This is where nedorim, about which we learn in this week’s Parsha, come into the picture. On the one hand, we know and understand that the world was created by the Eibishter with a purpose, in order that we should elevate it and create a dira lo yisborach batachtonim. Therefore, if someone detaches himself from the world, it is sinful (the nozir is called a sinner for abstaining from wine etc., - so if you put one steak less on the grill then you’re able to, then you’re gonna have to answer for it).
Yet, if someone realizes that he is not using the world for Hashem’s purposes, but is, rather, developing a relationship with the world itself, then he is told: ‘you have no choice, you have to take a step back, take a deep breath, and sever your ties with the world for awhile. You need to stop the relationship, which is getting out of control, until you can get things back into perspective.
So, let’s learn a maamor or two, get back into focus, and make sure our outlook is sound again. By all means, enjoy your summer fun, in whatever form it takes. As long as you remember your priorities. Because, it’s a small world after all. This world is small and insignificant and made of the mist. Its only value is when we incorporate it into the master plan, which will very soon reach fruition – vehoyo Hashem lemelech al kol ho’oretz!
L’chaim! May we successfully enjoy the roller coaster ride that our life in this world has become without losing sight of our ultimate goal and destination, and may the Eibishter very swiftly and very speedily and very immediately bring us to the end of the ride, and into the complete and final Geulah hoAmitis veHashleimah through Moshiach Tzidkeinu TUMYM!!!
Rabbi Akiva Wagner
לזכות 'ר שלום מרדכי הלוי בן ,רבקה לגאולה וישועה קרובה ,ושלימה י"תומ ממש ג"בטוהנוהנ !
