THE CONCEPT OF HOLLOW BONE : FOOLS CROW OF LAKOTA AND RABBI MITCH OF MIAMI

"When we become hollow bones there is no limit to what the Higher Powers can do in and through us in spiritual things."

-- Frank Fools Crow, LAKOTA

If we want to be of maximum use to the Creator, we must ready ourselves to do so. If we are to become a channel for His purposes, we must prepare ourselves to do so. If we have resentment, fear, selfishness, or anger, we are not hollow bones. We must be rid of these things. We must change ourselves. We must ask for forgiveness for ourselves and forgive our brothers and sisters. We must keep our insides clean. We cannot use our power in a good way when we have blockages such as hate, judgment, and envy. When we are free of these things the Higher Powers can use us beyond our wildest imagination. Then we can really help ourselves and help our people. Only when we are hollow bones can we have an effect on the world. This concept of Hollow Bone is well known to the Indians of North America but until today I did not know that a similar concept exist among the Jewish People as well. Here the wonderful Rabbi Dr. Mitch Chevitz of Miami explains it. After my words Friday evening a member of the congregation asked me privately what an individual can do, considering the institution of slavery continues rampant in various parts of the world today. I could not provide an adequate answer on the spot, not can I in these few words, but the rabbinic statement from Mishnah Avot (2:21) -  "It is not for us to complete the work, but we are not free to refrain from it" - speaks to the matter. More precise and telling is the teaching of Levi Yitzhak of Berdichev (1740-1809) on Parshat Shoftim, the weekly portion from last week.  I'll paraphrase his teaching: The Holy One is a source of love and compassion, but to bring that love to earth requires a minimum of a single person to open a channel through which that love can flow. That's what an individual can do. Any individual can become that channel. You. Me. Anyone. Wishing you well in the coming New Year  -