Identical Nonconformists
How do you design a uniform for non-conformists? The simple answer is you can’t. If they are all wearing the same thing they are obviously conformists. Right? Well from this week’s Torah (Bible) portion I have a different idea. Let me explain.
There’s a big inaugurational party this week; the inauguration of the Tabernacle. It’s an experience that allowed us to perceive G-d clearly in the world. The Jews are ecstatic. The Princes of the Tribes each volunteer their own free-will offerings, their unique expression of joy and gratitude.
For some strange reason, the Torah details each and every Prince’s offering one by one. It’s so bizarre because they offer exactly the same thing; so just tell me once and say etc.etc. Why does the Torah need to repeat every Tribe?
The answer is to show us that although the Princes brought the same physical items, they all had their own unique intention and rationale.
Beautiful, but it still doesn’t make any sense to me. If they are bringing these gifts from their unique perspective and motives how in the world do they hit on exactly the same things to the finest detail? Are there any statisticians out there? What are the chances you can put 12 individuals in a room, tell them to wear any clothes they want and they all walk out wearing the exact same purple shirts and baseball caps?
So we must say that each one looked into themselves and the needs of the world and saw that these were the things that they needed to dedicate to the Tabernacle. OK. But that’s even weirder, because the only way that could happen is if G-d rigged the game and set it up that way; so that the Princes were just tuning in to a certain reality.
But why in the world should it be that way?
I think a reason may be to teach us a very deep lesson that two people can do the same exact act, breathe the same exact air and walk around in the same exact world but have a completely different experience. Our unique inner worlds create the quality of our experiences.
This thought occurred to me while I was impatiently sitting in my car waiting for my son to finish his Karate class. And so I immediately took a deep breath and tried to appreciate the moment. I tried to infuse what I was doing with excitement and life. Tune in to your own internal systems and don’t just go through the motions. Often we are disassociated from what we do; imagine actually stepping into yourself and doing the same act with all the power of your unique consciousness.
We also must remember that everyone’s world is so different. The worst thing you can ever say to your friend is; I know “exactly” how you feel. No you don’t! You may be empathetic and caring but it is crucial to recognize the special world he or she lives in which you can only speculate about. But that’s Ok; it allows us to appreciate others unique insights and recognize our own.
Even when the external things look exactly the same, if you tune in to yourself you can be sure it will be completely unique and completely you.