Beautiful Thoughts on the Beautiful Game

Imagine if FIFA were to decide that professional soccer is just not fair. If, in their estimation, players on losing teams were left too bummed out after unsuccessful matches, prophets of game outcomes were being publicly ridiculed when they missed the mark, and rabid fans were beside themselves when their favourite team choked in a big match. In short, there were just too many elements that aren’t happy, upbeat and “nice.” Imagine if the governing body of the sport decided to carefully monitor all games and constantly move players around in order to keep things perpetually, strictly equal. Participation ribbons for everyone. No surprises. Ever.

Where’s the fun in that?

The whole point of the sport–any sport–is to train hard and play hard. Moreover, it is to win. Without the carrot of the championship cup or ring, why would anyone put in all that time and energy?

Similarly, instead of just plopping humanity down onto the playing field of life and assuring everyone a smooth ride, Hashem has given us the opportunity for personal growth by placing obstacles in our paths. And he gave us all a spirit that longs to rise to the challenge and thrives on the thrill of victory.

Our experience in the world can very easily be expressed in terms of a soccer game. We are all here on one massive team and our collective goal is to move forward together down the playing field. As we travel, we must concentrate our intentions on the goal of doing mitzvot and generally making the world a better place, whilst also not being taken out by the many obstacles we encounter. Luckily, our daily struggles don’t involve sweaty men in shorts running toward us at high speed. Well, at least, not on most days.

We want to win. G-d wants us to win. And when we do, there is a sense of real joy and pride in a job well done. When we earn it, it feels spectacular. Sure, there are some days when we would just like G-d to figure it all out for us and send the answers down like manna from heaven. In the end, though, wouldn’t that be just like watching a soccer match in which no one breaks a sweat, the fans don’t even bother to show up and no ever actually wins? Thankfully, G-d gives us the opportunity for way more thrills and excitement than that.

And all without the vuvuzelas.


Remember to give it your all,

Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu


This week's featured events (click for more info):

Kollel Hiking Club
Singles (20-35) Dinner

P.S. Three guesses as to where you'll find a certain rabbi on Sunday at 11:30...