The Celtics, the Sun, and the Moon

Are you as excited as I am that preseason is over for the NBA and we can get on with the business of redemption from that fateful game 7 loss against the Lakers? With the upcoming match against the Heat, the energy in Boston is incredible.

This reminds me of a beautiful midrash about the creation of the sun and moon in Genesis. The text tells us that "G-d made two great lights---" but then contradicts itself by implying that the sun was greater. Rashi explains that they were created equal but the moon complained, knowing that inherent in the idea of greatness is singularity. G-d then commands the moon to diminish itself and is then compensated by the host of stars that will now accompany it at night. The moon experiences both loss and gain and reveals the powerful relationship between diminishing oneself in order to increase. A Jew sets his calendar according to the moon, a lunar cycle. Inherent in the passage of time is the waning of the moon and its lessons. To grow, to enhance light, you first need to diminish yourself. Painful sacrifices of self are often needed in order to sustain growth both in the individual and in the world.

When a person gives Tzedakah, and invests their time or money in others, he/she discovers the message of the moon. While a team like the HEAT is HOT, it’s only because they are a team of smoldering individually talented suns! (Not talking about Phoenix) Doc Rivers and the Celtics establishment have a doctrine that emphasizes Team mentality over all. While this approach may diminish the individual brightness sometimes, it's what ultimately allows “STARS” to emerge. This team embodies team effort and partnership. If each player was concerned with personal greatness, they would not have a shared victory.

So, let's raise our glasses in a toast: Here is to the Celts, to us knowing when to diminish ourselves, understanding that humility allows a new light to break through and shine and the beginning of true greatness on the part of all of us. "Lchaim!"