by Rabbi David Woznica
We seem to engage consultants on more matters than any time in memory. There are financial consultants, managing consultants, college educational consultants, marketing consultants, public relation consultants, and home security consultants. The list is endless; and for good reason. An effective consultant can markedly improve your life.
Yet in one of the most important aspects of life — spiritual and religious growth — very few have a consultant.
In our Torah portion, Shoftim, Moses tells the Jews that they should appoint a king, whom God chooses (Deut 17:15). Since the destruction of the first Temple, however, Jews have not had a king. Nevertheless, we are still supposed to have an authority where appropriate. Our sages interpret this as “Provide yourself with a teacher (of Torah).” That teacher is to be our spiritual consultant.
As we enter a New Year this is a particularly good time to seek out a spiritual consultant who can guide you in matters of Torah and of Jewish growth. Such a person can be an enduring gift in your life.
Shabbat Shalom