Dec 4th 2009, 00:00

Yet again, another giant has fallen off the pedestal. The “squeaky clean” image of golfer Tiger Woods has been tarnished and stained by admitted wrongdoing, transgression, and personal failings. In the hyper-coverage that is the media reality today, most of the attention has been paid to his endorsements and financial future. As a golf pro, Woods earns “only” about 30 million dollars a year. But as a spokesman for companies that make golf equipment, shoes, cars, and numerous other items, he makes 100 million dollars a year. One report even claimed that Tiger is the most emulated sports personality, and perhaps even person outright on the face of the planet. One has to ask: What is wrong with this picture? I understand the cult of personality and how our economy operates. I know that when he shows up there are more cameras, more interest, more money, and more attention paid. I know there is a value to be placed on athletic ability, God-given talent, and years of hard work and practice. But the lucrative endorsements came his way not because of his golf talents, but because of his image and his personality, which he carefully crafted and controlled for many years. The problem today is that we are shocked at all. Why is it surprising that someone is not as they appear? Why is it a scandal when human weaknesses and failings are exposed? Why all the attention surrounding the public image and less focus on the damage to the family structure and the young children? The truly great person is one who is honestly humble. I am not talking about false modesty, but one who knows their limitations and weaknesses, admits and recognizes them, and controls them rather than letting them control him or her. In our Torah portion this week, our ancestor, Jacob, readily admits to God: “I am unworthy of all the kindness that You have so steadfastly shown Your servant.” In some manuscripts, the Hebrew word for “I am unworthy,” is written with a diminished second letter. That small Hebrew letter “tet” is meant to symbolize that even when a person is humble, they are usually smaller still than they make themselves out to be. Jacob’s outward prayer was sincere, but only God knew what was in his heart. A Chasidic saying teaches that, “in the midst of unworthy there is often something even more unworthy.” No one can say what anyone is really worth, or how worthy (notice the connection between the two words) anyone really is. All we can say is that those who claim or appear to be worthy usually aren’t and that those who do not seek fame and fortune usually are more worthy of having both than those who do have them. Tonight at Temple is our Family Shabbat service at 7:30 PM with birthday and anniversary blessings for December. Our internet service has not been very reliable, so I am not sure our webcam will be operational. We are working to improve our ability to broadcast our services and this should be corrected in the next few weeks. Tomorrow, Torah Study and our Shabbat morning service as usual. Have a great weekend and stay warm and dry!