Greetings!
The Ancient Israelites as depicted in the Torah are famous for many reasons: For their incessant complaining, their worship of golden bovines, and their contrarian nature. In addition there is one more area where the Jews historically needed improvement, and that was counting. Now, I know the accountants, bankers, and actuaries are scratching their heads right now, so allow me to expound.
In this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, Moses says to the Jewish people, “And now, O Israel, what does God demand of you? Only this: to revere God, to walk only in God’s paths, to love God, and to serve God with all your heart and soul, keeping God’s commandments and laws, which I enjoin upon you today, for your good.” Call me an apostate, but that seems like a lot more than just one demand.
If you’re still not convinced, here’s another example from Psalm 27, which we recite regularly during the month of Elul in preparation for the High Holy Days. It states, “One thing I ask of you God, one thing I desire: That I might dwell in Your house all the days of my life, to behold the graciousness of You, and to enter Your sanctuary.”
While on the surface, it would appear we may not be all that great at counting, one could argue that the function of these two examples was for added emphasis. Stylistically it’s intriguing while semantically it’s paradoxical. But was it effective? Let’s find out together.
As your Cantor, I ask you to do me one favor: Participate in all of our Elul events, attend all of our High Holy Day services, give generously, and send any complaints you have about the music to the rabbis (they love hearing from you).
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Rabbi Kyle Cotler
