WHO IS TRULY RICH?

The Pirkei Avot, usually translated as "Chapters of the Sages," is a book of 2,000-year-old wisdom from the founding generations of late Second Temple and post-Temple Judaism. Its fourth chapter begins with a teaching of 2nd century CE Rabbi Shimon Ben Zoma. He was a favorite of Rabbi Akiva, and his teaching was a favorite of Rabbi Wine's, too.

Last week's CHJ newsletter featured his interpretation of one segment of it. Our movement set it to song:

 Ben Zoma said:

Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.

Who is strong? One who subdues his evil inclinations.

Who is rich? One who rejoices in their lot.

Who is honored? One who honors their fellow human beings. (Hebrew at bottom.)

I thought about this a great deal last week as I celebrated my 64th (!) birthday.

Afterward, lots of folks asked me whether, considering my medical circumstances, I had a good day. I did have a good day! And it's all thanks to some good advice I took from our CHJ executive director Ann-Marie Fisher. She told me to spend my day in gratitude. It was, in fact, far more than good advice, really. It was the wisdom of Rabbi Shimon Ben Zoma.

No matter what we might be dealing with, life's curveballs may seem like a challenging time to rejoice in our lot. And yet, when we do face them, no matter how massive, they have an uncanny way of clarifying life's priorities. The greater they are, the greater their power is to strip away distractions and force our attention onto what remains. The important stuff.

Following Ben Zoma's reminder and Ann-Marie's advice, I found myself thinking less about accomplishments and possessions, which are never the true measure of wealth, and focusing more on the people in my life. So throughout my birthday I focused on them. I thought about all that my husband, my children, and my dearest friends have given to me. I thought about the joy that I take from my grandchildren. And I thought about all of the friends, colleagues, and many members of our community who have reached out to Arthur and me with concern, encouragement, and kindness.

Ben Zoma does not define wealth by what we own. He defines it by our ability to recognize what is already present in our lives. Gratitude is not pretending that everything is perfect. It is seeing clearly enough to recognize the sources of light that remain even in difficult times.

Not everyone finds those lights in the same places. Some are blessed with a close-knit family. Others find support through friendships, neighbors, congregations, and communities of care. The lesson is not where the light comes from, but that none of us shines alone. Our movement's watchword, after all, is about locating our light, strength, and hope. We say that we find them within and we do. But that other part, "and in you," provides the final word.

Knowing, at least for us, that those sources of strength reside within ourselves is of utmost importance. To believe that no supernatural force is pitching us those curveballs is a comforting reminder that while we may also be angry when they're thrown at us, we don't need to undergo a crisis of faith. We just need to turn to our strengths within. And then count the blessings we have received from the people around us.

When we can do that, we can rejoice. Even when that curveball bops us on the head.

This year I had no birthday cake. My particular cancer has temporarily removed my ability to taste much, if anything. So instead I imagined a cake topped with candles. I saw each one representing a person whose presence has enriched my life.

Perhaps that is what Ben Zoma meant. To be truly wealthy is to look at the people who illuminate our lives and to know, with gratitude, that we already possess riches beyond measure.

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בֶּן זוֹמָא אוֹמֵר, אֵיזֶהוּ חָכָם, הַלּוֹמֵד מִכָּל אָדָם.

אֵיזֶהוּ גִבּוֹר, הַכּוֹבֵשׁ אֶת יִצְרוֹ.

אֵיזֶהוּ עָשִׁיר, הַשָּׂמֵחַ בְּחֶלְקוֹ.

אֵיזֶהוּ מְכֻבָּד, הַמְכַבֵּד אֶת הַבְּרִיּוֹת:

אבות ד

Ben Zoma omer:

Eizeh hu chacham? Ha-lomeid mi-kawl adam.

Eizeh hu gibur? Ha-covesh et yitzro.

Eizeh hu ashir? Ha-samei'ach b'chelko.

Eizeh hu m'chubad?