“If not now, when” —Pirkei Avot
Now, anyone who knows me at all has likened me to the “Energizer Bunny” of battery fame. So, I believe I am in a good position to discuss this trait.
Enthusiasm in Mussar tradition speaks to spiritual energy. It says that enthusiasm is the foundation of all the traits. This makes sense because your energy level can affect everything else in your life. How can one be generous if you lack the motivation to carry through on your intentions? Are acts of loving-kindness even possible without energy?
The Hebrew term for enthusiasm is “zerizut,” which can also be translated as zeal or alacrity. Acting with alacrity means springing forward without hesitation or obstacle. It does not mean rushing forward without thought. Instead it means that no rationalizations slow you down. You don’t put off what you need to do until another time. To do that you must have defined your priorities and know what is really important in your life and what is secondary or even expendable. Then it is possible to know what is worthy of attention and what is not. Enthusiasm also requires single-mindedness. Mussar teachers have described that the trait of zerizut depends on an inner experience that is uncluttered, clear and focused.
If we look at TE through a Mussar lens, now is the time that the Temple Emanuel community must respond with “Enthusiasm.” We are about to embark on an amazing journey of building. But this is no longer a response to a future need, but a reality of our growing and thriving community. We need to do this project in one phase and without any mortgage obligations. We must raise approximately $525,000 for the project. A monumental amount for such a small community! However, under the expert guidance of Dr. Alan Kliger, 85% of this amount has been promised by some very generous TE donors and the Federation. This means that if each of our 150 member-units contributes to the project, we will reach our goal. I know this might be a real stretch for some families, but it is what we all need to do, together. Please respond with “enthusiasm” when a member of the Board or Alan Kliger approaches you. Even better yet, approach them first. Let us all find our own inner “Energizer Bunny” to meet this challenge.