Things They Carried

During these months of quarantine we cleaned out closets and organized shelves. Among my family’s books was one I recalled as required reading for my children in High School. I rescued it from the discard box.

The book was The Things They Carried. Author Tim O’Brien tells a story of American soldiers in the Vietnam War revealing important insights through the objects they brought along. Most of the items were essential: guns and provisions. There wasn’t room for much else, nor was extra weight helpful trudging through the jungle. So what were the soldiers’ precious personal selections? Some brought love letters. One had tranquilizers. Another held his bible.

Then there was machine gunner Henry Dobbins. He was an exceptionally large man. By virtue of his strength and demeanor, he not only hauled heavy equipment but also extra rations for the entire troop.

We gain insight into each soldier by reflecting on the things carried. One man longed for a lover at home. Another brought medications to calm his nerves. The third clutched an aide-mémoire of his faith in God. And one selfless man carried extra food for the others.

A similar topic of portage opens the Torah reading for this week. In Parshat Nasso, the priestly clans are given instructions about what to carry as the Mishkan or Tabernacle was dismantled and later reassembled in the wilderness. One clan had the fabrics to transport. Another clan had the planks and cords to move. These tasks of lugging the components of the Mishkan were their duty as devoted priests.

When we think of priests, we might imagine them dressed in fine robes and offering sacrifices. But not all priests were given glorified leadership roles. Some packed up posts and pegs, and screens and sockets. 

Perhaps we have preconceived notions about priests and soldiers and others in service roles. I believe that is the importance of The Things They Carried. O’Brien describes the most precious items reminding us of their humanity. Similarly, we gain insight into the range of services required of the priests, noticing the items carried. We learn about the priests whose job was to schlepp construction materials. The job had its dangers. You may recall that when priests erred, tragedy ensued.

Most significantly, O’Brien described the holiness of Henry Dobbins carrying food for others. Who are among the holiest people in our pandemic world? I am reminded of the service workers, the people who shelve, package, and deliver food for our sakes. Just as they carry boxes for delivery, they also carry our sense of security in their dutiful hands. While doing so, many are risking their own lives. These workers show up at the supermarkets and drug stores each day prepared to serve like the priests of this weeks Torah reading.

Now it is our turn to do the carrying. What can you bring to others in this time of need? Will you volunteer to teach students whose school year is abbreviated? Or will you pack food for families in need? Are you calling people who may be shut in or isolated to lift the burden of loneliness?

As we emerge, slowly, from our quarantine, please consider the holiness of what has been carried to you and what you will carry for others in need.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame