Two questions: Why do cars need wheel alignments? And a bigger question—why are wheel alignments so expensive? But let’s tackle the first one.

Thanks to Firestone, I learned that the key reasons for wheel alignment are: Prevent uneven tire wear, enhance driver control (unaligned wheels pull to one side), extend suspension life (misalignment strains suspension), and boost fuel efficiency (less drag, smoother roll).

I’ve come to the conclusion that the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments, are not laws—they’re a map of reality: a system of 10 principles that align a person with reality, self, and purpose. Just like a car—you have to know what roads you’ll be driving on, what kind of “car” you are, and what driving style you use. Aseret alignment allows you to drive smoothly (life has a purpose), straight (clarity), efficiently (you rise above the drama, so you don’t waste time on it), and with energy (life is exciting, not draining).

This week’s second parsha is a big one: “Kedoshim Tihiyu”—you shall be holy. Aka: aligned. Modeled on the Ten Commandments, it goes into the details. One example is honoring parents; this week’s Parsha adds a detail – respect them as well, especially when you are honoring them.

In terms of alignment, this is the lesson: Parents define the road you’re going to travel on. Definitely in our early years, and even afterward—for most of us, their influence is huge, if not primary. This relationship needs a little reverence. Why? Because God chose them to be our parents.

There’s a trend out there to cut off toxic, difficult, and even normal parents. I understand the attraction—it’s much easier not to deal with a difficult relationship than to actually deal with it. But here’s the mistake: when you cut off a parent, you don’t start driving on the road to utopia—you go off-road, and that’s even harder driving.

There are very rare cases where total distance from a parent might be justified. In most cases, even if your parents drive you crazy, that never permits disrespect. You can argue or complain, but you have to do so with respect. That’s how this relationship works. Sometimes, when approached in this way, the relationship you have with your parents becomes something you—and they—can grow from. A challenge. An opportunity. And over time, something deeper can emerge: a sense of wholeness. That’s alignment.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)