The Deal of a Lifetime
An uplifting oasis of peace and tranquility — with no down side.
By Andrew Rashkow
How easily we overlook the absurdity of aliens, who are deathly allergic to water, coming to attack our planet! Apparently, the intelligence needed to master interstellar space travel is still insufficient when it comes to foreseeing the inherent hazards of lakeside property. But we tend to ignore such trivial details when we are perched on the edge of our seats watching the final battle scene unfold. As an audience, our desire to be thrilled, shocked or surprised serves as a natural anesthetic numbing any urge to overanalyze.
Filmmakers and storytellers have long relied on viewers’ temporary suspension of disbelief to produce drama or suspense. Even when built upon premises so far-fetched that fourth-graders can easily poke fun at their expense, the preposterous will be tolerated so long as there is an adequate payoff. This willing and mutually beneficial trade is made millions of times a day and extends far beyond the realms of entertainment.
In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon encapsulates a core principle of creation — gam es zeh l’umos zeh asah Elokim. G-d created and controls a system of equal and opposing drives and forces to facilitate humankind’s free will. A discerning eye can look at the application of any major principle to see whether it is promoting or detracting from Divine Awareness — and know with certainty that its converse application also exists.
I will let the readers draw their own conclusions as to where Hollywood fits into this formula. The question of interest is: what is the positive corollary of a temporary suspension of disbelief? I’d like to proffer that it is a temporary embracing of belief.
The same math which can justify spending twelve dollars to take the kids to Jungle Cruise would apply here as well. For a cineplex excursion, the risk reward calculation usually pits the potential downside of some wasted time and money versus the upside of a few laughs and a bit of wonderment.
How would we make the same calculation for observing Shabbat? The potential downside might include feelings of apprehension, uncertainty, or fear of missing out on whatever activities do not align with Shabbat. While the upside might include spiritual elevation and rejuvenation, reconnecting to one’s roots, undistracted time with family and friends, and drawing closer to G-d. Just like in the first scenario, we’ll treat the outcome as an unknown until it is experienced and simply let the numbers dictate whether the potential payoff makes the risks worthwhile.
Also, this bold suggestion does not imply permanently eliminating or abandoning our skepticism or critical thinking, but rather willingly suspending them in order to evaluate the benefit we receive in return. Of course, this same concept could apply to any area of Torah observance but I think Shabbat may be the best proving ground for this audacious experiment.
Everyone can relate to a time when synchronized critiques and accusations spontaneously poured out with the patrons exiting the swinging glass doors of a theatre: “Who’s idea was it to see that?”
I will venture to predict that after experiencing an authentic, twenty-five hour Torah Shabbat, the reviews are sure to be far kinder and more uplifting. After all, what do you have to lose?
Shabbat Shalom!
**For those interested in embracing a Shabbat experience, The Shabbos Project started by Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Chief Rabbi of South Africa, has many resources and materials available which can serve as helpful guides. The Shabbos Project also has a global, grassroots Shabbos annually where Jews from all kinds of backgrounds join together to celebrate and keep Shabbat.
ANDREW RASHKOW is the CEO of Imbibe, Co-founder of Heaven’s Door Spirits, and a Jerusalem-based Teacher and Adviser.
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Simple but compelling message in this thoughtful piece! We are willing to try everything, taste everything, except that which is most worthwhile in this world and the next. Thanks for sharing this.