What is a Torah perspective about the underlying cause of the recent Stanley Cup riots?

What is a Torah perspective about the underlying cause of the recent Stanley Cup riots?

When you see senseless acts of violence where people loot, burn down cars and literally destroy a city they consider their ‘home’, it is hard not to wonder what is wrong with our society. These acts of destruction have brought shame to many Vancouverites that love their city. So much has been said about ‘reputation’ and how we ‘make ourselves look bad’ to the rest of the world, that we don’t realize the bigger issue at stake: teenagers growing up without an awareness of their own actions.

The Midrash references the actions of three great individuals, Reuben, Aaron and Boaz and says that if they would have known that their action would be recorded in the Torah, then they would have chosen to act differently.

Reuben, the son of Jacob, tried to save his brother Joseph from the jealousy of his other siblings. All the other brothers were jealous of Joseph, who was the favourite in many respects. They were about to kill Joseph but Reuben was able to convince his brothers to leave him in a pit instead, thinking to himself that he would come rescue his brother later. Unfortunately, when Reuben came back looking for Joseph, it was too late. He had been sold to slavery. Reuben’s goodness managed to save his brother from death, but he could have done it better. If he would have known that his story would be recorded in the Bible for generations to come, he would have fought his brothers and brought Joseph back to his father.   

Aaron was Moses’ brother. When God imparted Moses with leadership of the entire Jewish people, Aaron came to greet him with his staff and joy and happiness in his eyes. If Aaron back then, would have known his actions would be written, he would have arrived to see his brother with all sorts of drums and music to heart’s delight, in order to cheer Moses. But he didn’t know, and he came only with joy and not extra joyfulness.

Also Boaz, who married Ruth and sparked the lineage of King David later on, gave her really simple food to eat. Had he known he would be in the Torah, he would have served her huge meals, showing her the respect she deserved.

Here were three men with good hearts and amazing intentions. Yet they did not realize their story would be a continuous part of Jewish history. Their deeds were good, but went only partway. Had they known they would be a part of written legacy, they would have gone all the way.

For exemplary men like these, fearing what people or society might think was among their greatest mistakes. Had they known, Reuben would not have feared the judgement his brothers gave Joseph. Aaron would not have feared being considered a flatterer for going to see his brother Moses with an entire fleet of musicians. Boaz would not have feared if people saw him as a briber or seducer for giving a younger woman like Ruth bounties of food.

Maimonides explains that one should always view the good and evil in himself and in the entire world as being on an equal scale. Should he perform one good deed in thought, speech or action he will tip the scale and bring deliverance and redemption to himself and to the entire world.

In the Book of Breishit, G-d says “Zeh Sefer Toldot Hadam”; “this is the book of the genealogy of Human Kind”. When G-d introduces the very beginning of genealogy, He informs us that each of us has our own book that is our spiritual life and legacy. We each write our books throughout our life, and this book will be reviewed by Eliyahu and Mashiach.

These two cornerstones of Jewish tradition; the idea that we each have the power to affect the entire world through one deed and that we each write our own legacy that is written for eternity, is a tribute to the our awesome impact on the world. The Torah is infusing all people with the sense that they matter, that each action is meaningful and important. The Torah tells us that each one of us has the ability and responsibility to positively impact the entire world; we are expected to act with integrity and courageously.

Unfortunately, people act out of fear of what others might think. They worry too much about reputation and do not realize the importance of the impact of their actions as individuals. This is a result of the feeling that they do not matter, that their actions are irrelevant. Being a part of the “Canucks” gave them an artificial sense of self-worth, belonging and connection. When the team lost, this façade of purpose and importance was stripped away leaving them empty and disconnected.  The lack of true self-esteem in this generation comes from a lack of direction, meaning and responsibility. The Midrash is telling us that by realizing the impact of one’s own actions, one acts differently, boldly and actually takes a stand. By being aware of this, there is no question that we would act with integrity and choose to act honourably.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good game of sports, but when a whole generation is educated the sense that winning or losing a Canucks game is what brings life its true meaning, self-worth is at a loss. We learn from the Midrash that when people have awareness of the importance and longevity actions they act differently— and the riots would not have started in the first place.