Flexible Like the Reed

Newsletter March 31st, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

Judaism is counter-cultural. Or at least counter-intuitive. That’s what I love most about it. It can take one seemingly obvious idea and turn it on its head. And from this, extract great teachings.

For example, Pirkei Avot/the Ethics of the Fathers- chapter four Mishnah 1 reminds us that the one who is wise is not the one with four college degrees. Rather, it is the person who learns from everyone. 

The one who is strong is not some muscle man but rather the one who can control their lesser inclinations. 

The one who is rich doesn’t have the deepest bank account. Rather they are the one who delights in what they have. 

And the one who is honored is not the one with the most fame but rather the one who honors others. 

Jewish thought challenges us to question our assumptions and test the truth. 

Similarly, in this week’s Talmud study, we read a text that compares the attributes of the cedar tree known for being strong and tall and mighty, to the reed which is known as being lowly, flimsy and grows in mud. What should a Jewish person strive to be? A reed! Surprised? Yes- and here is where the wisdom of this answer comes into play. The rabbis realize that the cedar is haughty while the reed is humble. And the cedar may appear to be mighty but it is easily blown over by gusts of wind, while the flexible reed remains rooted. For these reasons, we should strive to be like the reed. And for this example, the reed is rewarded with becoming an instrument used to write the sacred text of Torah. In all, invaluable lessons from the sages who noticed these things. 

Look around the world this week and see the truths that defy the otherwise obvious answer. What can we learn from the world around us?

Looking deeply is how we keep it sacred. 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller,

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

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