It seems that life in Israel is truly wonderful, whether the media storms that have befallen us lately are around a sentence said in a lecture or following a line written somewhere.
It's a new style of creating a commotion out of nothing, but there is definitely an intention behind it to terrorize anyone who dares to voice an opinion that deviates from what someone believes is the 'correct' line.
Last week, there was an attempt to create a stir by the Minister of Education's statement that "Judaism studies are more important than mathematics studies.".
The huge headlines created the impression that a shocking, scandalous statement was made here, requiring a beating for sin or at least a clarification and apology.
But what can you do, this is the truth.
Mathematics or health?
Here, these days we each take stock of ourselves and stand with our heads bowed to recite the Selichot. What are we asking for forgiveness for, for not having studied mathematics sufficiently? What are we taking stock of ourselves for, for not having invested in science studies?
With all due respect to these professions, they are not what stand before our eyes when we stand before the Creator of the world on the Day of Judgment.
For what do we ask for forgiveness and take stock of ourselves? – For things in the spirit. For not having learned enough Torah, for not having kept enough commandments, for not having done enough acts of charity and kindness, for not having purified our virtues, for not having shown respect to others.
About these, we say with a broken heart, "We are guilty, we have betrayed," and let us hope that next year we will improve and rise above.
Mathematics is a tool. An important and essential tool for technological progress, but only a tool. In contrast, Jewish studies shape our personality, our very being as human beings and Jews.
These are not two professions that can be compared and debated about their importance, but rather one is merely a tool and means, while the other is related to our very being.
This is similar to the question of whether it is more important to study math or to be healthy. Every father and mother will answer emphatically: 'Health is the most important thing.'.
Well, just as physical health is the greatest and most important wish that we all wish for ourselves and our children, spiritual health – being a healthy person in mind and a healthy Jew in spirit – is also the most important thing.
Healthy basics
Judaism is not a subject that you study for a test, get a grade, and then can wave a nice certificate around. Judaism must be internalized and assimilated into the soul.
Judaism means Jewish identity, a strong connection to Jewish roots, Jewish pride. Jewish studies should instill within us the Jewish value system, so that we can meet the challenges of life and pass on this wonderful heritage to future generations.
When the foundations are strong, a magnificent building can be built upon them. A Jew who has received a deep and rooted moral charge will be able to engage in any profession and occupation and face any challenge without becoming confused and without giving up his identity and values. Such a Jew sanctifies the name of God and inspires respect in the eyes of those around him.
In these days of Elul, we restore proportions to our lives.
We take stock of ourselves and remember what are the truly important things, thanks to which we will be rewarded with good writing and signing, for a happy and sweet new year.
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