Theological Toilet Training

Ps. 32:6

Maybe it’s a good night’s sleep, a parking spot,  a happy reunion, really good news or a delicious flavor. Many times each day, if we notice, there are reasons to pause with praise for some source of joy or relief. Even during dire circumstances. 

Jewish tradition suggests  100 blessings each day, finding small and big ways to train ourselves to perpetually practice what Abraham Joshua Heschel called ‘radical amazement.’  Scientists will argue, and Heschel would agree, that this human ability to express awe and appreciation transcends theology.  The mere fact that we pause to notice brings us closer to a deeper sense of conscious living.  

What are some of the examples chosen by the sages to model this kind of ongoing gratitude so that we do not take life for granted?

 There is a curious list found in the Talmudic tractate that explores the art blessings  - and this list is inspired by one line from today’s psalm. 

Psalm 32 was chosen by some to be recited during the Day of Atonement - it includes the confessional language of remorse and repentance, leading to commitment to more responsible and moral living. And it includes these moments of awe and humility, when we realize that our needs are met by forces often beyond our control:

עַל־זֹ֡את יִתְפַּלֵּ֬ל כל־חָסִ֨יד ׀ אֵלֶיךָ֮ לְעת מְ֫צֹ֥א רַ֗ק לְ֭שֵׁטֶף מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֑ים אֵ֝לָ֗יו לֹ֣א יַגִּֽיעוּ׃

 This is what  the faithful pray to God about. 

At  times of need

So that the rushing mighty waters

not overtake them.

Ps. 32:6

What is the ‘this is’ crisis alluded to here, eliciting prayer for salvation and relief? What are the rushing waters that we’re trying to avoid? 

The sages whose voices were preserved in the Talmudic debate offer options. One suggests that the critical time of need is when one seeks a perfect marriage partner. Because life, otherwise, is chaos. 

Another view suggests that this urgent need is about attaining wisdom - Torah.  Life without it is a flood of meaningless gestures. Another opinion suggests death - there are times when it is that final moment that we crave most urgently. 

The last opinion is my favorite, and it is not without its humor. Mar Zutra, a Babylonian sage suggests that the ultimate need is a functioning toilet. Or possibly - functioning bowels. 

Upon hearing this, the other sages agreed- “ his interpretation is the best of all.” This discussion led to the creation of a special prayer recited when one departs the toilet, and each morning too. The sacred plumbing and its maintenance was vital enough to merit priority status in our prayer life. There’s something deeply human, humble an holy about the way our ancestors read this verse of the psalms and applied it to our daily to-do’s of theological application.

Love, wisdom, death, and plumbing - all experiences worth wanting, being grateful for, and not taking for granted. 

What will get you to pause today, and express appreciation?

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