps these feelings are singular to me. But what I do know is that my reaching out for guidance and wisdom is comforting and, for me, thrilling to connect with people, like Rabbi Harris, to share these feelings and thoughts. Thank you. Ross Lewis
Karin Lewis
8/25/2019 09:52:05 am
I have the honor, joy and occasional tsurrus (sp?) of being Ross Lewis' wife. He continually amazes and inspires me, in so many ways, as in this case, when he reaches out to strangers, to engage, to connect, to learn, to relate - to have a supremely human moment.
Ross Lewis
8/25/2019 05:50:12 am
Respect! Born in New Jersey and a resident of New York City for 21 years I now live in Florida for the past nine years. Here there is a very different culture from the Northeast. Much of this "culture" and accompanying politics I do not agree with. However, in the late 60's I was an Army officer in Korea, responsible as a leader for more than 35 men. One of the greatest things I observed and learned was the deep respect I acquired for young men who had much different skills and manners which I had in life. That on-the-job "education" has lasted a lifetime for me and has empowered me to listen and respect others who, seemingly, are not in step with my own expressions of "life-values". No! I do not agree with much of their politics and how they express themselves. But, since those invaluable "Army-Days", I have room in my heart and understanding for people whose culturally different ways of expression can and ARE respected by me. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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