Golden-fronted Woodpecker : The Finest Kind

This is a Golden-fronted Woodpecker. To be specific, this is my finest photograph of the species. The focus, composition, exposure, etc. are all, as we say, “without blemish.” As a beginner, I simply took pictures. I tried to snap every bird I saw. But as The Avian Rebbe took flight, there was a dramatic change in my practice. What had been a simple image, now becomes an invitation to think deeply. I began to conceive of these photographs as offerings. My consciousness changed; it elevated. I became directed and focused. “Taking” pictures of birds instead became “Giving” photographs to my community. I wanted to offer - only - the finest kind.

In Temple times, offerings consisted largely of animal sacrifices. Most people gave sheep, goats, or birds. Our Tradition teaches extensive qualifications for sacrifices, but at root the notion is simple: that offerings to HaShem must be of the finest, without blemish. Today our offerings consist of prayer. And again there are extensive prescriptions for when and why and how prayers are said. These rules are similarly instituted to generate thoughts of the finest kind. Physical or intangible, we give HaShem the very finest of what we have to offer.

But, as always, there is more. The entire ritual of our giving simultaneously elevates us, ourselves - and the holy community in which we make these offerings. We have the creative power to imbue our actions - whether slaughtering a goat, saying a prayer, taking a photograph, or even performing a task at work - with sacred meaning. The most mundane activity can become holy when we infuse it with a spirit of appreciation for the ability to do and the opportunity to give. Does HaShem need our offerings? Or rather do we? May you find this Woodpecker a resonant reminder, and may we all find meaning in giving the finest kind.