As I read through this month’s Shma, I was entranced by a thought expressed in Sharon Cohen Anisfeld’s piece “Rabbinic Calling: Our Work”. Sharon expresses initial reluctance to own the sense of ‘calling’ often claimed by Christian clergy, but finds rich grounding in the concept of shlichut (mission), and ultimately that work as rabbis can be avodah, worshipful holy work, if accompanied by awareness and intentionality:
Needless to say, the task of discerning our particular purpose is not simple… it requires that we pay close attention — in every hour and season of our lives — both to our greatest struggles and our greatest strengths…. Our avodah — our deepest service in this world — flows from this awareness of and attention to what we lack and how we love.
This thought opens up the possibility that our work can and should be true avodah, in the sense of worship, service and labor. The service of the high priest was termed the avodah as it was the truest expression of his purpose in life. It was also a critical task that had a cosmic effect, resulting in God’s clearing the Jewish people, and perhaps the entire world, from sin. My work, your work, is critical in making an impactful difference in the world each and every day.
In this song, I playfully but seriously expand the concept of avodah to include all work, no matter how mundane. The refrain asks the listener to reflect on their own work and to find the holy in it, asking “What’s your avodah?” I opt for the Yiddish rather than the Hebrew pronunciation as it offers up some choice rhymes.
“What’s Your Avodah?”
Verse 1: Doreen’s at that diner you go to
Says “Hon, can I get you a soda?”
Smiles as she serves pie a la moda
You talk and she lightens your load-a
Chorus: Each one of us has to discover
For what purpose we’ve been sent
So tell me what’s your avodah?
Awareness reveals a calling
Both our struggle and our strength
So tell me what’s your avodah?
Verse 2: Roy makes parts for your Toyota
The manager says fill the quota
He casts aside a faulty rotor
Just saved three lives in Minnesota
Chorus: Each one of us has to discover…
Bridge: Back in the Day
O when the temple stood
Taking life in sacrifice
Was worship true
But in our day
All may partake in holy work
Giving our lives to
Serving others as we do
Chorus: Each one of us has to discover….
Chords: Verse/Chorus: C G Am F; Bridge: G F C G
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