"What is required of us?" asked the prophet Micah.

"What is required of us?" asked the prophet Micah. "Only to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8) It sounds simple enough. Doing it, though, is challenging work. Not to mention that finding time...
"What is required of us?" asked the prophet Micah. "Only to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8) It sounds simple enough. Doing it, though, is challenging work. Not to mention that finding time for such lofty goals amidst all the quotidian tasks of life is difficult, and the work is never complete.

In the book of Ecclesiastes we encounter the lament that there is nothing new under the sun. As another mid-term election finds us wondering not only when those campaign signs will be removed but also whether our newly elected and re-elected representatives will be better able to fulfill their charge to uphold the highest values of our nation - values shaped by words and ideas from the prophet Micah, we might also muse on whether Ecclesiastes had it right. The work does remain constant. The frustrating challenges of a democratic government continue. The wheels of government are never still, hopefully turning for justice, as well.

This Shabbat's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, has an important message for all of us who are both inspired by the work of our elected officials and sometimes weary of the ongoing process. Chayei Sarah tells of the death of Sarah at the age of 127. It recounts the tale of Abraham's purchase of a family burial plot, the need to find a wife for Isaac and the second marriage of Abraham to Keturah. The uniqueness of the Jewish people has really just emerged, and despite the enormity of establishing a new religion, the death of a dear one, the need to plan not one but two weddings, despite the fact that life goes on for our first Patriarch and his family as they struggle to do what is required of them, Abraham and his family cannot rest. The noblest challenges facing every one of them need to be met - as we discover in the unfolding of the Biblical story of our people.

Such dedication is inspiring, as Biblical accounts should be. But Genesis does not attempt to portray our Patriarchs and Matriarchs as royalty freed from the burdens of life as they work to further the advance of the Jewish People. In fact, quite the contrary is true. They are subjected to the routine, the tragic, the joys and essential tasks of life. And they endure and even flourish.

This Shabbat, I encourage all of you to spend a few moments realizing that yes, Ecclesiastes may be right when he voiced that the tasks go on and on.

But so too is Micah. We are all called to greater endeavors. May this Shabbat enable you to discover a moment to focus on yours.