Responding to our newest Contemporary Talmud Page theme, Julie Dean focuses on the challenge of argumentative, exhausting times. In and of itself, does this demand more “recovery sabbaticals?” Here is her insight:
Julie Dean on A Shlemut That Includes Personal Ethics
“The purpose of Torah is lifelong moral education.” Peticha (springboard) from the Contemporary Talmud page
Rather than asking how to balance exhausting, argumentative times with periods of recovery, we might instead ask how to integrate both our inner and outer lives in service of a sustainable, effective, and spiritually connected path. Integral to living with conscious awareness, engaging in meaningful action, and cultivating a grounded moral compass is the quality of menuchah — life-giving rest. When we view rest and action, inner work and outward striving, as opposing forces rather than essential partners, we set ourselves up for exhaustion—whether in our pursuit of justice, spiritual growth, or daily responsibilities. Fatigue experienced by activists, educators, and seekers often stems from this misunderstanding. A nondual perspective affirms the interdependence of these energies and reminds us that rest is not the opposite of work, but its sacred companion. Just as tzimtzum served as a necessary catalyst for the birth of creation, so too must we integrate purposeful restfulness into our lived understanding of tikkun olam and Mussar.
During restorative rest, the mind, body and soul soften and expand, creating space for new spiritual insight and connection. As one pauses and slows down, this shift brings a change of consciousness, opening the way to reflection and renewal otherwise interrupted by the busyness of everyday life. During times of menuchah, we may ask ourselves the core question of the mitlamet/mitlamedet (self-reflective learner): “What am I learning from life?”
In the quieting and deep listening that follows, the seeker may hear valuable wisdom from within. Just as challah requires time to rise, so too does the soul need spaciousness to grow, elevate, and reach toward its potential. A vital element of this practice is gevurah - discernment around the right ‘‘measure’ of menuchah. When does my rest lead toward slothfulness? What measure replenishes and reconnects me to my sources of renewal? Asking these questions becomes as significant as their answers, for through mindful awareness and hitlamdut, one becomes their own best teacher.
These times call us to courageous action - in the world and in our moral development. By interweaving rest and pause with action and transformation, we create a lasting foundation upon which to live, learn and grow. May we foster a culture of activism and spiritual development that integrates the mitzvah of life-giving rest as we engage in the holy work of tikkun halev, tikkun hanefesh and tikkun olam.
For more commentary, go to the Guide for Perplexed and Weary Kaplanians Talmud page. |
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