I don't watch the Olympics very much. It's not a matter of principle; I don't find it riveting. However, I must say I don't understand some of the chatter about the Olympics. For example, why the focus on the "overall medal count" which seems to be on every news program? I thought that the Olympics, most sports actually, were to focus on working on skills and establishing a personal best. In that sense, winning a medal is secondary for the person and should be of little import to the country as a whole. Someone who comes in 10th place but has reached a personal best should be recognized for that accomplishment, no?
      
     The emphasis on doping during these 2016 Games is important. We should not celebrate those who strive for personal best by 
any  means at all, at the Olympics or any other sport for that matter. Celebration of their achievements should be based on their hard work and training, not that they are the best due to doping.  Most heartening, in my honest opinion, are the number of participants in the games who are taking public stands against doping. One could argue they are doing so for personal reasons. My sense is their messages will help turn the tide against doping.

     There is an area where we have a responsibility in the area of competition. We all need to recognize that winning is not the only thing. A young person who has done well enough to make the try-outs is worthy of congratulations. We should celebrate those who make it to games of course, but we should remember them even if they don't win, place or show.

     The same is true in all of life, not just sports. We should remember that reaching a personal best is an accomplishment worth celebrating. If the ultimate goal is to be the best person we can be, it should not be tempered by "but you weren't as good as..." Making the effort, stepping out of one's comfort zone to try something new are worthy of note. There should be more to life than gold medals.

     Tisha B'av is commemorated this Sunday, August 14 - a day delayed due to Shabbat. Services  on Saturday night are at  8:10 pm and include the reading of 
EichaSunday Syracuse Conservative Daily services at  9:00 am at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.  And at Temple Adath Yeshurun, Minha at 1:30 pm and Arvit at 8:30 pm.

Rabbi Paul Drazen
rabbidrazen@adath.org
(315) 445 - 0002 x121
450 Kimber Road
Syracuse, NY 13224
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