Effort Is Key

In this week's Megillot class, we added another member to the "island" of the pursuit of meaning. Who is this new character, you may ask? It's the Yirei Elokim, literally the G-d fearer. The Yirei Elokim's thoughts refute those of the Neheneh and the Amal's. First, let's review the perspectives of the Amal and the Neheneh. The Amal had two goals: 1) to create. 2) to fix the world. However, some problems arose. The Amal claimed that no one can create because it won't be perfect and fixing the world creates competition and uncertainty of a legacy. The Amal came to the conclusion that more people should work together because there is an increased chance to make a difference. But, since Kohelet failed as a king who was wealthy, wise, and powerful, it can't be done. Cue the "Hakol Hevel."

The Neheneh offers a slightly different approach. He states that since everything comes from G-d, G-d is in complete control. If G-d is in complete control, man is not accountable for his actions. Man is therefore no different than animals, and the only thing he can do is eat, drink, and be merry.

The Yirei Elokim says something completely different. The Yirei Elokim begins by reminding the people of the world not to go into the Beit Hamikdash like a fool who thinks he can do whatever he wants as long as he gives a sacrifice. This is a response to the Amal who believes he can manipulate the spiritual and the physical. Man will not be absolved of his sins just because he offers a Korban. He then continues and says that one should not be a fool who speaks a lot. Instead, recognize that Hashem is in Shamaim and man is on earth. This is a reply to the Neheneh who thinks man has any purpose. This perspective shows that both G-d and man are responsible. It is also a response to the Amal who thinks G-d has no control. The next subject the Yirei Elokim discusses is to not vow without paying. It is better not to take a vow, but if it is made, one should hasten to fulfill it. This is a response to the Amal who thinks he is in control.

The Yirei Elokim then talks about man's relationship with Hashem. Man has a partnership with G-d, but must fear Him. The Yirei Elokim also introduces a fantastic new idea: do not get upset by the Hevel. Keep trying; it's about the effort! Woo-hoo! Optimism!

The last view the Yirei Elokim possesses is that even the king is an eved. The slumber of the eved is sweet, as he doesn't worry about money. However, the owner is so concerned about money, that he doesn't sleep. No matter how much money you have, you can't be satiated if you love money.

I personally like the ideas of the Yirei Elokim. They are the most practical and provide a more "middle-ground" approach to life. His ideas made me think of one of the scenes in one of my favorite movies: The Mighty Ducks: D3. For all of you who think this movie sounds cheesy, watch it. You'll love it.

Anyways, in the movie, a hockey team, the Ducks, are accustomed to winning. In the prequel, they had won the Junior Goodwill Games. However, at the beginning of the movie, when receiving scholarships to attend a prestigious high school to play hockey, they are so intent on winning that they lose. The movie has a happy ending, but I won't spoil it, because I am pretty intent on somebody watching it. One of the quotes in there summarizes the importance of effort. Here it is below for your convenience:


Coach Ted Orion: We are here for one reason and one reason only. You know what that is? Starts with a W.
Averman: To win, sir!
Coach Ted Orion: No. Work.

The Yirei Elokim is not telling us that we need to abandon everything and not even try to accomplish. He is telling us quite the opposite. We need to set goals, but not get discouraged if we don't reach them. You can't reach a goal if you don't work for it. Effort is key. In the end, it's the effort that counts. This is the difference between the Yirei Elokim and the Amal. The Amal gets despondent and relinquishes his goals, because he didn't achieve them. The Yirei Elokim does not care about the outcome. It is the effort that is valuable in the long run.

Shabbat Shalom!