Lately, I have been thinking a lot about patience. We have had our patience tested by a variety of things in the past few weeks. Waiting for all of the hostages to be released from Gaza. Waiting in line for a table at Mavens. Waiting in traffic as a result of the Washington bridge closure. The list could go on.
The dictionary defines patience as "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset."
In Jewish terms, patience means bearing the burden of your own suffering when your agenda is interrupted or delayed. In Hebrew, the word for patience, סַבְלָתוּנ (savlanut), comes from the same root that means "suffer" (sevel) and "burdens" (sivlot.) The burden may be our strong emotional reactions to a situation.
The tradition of Mussar or ethical mindfulness defines patience not only as a character trait, but a practice of endurance over time. “Mussar teaches patience – patience both with ourselves and with others: The patience it takes to forgive ourselves our own anxieties and paralyzing doubts, and the terrible consequences those might unfold in our lives. The patience it takes to postpone and adjust our visions. The patience it takes to perceive ourselves and others clearly. The patience it takes to assess and accept reality, including our fears, and the time we need to become more faithful and trusting.” (Rabbi Sonja I. Pilz, CCAR The Mussar Torah Commentary)
As we enter the darkest time of year and we have a chance to slow down a little bit, I am looking forward to exploring my personal practice of patience starting with the light of the Shabbat candles tonight.
