I commented earlier today on the importance of accepting responsibility and of recognizing the significance of not only cause but also effect. Effect, otherwise known as consequences.
This week's Torah portion focuses on commitments and consequences. It rather succinctly outlines the parameters of the covenant between God and the Jewish People, and it makes clear that it's not a picnic. Good things are promised, rules are set and consequences for breaking them are clearly delineated. Cause and effect. The terms of the contract.
There's no wiggle room, no exculpatory clauses, no loopholes. No room for the most obvious excuse: if we screw up, God, it's because You made us weak, You abused us as children, You oppressed us in the desert. Not our fault. None of that works. Because, you see, it's all about responsibility. When we took it upon ourselves to grow up, to become a nation, we accepted responsibility for ourselves and our actions. And we accepted that there would be consequences if we behaved badly.
It's a good lesson. Spread it around.
Shabbat Shalom.
