One of the most beautiful blessings of all time is found in this week's Torah portion, Naso. Called the "priestly benediction” or birkat kohanim, it was given to Moses in order that he convey to his brother Aaron and his sons this powerful message. From that moment onward, the priests, kohanim, served as G-d's instruments to convey compassion, hope, and blessing.

We are frequently witness to blessings. Sometimes it is a formal blessing such as a parent blessing a child upon reaching Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or a community offering a blessing of healing for one who is ill. At other times, we receive blessings quite by surprise. We might be going about our day when suddenly we are aware that what an individual is saying is spiritually meant for us. We become still as the unexpected gift penetrates our heart.

This past week, I had the opportunity to be a chaperone for a field trip to Raley Field. Certainly serving as driver and parent on a field trip is a privilege, but what I learned from baseball enthusiast and Sacramento River Cats educator, Tony Asaro, hit a home run in my soul. Not only did Tony spend more than two hours giving lessons in math, science, history and life, using fun facts from baseball, but he reminded all of us about the most valuable thing about us, our character.

"You don't have to be the best, but you've got to be there,” said Tony. He said that we've got to be Cal Ripken, Jr., referring to the former Baltimore Oriole and Hall of Fame inductee. "He never missed a day in 16 years.” Tony talked about Jackie Robinson and how he followed his coach's discipline not to react when people shouted ugly, racist words or even threatened his family. Robinson was raised in poverty along with four siblings by his mother, yet he became the first African-American player in the Major League. Tony told us about Eri Yoshida, the first woman signed to a professional contract, by the Chico Outlaws. Ripken, Jr.; Robinson; and now Yoshida achieved success because of their commitment to show up and give it their all.

Tony taught a lot of baseball, but mostly he taught about character. He spoke about his own coach who used to greet him with a handshake and the same question every time: "What is most important?” The answer was, "character”: "Character is what you do when no one is looking.” He told the children, but really all of us, about the three A's: Attitude, Academics, and Attendance. For adults, perhaps that translated as having a good attitude, cultivating an eagerness to learn at every age, and to follow through by showing up consistently. He reminded us that when we are faced with a problem, we say to ourselves, "I can do this, and I will do this.” Eventually, by affirming our competence, we succeed. And last, he suggested that when tense or worried about failing, try slow breathing. Breathing feeds the brain, and we are more likely to think clearly if we but take a deep breath.

Did Tony Asaro know the profound impact of his words upon the children and adults? I don't know; but Asaro's words blessed me, and may it be that through me, you as well.

Shalom,

Rabbis Nancy and David