A Jewish Idea- Drop and GIVE ME 22!

    

A few days ago I learned of the 22 push-up challenge; the goal being to sensitize us to the tragic loss of 22 veterans every day. Many of our soldiers and sailors have experienced extreme trauma while serving our nation and assuring us a life of peace and security. Some veterans, overwhelmed by stress, feel they have no options and tragically end their lives.

     While the actual number of suicides of veterans has been of some discussion in the media, what truly matters is that we be sensitive to the extreme stress under which our servicemen and servicewomen operate. If each one of us paused just a few moments per day to take stock and to appreciate all that our veterans have sacrificed in order that we might live more securely, it would change our entire nation.

     The past few days I have been doing push-ups. Unaccustomed to push-ups, I have slowly progressed from 20 to 21. This morning, with some grunting I managed to do 22. It has certainly been a challenge. I do not need to post these exertions on the web. For me, doing some difficult exercise is a small symbol of some of the extreme difficulties encountered by our military personnel every day. While I attempt a push–up, I shake my head in wonderment over personnel who deploy away from their families for a year and place themselves in very hazardous conditions so that we might live more comfortably and freely.

     Over the past few days, I have begun to recite a particular Psalm. For the past 2,000 years, Psalm 27 has been a doorway into the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As we spiritually prepare for entering a new year and bidding farewell to the previous year, we are ever-desirous of an improved spiritual condition. Reviewing the words of Psalm 27 prompts me to prioritize. For a few moments every day I ask myself to consider what is truly important; to dwell in the house of God, to conquer fear and to examine my interactions between myself and others whom I hold dear.

     The 22 push-up program challenges us to pause for a few moments every day to consider the importance of veterans and our shared relationship with them and dependence upon them. Let us also take note of where we are in our calendar and our daily life. As Rosh Hashanah approaches please consider meditating upon Psalm 27.  Over the next six weeks reflect upon one verse per day. It may open your heart and mind as we gather in Shul to greet our new year.

Shalom,

Rabbi Steve Silberman

 You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
    You protect me, and I have no fears. Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. Armies may surround me but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.

 I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house, every day of my life
    to see how wonderful you are & to pray in your temple.

 In times of trouble, you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe. You will raise me above all of my enemies. I will celebrate, as I enter your tent singing.

    Please listen when I call! Answer my prayer. My heart seeks you. I am eager to see your face, don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe.
    Don’t reject me or leave me. Even if my father and mother
may leave me, you will take care of me.

 Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path.
     Don’t let my enemies do to me what they want.
People tell lies about me and make terrible threats, but I know I will live to see how kind you are.

Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.

(Contemporary English Version- modified)