Worthy life tops one filled with health, wealth

A passionate British soccer fan was asked whether he considered soccer a matter of “life and death.” He said, “No. It’s much more important than that!”

I’d like to address what I would call some of the “more important” things in life.

Last Shabbat, we read two short but intense Torah portions, Nitzavim and Vayelech (together, they comprise only 70 verses, but they are packed with powerful messages for life, particularly as we approach Rosh Hashana).

At the beginning of the first reading, Nitzavim, Moses addresses the nation as he prepares for the end of his life and prepares to pass the baton to Joshua:

You stand firmly today, all of you together, before G-d.

According to commentary, that opening line is a veiled reference to Rosh Hashana, which is always observed in the week following this reading. The Hebrew word hayom (today) is heard many times over Rosh Hashana, the Day of Judgment.

How are we to prepare for the Days of Judgment?

Firstly, we are encouraged to focus not only on necessary physical or culinary preparations but, more importantly, to get ourselves into a state of spiritual readiness.

• • •

Have you ever had the frightening experience of preparing for the wrong test, spending hours reviewing your history syllabus only to discover, when you arrived at school, that you’re handed the English exam?

What would happen if we arrived at the Heavenly exam and the questions put to us were not at all what we spent our lives preparing for? We’ve focused on our businesses, our health, our sports and leisure activities — all necessary and natural. But what if we’ve forgotten about the other areas of life that are “more important?”

The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) shares some inside information about the questions we will be asked at the legendary Pearly Gates. Guess what? None of the questions pertain to our wealth, health, occupations, property portfolios, waistlines or athleticism.

We will be asked whether we conducted our business affairs faithfully with honesty and integrity, if we fixed regular times for Torah study, if we did our best to raise a family, and if we looked forward to the Final Redemption.

• • •

The eternal questions deal with the truly important things in life. Were you a worthy human being? Were you honest and upright? Did you dedicate yourself to studying G-d’s wisdom? Are you leaving a legacy of children and grandchildren who will learn from your fine example? Did you aspire higher and were hopeful of a better world for all?

Of course, health is important. Ask anyone who is suffering from illness. Wealth is a big one, too. We all want to live comfortably and be able to give generously. And to have a break from work and engage in sports, whether as a participant or spectator, has its merits, too.

But these are all means to a higher end.

When the game of life is over, the truly important things, our value system and the legacy we leave top all other considerations.

A healthy and wealthy life is not as important as a worthy life.

At we enter Rosh Hashana, let’s be sure we’ve prepared for the right exam; let’s focus our on higher values and recalibrate our priorities in preparation for the new year. If we do this we be able to answer the questions more confidently.

May we be prepared and be blessed.

I wish you all Shanah Tovah. May our prayers for our unfortunate hostages and our valiant defenders be answered positively.