Reinventing the Wheel

We've come a long way since Freddie Flintstone tooled around town in his stone-age jalopy. The wheel has evolved from primitive clumsy millstones into classy coach carriage and trim bicycle   spokes, while cars upgraded from studded/winter & smooth/summer tires to all-season radials.

But the wheel has recently taken a whole new turn, daring to tread where it never did before. We are being overrun by hordes of rugged Rovers, rambunctious RAV's and swaggering SUV's.

The wheeler dealers are now introducing monstrous Unimogs whose tires are taller than cars, so the wheel worshippers think they sit on top of the world.

Ranging far and wide, these roughriders tear up the road, guzzle gas and eat up the miles. Instead of carefully avoiding bumps and obstacles, they splash around in mud, climb up mountains and moonscapes, and crash into ditches.

Now, before getting into a whole tirade, let's step on the brakes and pause to think. A little sport and adventure is fine, but to be so driven without purpose and direction? Like hotrods going 'round in circles, these people go nowhere very, very fast.

We're sick and tired of road rage and rollovers. Sure, there's the sudden energy burst, the quick pick up and rush of power, but should it consume our life?

Personally, I'm no navigator or explorer, but the Ford - Firestone blowouts send us a message: when the high rollers take a fast turn, the game is over. Instead of just spinning our wheels, let's apply the lessons of Torah to daily life, -for "The exegesis is not crucial, but the act," i.e. where the rubber hits the road.

To get places, we must build up spiritual pressure within, so our Jewish drive and enthusiasm doesn't go flat. Let's maintain a good grip, and beware of those slippery ways. Why waste excess energy on temporary thrill, if we can channel it to go the extra mile for a Mitzvah and good deeds?

And let's do it right away for "If not now, when?" (Ethics of our Fathers 1) Why wait till you're all worn down, going bald, and ready to retire?

At first, the mention of scooters brought back childhood memories of the rackety 'Dennis the Menace' fruit crates we mounted on roller skates. But the contemporary scooters are in vogue, practical and down to earth.

This set of wheels doesn't pollute, guzzle or congest, is low maintenance with unlimited MPG, and parks itself easily without the hassle of meter maids and parking tickets. Unlike transportation modes that take us for a ride, this one encourages exercise, so it's good for people from all walks of life.

Instead of plodding along with all pedestrians, at the spur of the   moment, or moment of the spur, you have a leg up on the competition! Give yourself the extra little push, and you're on a roll! A scooter's progress is not measured in miles, but it livens up and quickens the pace. It adds spring to your step, a little bounce and movement, and it drives home an important Mitzvah lesson.

Judaism is not only major moves of total dedication, spending all day in prayer and Torah study in the synagogue. We strive to live by the whole Torah, but Judaism also appreciates every move in the right direction, each good step by people on the go, random acts of kindness, even if it's on the run.

The Torah teaches us: "Ekev Tishmeun" (Deut. 7) "You will be highly rewarded when you observe the seeming 'trivial' Mitzvos often stepped upon." Each single Mitzvah, by each and every person, brings us all a step closer to the time of Moshiach, when peace harmony and prosperity will reign throughout the world. Indeed, the Talmudic idiom for our era is "the 'heels and footsteps' of Moshiach."

I don't usually advertise products or endorse brands, but let's not miss this opportunity to extend Rosh Hashanah greetings by mentioning "Goodyear."

© 2001 Rabbi Israel Rubin