Hello Everyone! We have another new writer who wanted to share a wonderful experience with all of you. We will refer to her as 'A'. Enjoy and G-d Bless:
I was studying for an exam in a café one afternoon. The material was very challenging, so I was becoming frustrated. I thought to myself, “There is no way I am going to pass this stupid test!” All of the questions are so nit-picky, and I kept getting them wrong!” I let out an exasperated sigh, and said to myself, “L-rd, I have no idea how I’m going to pass this test!”
As I took a mental break, my mind and eyes began to wander around the café. I noticed a guy sitting at the table in front of mine. He had shaggy hair, several visible tattoos, and at least four ear piercings. He was hunched over a paperback book and was slowly sipping his coffee with every turn of a page. His back was towards me, so I was able to read the back of his shirt. It was his uniform for work (Texas Roadhouse Restaurant), and it said in big letters, “I love my job!” I chuckled to myself, wondering how many of the restaurant’s employees were forced to wear that shirt. How many of those employees secretly hated their job, or at the very least, “liked it”, but not “loved it”?
Feeling a little inquisitive and slightly cheeky, I called out to him, “So…do you love your job?” The man looked up from his book and turned to face me with a smile. “Actually, I do love my job!” He looked up to the ceiling for a few seconds pensively and then back at me. “You want to know why I like my job?” “Sure.”, I said. The man turned in his chair so that he was sitting sideways, and draped his arm across the back of it.
“Because it gives me the opportunity to serve people, and give them a break from their hectic day for twenty-thirty minutes. I get to be a part of their lives…and talk to them. They don’t have to worry about cooking a meal at that time. It’s funny, but I ask myself: If Jesus were a server, how would he do this job?” His reference to Jesus reminded me of how Jesus washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper. It was totally unexpected. I mean, here was the Son of G-d, washing their feet?! They were not even worthy to be in his presence, and he got down on his knees, and washed the dirt and grime from the apostles feet. We often forget how much Jesus humbled himself; and that we need to do the same for others.
The man continued with his speech. He said, “We all have different talents and gifts that G-d gives us, and it is up to us to use them wisely. I may be a server, but I will try to do the best job that I can while I am here on Earth. Then he went on to say, “I wasn’t always like this. Before I found Jesus and became religious, I just wanted the job that would pay me the most money. I never worried about which job it was, or how I performed. I didn’t care whether or not I was putting forth any effort! But now, I want to do G-d’s will. For me, right now, it’s to serve people in this capacity.
I was impressed by how he saw his job. I had never thought of a waiter really “serving” people before.
The young man tilted his head to the side and smiled. He said, “Now I realize that money or fancy things are not important, because none of those things last. You can’t take them with you to heaven. You can only take your faith in G-d with you. If you think about it, life is kind of like an internship for heaven. We are here for preparation of what is to come.” I smiled and agreed. I really liked the way he phrased that statement.
Then he looked at the time on his cell phone, and said, “Actually, I have to get going to my job. My shift is about to start. But before I go, can I pray with you about anything?” I was surprised that this stranger wanted to pray with me. How often do any of us stop and ask a stranger if they would like someone to pray with them? I told him about my test, and let him know that I would greatly appreciate his prayers. So he sat down at my table and bowed his head.
Dear L-rd, please allow your grace to help this young lady remember all the information for which she has so diligently studied. Please guide her choices during the test, so that she may pass it. Please be there to guide her in her daily life, as she takes cares of and heals your children. Allow her to use her talents and gifts that you have given her to the best of her ability. Please watch over her always. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. I thanked him as he got up from the table. He shook my hand and said, “G-d bless you.” He turned, picked up his book and left the café.
I was so touched that I started to cry. I was suddenly overcome with a sense of peace and calm. I felt Jesus talking to my heart, “Don’t worry, my child, I am here with you always.”
I wiped my eyes, and thanked G-d silently. I drove home that evening with a new renewed vigor. I was inspired to perform my best during this Divine Internship that we call life.
-A-
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Share your world with me.
I believe that to be Jewish today means what it meant yesterday & a thousand years ago. It means for the Jew in me to seek fulfillment both as a Jew & as a human being. For a Jew, Judaism & humanity must go together. To be Jewish today is to recognize that every person is created in the image of G-d & that our purpose in living is to be a reminder of G-d.
Naturally, I claim total kinship with my people & its destiny. Judaism integrates particularistic aspirations with universal values, fervor with rigor, & legend with law. Being Jewish to me is to reject all fanaticism anywhere.
To be Jewish is, above all, to safeguard memory & open its gates to the celebration of life as well as the suffering, to the song of ecstasy as well as the tears of distress that are our legacy as Jews. It is to rejoice in the renaissance of Jewish sovereignty in Israel & the re-awakening of Jewish life in countries where it was forbidden. It is to identify with the plight of Jews living under oppressive regimes & with the challenges facing our communities in free societies.
A Jew must be sensitive to the pain of all human beings. A Jew cannot remain indifferent to human suffering. The mission of the Jewish people has never been to make the world more Jewish, but to make it more human.
I am proud to be Jewish. Tell me about yourself and what you are proud of.
Naturally, I claim total kinship with my people & its destiny. Judaism integrates particularistic aspirations with universal values, fervor with rigor, & legend with law. Being Jewish to me is to reject all fanaticism anywhere.
To be Jewish is, above all, to safeguard memory & open its gates to the celebration of life as well as the suffering, to the song of ecstasy as well as the tears of distress that are our legacy as Jews. It is to rejoice in the renaissance of Jewish sovereignty in Israel & the re-awakening of Jewish life in countries where it was forbidden. It is to identify with the plight of Jews living under oppressive regimes & with the challenges facing our communities in free societies.
A Jew must be sensitive to the pain of all human beings. A Jew cannot remain indifferent to human suffering. The mission of the Jewish people has never been to make the world more Jewish, but to make it more human.
I am proud to be Jewish. Tell me about yourself and what you are proud of.
Being Religious & Being Spiritual
It is amazing that so many people feel that being religious & being spiritual is the same. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, but they are two different concepts that seem to get mixed together in most peoples’ minds. Below I would like to add my observations on the matter & I concede that my definition may be different from that of the definition given by the dictionary.
Religion, I understand, is a set of beliefs generally about G-d. In our religion, Judaism, it includes actions, i.e. commandments & thoughts, required & forbidden. A person is considered 'religious' when he/she adheres to such beliefs. (For sake of our discussion I acknowledge that there are more than one established set of belief in Judaism as well defined in the various branches of our people which revolve around the belief in the existence of one G-d.) A 'religious' person therefore is one who scrupulously adheres to the tenets of his faith. (Here I exclude from this discussion compulsive people who happen to use religion as an extension of their obsessiveness.)
Spirituality, on the other hand, is something which reflects those feelings or thoughts that connect one with the spiritual side of life, as opposed to the material aspects of this world. The spiritual experience being something that is experienced from the non-material, or in our case, the G-dly realm. A person who is spiritual is one who has had a spiritual experience; an experience with G-d (within or without the confines of religion). Here the emphasis is on the experience & not the knowledge, learned or otherwise acquired.
In concept we might expect to see religious people being spiritual & indeed it is the expectation of many. However it is my proposal that religion is the external manifestation of a spiritual being or experience, whereas the spiritual is the inner feeling that should accompany the religious person. A person performing a religious action should be experiencing a spiritual feeling; hence the religious aspect is the exterior to the inner spiritual experience.
To make my point clearer, let us take a person who is a prophet, like Moses or Samuel. Their essential being was to be connected with G-d. They communicated directly to Him not just in prayer but rather in a direct personal communicative manner as one speaks with his boss. Their essential being reflected that inner spiritual experience in a way that we can not describe from our own personal knowledge (since we generally lack a similar internal experience) but we can describe their personal spiritual experience from their external manifestation that caused a change in their personality & lifestyle as a direct result of that experience. We can note & relate to others the manner in which the spiritual experience has changed their being as they relate to the physical world by noting the changes in their personality from before their spiritual experience comparing to afterwards. We should note a change in regard to their relationships with other people & in the way they live their lives. We would expect a person who had a spiritual experience of some high degree to act differently after the experience than from before. If a spiritual experience does not cause a change in a person, then what good did the connection of the divine do?
To the extent of the intensity &/or frequency of the spiritual experience so will the person's relationship to the physical side of the world change. As an example, I would expect a person who had a 'close experiential relationship' with G-d to be less dependent or desirous of the physical side of life. We find that the prophets were not particularly materialistic people. Rather their desires were to become even more spiritualistic.
Unfortunately most people today are very much connected with the material side of life than ever before. This is to such an extent that unless G-d comes & literally hits them on the head they would never think of being spiritual. On the other hand, those people who are seeking to be spiritual reject the apparent confines of regulated & codified religion as being anti-spiritual. In many ways they are correct, but it is my contention that we need both as I shall explain.
We need to be spiritual; we need to develop a close relationship with G-d & we need to realize that we have been placed in a world that is entirely material & physical. In such an environment we must live & function; we cannot avoid it even if we were to go to a live in a cave in a remote area. Material needs are a prime concern of man.
Although the spiritual is the desirable choice between the physical & the spiritual, the spiritual closeness of the prophets is not possible to attain, therefore it is necessary to adhere to the tenets of our religion because (& although religion is externals of spirituality, none the less,) we need to maintain a frame work that keeps us in line with the manner in which G-d desired us to live our lives. This protects us so that we may on occasion have a spiritual experience.
May we be granted the wisdom to attain the spiritual heights that we are allowed & the understanding to realize that it is not a sustainable goal, but rather a gift from G-d.
Religion, I understand, is a set of beliefs generally about G-d. In our religion, Judaism, it includes actions, i.e. commandments & thoughts, required & forbidden. A person is considered 'religious' when he/she adheres to such beliefs. (For sake of our discussion I acknowledge that there are more than one established set of belief in Judaism as well defined in the various branches of our people which revolve around the belief in the existence of one G-d.) A 'religious' person therefore is one who scrupulously adheres to the tenets of his faith. (Here I exclude from this discussion compulsive people who happen to use religion as an extension of their obsessiveness.)
Spirituality, on the other hand, is something which reflects those feelings or thoughts that connect one with the spiritual side of life, as opposed to the material aspects of this world. The spiritual experience being something that is experienced from the non-material, or in our case, the G-dly realm. A person who is spiritual is one who has had a spiritual experience; an experience with G-d (within or without the confines of religion). Here the emphasis is on the experience & not the knowledge, learned or otherwise acquired.
In concept we might expect to see religious people being spiritual & indeed it is the expectation of many. However it is my proposal that religion is the external manifestation of a spiritual being or experience, whereas the spiritual is the inner feeling that should accompany the religious person. A person performing a religious action should be experiencing a spiritual feeling; hence the religious aspect is the exterior to the inner spiritual experience.
To make my point clearer, let us take a person who is a prophet, like Moses or Samuel. Their essential being was to be connected with G-d. They communicated directly to Him not just in prayer but rather in a direct personal communicative manner as one speaks with his boss. Their essential being reflected that inner spiritual experience in a way that we can not describe from our own personal knowledge (since we generally lack a similar internal experience) but we can describe their personal spiritual experience from their external manifestation that caused a change in their personality & lifestyle as a direct result of that experience. We can note & relate to others the manner in which the spiritual experience has changed their being as they relate to the physical world by noting the changes in their personality from before their spiritual experience comparing to afterwards. We should note a change in regard to their relationships with other people & in the way they live their lives. We would expect a person who had a spiritual experience of some high degree to act differently after the experience than from before. If a spiritual experience does not cause a change in a person, then what good did the connection of the divine do?
To the extent of the intensity &/or frequency of the spiritual experience so will the person's relationship to the physical side of the world change. As an example, I would expect a person who had a 'close experiential relationship' with G-d to be less dependent or desirous of the physical side of life. We find that the prophets were not particularly materialistic people. Rather their desires were to become even more spiritualistic.
Unfortunately most people today are very much connected with the material side of life than ever before. This is to such an extent that unless G-d comes & literally hits them on the head they would never think of being spiritual. On the other hand, those people who are seeking to be spiritual reject the apparent confines of regulated & codified religion as being anti-spiritual. In many ways they are correct, but it is my contention that we need both as I shall explain.
We need to be spiritual; we need to develop a close relationship with G-d & we need to realize that we have been placed in a world that is entirely material & physical. In such an environment we must live & function; we cannot avoid it even if we were to go to a live in a cave in a remote area. Material needs are a prime concern of man.
Although the spiritual is the desirable choice between the physical & the spiritual, the spiritual closeness of the prophets is not possible to attain, therefore it is necessary to adhere to the tenets of our religion because (& although religion is externals of spirituality, none the less,) we need to maintain a frame work that keeps us in line with the manner in which G-d desired us to live our lives. This protects us so that we may on occasion have a spiritual experience.
May we be granted the wisdom to attain the spiritual heights that we are allowed & the understanding to realize that it is not a sustainable goal, but rather a gift from G-d.
Hatred
We are familiar with advertisements about cancer, AIDS, & reckless driving being killers. However, what we do not consider is that there is a worse killer that is spreading at remarkable rates infecting multitudes & causing more pain & sorrow than all other causes put together. This is the plague of hatred.
Hatred is a killer; millions of Jews together with many from other different groups, were murdered during World War II. Today, through out the Arab world, hatred of Jews has reached an unprecedented level & we know that this can kill & if not restrained, it will kill!
Let us ask ourselves the very basic question: What is it that causes people from one area or religion or group to hate people that they have never spoken to, never met, & with whom do not have any interaction?
There is an explanation: Know that there are two basic types of hatred: hatred based on personal grievance & hatred that is based on selfishness.
Hatred that is based on personal grievance is a hatred that is caused directly by an injustice that is done to you by another person. It could be a neighbour or a co-worker who has annoyed you, embarrassed you or harmed your property. You feel that you have been wronged & now you are upset. However if restitution in the proper form is made, the hatred will dissipate. Hatred like this is based on a real cause; erase the cause & the hatred disappears.
The selfish type of hatred appears to come with a 'reason', but the reason which is supplied is not the real reason but rather a justification of the hatred. In this case, the hatred precedes the reason; the reason comes afterwards to justify to others & conceal the real motives of the hatred. This type of hatred is much more difficult to identify, since its source is cleverly concealed with a plausible external rational that justifies the hatred, & even beckons those listening to agree & join in the hatred. Hatred without cause is called in Hebrew Sinat Chinam.
The world is full of this sick type of hatred. Individuals, nations, groups & races are infected with it & it spreads itself like a contagious disease. At the bottom of this hatred is selfishness & suspicion that causes the 'other' to be viewed with disdain & suspicion.
A selfish person is constantly worried about himself, but no one else. He views the other as competition that will reduce down his share of what he desires. This type of person is a coward & uses justification & counterfeit reasons to explain & substantiate his hatred. As an example, a person cannot clearly state that he fears that his co-worker may do a better job than he, & by comparison, will look bad, because it is an admission of his own weakness. Rather he will give a reason to justify hating this person, specifying a personal fault in order that the reason should look authentic.
The same is true of groups. A group can not simply state that they fear another group because of the possibility that the other group will do better than them, rather they conceal their insecurity in a mantle of righteous justifications in order to convince others of the faults of this rival group. Others who secretly share the same insecurities will latch on to this false accusation & continue to spread this hatred.
If a grievance is real, then the parties can work it out honestly & sensibly, since the problem is not the personalities, but the disputed item, i.e. property, honor, etc. In most cases, it is the retribution that is the desired end, not the continuance of hatred. Once restitution has taken place, then the person who was wronged is pacified & the hatred subsides. This is not true with baseless hatred, since any claim made is only to conceal the insecurity & to justify the hatred therefore a settlement will not take away the baseless hatred since the underlying insecurity remains.
Unfortunately, we Jews are living in a time similar to that of our parents. During the 1930's & 40's, Hitler's hate campaign against the Jews & other 'undesirables' convinced millions of Germans of the righteousness of his mission. Chamberlain thought that he could appease Hitler by giving him the Sudetenland. Hitler could not be appeased since his demands were not based on reason, but he used his 'reason' only to justify his hatred.
We see the same thing in the Arab world. How much have the Israeli governments given to the Palestinian Arabs, yet Israel is as far from peace with their neighbours as they were in 1948. The reason is that the Arabs use a 'reason' to justify their claims against the Jews, when in reality no appeasement on the part of any Israeli leader will make them stop hating us. They hate us because they view us with fright, they fear that our energies in building a beautiful society in the Middle East will expose them as the corrupt & lazy politicians that they really are, & that our Jewish success is a affront to the 'truth' of Islam & that by comparison they may feel that they are really lazy indolent people. It is much easier to spread the lie of Israeli atrocities than face the truth that they are responsible for their own destinies & it is not Israel or the Jews that caused them to be in the position in which they find themselves.
What is true with the group is true with the individual. The Torah commands us (Leviticus 19:17, 18) "Thou shall not hate thy brother in thy heart; you shall surely rebuke the neighbour, but not bring sin upon him. You shall not take vengeance nor bear a grudge, but you shall love thy neighbour as thyself."
Hatred blinds, & hatred kills. Love draws you closer together, but it requires courage to accept your own failings. Perhaps we cannot correct the world just today, but we can start by avoiding hatred & seeking truth in ourselves. If every one would look into himself & see & accept his own faults & not blame others for his position in life, the world would be a better place.
Hatred is a killer; millions of Jews together with many from other different groups, were murdered during World War II. Today, through out the Arab world, hatred of Jews has reached an unprecedented level & we know that this can kill & if not restrained, it will kill!
Let us ask ourselves the very basic question: What is it that causes people from one area or religion or group to hate people that they have never spoken to, never met, & with whom do not have any interaction?
There is an explanation: Know that there are two basic types of hatred: hatred based on personal grievance & hatred that is based on selfishness.
Hatred that is based on personal grievance is a hatred that is caused directly by an injustice that is done to you by another person. It could be a neighbour or a co-worker who has annoyed you, embarrassed you or harmed your property. You feel that you have been wronged & now you are upset. However if restitution in the proper form is made, the hatred will dissipate. Hatred like this is based on a real cause; erase the cause & the hatred disappears.
The selfish type of hatred appears to come with a 'reason', but the reason which is supplied is not the real reason but rather a justification of the hatred. In this case, the hatred precedes the reason; the reason comes afterwards to justify to others & conceal the real motives of the hatred. This type of hatred is much more difficult to identify, since its source is cleverly concealed with a plausible external rational that justifies the hatred, & even beckons those listening to agree & join in the hatred. Hatred without cause is called in Hebrew Sinat Chinam.
The world is full of this sick type of hatred. Individuals, nations, groups & races are infected with it & it spreads itself like a contagious disease. At the bottom of this hatred is selfishness & suspicion that causes the 'other' to be viewed with disdain & suspicion.
A selfish person is constantly worried about himself, but no one else. He views the other as competition that will reduce down his share of what he desires. This type of person is a coward & uses justification & counterfeit reasons to explain & substantiate his hatred. As an example, a person cannot clearly state that he fears that his co-worker may do a better job than he, & by comparison, will look bad, because it is an admission of his own weakness. Rather he will give a reason to justify hating this person, specifying a personal fault in order that the reason should look authentic.
The same is true of groups. A group can not simply state that they fear another group because of the possibility that the other group will do better than them, rather they conceal their insecurity in a mantle of righteous justifications in order to convince others of the faults of this rival group. Others who secretly share the same insecurities will latch on to this false accusation & continue to spread this hatred.
If a grievance is real, then the parties can work it out honestly & sensibly, since the problem is not the personalities, but the disputed item, i.e. property, honor, etc. In most cases, it is the retribution that is the desired end, not the continuance of hatred. Once restitution has taken place, then the person who was wronged is pacified & the hatred subsides. This is not true with baseless hatred, since any claim made is only to conceal the insecurity & to justify the hatred therefore a settlement will not take away the baseless hatred since the underlying insecurity remains.
Unfortunately, we Jews are living in a time similar to that of our parents. During the 1930's & 40's, Hitler's hate campaign against the Jews & other 'undesirables' convinced millions of Germans of the righteousness of his mission. Chamberlain thought that he could appease Hitler by giving him the Sudetenland. Hitler could not be appeased since his demands were not based on reason, but he used his 'reason' only to justify his hatred.
We see the same thing in the Arab world. How much have the Israeli governments given to the Palestinian Arabs, yet Israel is as far from peace with their neighbours as they were in 1948. The reason is that the Arabs use a 'reason' to justify their claims against the Jews, when in reality no appeasement on the part of any Israeli leader will make them stop hating us. They hate us because they view us with fright, they fear that our energies in building a beautiful society in the Middle East will expose them as the corrupt & lazy politicians that they really are, & that our Jewish success is a affront to the 'truth' of Islam & that by comparison they may feel that they are really lazy indolent people. It is much easier to spread the lie of Israeli atrocities than face the truth that they are responsible for their own destinies & it is not Israel or the Jews that caused them to be in the position in which they find themselves.
What is true with the group is true with the individual. The Torah commands us (Leviticus 19:17, 18) "Thou shall not hate thy brother in thy heart; you shall surely rebuke the neighbour, but not bring sin upon him. You shall not take vengeance nor bear a grudge, but you shall love thy neighbour as thyself."
Hatred blinds, & hatred kills. Love draws you closer together, but it requires courage to accept your own failings. Perhaps we cannot correct the world just today, but we can start by avoiding hatred & seeking truth in ourselves. If every one would look into himself & see & accept his own faults & not blame others for his position in life, the world would be a better place.
Friday, November 19, 2010
What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man.
Hello Everyone! We have a new writer. These are the wise words of a Jewish man that has been around for more than eight decades who we will affectionately call Grandfather F:
What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah & the remainder is but commentary.
It's early Friday evening near sundown in south-central Jerusalem. A group of us are gaily walking the 3-4 blocks to the synagogue in anticipation of the Sabbath. As we enter the synagogue grounds, many families, & some clusters of young people chatter excitedly, but quietly. All heads are covered by hat, yarmulke or scarf, all male shoulders wrapped in a tallit. As we pour into the main hall, we systematically sort ourselves by sex, the men remaining on the main floor, the women filing upstairs to the screened balconies. A cantor begins to intone in melodious Hebrew. At conspicuous intervals, the lower hall explodes into davening (an offering of prayer); men rock back & forth creating a wondrous commotion. It's sometimes quiet and gentle, it sometimes expresses great passion, but always there is a precise individual expression. All together an Orthodox Jewish community welcomes the Sabbath, the holiest day of the week.
Almost half a world away, a Reform community prepares to usher one of its boys into manhood. This Saturday morning is the day of his Bar Mitzvah (literally, “a responsible man”), the Sabbath closest to his 13th birthday. He has spent months under the tutelage of his rabbi so that he might lead the synagogue in prayer, chanting in Hebrew. Now the tension builds, a hush falls, as hundreds of well-dressed relatives, friends & well-wishers anticipate his performance. At the critical moments, cameras flash and videos hum as people move about for better vantage. As difficult pronunciations flow smoothly from the boy's lips, short gasps of relief escape from many in the hall, feeling his ordeal. Yet no matter how well he may have represented the Hebrew text, this event will have been a great success. The service has been sandwiched between lavish feasts, carefree dancing, & the giving of generous gifts. This has been a cardinal community event, placing the boy squarely in the spotlight for all to see & acknowledge. As much for the family as the boy, this will have been a most significant transition.
As one would expect in a religion more than 5000 years old , these two examples represent just the smallest part of what it means to be an “observing” Jew in the modern world. How great the differences in style & the interpretation of traditional forms, & yet how much there is in common as well. Officially, Judaism has four major divisions. The Orthodox are those who look to the Torah & Bible for fundamental guidance, observing over 600 rules covering the entire breadth of Jewish life. Strict adherence to the Law has often led to a considerable degree of separation from the non-Jewish society which surrounds Orthodox communities. (The Orthodoxy has consequently been established as the state religion of Israel.) The Reform movement began in the mid-nineteenth century in Europe, & soon spread to the United States & Africa. Inspired by the Enlightenment, it sought to make the religious life more relevant to the modern world. Particularly in the United States, Reform Jews have become well assimilated into the American society but still carry Israel, & all it stands for, deeply in their hearts. In between these two extremes, lie the Conservative movement & an early 20th century spin-off, Reconstructionism. In the United States, over 80 % of observant Jews are either Conservative or Reform (see What is a Jew? Rabbi Morris N. Kertzer, 1996, Simon & Shuster).
But what are the elements that are common to Judaism as a whole? A friend of mine councils that it is not a religion bound to essential theological concepts. Judaism describes a way of life & not inherent solutions; it is “a very busy religion”. Another friend adds that Jewish discussion usually reverts to ethics rather than theology. A most basic concept is that of Tikkun Olam (“to repair the health of the world”) which is well understood & observed by secular as well as observing Jews. They both point to the shared experiences of so many American Jews: the summer camps & the songs they had learned there; Challah on the Sabbath - the Passover Seder; Hebrew &/or Yiddish spoken in the home when they were children; the uniqueness of the Jewish calendar. In fact these are referred to as “the hook” used by Rebbe Zalman, the inspiration for the Jewish Renewal Movement. They form the foundation of the first & second editions of The Jewish Catalog (edited by Michael Strassfeld & Richard Siegal), a compendium of Jewish life intended to reach out to secular Jews who have strayed from the fold. What is unique is how much of a pull such cultural traditions continue to have in a secularizing world. The overall Jewish experience is ubiquitous & defining in so many ways.
But it would be wrong to minimize Jewish spirituality in the midst of its cultural & ritual accouterments. Asked to name the primary historic gift brought to the world by the Jewish people, many friends hastily answer: “the worship of one God” -- indeed, an attentive & caring G-d. It is a blend that serves as a powerful model for ethical human behavior. The Jewish religion is distinguished by “the support we receive from G-d as we pursue our human potential & our basic moral responsibilities toward all of humanity.” (What is a Jew, p. 107) The emphasis is on human responsibility rather than that which descends from G-d. The Jewish sacred texts have long offered abundant guidance for living a life of meaning.
To be a religious Jew is to devote oneself to the study of Torah. In the broadest sense, “Torah is the essence of Jewish spirituality. It is synonymous with learning, wisdom and love of G-d” (What is a Jew, p. 39). More specifically, the Torah refers to the first five books of the Bible (the books of Moses) in particular, the Torah scroll. Considered the most sacred part of the Bible, one or more scrolls are the prized possessions of every modern synagogue. This hand-lettered scroll, copied onto parchment in the ancient Hebrew & usually sheathed in an ornate fabric cover, is at once the story of the creation of the world, a lineage of the ancient patriarchs of the Jewish people, the deliverance into freedom from hundreds of years of slavery in Egypt, & the handing down to Moses of the Law. It is a gripping story, full of intrigue, miracles, heroes larger than life, & extensive directives for the living of a pure life. It is also believed to portray the direct Word of G-d, as passed through Moses, leading to the birth of Israel.
The Torah has always stood at the center of Jewish ritual & study. The weekly Torah Portion is a division of the five books for use as a focus of study on each Sabbath. The beginning point is the festival of Simchat Torah, approximately two weeks after the Jewish New Year (early Fall). This is the day when the Torah scroll is rewound. In one sense, it is celebrated by reading a passage from the end, by carefully rewinding the scroll, & by beginning again with a passage from Genesis. But it is also occasioned by much merriment. The scrolls are lovingly removed from the ark & carried, even danced, throughout the hall, eagerly touched by all whom they pass. From that day forth throughout the year, the Torah portion serves as a weekly study guide for almost all observing Jews.
In order to understand the remaining books of the Jewish Bible, as well as other sacred Jewish texts, it is necessary to acknowledge the centrality of time. The Jewish tradition embodies a rich & eventful history. Typically, within each Jewish festival day lies a call to remembrance of past events & giving thanks for one's predecessors. Also, Abraham Joshua Heschel, in his classic presentation on the Sabbath (The Sabbath, Farrar, Straus and Giroux), argues that after the fall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE) Judaism finds meaning in time rather than reverential space & material things. He exclaims, “the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals”.
The remaining books of the Bible convey a rich blend of history, prophecy, & legal, ethical, & theological concerns. But what should also be stated is that these “books” are the collected observations, commentaries, & visions of individuals (or many individuals, whose writings have been collected under one name). Additionally, this record does not end with the last book of the Bible (ca. 100 years before the current era). After the fall of the Second Temple & the dispersal of the Jews throughout the Mediterranean basin, a rabbinic succession emerged which would carry on the tradition. Their ongoing commentary on the Torah, on contemporary Jewish life, on the wisdom of their time comes down to us in the Mishnah (circa 200 CE) & the Talmud (some three hundred years later). Together with the Bible these texts represent a living tradition, one that continues today through the diligent exploration of contemporary students. Their study is not a halfhearted pursuit: the Talmud alone contains some 63 volumes that are often complex & incredibly obscure.
How does the average person use these books? On the one hand, one could go directly to the source. A vast number of books have been written to guide, explain & decipher. One could go on to consult the original texts. A visit to any of the diminutive synagogues in Sefat, Israel, reveals stacks of thick books, hoary with age & yet obviously well-used, crammed into every comer. These are a wonder to look at but remain securely held in the watchful gaze of the Rabbi standing in the doorway. On the other hand, our modern technology offers a convenient alternative to travel & years of study. A visit to one of the many Jewish websites, such as aish.com, offers learned commentaries from all sources to suitably impact one's meditations on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is said to be the prized possession of the Jewish people. A friend jokingly remarks on what a great religion Judaism is; the Holiest day of the year comes each week. The Sabbath is concerned with nourishing the body as well as the soul. It is the day of rest & cessation of one's normal routine, extending from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. “People assemble to welcome the wonder of the seventh day, while the Sabbath sends out its presence over the fields, into our homes, into our hearts. It is a moment of resurrection of the dormant spirit in our souls” (The-Sabbah, p.66). There are many carnal aspects: the best food, free & easy gathering with family & friends. There is the setting aside of time to study, usually in coordination with the Torah Portion of the week. But in the largest context, the Sabbath sets a weekly rhythm of some proportion, beginning on Thursday with cleaning, buying provisions & planning the family evening. Within it, the religious find a place to pause & renew themselves for the coming days.
Two other Jewish holidays are of note, not only because they are well-loved by Jews but because they are also well-known by non-Jews. The first, the High Holy days, denotes the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Atonement; Yom Kippur, the Jewish new year; & the week in between. Celebrated in the early Fall, this is a time for repentance & remembrance of G-d. It is the beginning of a new cycle of cultural & religious practice. It is in every way comparable to the culmination of the Christian year in Christmas & New Years Eve & its services tend to draw far greater numbers than the weekly norm. The second is Passover, particularly the sharing of the Passover meal, known as the Seder. Where the Sabbath meal is often a family affair, the Seder is to be shared among numbers of friends. It is clothed in ritual & story, all to emphasize a remembrance of Israel's passage into freedom from Egypt, as well as the urgency of finding freedom for all peoples. These both contain important facets of the “busy-ness” of Jewishness, but are also important spiritual turning points in the Jewish year.
Beyond the comfort of the cultural & religious experience, lies a wealth of “hidden things”, the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbala. Writes Herbert Weiner, author of 9 1/2 Mystics, the Kabbala Today (Macmillen Publishing),”The Kabballists like to use images like the layers of an onion, or the shell and kernel of a nut... to illustrate this contrast between inner and outer” (p.6) & 'Most Kabbalistic writings are taught through hints which can set off an inner train of associations that might be blocked by too explicit an explanation” (p.32). Its modern revival can be traced to an 18th Cent. Polish rebbe/mystic, the Bal Shem Tov, & the writings of 20th century thinkers, such as Martin Buber. In Jewish Mysticism , Buber states, “The Hasidic teaching is the most powerful & unique phenomenon which the diaspora has produced. It foreshadows a renaissance. No revival of udaism will be possible that does not contain some of its elements”. Indeed the Kabbalistic tradition has grown in importance & popularity far beyond the movements that are known for it, such as the Hasidim, and more specifically, the Lubavitchers. Many popular books on Kabbala seek to council & guide a vast audience of college students, & many of their elders, both Jewish & non-Jewish alike.
Many Jews have great affection for the Hasidic tradition. Up until the point of its emergence, Judaism had been very hierarchical & the priesthood remained somewhat aloof from the masses. Under the Bal Shem Tov's founding guidance, this became a popular movement where people could embrace the divine through personal prayer, often the ecstatic movement of dance & song. The Bal Shem Tov not only exemplified the Rabbi, or “Rebbe” as a central teacher in the community but also as a direct channel to G-d. In fact, much of his renown, & that of many succeeding Rebbes, could be traced to the miracles they were said to have performed. “The Bal Shem Tov was not just an affirmer of life, a champion of the poor & unlettered, ... He was a mystic, even an ecstatic, whose religious seizures might be diagnosed in our day as psychotic”( 9 1/2 Mystics, p. 132). These were men who proved continuously that” G-d demands no temples ... but the temple of a sincere heart, “What is a Jew, p.21). One of the enduring legacies of the Hasidim of Central Europe has been the wealth of stories about the wisdom and powers of the Rebbes, the central figure in the Hasidic village. The philosopher, Martin Buber, has produced one classic collection called “Tales of the Hasidim (Schocken Books). Yet there are literally thousands of shorter stories that are true to the traditional character. It is significant that many of these are included with the weekly Torah Portion posted by on-line programs such as aish.com. These are stories that convey the extraordinary life experience of the crafty Rebbe, the constant interplay of extreme ethical living with the exigencies of life. An example appeared with the Torah Portion, Lech Lecha on October 26, 2001, called “Go to yourself':
A fisherman was sitting by the river fishing. Along came a wealthy man & watched with amazement as every few minutes he would reel in another fairly large fish. After only an hour, the fisherman began to pack up & leave. The wealthy man ran over to him & asked, “Why are you leaving so soon?” “Well,” said the fisherman, I've caught enough fish to last me for the week & I don't need any more. Now I'm going home to study Torah & spend time with my family.” “But think of what you could do with more fish.” the wealthy man implored. “You could sell the extra fish, use the money to invest in more fishing rods, then you could buy a boat & hire other people to do the fishing.” “And what is the goal of all this?” asked the fisherman. “Well,” replied the wealthy man, “you could then hire someone to manage your business and retire to do what you really want in life.”
With that the fisherman bid the man goodbye & said, “Thank you very much, but I'm doing that already!”
The intermixing of the commonplace with deep wisdom is an alluring quality of these Jewish stories. It implies a type of perception, combined with a biting sense of humor, that has become familiar to all Americans through Hollywood & the entertainment industry over the past 100 years. Yet culturally & spiritually, there can be no understanding of modern Judaism, either the religion or the culture, without a consideration of two recent & very specific events. Here is a contemporary context for a tradition awash in the grinding march of history.
The first event, chronologically, presented an appalling challenge to the humanity of mankind. It was the ultimate persecution: the Holocaust, the attempt by Hitler's tyranny to eliminate an entire people solely for their common religious, cultural & genetic heritage. As a friend states, “The holocaust is the 800-pound gorilla sitting in the midst of any Jewish dialogue. There is no Jewish theology without Holocaust theology”. The Holocaust (or Sho'ah) is specifically commemorated in the holiday called Yom Hashoah in the Spring. It is memorialized at Yad Vashem (among other places) where names of the millions of victims are listed & many personal effects preserved. But in fact, the Holocaust lives on in the hearts & minds of not only Holocaust survivors & their children but all Jews. It is a part of Jewish history that cannot be forgotten.
This event led rapidly to the second: the rebirth of Israel, in 1948, after almost 2000 years of Diaspora to all comers of the Western & Near-Eastern world. Beginning in the late 1800s with the work of Theodor Herzl, the Zionist movement sought for the Jews both a return to an ancestral home & a refuge from the continuous persecutions experienced by Jews virtually wherever they lived. This was the land of the great temples, the “land of milk and honey” to which the Israelites had been led by Moses some 3200 years ago. And it was & is looked to with hope & yearning by virtually all Jews. Where else on Earth does an entire country observe the Sabbath as traditionally defined? Where else is the postman, the policeman, the delivery truck driver & the elementary school teacher all Jewish? Thus, the common farewell, “Next year in Jerusalem!”
It may not even be possible to describe the Jewish religion without exhaustively portraying the fullness of the Jewish people & their culture. Here is a continuity from very ancient times that is decidedly unusual from today's perspective. It is a tradition that cares for “the health of the world”. It is a tradition that has much to teach the other peoples of the world.
What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah & the remainder is but commentary.
It's early Friday evening near sundown in south-central Jerusalem. A group of us are gaily walking the 3-4 blocks to the synagogue in anticipation of the Sabbath. As we enter the synagogue grounds, many families, & some clusters of young people chatter excitedly, but quietly. All heads are covered by hat, yarmulke or scarf, all male shoulders wrapped in a tallit. As we pour into the main hall, we systematically sort ourselves by sex, the men remaining on the main floor, the women filing upstairs to the screened balconies. A cantor begins to intone in melodious Hebrew. At conspicuous intervals, the lower hall explodes into davening (an offering of prayer); men rock back & forth creating a wondrous commotion. It's sometimes quiet and gentle, it sometimes expresses great passion, but always there is a precise individual expression. All together an Orthodox Jewish community welcomes the Sabbath, the holiest day of the week.
Almost half a world away, a Reform community prepares to usher one of its boys into manhood. This Saturday morning is the day of his Bar Mitzvah (literally, “a responsible man”), the Sabbath closest to his 13th birthday. He has spent months under the tutelage of his rabbi so that he might lead the synagogue in prayer, chanting in Hebrew. Now the tension builds, a hush falls, as hundreds of well-dressed relatives, friends & well-wishers anticipate his performance. At the critical moments, cameras flash and videos hum as people move about for better vantage. As difficult pronunciations flow smoothly from the boy's lips, short gasps of relief escape from many in the hall, feeling his ordeal. Yet no matter how well he may have represented the Hebrew text, this event will have been a great success. The service has been sandwiched between lavish feasts, carefree dancing, & the giving of generous gifts. This has been a cardinal community event, placing the boy squarely in the spotlight for all to see & acknowledge. As much for the family as the boy, this will have been a most significant transition.
As one would expect in a religion more than 5000 years old , these two examples represent just the smallest part of what it means to be an “observing” Jew in the modern world. How great the differences in style & the interpretation of traditional forms, & yet how much there is in common as well. Officially, Judaism has four major divisions. The Orthodox are those who look to the Torah & Bible for fundamental guidance, observing over 600 rules covering the entire breadth of Jewish life. Strict adherence to the Law has often led to a considerable degree of separation from the non-Jewish society which surrounds Orthodox communities. (The Orthodoxy has consequently been established as the state religion of Israel.) The Reform movement began in the mid-nineteenth century in Europe, & soon spread to the United States & Africa. Inspired by the Enlightenment, it sought to make the religious life more relevant to the modern world. Particularly in the United States, Reform Jews have become well assimilated into the American society but still carry Israel, & all it stands for, deeply in their hearts. In between these two extremes, lie the Conservative movement & an early 20th century spin-off, Reconstructionism. In the United States, over 80 % of observant Jews are either Conservative or Reform (see What is a Jew? Rabbi Morris N. Kertzer, 1996, Simon & Shuster).
But what are the elements that are common to Judaism as a whole? A friend of mine councils that it is not a religion bound to essential theological concepts. Judaism describes a way of life & not inherent solutions; it is “a very busy religion”. Another friend adds that Jewish discussion usually reverts to ethics rather than theology. A most basic concept is that of Tikkun Olam (“to repair the health of the world”) which is well understood & observed by secular as well as observing Jews. They both point to the shared experiences of so many American Jews: the summer camps & the songs they had learned there; Challah on the Sabbath - the Passover Seder; Hebrew &/or Yiddish spoken in the home when they were children; the uniqueness of the Jewish calendar. In fact these are referred to as “the hook” used by Rebbe Zalman, the inspiration for the Jewish Renewal Movement. They form the foundation of the first & second editions of The Jewish Catalog (edited by Michael Strassfeld & Richard Siegal), a compendium of Jewish life intended to reach out to secular Jews who have strayed from the fold. What is unique is how much of a pull such cultural traditions continue to have in a secularizing world. The overall Jewish experience is ubiquitous & defining in so many ways.
But it would be wrong to minimize Jewish spirituality in the midst of its cultural & ritual accouterments. Asked to name the primary historic gift brought to the world by the Jewish people, many friends hastily answer: “the worship of one God” -- indeed, an attentive & caring G-d. It is a blend that serves as a powerful model for ethical human behavior. The Jewish religion is distinguished by “the support we receive from G-d as we pursue our human potential & our basic moral responsibilities toward all of humanity.” (What is a Jew, p. 107) The emphasis is on human responsibility rather than that which descends from G-d. The Jewish sacred texts have long offered abundant guidance for living a life of meaning.
To be a religious Jew is to devote oneself to the study of Torah. In the broadest sense, “Torah is the essence of Jewish spirituality. It is synonymous with learning, wisdom and love of G-d” (What is a Jew, p. 39). More specifically, the Torah refers to the first five books of the Bible (the books of Moses) in particular, the Torah scroll. Considered the most sacred part of the Bible, one or more scrolls are the prized possessions of every modern synagogue. This hand-lettered scroll, copied onto parchment in the ancient Hebrew & usually sheathed in an ornate fabric cover, is at once the story of the creation of the world, a lineage of the ancient patriarchs of the Jewish people, the deliverance into freedom from hundreds of years of slavery in Egypt, & the handing down to Moses of the Law. It is a gripping story, full of intrigue, miracles, heroes larger than life, & extensive directives for the living of a pure life. It is also believed to portray the direct Word of G-d, as passed through Moses, leading to the birth of Israel.
The Torah has always stood at the center of Jewish ritual & study. The weekly Torah Portion is a division of the five books for use as a focus of study on each Sabbath. The beginning point is the festival of Simchat Torah, approximately two weeks after the Jewish New Year (early Fall). This is the day when the Torah scroll is rewound. In one sense, it is celebrated by reading a passage from the end, by carefully rewinding the scroll, & by beginning again with a passage from Genesis. But it is also occasioned by much merriment. The scrolls are lovingly removed from the ark & carried, even danced, throughout the hall, eagerly touched by all whom they pass. From that day forth throughout the year, the Torah portion serves as a weekly study guide for almost all observing Jews.
In order to understand the remaining books of the Jewish Bible, as well as other sacred Jewish texts, it is necessary to acknowledge the centrality of time. The Jewish tradition embodies a rich & eventful history. Typically, within each Jewish festival day lies a call to remembrance of past events & giving thanks for one's predecessors. Also, Abraham Joshua Heschel, in his classic presentation on the Sabbath (The Sabbath, Farrar, Straus and Giroux), argues that after the fall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE) Judaism finds meaning in time rather than reverential space & material things. He exclaims, “the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals”.
The remaining books of the Bible convey a rich blend of history, prophecy, & legal, ethical, & theological concerns. But what should also be stated is that these “books” are the collected observations, commentaries, & visions of individuals (or many individuals, whose writings have been collected under one name). Additionally, this record does not end with the last book of the Bible (ca. 100 years before the current era). After the fall of the Second Temple & the dispersal of the Jews throughout the Mediterranean basin, a rabbinic succession emerged which would carry on the tradition. Their ongoing commentary on the Torah, on contemporary Jewish life, on the wisdom of their time comes down to us in the Mishnah (circa 200 CE) & the Talmud (some three hundred years later). Together with the Bible these texts represent a living tradition, one that continues today through the diligent exploration of contemporary students. Their study is not a halfhearted pursuit: the Talmud alone contains some 63 volumes that are often complex & incredibly obscure.
How does the average person use these books? On the one hand, one could go directly to the source. A vast number of books have been written to guide, explain & decipher. One could go on to consult the original texts. A visit to any of the diminutive synagogues in Sefat, Israel, reveals stacks of thick books, hoary with age & yet obviously well-used, crammed into every comer. These are a wonder to look at but remain securely held in the watchful gaze of the Rabbi standing in the doorway. On the other hand, our modern technology offers a convenient alternative to travel & years of study. A visit to one of the many Jewish websites, such as aish.com, offers learned commentaries from all sources to suitably impact one's meditations on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is said to be the prized possession of the Jewish people. A friend jokingly remarks on what a great religion Judaism is; the Holiest day of the year comes each week. The Sabbath is concerned with nourishing the body as well as the soul. It is the day of rest & cessation of one's normal routine, extending from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. “People assemble to welcome the wonder of the seventh day, while the Sabbath sends out its presence over the fields, into our homes, into our hearts. It is a moment of resurrection of the dormant spirit in our souls” (The-Sabbah, p.66). There are many carnal aspects: the best food, free & easy gathering with family & friends. There is the setting aside of time to study, usually in coordination with the Torah Portion of the week. But in the largest context, the Sabbath sets a weekly rhythm of some proportion, beginning on Thursday with cleaning, buying provisions & planning the family evening. Within it, the religious find a place to pause & renew themselves for the coming days.
Two other Jewish holidays are of note, not only because they are well-loved by Jews but because they are also well-known by non-Jews. The first, the High Holy days, denotes the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Atonement; Yom Kippur, the Jewish new year; & the week in between. Celebrated in the early Fall, this is a time for repentance & remembrance of G-d. It is the beginning of a new cycle of cultural & religious practice. It is in every way comparable to the culmination of the Christian year in Christmas & New Years Eve & its services tend to draw far greater numbers than the weekly norm. The second is Passover, particularly the sharing of the Passover meal, known as the Seder. Where the Sabbath meal is often a family affair, the Seder is to be shared among numbers of friends. It is clothed in ritual & story, all to emphasize a remembrance of Israel's passage into freedom from Egypt, as well as the urgency of finding freedom for all peoples. These both contain important facets of the “busy-ness” of Jewishness, but are also important spiritual turning points in the Jewish year.
Beyond the comfort of the cultural & religious experience, lies a wealth of “hidden things”, the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbala. Writes Herbert Weiner, author of 9 1/2 Mystics, the Kabbala Today (Macmillen Publishing),”The Kabballists like to use images like the layers of an onion, or the shell and kernel of a nut... to illustrate this contrast between inner and outer” (p.6) & 'Most Kabbalistic writings are taught through hints which can set off an inner train of associations that might be blocked by too explicit an explanation” (p.32). Its modern revival can be traced to an 18th Cent. Polish rebbe/mystic, the Bal Shem Tov, & the writings of 20th century thinkers, such as Martin Buber. In Jewish Mysticism , Buber states, “The Hasidic teaching is the most powerful & unique phenomenon which the diaspora has produced. It foreshadows a renaissance. No revival of udaism will be possible that does not contain some of its elements”. Indeed the Kabbalistic tradition has grown in importance & popularity far beyond the movements that are known for it, such as the Hasidim, and more specifically, the Lubavitchers. Many popular books on Kabbala seek to council & guide a vast audience of college students, & many of their elders, both Jewish & non-Jewish alike.
Many Jews have great affection for the Hasidic tradition. Up until the point of its emergence, Judaism had been very hierarchical & the priesthood remained somewhat aloof from the masses. Under the Bal Shem Tov's founding guidance, this became a popular movement where people could embrace the divine through personal prayer, often the ecstatic movement of dance & song. The Bal Shem Tov not only exemplified the Rabbi, or “Rebbe” as a central teacher in the community but also as a direct channel to G-d. In fact, much of his renown, & that of many succeeding Rebbes, could be traced to the miracles they were said to have performed. “The Bal Shem Tov was not just an affirmer of life, a champion of the poor & unlettered, ... He was a mystic, even an ecstatic, whose religious seizures might be diagnosed in our day as psychotic”( 9 1/2 Mystics, p. 132). These were men who proved continuously that” G-d demands no temples ... but the temple of a sincere heart, “What is a Jew, p.21). One of the enduring legacies of the Hasidim of Central Europe has been the wealth of stories about the wisdom and powers of the Rebbes, the central figure in the Hasidic village. The philosopher, Martin Buber, has produced one classic collection called “Tales of the Hasidim (Schocken Books). Yet there are literally thousands of shorter stories that are true to the traditional character. It is significant that many of these are included with the weekly Torah Portion posted by on-line programs such as aish.com. These are stories that convey the extraordinary life experience of the crafty Rebbe, the constant interplay of extreme ethical living with the exigencies of life. An example appeared with the Torah Portion, Lech Lecha on October 26, 2001, called “Go to yourself':
A fisherman was sitting by the river fishing. Along came a wealthy man & watched with amazement as every few minutes he would reel in another fairly large fish. After only an hour, the fisherman began to pack up & leave. The wealthy man ran over to him & asked, “Why are you leaving so soon?” “Well,” said the fisherman, I've caught enough fish to last me for the week & I don't need any more. Now I'm going home to study Torah & spend time with my family.” “But think of what you could do with more fish.” the wealthy man implored. “You could sell the extra fish, use the money to invest in more fishing rods, then you could buy a boat & hire other people to do the fishing.” “And what is the goal of all this?” asked the fisherman. “Well,” replied the wealthy man, “you could then hire someone to manage your business and retire to do what you really want in life.”
With that the fisherman bid the man goodbye & said, “Thank you very much, but I'm doing that already!”
The intermixing of the commonplace with deep wisdom is an alluring quality of these Jewish stories. It implies a type of perception, combined with a biting sense of humor, that has become familiar to all Americans through Hollywood & the entertainment industry over the past 100 years. Yet culturally & spiritually, there can be no understanding of modern Judaism, either the religion or the culture, without a consideration of two recent & very specific events. Here is a contemporary context for a tradition awash in the grinding march of history.
The first event, chronologically, presented an appalling challenge to the humanity of mankind. It was the ultimate persecution: the Holocaust, the attempt by Hitler's tyranny to eliminate an entire people solely for their common religious, cultural & genetic heritage. As a friend states, “The holocaust is the 800-pound gorilla sitting in the midst of any Jewish dialogue. There is no Jewish theology without Holocaust theology”. The Holocaust (or Sho'ah) is specifically commemorated in the holiday called Yom Hashoah in the Spring. It is memorialized at Yad Vashem (among other places) where names of the millions of victims are listed & many personal effects preserved. But in fact, the Holocaust lives on in the hearts & minds of not only Holocaust survivors & their children but all Jews. It is a part of Jewish history that cannot be forgotten.
This event led rapidly to the second: the rebirth of Israel, in 1948, after almost 2000 years of Diaspora to all comers of the Western & Near-Eastern world. Beginning in the late 1800s with the work of Theodor Herzl, the Zionist movement sought for the Jews both a return to an ancestral home & a refuge from the continuous persecutions experienced by Jews virtually wherever they lived. This was the land of the great temples, the “land of milk and honey” to which the Israelites had been led by Moses some 3200 years ago. And it was & is looked to with hope & yearning by virtually all Jews. Where else on Earth does an entire country observe the Sabbath as traditionally defined? Where else is the postman, the policeman, the delivery truck driver & the elementary school teacher all Jewish? Thus, the common farewell, “Next year in Jerusalem!”
It may not even be possible to describe the Jewish religion without exhaustively portraying the fullness of the Jewish people & their culture. Here is a continuity from very ancient times that is decidedly unusual from today's perspective. It is a tradition that cares for “the health of the world”. It is a tradition that has much to teach the other peoples of the world.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Music Series: “You’re a firework...”
I have said it a million times; life is filled with all kinds of ups and downs. People of all kinds can find themselves drowning for so many different reasons. Sometimes we are in the middle of a very difficult struggle. Sometimes just being afraid to be ourselves can be crippling. The song I chose for this blog is called “Firework” by Katy Perry. It has been very recently released; I actually heard it for the very first time last night while I was driving home from work and absolutely loved it. Then I came home and got on YouTube looking for the video and it just made me smile and say “Wow.” Since then (because of how I brainstorm for these blogs) I have listened to it at least 30 or 40 times and it isn’t in any way getting old. Katy found a way of pointing out that we all have the ability to be incredible inside us...it just all depends on whether or not we have the courage to release it.
G-d doesn’t make junk. He never has and He never will. But so many things in this life can bring us to our knees; one of them being the fear of being ourselves. Society always manages to do damage to us, especially when we are young. The teen years, for a lot of people, have got to be the most difficult and awkward. People are constantly being scrutinized for their appearance, origin, sexuality, religion, or even just their way of being. No one is the same and I am actually very thankful for that. We come from different places and backgrounds with different ideas, beliefs, and interests for a reason. How boring would the world be without that diversity? And the kicker is that so many people will sit there and agree but they go out the door and start looking around and critiquing the people around them. I have had more than my fair share of scrutiny for most of my life. If it wasn’t for one reason, it would be for another. I have struggled with low self esteem, self loathing, and I have even experienced that it’s like to want to die. The worst part of it all is that it’s actually very common for people to feel that very same way; especially teenagers. There are all these stories of teen suicides because of bullying that has gone too far; and it’s even more terrifying to see that some of these kids are only 12 or 13. It’s not OK at any age but that’s so young to have so much weighing down on you! When I was in high school, I had a friend whose younger brother committed suicide. He was only about 13 or 14. I think that was the saddest visitation I have ever attended. I attended for the sake of my friend due to the fact that I didn’t really know him because we were about 4 or 5 year apart in age. But the building was packed with people. There were notes taped to the walls telling him he was loved and missed. You saw people of all ages crying and grieving. I myself couldn’t keep the tears back. I can’t help but wonder; was all that love that was being shown at his funeral being shown to him while he was still alive?
It wasn’t till recently that I really started feeling more equipped to start becoming comfortable in my own skin. By comfort in our skin, I don’t just mean by health or physical appearance; I also mean by being confident in who you are. Knowing what you have to offer and being able to spread it the way G-d intends you to. It’s also knowing your flaws and learning to work with them. It’s not being afraid to be who you are. It’s knowing that there will be people thinking ill of you at times...it’s inevitable...but it’s also knowing that those people aren’t who define you. G-d defines us and it’s our right to explore and learn that definition and be proud of it. When you suddenly find yourself being able to be happy and free-spirited and YOU...your spirit will lift, you heart will lighten, your face will shine, and you will start learning more about why G-d made you who you are. It’s one of the most wonderful feelings any of us can experience. The best part is that light, or in the words of Katy Perry, “the fireworks” that you are releasing will be seen by everyone. Have you ever come across someone that was so happy in life that it just radiates through their face and in their words and actions? I have and whenever I would look at them, I would desperately wish to have what they have and to be brave like them. One of the lines in the song is, “There’s a spark in you, you’ve just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.” We are not made to hide who we are! G-d wants us to be proud because He is very proud. But it’s also our choice as to whether we hide it or let it show. Sometimes it can take considerable courage to get to the point where you put aside fears and insecurities and allow yourself to be who you are but it’s so worth it when you reach that point!
Another thing that can definitely bring people to their knees is difficult situations. This is something that none of us are immune too because in life, you get the sweets with the sours. That is just the reality of things. I have seen people go through horrific situations and some of them become broken in the end and others manage to rise up. The devil is everywhere in this world and he is trying to bring down as many people as he can. Nothing makes him happier than seeing misery and strife. Nothing angers him more than seeing someone chooses to lean on G-d and find a way to look toward the light. There are so many things about life that can make or break us. It comes down to us though, and how we choose to deal with it all. G-d’s hand is always there to help and hold but sometimes G-d means for that to not be enough...sometimes He means for us to lean on others and allow them to help us up as well. Sometimes it takes a situation going terribly wrong for us to learn about what we are doing to ourselves and the people around us. Sometimes a difficult situation can prepare us for the future and what we will be doing in the name of G-d. A friend to confide in is always a beautiful thing but I know that sometimes, I want to talk to someone that knows exactly what I am dealing with. You can take a situation and allow your light to burn and rise above it. You can show what you are really made of. You can find strength in yourself that was put there by G-d. A strength that only He can provide and you can absolutely rise and fly. We just have to choose this route. I for one believe in all of you. There are several of you that I don’t even know but you were all created by the same incredible G-d that created me and that alone tells me that every single one of you are completely amazing.
So in the words of Katy, “Let your colors burst.” Find what you need to light the fuse because there is so much inside of you that is begging to burst out. Allow yourself to shine and be everything that G-d means you to be. Allow yourself to smile and get to know that amazing person that you were created to be. Understand that we all struggle at different times in our lives and (even though it doesn’t always feel this way) G-d equips us with the means and the support to come through it all stronger, deeper, and capable of showing a light to others that struggle just as we do. Never ever forget that. With that I will leave you with a link to this song and wish you what I wish all the people I know and love....Be Safe, Be well, G-d Bless, and make sure you do at least one awesome thing per day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw
G-d Bless!
K
G-d doesn’t make junk. He never has and He never will. But so many things in this life can bring us to our knees; one of them being the fear of being ourselves. Society always manages to do damage to us, especially when we are young. The teen years, for a lot of people, have got to be the most difficult and awkward. People are constantly being scrutinized for their appearance, origin, sexuality, religion, or even just their way of being. No one is the same and I am actually very thankful for that. We come from different places and backgrounds with different ideas, beliefs, and interests for a reason. How boring would the world be without that diversity? And the kicker is that so many people will sit there and agree but they go out the door and start looking around and critiquing the people around them. I have had more than my fair share of scrutiny for most of my life. If it wasn’t for one reason, it would be for another. I have struggled with low self esteem, self loathing, and I have even experienced that it’s like to want to die. The worst part of it all is that it’s actually very common for people to feel that very same way; especially teenagers. There are all these stories of teen suicides because of bullying that has gone too far; and it’s even more terrifying to see that some of these kids are only 12 or 13. It’s not OK at any age but that’s so young to have so much weighing down on you! When I was in high school, I had a friend whose younger brother committed suicide. He was only about 13 or 14. I think that was the saddest visitation I have ever attended. I attended for the sake of my friend due to the fact that I didn’t really know him because we were about 4 or 5 year apart in age. But the building was packed with people. There were notes taped to the walls telling him he was loved and missed. You saw people of all ages crying and grieving. I myself couldn’t keep the tears back. I can’t help but wonder; was all that love that was being shown at his funeral being shown to him while he was still alive?
It wasn’t till recently that I really started feeling more equipped to start becoming comfortable in my own skin. By comfort in our skin, I don’t just mean by health or physical appearance; I also mean by being confident in who you are. Knowing what you have to offer and being able to spread it the way G-d intends you to. It’s also knowing your flaws and learning to work with them. It’s not being afraid to be who you are. It’s knowing that there will be people thinking ill of you at times...it’s inevitable...but it’s also knowing that those people aren’t who define you. G-d defines us and it’s our right to explore and learn that definition and be proud of it. When you suddenly find yourself being able to be happy and free-spirited and YOU...your spirit will lift, you heart will lighten, your face will shine, and you will start learning more about why G-d made you who you are. It’s one of the most wonderful feelings any of us can experience. The best part is that light, or in the words of Katy Perry, “the fireworks” that you are releasing will be seen by everyone. Have you ever come across someone that was so happy in life that it just radiates through their face and in their words and actions? I have and whenever I would look at them, I would desperately wish to have what they have and to be brave like them. One of the lines in the song is, “There’s a spark in you, you’ve just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.” We are not made to hide who we are! G-d wants us to be proud because He is very proud. But it’s also our choice as to whether we hide it or let it show. Sometimes it can take considerable courage to get to the point where you put aside fears and insecurities and allow yourself to be who you are but it’s so worth it when you reach that point!
Another thing that can definitely bring people to their knees is difficult situations. This is something that none of us are immune too because in life, you get the sweets with the sours. That is just the reality of things. I have seen people go through horrific situations and some of them become broken in the end and others manage to rise up. The devil is everywhere in this world and he is trying to bring down as many people as he can. Nothing makes him happier than seeing misery and strife. Nothing angers him more than seeing someone chooses to lean on G-d and find a way to look toward the light. There are so many things about life that can make or break us. It comes down to us though, and how we choose to deal with it all. G-d’s hand is always there to help and hold but sometimes G-d means for that to not be enough...sometimes He means for us to lean on others and allow them to help us up as well. Sometimes it takes a situation going terribly wrong for us to learn about what we are doing to ourselves and the people around us. Sometimes a difficult situation can prepare us for the future and what we will be doing in the name of G-d. A friend to confide in is always a beautiful thing but I know that sometimes, I want to talk to someone that knows exactly what I am dealing with. You can take a situation and allow your light to burn and rise above it. You can show what you are really made of. You can find strength in yourself that was put there by G-d. A strength that only He can provide and you can absolutely rise and fly. We just have to choose this route. I for one believe in all of you. There are several of you that I don’t even know but you were all created by the same incredible G-d that created me and that alone tells me that every single one of you are completely amazing.
So in the words of Katy, “Let your colors burst.” Find what you need to light the fuse because there is so much inside of you that is begging to burst out. Allow yourself to shine and be everything that G-d means you to be. Allow yourself to smile and get to know that amazing person that you were created to be. Understand that we all struggle at different times in our lives and (even though it doesn’t always feel this way) G-d equips us with the means and the support to come through it all stronger, deeper, and capable of showing a light to others that struggle just as we do. Never ever forget that. With that I will leave you with a link to this song and wish you what I wish all the people I know and love....Be Safe, Be well, G-d Bless, and make sure you do at least one awesome thing per day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw
G-d Bless!
K
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Music Series: If Today Was Your Last Day...
Hello and Blessings to you all! I have found some more inspiration for what I think will be a most enjoyable series...a music series. Music is pretty important to J and I. He excels in writing, playing, and singing music. I excel in listening to music...that’s about it. But I get much enjoyment from a song that has lyrics that really speak to people. Because the list of songs like this is basically limitless (because there are always new ones coming out every day) this series will have no limit as well. I would also like to remind everyone that you are all still welcome to write a blog and send it our way. You’ve seen that we have had a couple writers, besides ourselves, and we would love to hear from others that may have something on their hearts. Maybe you even have a song that you would like to share and write about. Our email address has not and will not change. It’s thegsight@yahoo.com.
Now to the first song of this series! I chose Nickelback’s “If Today Was Your Last Day”. Truth be told, Nickelback has been one of my favorite bands ever since their music hit main stream. Some of their music can be kind of angry and/or risqué; but when they decide to do an inspirational song, they do it very well. This particular song was released in 2007 and was well received but got most of its airtime when Michael Jackson passed away. When we lose someone before, what we perceive as, their time; it never fails to hit home. There have been 4 classmates that I know of that have passed away since we were in high school, and I am only 31 years old. J and I knew a brother and sister that simply left to take a day trip somewhere and ended up being killed due to a fatal car accident. He was only a year older than me and she was younger. These occurrences not only shatter our hearts because they are so quick and tragic, but they also hit home for every single one of us because we are suddenly reminded of our mortality. Think about it! If I speak of my death some day, it’s always pictured to happen when I am a tired old lady that has lived a very long, fulfilling life. How many of you have used this line, “I still have time.”? When my grandmother and grandfather on my father’s side passed away, they were both very old, tired and had been sick for a long time (one with Parkinson’s disease and then the other with Cancer). When their passing came, yes it was extremely sad and they are still missed considerably, but at the same time, it was a relief because they had lived good lives and they had been in so much pain in the end. We don’t all get that option when our lives come to an end. I could walk out my door today to go to work and not make it home. It’s a scary thought but a very real one. With this in mind, I will present one of many questions that you will be reading in this blog; if today was your last day, would you be ready to die? That’s a very difficult and even scarier question to face. But it’s as real as you can get with yourself and other people.
One of the first lines in the lyrics is, “Each day’s a gift and not a given right.” G-d made this world. G-d created each and every one of us with a plan of what will come. He knew exactly when He needed us to be born and He knows exactly when He needs us to die. There is no controlling this and there is no putting it off. You can take your vitamins, go to your doctors, you can be extra careful but it will happen in His due time.
If today was your last day, is there any regret that you would have? Also a very difficult question. Who enjoys owning their short comings and mistakes? Who enjoys being reminds of memories that hurt them. No one, that’s who! I have plenty of things from the past that go through my mind and make me feel bad. Whether they be things that were done to me, or things I did to other people. Something that I have struggled with in the past and still do at times is holding on to these regrets and hurt feelings. I can’t even count how many times I have asked myself “why I do this?” What good does it do any of us to hang on to regrets and hurt? The answer would be none. Letting go can, at times, be easier said than done; but it’s always worth it.
If today was your last day, what have you not fulfilled? I have a (step) grandfather on my mother’s side that is currently dying of cancer and he’s going through what many of us know as a bucket list; all the things that he has always wanted to do in his life and hasn’t gotten around to. Whether we realize it or not, we all have one. It’s all the wants, dreams, and desires that many of us keep stored in the back of our brain. I have quite a few things that would be unfulfilled. I want to start a family. I want to find out G-d’s plan for me. I want to finish college and become a professional photographer. I want to own my own studio and sell beautiful wildlife and landscape pictures. And most of all...I want to finish something I start. (A flaw of mine) What it is that you want to do yet? Be completely honest with yourself in this. And then make a plan to do it. I know I will be.
If today was your last day, could you honestly say, “I LIVED!”? There is no certain way to describe how a person truly lives life because we are all different. J would tell you that you haven’t truly lived till you have spent the night in the African wilderness, looked on the African people and their different ways of life, and stood in the wild simply feeling G-d all around you. For me, it’s standing at the tip top of a mountain and feeling the wind dance around you. It’s walking in a light snow storm listening to the beautiful silence. It’s going to different functions and activities where people are experiencing G-d in different ways and just seeing His light shine through their faces as they praise Him. All of these things, I haven’t done near enough in my lifetime. And that will certainly be changing. So ask yourself...how do you LIVE?
Nothing about life is predictable. If it was, we wouldn’t need G-d, we would see it all coming. Our time here on Earth is very limited but it’s not about the amount of time spent here, it’s about the quality of that time. It’s about how we lived, loved, and, at times, let go. So I leave you with a link to hear the song that inspired this blog and with one last question...If today was your last day, what would you do?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrXIQQ8PeRs&NR=1
G-d Bless!
K
Now to the first song of this series! I chose Nickelback’s “If Today Was Your Last Day”. Truth be told, Nickelback has been one of my favorite bands ever since their music hit main stream. Some of their music can be kind of angry and/or risqué; but when they decide to do an inspirational song, they do it very well. This particular song was released in 2007 and was well received but got most of its airtime when Michael Jackson passed away. When we lose someone before, what we perceive as, their time; it never fails to hit home. There have been 4 classmates that I know of that have passed away since we were in high school, and I am only 31 years old. J and I knew a brother and sister that simply left to take a day trip somewhere and ended up being killed due to a fatal car accident. He was only a year older than me and she was younger. These occurrences not only shatter our hearts because they are so quick and tragic, but they also hit home for every single one of us because we are suddenly reminded of our mortality. Think about it! If I speak of my death some day, it’s always pictured to happen when I am a tired old lady that has lived a very long, fulfilling life. How many of you have used this line, “I still have time.”? When my grandmother and grandfather on my father’s side passed away, they were both very old, tired and had been sick for a long time (one with Parkinson’s disease and then the other with Cancer). When their passing came, yes it was extremely sad and they are still missed considerably, but at the same time, it was a relief because they had lived good lives and they had been in so much pain in the end. We don’t all get that option when our lives come to an end. I could walk out my door today to go to work and not make it home. It’s a scary thought but a very real one. With this in mind, I will present one of many questions that you will be reading in this blog; if today was your last day, would you be ready to die? That’s a very difficult and even scarier question to face. But it’s as real as you can get with yourself and other people.
One of the first lines in the lyrics is, “Each day’s a gift and not a given right.” G-d made this world. G-d created each and every one of us with a plan of what will come. He knew exactly when He needed us to be born and He knows exactly when He needs us to die. There is no controlling this and there is no putting it off. You can take your vitamins, go to your doctors, you can be extra careful but it will happen in His due time.
If today was your last day, is there any regret that you would have? Also a very difficult question. Who enjoys owning their short comings and mistakes? Who enjoys being reminds of memories that hurt them. No one, that’s who! I have plenty of things from the past that go through my mind and make me feel bad. Whether they be things that were done to me, or things I did to other people. Something that I have struggled with in the past and still do at times is holding on to these regrets and hurt feelings. I can’t even count how many times I have asked myself “why I do this?” What good does it do any of us to hang on to regrets and hurt? The answer would be none. Letting go can, at times, be easier said than done; but it’s always worth it.
If today was your last day, what have you not fulfilled? I have a (step) grandfather on my mother’s side that is currently dying of cancer and he’s going through what many of us know as a bucket list; all the things that he has always wanted to do in his life and hasn’t gotten around to. Whether we realize it or not, we all have one. It’s all the wants, dreams, and desires that many of us keep stored in the back of our brain. I have quite a few things that would be unfulfilled. I want to start a family. I want to find out G-d’s plan for me. I want to finish college and become a professional photographer. I want to own my own studio and sell beautiful wildlife and landscape pictures. And most of all...I want to finish something I start. (A flaw of mine) What it is that you want to do yet? Be completely honest with yourself in this. And then make a plan to do it. I know I will be.
If today was your last day, could you honestly say, “I LIVED!”? There is no certain way to describe how a person truly lives life because we are all different. J would tell you that you haven’t truly lived till you have spent the night in the African wilderness, looked on the African people and their different ways of life, and stood in the wild simply feeling G-d all around you. For me, it’s standing at the tip top of a mountain and feeling the wind dance around you. It’s walking in a light snow storm listening to the beautiful silence. It’s going to different functions and activities where people are experiencing G-d in different ways and just seeing His light shine through their faces as they praise Him. All of these things, I haven’t done near enough in my lifetime. And that will certainly be changing. So ask yourself...how do you LIVE?
Nothing about life is predictable. If it was, we wouldn’t need G-d, we would see it all coming. Our time here on Earth is very limited but it’s not about the amount of time spent here, it’s about the quality of that time. It’s about how we lived, loved, and, at times, let go. So I leave you with a link to hear the song that inspired this blog and with one last question...If today was your last day, what would you do?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrXIQQ8PeRs&NR=1
G-d Bless!
K
Sunday, November 14, 2010
"Happiness is a mood, not a destination..."
“Happiness is a mood, not a destination. There are times when you are happy and times when you are not. But you cannot catch a mood or earn it; you simply go through them. If you start thinking and focusing this way, maybe happiness will be your mood more often than when you are struggling to obtain it.”
Those are some wise words right? You can thank my cousin for them. This morning I woke up, in a not so happy mood. I was feeling pretty down actually. My usual routine is to get up, get some water, juice, coffee, or tea (whatever I am feeling like that day) and then I turn on my computer and give facebook a look over. As I sat there seriously considering going back to bed, my home page shows her status at the very top of the list and I just stopped and read it over a couple times then smiled. Don’t you just love with G-d reaches down and swats you upside your head and says “See those words? That’s me telling you to snap out of it.” OK...so maybe He doesn’t do it exactly like that but you get the idea.
I have heard so many people that make plans for life. A list of To-do’s if you will. “When I accomplish all this then I will be happy”. “When I get to this point, then I can be happy.” There’s always a bigger and better reason to be happy isn’t there? I, myself, have done this. You picture exactly where you want your life to be and you DECIDE that you can’t be totally happy till you hit that point. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with working toward a goal. I encourage it! But why can’t we be happy as we are getting there? Why does our “happy” have to depend on our present situation? We all have ups and down. Life is never going to be perfect but it seems like when people can only see happiness in the things that are to come rather than what they have now, don’t you think there is something wrong with that? To me that says that when one goal is achieved, another will be right behind it and “the happy” is always going to be out of our reach. Don’t get me wrong, being happy with what you have is in no way settling. We can always reach and improve anytime we really want to. We have it in all of us. But the reaching and improving is going to be a lot more tolerable and maybe even feel a little easier if we can be genuinely happy through it all. Even in bad times...I know we can’t all sit and smile through some them. I know I certainly don’t. But what if we changed our train of thought? Instead of, “This place is too small! I can’t wait till I can buy a bigger home!” try saying, “I am looking forward to buying a bigger place some day but at least I have a roof over my head right now.” Instead of, “I hate this job! They don’t pay me enough to do this!” try saying, “At least I have a paycheck coming in while I look for something better.” Instead of, “This homework is so stupid! When am I ever going to use this?!” try saying, “This may not be my favorite subject but at least I have the time and the means to get an education and work toward the career I want.” FYI... that last line...I actually said to a teacher in high school, and she then proceeded to assign a paper for all of us to write and explain how we WOULD be using algebra at times in the future. I was not popular among my peers that day.
The point is that G-d doesn’t mean for us to be happy when we get to a certain point in our lives. He means for us to be happy right now! He wants us to find joy and fulfillment in what we have or do. Like my cousin said, “Happiness is a mood...you simply go through them.” We are all going to have times that we feel happy as well as times when we are struggling to be happy. The good times are always there to be found and we are equipped to see the bad times through. G-d promised us that. And if there are any promises you can count on in life...they are His.
G-d Bless!
K
Those are some wise words right? You can thank my cousin for them. This morning I woke up, in a not so happy mood. I was feeling pretty down actually. My usual routine is to get up, get some water, juice, coffee, or tea (whatever I am feeling like that day) and then I turn on my computer and give facebook a look over. As I sat there seriously considering going back to bed, my home page shows her status at the very top of the list and I just stopped and read it over a couple times then smiled. Don’t you just love with G-d reaches down and swats you upside your head and says “See those words? That’s me telling you to snap out of it.” OK...so maybe He doesn’t do it exactly like that but you get the idea.
I have heard so many people that make plans for life. A list of To-do’s if you will. “When I accomplish all this then I will be happy”. “When I get to this point, then I can be happy.” There’s always a bigger and better reason to be happy isn’t there? I, myself, have done this. You picture exactly where you want your life to be and you DECIDE that you can’t be totally happy till you hit that point. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with working toward a goal. I encourage it! But why can’t we be happy as we are getting there? Why does our “happy” have to depend on our present situation? We all have ups and down. Life is never going to be perfect but it seems like when people can only see happiness in the things that are to come rather than what they have now, don’t you think there is something wrong with that? To me that says that when one goal is achieved, another will be right behind it and “the happy” is always going to be out of our reach. Don’t get me wrong, being happy with what you have is in no way settling. We can always reach and improve anytime we really want to. We have it in all of us. But the reaching and improving is going to be a lot more tolerable and maybe even feel a little easier if we can be genuinely happy through it all. Even in bad times...I know we can’t all sit and smile through some them. I know I certainly don’t. But what if we changed our train of thought? Instead of, “This place is too small! I can’t wait till I can buy a bigger home!” try saying, “I am looking forward to buying a bigger place some day but at least I have a roof over my head right now.” Instead of, “I hate this job! They don’t pay me enough to do this!” try saying, “At least I have a paycheck coming in while I look for something better.” Instead of, “This homework is so stupid! When am I ever going to use this?!” try saying, “This may not be my favorite subject but at least I have the time and the means to get an education and work toward the career I want.” FYI... that last line...I actually said to a teacher in high school, and she then proceeded to assign a paper for all of us to write and explain how we WOULD be using algebra at times in the future. I was not popular among my peers that day.
The point is that G-d doesn’t mean for us to be happy when we get to a certain point in our lives. He means for us to be happy right now! He wants us to find joy and fulfillment in what we have or do. Like my cousin said, “Happiness is a mood...you simply go through them.” We are all going to have times that we feel happy as well as times when we are struggling to be happy. The good times are always there to be found and we are equipped to see the bad times through. G-d promised us that. And if there are any promises you can count on in life...they are His.
G-d Bless!
K
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