Out of curiosity, I recently googled the phrase “key to success.” I can’t even tell you how many hits came up, from books on Amazon to countless articles across the internet. Clearly, people are searching for that magical key.
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we find a verse that says, “G-d will open up for you the gates of His treasure.” To open a gate, of course, one needs a key. The Mishnah tells us of three keys that G-d holds exclusively in His own possession: the key to rain, the key to life, and the key to the afterlife. Some add a fourth—the key to success. This raises a question: Why would success need its own key? If there was rain, there was abundance; in a drought, there was struggle. Isn’t that already the same “key?” Delving into the mystical teachings, we can better appreciate these two keys. Where does success truly come from? The Torah reminds us that G-d holds the key. The question is whether we recognize this. And if so, to what extent. Rain represents the recognition that everything comes from G-d. If He wills it, it happens. Our role is simply to plow, plant, and tend to what grows. Even if we acknowledge that blessings come from the One Above, we often still give ourselves credit for putting those blessings to use. This is true in any field of work, not just in agriculture. We can recognize that a talent that we have comes from G-d, but how we put it to use, is something for which we may take credit. There’s a deeper level. Not only does the rain come from G-d, but even our very ability to work, to think, to create, to seize opportunities—all of that is also a gift from Him. We may have a healthy body and mind that allow us to make the most of His blessings or, we might waste the chance entirely. Now we can understand the two opinions: Some see success as included in the key to rain, while others recognize it as its own key, reflecting a more profound awareness of G-d’s role in every step of the way. As we approach the High Holidays and pray for a blessed year, we should not only ask for blessings from the One Above, but also for the wisdom and strength to use those blessings fully and wisely. Ketiva v’chatima tova. Shabbat Shalom.
ב"ה
Rabbi Shaya's Thoughts
The Key to Success
Remember to Forget
Nostalgia is often enjoyed when family and friends gather to reminisce about the “good old days.” But for many people, some of those same memories can trigger sadness as well.
We need to be sensitive to this. Memories can be powerful, and not everyone wants to be reminded of the past. The challenge, though, is to find what a person can and should do to live a healthy and balanced life, knowing how important it is to put the past behind them, while constantly also reminding themselves of that very need.
Remembering, yet forgetting. How is that done?
Of course, this is not simple. It’s a long conversation that belongs in a safe space with the right therapist, because no single approach works for everyone.
As Jews, however, we carry collective trauma together. Our history is filled with moments of deep pain. The first to inflict such pain was Amalek, and ever since, “Amalek” has become the catch-all name for those who rise against us in hatred.
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, we are given instructions: “Remember to forget the name of Amalek.”
This is a puzzling statement. If I forget Amalek entirely, then what am I remembering? And if I am told to remember, how can I also forget?
The commentators explain that the verse contains a subtle but important conundrum. When the Torah speaks of destroying Amalek, the destruction does not include their personal property.
Why?
Because people will always carry memories; changing appearances or moving to a new place won’t erase them, which is why Amalek needs to be erased and forgotten. Property, objects, and things, however, can be repurposed. Once they are detached from their original owner, they can take on new meaning. True, this requires effort, but it is possible.
That’s the distinction that the Torah is making. Some memories must truly be forgotten, while others can be reframed and given new life. If something brings back painful memories, it doesn’t always need to be destroyed.
Sometimes, by altering it and giving it new meaning, it can help us heal.
Yet, we must remember that the person or source of pain must be let go.
As we head into the High Holiday season, when we stand before G-d and ask for a blessed new beginning, this message feels especially relevant. We must learn what can be reframed, and what needs to be released completely.
With blessings for a happy, healthy new year.