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April 30, 2004/Iyar 9 5764, Vol. 56, No. 32
Pat Tillman: a Talmudic perspective
RABBI LAIBEL BLOTNER
Special to Jewish News
A fundamental teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Hasidic movement, is that every experience, everything one hears and sees, is a lesson in serving God. This teaching can be traced in part to a saying of our sages in Ethics of Our Fathers: "Who is wise? He who learns from every person."
On April 23, the state of Arizona was plunged into mourning by the death of Pat Tillman, a professional football player. As we know, he was not an ordinary athlete but one who died in Army uniform, fighting for his country.
My first thoughts after overcoming the initial shock of his death is that now our nation has a hero who comes not from a story or history book, but who in our own time is an inspiration to the youth of our great country, someone who selflessly gave of himself for America and Americans.
After further reflection, I recalled the words of our sages, which continue in the Mishna: "Who is strong? He who subdues his (evil) inclination. Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot. Who is honored? He who honors others."
We admire and pursue wealth, honor and strength. Some people devote their entire lives to obtaining them. Pat Tillman had strength on the football field, a multimillion dollar professional contract and the honor that comes with being a professional athlete.
He chose instead the path of our sages, channeling his strength for the sake of his country, giving up wealth for a meager military salary, and refusing to stand in the spotlight.
As Jews we are many times called upon to sacrifice honor, wealth and strength for our religion, our land and our people. We can learn from a true 21st-century hero what it means to give of ourselves.
Let us hope that this great American will motivate all Americans to make our country a less selfish place, and a source of goodness and kindness.
Rabbi Laibel Blotner is executive director of the Mishmar teen program, director of adult education for Chabad of Arizona, and rabbi for the Sephardic Community of Arizona.
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