Parshat Vayera; Exodus 6:2-9:35 By: Rabbi Denise L. Eger

At this time of year when the secular year changes, we are bombarded with New Year’s resolutions. Many people make lists of changes for the New Year and certainly we hear about the resolutions of others. Stop smoking. Exercise more. Organize the closets. Pay off debt. These are just a few of the resolutions that annually make the top ten lists of things to do differently in 2008. Many of us engage in this process and year in and year out the same few things appear on our lists! In part this is because we set unrealistic goals for ourselves. Perhaps we ought to not begin with cleaning out our entire closet—but perhaps one shelf or drawer a week. Perhaps we ought not to exercise seven days a week but begin more modestly if we have been a member of the supreme couch potato league last year. These are strategies that actually might help us fulfill our resolutions. But most likely, many of us will hold onto our resolutions for a short while. But soon give them up as overwhelming or forgotten in the heap of responsibilities at home or at work.

I am always amazed at the crowds in the gym during January. The machines and classes are full. It takes longer to get on a treadmill or it is more difficult to find mat space in that yoga class you have been taking. All because of New Year’s resolutions. The January surge of good intentions quickly falls away in February and once again it is easy to climb aboard the elliptical or have enough room for a good downward dog!

But all because most of us revert to old habits and old ways. We say we are going to change. We might have even gone through life changing experiences but we don’t really change. Instead we change our minds—whether consciously or unconsciously. We get stubborn and dig in our heels. Why clean closets and be organized when one can keep the clutter and catch a flick instead? Is our capacity to change so limited? If we can change our minds and not fulfill the resolutions we have made, can’t we also change our behaviors and actions if we really want to?

This week’s Torah portion Vayera examines this idea through the words and actions of the Pharaoh of Egypt. This is the week the 10 plagues begin. Moses coached and instructed by God demands the freedom of the Israelites from Egyptian servitude. Pharaoh coolly and cruelly refuses. He is entrenched in his ways. Even the first six plagues which are documented in this week’s parasha, from the turning of the River Nile to Blood to the thunder and hail does not ultimately help change Pharaoh’s mind. Oh he changes for a short while when affected by the difficulties of the plagues. But as the Exodus text tells us, “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he became stubborn and would not heed them, as God had spoken (Ex. 8:11).” As soon as the trauma ends, Pharaoh quickly reverts back to his old ways. He consciously changes his mind but refuses to acknowledge the force of God in the world.

As we know things don’t go well for Pharaoh. In the end the 10 Plagues descend upon Egypt and his own household, killing his own first born son and the Israelites do leave even though again he changes his mind. His stubbornness and his unwillingness to entertain the idea that with God’s help, might and strength all things are possible leads to his defeat.

This doesn’t mean that God is going to do the right number of reps on the ab board for you or that God will instantly stop your craving for a cigarette. But this week’s portion and its reflection on the ideas of faith and belief ought to inspire each of us to help fulfill our New Year’s resolutions rather than stubbornly revert to our old ways. Perhaps a prayer before ascending the treadmill is appropriate to give you the courage to make it through the next half an hour of cardio. Perhaps when reaching for that midmorning cookie, you might stop yourself with a mantra of hope that the Divine energy of the Shekinah can boost your willpower to resist the call of the sugar. Will prayer and reflection stop all our cravings? Probably not, but it is as good a place to begin as any. And perhaps by training our faith muscles we might actually boost our immunity to skepticism, cynicism and scorn!

Now that is one way to make the New Year a year of joy and blessing! Count me in!

Posted by Aaron at January 3, 2008 10:38 AM