Reflections on the Red Sox

A fellow comes to the rabbi: "I have a big dilemma. Tomorrow night is Kol Nidre and there is the big playoff game between the Sox and the Yankees that I want to see."

The rabbi responds, "Well, can't you just videotape it"?

"Wow!" responds the congregant. "I didn't know you could videotape Kol Nidre."

Being raised in Massachusetts, I confess it was with much pride and satisfaction that I watched my beloved BoSox finally take one from the Yanks and win it all.

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that every experience in life can be applied to oneself as a lesson in serving God, and I would like to share some thoughts.

Our sages teach us: "Even if a sharp sword is on your neck, never give up hope in (God's) salvation." Down three games to none, bottom of the ninth of Game 4, behind by a run, with the best post-season closer of all time on the mound is as close as you get to an actual sword for an opponent.

However, the Red Sox came back. First lesson: never give up when a situation appears hopeless. Persevere.

It's stated in the code of Jewish law: "It is a great mitzvah to serve God with joy." The boys from Boston have been described as easygoing, nothing-fazes-them, happy-go-lucky cowboys who love to play the game. Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad, teaches that when two opponents are struggling against each other, one who is full of enthusiasm will be victorious even over a stronger opponent. When involved with community, family, or doing mitzvot, do it with vigor, energy and enthusiasm.

The playoffs may be remembered for Schilling's courage, Derek Lowe's clutch performance and David Ortiz giving Pedro a new Papi. But I maintain the Red Sox owe their title to Dave Roberts. Who? Scenario: bottom of the ninth, Game 4, Sox down a run, and super Mario on the mound. He walks the leadoff batter, and the human cheetah Dave Roberts is sent in as a pinch runner. The speedy Roberts wreaks havoc on the base-paths and Rivera's concentration and proceeds to score the tying run. It's all downhill for the Yanks from there. Without Roberts, in all likelihood the Yanks would have won and the Red Sox would have had another typical season.

Often it's the big rabbis or the major donors who get the credit and publicity. But our nation succeeds through the efforts of the little guy. The one who comes to shul daily or every Saturday, the one who gives "only" a dollar to charity, the one who volunteers time for the community. The "little" people deserve our appreciation and recognition.

A final thought. In one of my classes, someone remarked there are two things that people wait for but that don't actually happen: the Moshiach and the Red Sox winning the World Series. Well, for New England their messiah may have come.

As for the rest of us - hang in there, he's on his way.

Rabbi Laibel Blotner is director of adult education for Chabad of Arizona, executive director of Chabad-Mishmar teen program and rabbi for the Sephardic Community of Arizona.

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