Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev Kislev 20th 5772
December 16th 2011
Shalom,
Unless you watch Israeli sports very closely, you probably have not came across the name of Lee Korzits. Well, until this week, I never came across that name either, but apparently, Lee is one of the most famous Israelis living today.
Lee Korzits continues single-handedly to write one of the most wonderful comeback stories that Israeli sports has known. From serious injuries through near-drowning experiences and dangerous situations in the sea, the 27-year-old added another chapter Sunday by winning gold at the World Sailing Championships in Australia.
She last won the World Championship in 2003, when she became the youngest female windsurfer to accomplish the feat.
"I celebrated and mostly cried because I didn't believe it would happen to me again," Korzits told. "It's a crazy moment, like a delirium...I pressed. I gave everything, my entire soul...I was very moved to hear 'Hatikva.'"
Korzits led the competition from the very first race. "In recent years I learned to deal with pressure that used to unnerve me," she said. "I was focused on the goal and really wanted to reach this moment. When I got out of the water I felt joy like I've never felt in my life."
She said the last time she won she was too young to appreciate being the world champion like she can today. "You learn a lot in eight years," she said. "I learned to appreciate where I am, the people around me..."
Just three years ago, she dropped out of competitive windsurfing after a string of poor performances that left her outside the Beijing Olympics and couple of years ago, a serious back injury almost kept her from ever returning to the surfboard. Last year, she nearly drowned at the European Championships. She is now a top world class athlete.
Being the best in the world must be a great feeling. There is no doubt that in order to be number one, one has to make sacrifices and totally focus and be immersed in one thing only. Obviously, one has to enjoy what he or she is doing. However, I am wondering if Jewish tradition is in favor of a person being consumed by one thing only?!
Let's narrow the question; if possible, should one separate himself and totally immerse in Torah study? We know that the word "kadosh" in Hebrew (holy in English) means separated. According to this idea one can become holy by separating him/ herself from all activities other than fulfillment of commandments and Torah study.
Recently I started reading Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' book "Healing a Fractured World." I have to say that it is one of the most amazing books I have ever come across. You can read about Rabbi Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the UK and the Commonwealth countries, and about his book online. Rabbi Sacks talks about the responsibility we have towards the world. Being responsible for other human beings and all God's creatures is a fundamental basis of our faith, says Rabbi Sacks. Therefore one who seeks sanctity via separation, or by limiting himself to one thing only in order to achieve greater heights, is moving away from greater responsibility. This misses the whole point of our faith.
I think it's a great message to remember as we approach the Chanuka season, the festival of lights. Being a light to others means showing the way by example. Being a light is to take responsibility, see beyond oneself, and help others.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all in Shul on Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanuka
Cantor Arik Wollheim
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