BackLooking to Tomorrow
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
As members of the Jewish community no matter our level of practice, we all share in a heritage that has nurtured our families for centuries and has offered so many gifts to the world at large. From the Biblical idea of the sacredness of the individual, to the value of deep learning, and the preciousness of family, we have tried to pass these convictions on from generation to generation. Each of our holidays focuses on the future. I think that is the primary reason the Jewish people is so optimistic. No matter what befalls us, we are always looking towards tomorrow. For example, we herald Rosh HaShanah next week with the Shofar, the ancient trumpet announcing the very renewal of G-d’s creation.
In this week’s parsha read on Shabbat, the Torah itself reminds us that we always look to the coming generations when sustaining the covenant of the Mitzvot, the commandments, that we hold so close. Moses is nearing the end of his days, and he asks that the Children of Israel recall that the tradition we treasure is not only “with those standing here with us today,” but also, “with those who are not here with us today.” Does that mean the living or those who are gone? Rashi, the classic Rabbinic commentator on the Torah, explains, “even with future generations.” The children of today and tomorrow are also part of the covenant, and they were summoned at Mt. Sinai just as our ancestors were millennia ago.
Each of us, no matter our generation, is connected with what comes next. We all have a stake in the future, and a responsibility to set the stage for as great a tomorrow as can be. We can do it together, in community with one another.