THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Rosh Hashanah is the holiday when every member of our people plays a critical role in establishing HaShem as the Sovereign of the Universe. HaShem’s sovereignty is incomplete if there is but one member who fails to accept Him. To appreciate that every bar mitzvah boy carries such significance is an awesome notion in its own right. But consider the following.
As Jews, we believe that every Jew is placed in this world to make a difference. There are many factors in this Universe that need repair. Every person has their unique job in repairing these factors that only they can accomplish.
This naturally implies that every Jew is endowed with the capacity of making a footprint in this world. The deeds, the words and even the thoughts that one has while in this world leave their mark. It is every individual’s choice how to use this incredible capacity. Consequently, every Jew, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is very significant. We all make a difference.
Presumably, our greatest impact is on those in whose midst we find our-selves. This may be family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, etc. By extension, those people who are impacted by the
“insignificant” person are also endowed with the same capacity to create their own footprint. They will in turn im-pact others. The ripple effect continues until before long our people have been positively impacted by some insignificant individual! This impact is positive if the deed or word or thought of our individual was positive. Of course, the reverse is also true. Wherever there is energy it can be used for positive or for otherwise.
There is a theory called the Six Degrees of Separation which purports that any two people of the 7.6 billion people in the world can be connected through six hops of acquaintances. This may or may not be accurate, but it is certainly accurate with the 15 million Jews. Given the understanding that every person leaves an imprint on his surroundings it is truly remarkable how significant every per-son is.
In this week’s Parsha, Ki Savo, we are instructed that upon our entry to our Land every Jew becomes wholly responsible for every other Jew. My obligation to recite Kiddush Friday night lies upon every Jew, so that as long as I have not yet fulfilled my obligation of reciting Kiddush there rests upon every other Jew an obligation that I recite Kid-dush! This is truly a fascinating concept which ties every member of our people to one another in a most inextricable way. After considering this notion, how much more does every Jew impact his entire nation!
As we approach Rosh Hashanah and prepare ourselves for the great responsibility that lies upon us to elevate the Sovereignty of HaShem in this world, let us also elevate every Jew in recognition of how critical they are to us and to our mission.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind