The Big Picture
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. This popular saying is often used to remind ourselves or others that it isn't worth getting upset or stressed about minor issues.
Effective managers are able to share the vision of their company with their employees and partners so that while each team member may be preoccupied with their specific tasks on a daily basis, they also understand how their work contributes to the success of the business as a whole. This realization motivates each member of the team to carry out even seemingly trivial tasks with the greatest care and at the same time not allow inconsequential challenges to consume them.
In this week’s Torah portion we learn about the Mitzvah of observing and sanctifying the Shabbat. “Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have sanctity, a day of complete rest to the Lord…(Exodus 35:2)”.
Interestingly, in addition to instructing the Jewish people regarding keeping Shabbat, the Torah also mentions work during the week. The Midrash explains the significance of this inclusion: “Just as the Jewish people were commanded regarding the positive Mitzvah of Shabbat they were also commanded to work (during the six days of the week).” Furthermore, the Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) states: “A person was created to work”. Of course, the term “work” includes all valuable and vital contributions to society both physical and spiritual.
While each of us have our own unique personal and professional responsibilities that consume most of our day, it is important not to lose sight of the bigger picture and to keep in mind the purpose of why we are working. On Shabbat we take a step back from our creative work and connect with our Jewish identity while strengthening our relationships with our family, community and G-d.
Honoring and celebrating the day of Shabbat infuses the rest of our week with a higher purpose as well. The Zohar explains that “Shabbat brings blessings to the rest of the week”.
The underlying concept of Shabbat is to ingrain within us the knowledge that G‑d created and is responsible for the entire world. This knowledge should have a profound impact on our conduct during the six weekdays, for it helps us understand that the work we do during the week to earn our living is merely a vehicle and a vessel for G‑d’s blessings.
The result of this knowledge is that, while we work hard during the week to provide the receptacle for G‑d’s blessings, the work will not consume us; our heads and hearts will remain focused on the purpose and goal of our work which is to raise a good Jewish family, contribute generously to the community, and develop our relationship with our Creator by studying Torah and performing Mitzvot thereby transforming this world into a fitting home for G-d.
A true day of rest can only be one that follows such a week. Our Sages state that on the Shabbat, a person should regard himself as if all his work were complete. This is true rest—rest in which one is utterly free of all workday concerns. If, however, during the six days a person has been preoccupied with material concerns, on the seventh day anxieties will invade him/her; even if one’s body ceases work, one’s mind will not be at rest. On the other hand, if one has given their work its proper place during the week, the light of Shabbat will illuminate them and will permeate their whole week.
I often hear people share that one of the silver-linings of the Pandemic was that for the first time in many years they were able to have Shabbat dinner with their family each week. While we slowly begin to make our way back to the "normal” routine, let us make Shabbat an important part of our lives. For those who are just beginning to get accustomed to Shabbat, perhaps start with lighting Shabbat candles before sunset on Friday afternoon and spend an hour together with family and friends while enjoying Shabbat dinner in a phone-free environment. And for those of us who are already observing Shabbat, let us make an effort to perhaps refrain from talking about business or politics on Shabbat and dedicate more time to study Torah and educate ourselves and our families about the beauty of our Jewish heritage.
Just as it is important to keep the big picture in mind with regards to our own personal lives, the same is true with regards to the world as a whole. A fundamental teaching of Judaism is that the purpose of all our work, from the beginning of creation until the present day, is to prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach who will usher in a time of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth. Keeping this goal in mind will propel us to do our part to hasten his coming and through our collective efforts it will happen very soon!
