Life is full of surprises, both good and less so. We've certainly seen that the future is not as predictable as we'd thought! Life is also full of lessons, nuggets of inspiration and meaning, hiding in sometimes unexpected places.
One of those places is an insightful phenomenon which people don't only seem to enjoy, but almost yearn for: Bloopers. Who doesn't appreciate watching actors and actresses, who play the parts of bitter rivals or wartime foes, sharing a laugh between acts?
But why are bloopers so enjoyable? Why do they attract so much attention? What if those actors really are enemies? Who cares?
In 1983 the Lubavitcher Rebbe starting encouraging schools to adopt a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day. This moment of silence would not be scripted or religious. It would simply be a time for each student to, for just a minute, remain quietly with his or her own thoughts.
The premise for this idea is that within every human being lies a spark a divinity and goodness. Therefore, when left alone with his or her thoughts, without outside influence or distraction, he or she will inevitably be inspired by their own consciousness to do good and be a better person.
Our Neshama, our G‑dly soul, yearns for meaning, inspiration and to add only goodness to our world. It knows and recognizes that our universe was crafted by a Creator who made it all for a reason, that reason being to serve a higher purpose. Our Neshama subconsciously knows that the world is wired to be harmonious and kind, and that people are meant to care for each other and be at peace with one another.
It is that spark of divinity which is not content with surrendering to the idea that negativity should prevail. It always looks to find the 'bloopers' in life, those flashes of goodness - 'aha' moments' - where the true good nature of our world shines, for even a short time.
With the holiday of Passover approaching, its timeless message reminds us of the human quest for freedom - a concept that works only if people have a spark of goodness within them. For if it isn't so, letting them be free would unleash only trouble!
Passover reminds us to do our best 'Pass Over' the negativity in life and find the bloopers. It reminds us to free ourselves from any self-imposed boundaries, find the bloopers in life and be unrelenting in our quest to bring forth the good in everyone and everything.
Rabbi Avrohom