Summer camp meant that I had an opportunity to participate in sports; the rule was that everyone had a chance to play. I was always the last player chosen, but I got to play and I learned more about life from playing baseball and dodgeball in camp than I did from school. I learned about being part of a team, and that proving how smart I was would not help the team win. I learned that people, at least your teammates, like you more when you do well. I learned to enjoy playing even if when I was a terrible player. The counselors, yeshiva guys all, were excellent cheerleaders but had no idea how to coach. I had to figure out what I should do, which only developed as I played. I learned that I had to play in order to be counted.

I understand why Eugen Rosenstock, a German professor of medieval law, observed his American students and said, "The space of play and the space of thought are the two theaters of freedom." I went to camp to learn and experience the freedom of the space of play. I turn to this week's portion to learn and experience the freedom of the space of thought.

God wanted the Children of Israel to learn how to be players. Last week's portion ended with God causing Moses to forget the law regarding a person who publicly cohabits with an idol-worshipper so that Pinchas would have to figure out on his own what to do. This week's portion begins with Pinchas' reward for becoming a player.

We learn some of the important laws of inheritance only when the daughters of Zelophechad demand their rights to inherit their deceased father's portion in the Land of Israel. God waited for them to step up and play before teaching the laws of inheritance.

God waited for Moses to involve himself in the selection of a new leader; He wanted Moshe to step up to the plate and play.

The entire portion is about God waiting for us to involve ourselves in the future. He wanted the Children of Israel to become active players in their lives and future. They could no longer survive by simply waiting for God and Moses to direct them. God clearly rejects Plautus' observation that, "The gods play games with men as balls." God never plays with us. He wants us to become players.

No wonder this is also the portion in which they are counted! We had to learn how to play in order to be counted. The counting was actually the assignment of each player on the team, each with his unique role. Everyone is a player.

No wonder this is also the portion of the Korban Mussaf - The Additional Sacrifices of the Festivals. We had to learn how to add our own ideas, questions and challenges. We had to become active participants in all that was happening.

"Players" don't sit around examining world events looking for signs that the Messiah is coming. Players, play. They involve themselves in the world. They actively participate in the world. Players don't sit back in their chairs espousing opinions about the poor decisions of rabbis, leaders and politicians. Players, play. They speak up. They write letters. They dedicate time and effort to their communities and causes.

When players play, they become the Mussaf - Adders To - they matter, or, as they say, they are counted.

Now is not the time to sit back and observe. Our responsibility is to play, to add and be counted.

Play Ball!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Simcha L. Weinberg
President          
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