Judaism and Healthy Living: Today Is the Birthday of the World

Rise up! Take heed! Hearken to the blast of the shofar! Just as an alarm clock arouses us from our sleep, so does the Shofar awaken us from our complacency. It calls on us to know before whom we stand and to assume our place in the scheme of creation. For today is the Birthday of the World.

As with all birthdays, Rosh HaShanah is a day of celebration with loved ones and friends. We get dressed up, receive special cards to mark the day, and gather together for a special meal. Likewise, just as personal birthdays become a time of reflection and introspection, so too, does this day. On this day, we do not look at one's money or social status, rather we reflect on our very core as human beings. We were created in the Divine Image of God, as the "best and the brightest of creation." Our real task in this world is to step up and accept the responsibility that this entails, to understand that we were placed on this earth for a reason. We are humbled before God and we wonder about our achievements and our shortfalls.

There is a famous Hasidic saying that was quoted by the great philosopher Martin Buber in his book entitled, Ten Rungs, that tells us: Everyone must have two pockets, so that he can reach into the one or the other, according to his needs. In his right pocket are to be the words: "For my sake was the world created," and in his left: "I am but dust and ashes." The world is at our fingertips, an interactive canvas that we can consume and manipulate as we see fit. We are entitled to eat from the plants and animals, draw warmth from the sky and shade from the trees. We can reflect on the change of the seasons and discover innovative ways to use our resources for the well-being of our planet. It is our choice whether or not to take care of our bodies or our homes or the land that we live on. After all, the world was created for us.

Yet, the other side reminds us that our time here on earth is not infinite. Our lives have a clear beginning and a definite ending. Yes we have choices, but the quantity of days and the quality of living can be greatly affected by our decisions. Not only do we live by our actions, but, in fact, we die by them as well.

Today is the birthday of the world, and the greatest gift of all is right in front of us if we but only open our eyes to it. Humility comes by treating others fairly and with kindness, by protecting the earth and its resources, and by understanding that God has given us a great opportunity merely by granting us our existence. Let the new year be for all of us a wake up call to rid our lives of that which is toxic and bad for us and instead replace it with that which truly helps us reach our highest potential.