Torah Thoughts - 2012 and the Biblical Flood
According to legend, the world will end in December of 2012. This is based on the end-date of the Mesoamerican long count calendar, which is presented as lasting 5,125 years and as terminating on December 21 or 23, 2012. Many ancient cultures followed this calendar, including the Maya. A major motion picture called 2012, derived from this notion, is coming out in three weeks.
Our Torah portion, Noah, also describes an apocalypse. God caused a flood to destroy all life, except for one family and a pair of every kind of animal.
No one knows if the world is coming to an end. But if we were like Noah and we did know, what would we do? Would we act to prevent the cataclysm? A Midrash (biblical interpretation) teaches that God commanded Noah to build an ark, hoping that such a visible project would move onlookers to mend their ways given the threat of destruction. Are there warning signs around us that we are ignoring? What should we do?
I believe that all acts for goodness, both large and small, make a difference. For example, by now you should have received two candles in the mail, the ones I promised on Rosh Hashanah. Their warmth will help you and those around you, adding joy and holiness for Shabbat. It is no coincidence that God’s first words in the Bible are “Yehi Ohr!” “Let there be light!” Light dissipates darkness and brings hope, so please light your candles if you did not yet!
Furthermore, this Sunday is the Annual Monmouth County Mitzvah Day. Come to the Temple from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm and participate in our blood, food, clothing and toy drives. Students of all ages will be performing community service as well. Will you act with us and help to heal our world? I am grateful to our Social Action Committee for their involvement in Mitzvah Day.
A New Age interpretation of 2012 suggests that the planet and its inhabitants may undergo a positive transformation, and that the year may mark the beginning of a new era. I hope so! What do you think??
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Pont |
