Politicians and pundits tell us that this election is “the most consequential election of our time.”
Now, I am not good at predicting, so I cannot foresee what will be the consequences of the most consequential election.
But I can predict with high confidence that in just about two years, we will have another “most consequential election of our time.”
Oh, and in four years, too. And in six years, and eight … you get the point. This is what they tell us every election!
Honestly, can I really blame them? No. Because politicians need to energize people to go out and vote, which is not an easy job.
Voting can be annoying: finding your polling place, parking and standing in line takes time. You could have spent that precious time on any leisure activity.
And so, they are left with one choice: Use strong language.
“This is really important! Super important! How dare you not vote! Everything might be messed up, all because of you!”
Now, sometimes politicians can make some questionable statements. In this case, however, what they say has a grain of truth.
Every election is consequential.
Let’s take it one step further.
It’s not only about the elections. In fact, the Torah teaches us that every action we take is consequential. Yes, every single action is meaningful; every single action matters.
Usually, we tend to think only of the big picture.
“I want to be a good person,” we say, and by that, we mean that generally, we should be people of upstanding values and action. As long as the big picture looks good, we are good.
The Torah reminds us of the value of every single action. Even one good deed makes a tremendous positive impact on the entire world.
Knowing that every good deed we do makes an impact can make us happier.
I recently talked to an elderly individual who used to be very active in the community. He was reminiscing about his community involvement and lamenting how he could not do that anymore.
“You might not be able to do as much as you used to,” I reminded him, “but all of the good you did back then is still bearing fruit! Because any mitzvah we do is eternal, its impact is also infinite.
“For example: If your younger version influenced someone to get more involved with Judaism, it is very likely that your influence had a ripple effect and helped others reconnect with Judaism as well.
“So all of the mitzvot you did in the past keep impacting the world today,” I told him.
Knowing that every mitzvah matters brings us great joy. But it also brings urgency: to do as many mitzvot as possible.
If one mitzvah has such a positive impact, two mitzvot have twice as much. And three … and four … When we have an opportunity to do a mitzvah, it’s no longer a “small thing” we do here and now.
It’s consequential.
Please God:
Give us the energy to do as many mitzvot as possible.
Give us the awareness to appreciate all of the mitzvot that we do.
And give the world the ultimate, best consequences ever: the coming of Moshiach very soon, Amen.
Rabbi Mendy Kaminker is the Rabbi of Chabad of Hackensack. He welcomes your comments at [email protected]
