by Rabbi Koval
The Torah scroll evokes emotions of awe and respect. We stand up for the Torah, kiss the Torah, and drive with the Torah. Did you say driving? Yes, I said driving! Yesterday I had a Torah scroll as my companian in the passenger seat of my Toyota Camry. I had to transport it back to its home in an ark on Taylor Road, so how else should I get it there?
Something very interesting happened while we were driving together, the Torah and me.
I was much more selective in what was playing on the radio. Trivassano didn't cut it...
I had to make a phone call. It was regarding a "shidduch," trying to set up two nice Jewish kids. I needed some personal information about the young man. This is THE classic example of when it is permissible to speak "lashon hara" about someone, for the constructive purpose of trying see if a boy and girl are compatible. So, let it rip... Not so fast, there's a Torah sitting next to me. I was much more guarded in what I said.
I had to make a quick stop on the way. What should I do with my sacred companion? How can I show the maximum respect without compromising its safety...
Talk about living with an awareness of a sacred mission. Reminded me of the biblical Mitzvah for a Jewish king to carry with him a Torah scroll at ALL TIMES. Why? Because "absolute power corrupts absolutely," so a king needs a constant reminder about what his sacred mision is as political and spiritual leader of the chosen people. If only I could live with that awareness all the time. Perhaps I should market a "car Torah"? Would it even be fair? Would it impinge on my free will?