Spiritual Gangsters

“Paulie might have moved slow…but it was only because Paulie didn’t have to move for anybody.” – Goodfellas (1990)

Shavous celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. Prior to the Jews receiving the Torah, G-d informs the Jewish people that they are a “Holy Nation and a cabinet of Priests (princes.)” Although this may be the source of the infamous Jewish American Princess, (originally confined to the Tri-state area- currently making her habitat at a Nordstrom’s near you), there are other avenues of interpretation. The teachings of Jewish Mysticism maintain that this verse signifies the attribute of Malchus (kingship), hence prior to the giving of the Torah, G-d puts us in touch with our inner kingship, sovereignty and leadership qualities.

Malchus applied is the ability to raise oneself up, i.e. to become a leader. A true king rules over his entire country. Indeed he alone has the power to create laws, make demands, and move mountains if the case may be. Similarly, contained within us is the ability to rise above the limitations of the physical world and the demands of daily life. I liken it to the wiseguys. Although the life style of a gangster stands is in stark contrast to that of the Jew, we can still learn from their approach to life. The gangster does not become affected by reality, he creates it. We too have that potential. Wherever we are, we have the potential to rise above the demands of the material and seek spirituality.

Thus Malchus is a necessary component in the preparation to receive the Torah. Torah offers us the potential to change the world- but we can’t even begin to start if we still approach life as an average nobody or a schnook.