So What is My Mission in Life?

Yesterday, I wrote something that I figured would get the ol' curiosity going from many of my readers.  Even though this was not what I was planning for today, I like to satisfy your requests for information.

I was telling you about a high school buddy who wanted to know where he was in the Torah.  I stated that there is a way to get insight into one's mission in life.  The good news is I am not talking about something that is encoded in the Torah, but that you can read outright.  The not so good news is you may not be able to fully understand what the Torah is saying after I tell you exactly where to find it.  The best news is I will tell you what your mission is in the end of days (that will come later – I have to keep you in suspense).

So tell me, already – how do I find my mission in life?  The Torah is divided into 54 portions.  We recite one portion a week throughout the year.  I know you are thinking there are only 52 weeks in a year, but not to worry.  There are three factors that change the structure of the weekly portion.  Holidays change the weekly portion; leap year, which on the Hebrew calendar adds an extra month 7 times within a 19 year cycle; and double portions that are common on years that are not leap years.  The calendar is an exact science and the portion of the week is well known for all of history.  One additional note is that because we read the entire Torah every year and that the reading is done out loud at synagogue services, the Torah is actually checked each year for total accuracy by the reader and those listening.  Each Shabbat reading is divided into 7 sections called Aliyot (which means a going up or ascending – yes it is the same when we make aliyah to Israel, we ascend to Israel).  Men are called up to the Torah to recite blessings before and after their Aliyah usually as an honor to the individual.  Why am I telling you all this?  Because, if you are paying attention it means that each week in history has been designated with a portion of the Torah and the seven Aliyot are commensurate with the seven days of the week.  If each of you goes to the day you were born you can figure out exactly what the Aliyah was that represented that day. Read the text in the Torah for that Aliyah, it tells you about you.  The information will miraculously give you information that alludes to your mission is in this world.  I reiterate that it is not always easy, especially in English, to get the full essence of the message being conveyed, but give it a try you may be surprised.  As an example – me.  My Aliyah is the third one for that portion the week that I was born since I was born on a Tuesday (the first day of the week is Sunday, not Monday).  My Aliyah tells about the organizing of the tribes in the desert and their placement with respect to the Tabernacle.  As an Engineer, Army Officer, outreach worker, head of the family, etc, my entire life has been one of organizing.  It is so much me that I don't think I could find a more appropriate text in the Torah that suites my mission.

Okay – what is the best news for now.  We all have the same mission in the end of days.   I mentioned that our DNA is 99% common and is called the mitochondrial DNA.  Well, now let me tell you our mitochondrial mission (I just made that up – there is no such expression.  Save you from trying to Wikipedia it).  We all, in this time before the redemption, have the mission to serve Hashem, study Torah, pray, do repentance, give charity, move to Israel (if possible), etc.  I know, I repeat myself.  I know, I repeat myself.  But, there is one more mission that is as vital as any and that is "helping others."  One way to help others is with a very positive attitude.  I often hope that you can hear in my posts how excited I am about what is coming up.  I try to write as loud as I can.  I have been waiting for many years for what is upon us in this day and age.  Taking the hand of your fellow Jew and even your fellow human being that you are related to, neighbor with, work with or even a casual acquaintance and showing that individual the excitement of the day, is so wonderful an idea for you and the individual.  To stress the urgency, we are told in Pirkei Avos (it is from the Oral Torah), a compendium of excellent advice that we study at this time of year, that "we should repent the day before we die."  Wait, how do I know when is the day before?   You got it.  Everyday should be considered as the last possible day to do all the voluntary efforts to set ourselves and our loved one up for tomorrow.  If tomorrow is the "too late date" then today is the final day to complete our mission towards a perfect eternity.  Procrastinators lose out and will kick themselves for eternity.  Join the today club -- it is much more rewarding.

One last note on a more personal basis.  The information that I put out on this blog has been research and lived by me for years.  I know that I am human and can make mistakes.  When someone sends me a comment that they read something contrary to what I said, I really would appreciate that individual thoroughly researching the source before you even mention it.  I had long discussions yesterday with individuals who found very evil sources disproving the Torah codes, as if Hashem was not capable of such miracles.  In this time where we need to be giving the people of the world great encouragement that Hashem is there to help us and that everything He does is for our good, the last thing we need is charlatans who have very messed up agendas telling us Hashem is wrong.  If you think I made a mistake and believe the source you are quoting is correct, let me know by Email, not by comment.  Until proven one way or the other, no negativity should appear on this blog.  My mission is a positive mission of love for everyone and a desire to help everyone.  Fighting misinformation is a waste of my time and not something to confuse my readers with.  I can see that I have some very intelligent readers that have enhanced my blog and even my own personal learning; and, I thank you for that.  But, if you disagree with what I post, send me an Email in the form of a question and I will get back to you.  I always like to ask the question "what is Hashem's opinion?  That is my guide in life.  I know that His answers are the Absolute Truth even if it is totally miraculous, unbelievable and contrary to our flawed human logic. 

Your life, your future and your learning are of utmost importance to me.  I fully respect you and only request that you return the favor -- especially the respect of my follow readers (they are nice people).