By Mitchell M. Hurvitz
“The Sound of Music” is my wife Roseanne’s all-time favorite movie. For almost 40 years, Roseanne has wanted to stay a few days at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont; but it took six months of chemo and immunotherapies, and beating back my cancer, that finally I realized I needed to make the time and to have the willingness to make her simple wish happen.
Early in the summer, we went to the Lodge and immersed ourselves in the Von Trapp family history and the American home they had made for themselves in Stowe, Vermont. We met Maria’s granddaughter and learned a lot about the true history of the Von Trapp family. The Sound of Music depicts Nazi persecution, but it does so in a very G-rated manner; the true story is a lot more harrowing.
We hiked around the enchanting farm and gazed upon the sweeping mountain vistas that reminded the Von Trapp family of their beloved Austrian home from which they had to flee. It was a beautiful and meaningful trip, and on the drive home, we joyously listened to the soundtrack of the Sound of Music while singing along with all of the songs.
My favorite is “My Favorite Things:” Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens…Brown paper packages tied up with strings…Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…These are a few of my favorite things! When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad!
In honor of Julie Andrews’ 79th birthday, a different version of this song was offered, which also personally resonated: …needles for knitting, Walkers and handrails, and new dental fittings… hearing aids and glasses… false teeth in glasses…When the pipes leak, When the bones creak, When the knees go bad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don’t feel so bad…Then I remember the great life I’ve had, And then I don’t feel so bad.
This past year was tough, and I experienced “dog bites and bee stings.” I had to find the strength to accept that which I couldn’t control and instead focus on all the blessings that surrounded me if only I would notice.
God commands us to “choose life,” no matter the circumstances. We can do this by practicing an attitude for gratitude and continually seeking out at every opportunity of Sacred Joy! Cultivation of gratitude helps us better recognize what is good vs. wrong. Gratitude occurs when we realize the good that we already possess. No matter how dire or challenging the circumstances, it is always possible to find something for which to be grateful, and the easiest way to do this is to pursue sacred joy actively.
Life is too short not to experience daily sacred joy. It is too easy not to find the time to do this; for example, being on our phones rather than being fully present is more effortless. It is also easier to think that our material possessions can bring us happiness. But our possessions do not bring us true and lasting joy, nor life fulfillment. Possessions can add some happiness to our lives but hold no intrinsic value. The house we build and live in does not matter; it’s the home we make, the family and friends we treasure, and the times we share our sacred joy.
We must learn to prioritize our favorite things, what we treasure most, and the times and spaces we share joyfully with those we love most. Happiness has value, but it is not ultimately the meaning of life. Happiness is only what the individual feels, and sacred joy is always about something we share with others. We never experience sacred joy in solitude, and the desire for sacred joy is also so strong that many of us have witnessed loved ones courageously fighting off the Angel of Death so they could reach an appointed time of sacred joy.
When my body was wracked with cancer and the toxins of treatments, once a week I felt no pain. Shabbat would come, and I would share in a bar or bat mitzvah and only experience sacred joy, oblivious to physical challenges.
Sharing love and joy with others is our favorite thing. It is what connects us to each other and God. Laughing together, loving, and being present with each other is what sacred joy is all about. Cultivate an attitude for gratitude, and notice the opportunities to share sacred joy. What can be more favored than living such a sacred and rewarding life?
Shabbat Shalom.
Temple Sholom’s Senior Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz is a scholar, teacher, community activist and preacher, and is recognized as one of the prominent religious leaders in the Greenwich area and beyond.
