As we titled our “Shana Tova Fair” on campus this year, a spin on the Goodyear (which is literally what Shana Tova means) Tire – was thinking of the relevance of tires as we approach the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah 5786 / 2025.
There’s an expression “where the rubber hits the road”. All of a car’s amenities, both utility and luxury, come down to this. It’s where the rubber hits the road that matters most. Jewishly you could compare this to the Rebbe’s emphasis on the Talmudic phrase: “Maaseh hu haIkar” it’s the deed, the actual action that’s essential, that’s most important.
The invention of tires allowed for a smooth ride, indeed, we hope and pray for a smooth new year! Tires are designed for traction and resilience, both traits we need as we go forward on the journey of life.
Tires are made of rubber (both natural and synthetic) a substance that’s both flexible and durable, engineered for a strength that’s not solid or rigid but filled with air. Our own lives often balance principles and values with flexibility and some softer give. And yet, a tire must maintain its integrity, it has to keep a good seal and thick enough tread and it must avoid puncture at all costs, otherwise it falls flat on its face and can even risk a blowout.
Tire Pressure is another area where tires have a life message. You want just enough pressure (or even a little more) to be fully inflated, but not too much pressure to overcome the tire’s capacity.
Tires wear off to one side. For this reason there’s a service called Tire Rotation, and now and then an alignment. Ensuring that all four tires are getting even tread and aligned properly prolongs tire life and gives you a smoother ride. In life, we too, often also need some rotation and alignment.