Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish Life

LeChayim

During the holidays I spent a bit of time traveling and trekking in Tasmania.

I decided to hike to Wine Glass Bay which is described as ‘iconic’ and ‘arguably the best-known natural attraction on Tasmania’s spectacular east coast.’

On this trek you first reach Wine Glass Bay Lookout which is described as a steep uphill climb of 1.3km with rough bush steps. Beyond the Lookout you can proceed to the Bay itself. It is only another 2.7km

When I reached the Lookout it was filled with a great number of people, each jostling for position to take a picture. As they were so eager to get a picture of this beautiful sight, I asked quite a few of them if they were planning on going on to Wineglass Bay itself. And, each one said ‘no’.

The reason: Why go to the Bay itself if you can get a picture of it. Well, I asked one of the women who offered this reason, then why not buy a postcard instead of coming to get a picture at the Lookout. It’s just not the same, she said. To which I agreed and then set out from the Lookout to the Bay itself.

So, why mention this today?

Like being satisfied with stopping at the Lookout, many of us stop at ticking the box of getting a merely a snapshot from a distance. We may do a report that is a collation of material we found on a website, not immersing ourselves in the exploration. We will sit back and let someone else create and present a program for us, being spectators not making the trek ourselves, merely onlookers rather than swimmers.

What you do this school year, with all the opportunities that lie before you, is the difference between remaining at the Lookout of Wineglass Bay or making the trek and descending into its very waters. Being present as a swimmer or distant as a spectator.

Down the road, I happened to meet up again with the woman from the Wine Glass Bay Lookout. She asked if the trek to the Bay beyond the Lookout was worth it. I asked if she would prefer a wineglass or a glass of wine.

I hope each of you will endeavour to make your school year a journey, a personal trek beyond the Lookout, not an experience that is an empty glass but one that is savory and sweet.