LIFE’S DEFINING MOMENTS…

I always ask my bar/bat mitzvah students at their first lesson:  “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Over the years I have heard a wide range of responses – hockey player, pilot, fashion designer, a litigator just like my father, and the frequent shrug of the shoulders followed by “I dunno.”  When I was five years old, I wanted to work at a gas station because I liked the smell of the gasoline.  In those days, full serve was still the only way to fill up your car.  By the time I was 10, I wanted to be a doctor.  It seems that my parents chose me as the one in the family to “live the Jewish dream.”  For years I told people that I was going to be a doctor.  The only problem was that I could not stand the sight of blood.  Everyone expected me to outgrow my fears, but I still have not. 

Ironically, my life as your Hazzan takes me to hospitals regularly to visit our members.  While I never fulfilled my childhood dream to be a doctor, I still have the opportunity to help others feel better.  Often, my time in the hospital involves a visit with someone who is unable to communicate.  All I can do is hold the patient’s hand, hum them a tune and recite a prayer for their welfare.  For those isolated in a hospital for days and often weeks at a time, the experience can be very lonely and often depressing.  The hours fly by when you have something to do at home or at the office.  When you are confined to a hospital bed, time almost stands still. I find my visits challenging because I must overcome my squeamish tendencies.  However, I am always grateful at the conclusion of my visit for the chance I was given to make someone feel a little better, if only for a moment.  

The Rambam writes that the mitzvah of visiting the sick is included under the general mitzvah of "ve-ahavta le-rei'acha kamocha" ("love your neighbor as yourself").  The Talmud says that the mitzvah of bikkur cholim (visiting the sick) delivers “interest” in this world but the “principal” stays in tact for “olam haba” (the world to come).  It is this act of selfless giving which is the highest form of charity.  The greatest mitzvah we can perform is that for which there is no repayment. 

I find that during the last few months, I have spent more time visiting members than before. Beth Sholom is blessed as a synagogue filled with a new generation, but also with an aging group of founding members.  Our mi sheberach list is often overflowing with names of friends and family we are praying for.  Scientific research studies have linked prayer with a patient’s recovery.  Those with people praying for them have a greater chance of survival.  Many accept that prayer can aid in recovery, not only due to divine influence but due to psychological and physical benefits. The psychological benefits of prayer may help reduce stress and anxiety, promote a more positive outlook, and strengthen the will to live.

While my life has taken many twists and turns since I first chose my career path at the tender age of five, I am grateful that I have been given the chance to make a difference in so many lives along the way.  I can only encourage you to do the same.  The next time that you have the choice between waiting another day to make your visit, please think again and take the time to make a difference…today! 

Cantor Eric Moses