The Pause Button (March 2016 KOL)
In many ways, the most useful button on a remote control is the pause button. It is a wonderful invention of technology, which really understands how human beings operate. It recognizes that there are times that we need to stop what we are doing for something very necessary, and that once we have had the opportunity to pause, that we will resume what we were doing and enjoying. By its very nature, the pause button implies the continuity of play or program. We aren’t stopping what we want or love to do, we are just pausing to take care of another need in our lives. What was before continues seemlessly once we hit resume or play. The pause is an opportunity to take care of your own or someone else’s needs while anticipating that you fully intend to come back and hit play again.
From a psychological perspective, we know the value of the “pause button” in life, in times of stress or conflict, and when we need to make sure that our brains are functioning at peak performance. The 2nd century B.C.E. scribe and sage Ben Sira, author of the book of Ecclesiasticaus, wrote, “The wisdom of a learned man comes through relaxation.” (38:24) In our “fast forward” world, we too often neglect our mind and body’s need to pause. We too often push ourselves to a point of no return or convince ourselves that “non-stop” is the only way to go. Most of the time, I am as guilty as the next person in this regard, which is why taking this mini-sabbatical time in February and another again in July this year is all the more important.
As I return to TBS on Thursday, I will hit the resume/play button, going non-stop through my first weekend. But, I return refreshed and rested, having had necessary time to recover from a bad case of pneumonia that sapped my energy and still has some residual effects. Filled with hugs and kisses from my LA grandchildren, and plenty of warm weather and sunshine, I am energized. Sabbatical is a perfect word, as I really do feel that I lived the concluding words of V’Shamru – “shavat vayinafash” – I “rested and was refreshed.”
Now the challenge will be to take the lessons of sabbatical into my life. I need to make sure that I hit that PAUSE button from time to time. Like you, I get sucked into the 24/7, non-stop need to live only on PLAY and FAST FORWARD. Shabbat, days off, and a “pause mindset” can extend not only our careers, I know in my heart it can extend our lives.
Thank you for letting me hit the PAUSE button for a few weeks. Thank you to Rabbi Rappaport whose presence and talents enabled me to leave TBS trusting that all would be well. And thank you to our amazing staff and leadership for their generosity of time and talent to keep me out of the day-to-day so that the “pause” could truly be genuine and complete.
It is great to be back for this Friday night, as we begin our first of many Purim celebrations this month of March. I have been playing dress up with my grandchildren all of February. Starting on Friday night, it will be so much fun to get to dress up with ALL of you.
Many thanks for your support. May we all find ways to hit that PAUSE, so needed in all of our lives.
Fondly,
Rabbi Perlin