Commitment

As far as slogans go the Oakland Raider NFL franchise had it right. They marketed their team to the world with the catchphrase "Commitment to Excellence." By and large, the Al Davis owned club of the 70's and 80's lived up to that motto. Of course, "Commitment to Excellence" is a concept not restricted to professional sports, it is a mantra one should intone while setting out to accomplishing anything in life. In Jewish living it is an imperative.

For starters, commitment means loyal devotion to the cause of upholding a unique legacy in the world. Legend has it that when the Torah was revealed at Mount Sinai over 3000 years ago it was offered to the other nations of the world, as well. We are taught that ancient peoples such as the Canaanites, Babylonians, Ishmaelites, and others, were given the opportunity to accept this divinely inspired system of living. However, as representatives of these nations inquired as to what was written in this legal document they demurred. Each one had an objection. This one did not want to give up theft. The other one refused to abandon a career of bloodshed. Another did not want its promiscuous lifestyle to be cramped.