Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Many of us have heard the expression "Take a leap of faith." This expression inspires us to have a positive outlook based on belief and optimism.

This week's Torah portion of Mishpatim introduces us to the expression, "Take a leap of action." When the Israelites respond to God's commands at Mount Sinai, they say two words, "Naase V'Nishma - We shall do, and we shall hear/obey/understand."

In secular culture, before we are willing to experience something new, we often have to study and understand all the details of the new idea before we venture into trying it. Taken to its extreme, we could potentially never try something, as we perpetually wait for compelling explanations.

In Judaism, we are instructed to do something new, meaning a Mitzvah, even without understanding the reason or benefits surrounding the doing. Doing a Mitzvah in and of itself will lead to a satisfactory understanding. 

Perhaps the Nike commercial, "Just do it," was inspired by the Israelites' response at Sinai.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison