Surfers at Mavericks, the famous big-wave spot on the Central California coast have a saying, so we're told. This spot is hardly really a surf "spot", but rather a sever test of every sinew of strength and courage that can be mustered. Roaring rip-currents, freezing cold water, cross-chop on the face, and of course an offshore wind for the ultimate elevator-shaft effect-- all are par for the course. If all this weren't enough, the steepness of the peak has been compared to Waimea, the international yardstick for mega-forces. So what could the saying possibly be? You guessed it! "Go for it"!!
This is an attribute really little-mentioned in our day and age of cost-benefit analysis motivating our every move. "Go for it"- just do it. Don't ponder, don't deliberate. You have just one second to make your move, better do it now!
Well, the Mavericks locals will be surprised to learn that their tremendous philosophy is reflected in this week's Torah portion, Va Yigash. Everyone's familiar with the emotional reunion of Joseph and his brothers. However, Judah, we are told ( Breisheit Rava 93-6), has the ultimate "do or die" attitude, the ultimate aspect of self-sacrifice, one man against the entire "wave" of humanity in Egypt!
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