“Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: ‘For my sake was the world created.’

But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: ‘I am but dust and ashes.'”-Rabbi Simcha Bunem of Pershyscha.

As we walk the knife edge of life, it’s useful to bear in mind the words of Reb Simcha above. We are both a “greater glory than the universe and all its stars” as Rumi says, and we are also a lump of stuff, worth just a few bucks on the open market. Reflections of Divine Image, and bags of meat walking around.

Living in the cognitive dissonance between these two realities, something uniquely human can come forth; glory with humility, accomplishment with compassion. Yes, we are unique and special and without parallel, but so is everyone else! We are a miracle of nature, and we share 25% of the same DNA as a banana, so we should get over ourselves.

But life lived between glory and ashes is pretty incredible. The poet Rilke writes, “Stretch yourself between two opposing poles; because inside human beings is where G!D learns.” Not a bad gig when you think about it. Keeping our hands in both pockets.

What’s your glory and ashes?

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Rabbi Simcha Bunim Bonhart of Peshischa (Przysucha, in Poland) (1765–1827) was one of the key leaders of Hasidic Judaism in Poland. Not wanting to take up a rabbinical position, he supported himself by practicing pharmacy.

Joe Laur is a father, husband, artist, builder, naturalist, consultant, and EcoKosher mashgiach. He lives with his wife Sara in western Massachusetts, where he serves as head groundskeeper and resident singer songwriter. Send him your favorite teaching quote for commentary. He can be reached at joe.laur@joelaur.com.