SEARCHING

As we prepare for the Yamim Noraim it is important to realize that this is a time of introspection and even more so a time for self-evaluation. These objectives may, at times, be very difficult to achieve, but know well that it is worth our while to make every effort to achieve this goal, if we want to begin this New Year in the right frame of mind. 

   Mimi reminded me that life is a search. This is true. We are all searching for something to make life more meaningful and more so, more enjoyable and anxious free. So many of us are searching for greater prosperity, for better health, for compassion and for so many true love. Too often in our search, we lose sight of the blessings that are at hand and fail to recognize the many blessings we already possess. When we are attentive to all our Blessings, we surely will find the contentment that we are searching for, bringing much joy and happiness to our lives.

   A colleague of mine once commented that the character of an individual can be appraised by his personal pronouns he is in the habit of using. The one who expresses himself frequently in the assertive “I” is an egotist who represents the narrow and selfish view of life. 

   I am reminded of a story that I recently related at an Aufruff, to encourage a special path for the newly married couple to follow in their life’s journey together. The story relates that there were two friends who wanted to perpetuate their memories. One cut a great obelisk from a quarry and engraved in bold letters his name and placed it besides the highway for all to see.  There it stood for centuries as a useless monument to a self-centered person. The other friend dug a well besides the desert highway and planted palm trees around the well. In the course of time that spot became a beautiful oasis where the weary traveler stopped to quench his thirst, to feed upon the fruit and to rest his tired body under its shade. 

    I began this blog speaking about our search in life, and now I ask, “What do we want in life, is it to build an obelisk or to create for ourselves and for others a magnificent oasis? The answer will determine what our priorities in life are and more so give us a direction in life’s searches.

    Are our pronouns a big “I”, or are we characterized by the pronouns “They” and “We”?

     These are very serious and complex times and we must strive for the spirit that speaks of togetherness, of sharing and cooperation, or we are doomed to failure. Remember, it is the “WE” slogan in the home that produces harmony and Shalom Bayit. It is the “We” ideal that will bring greater security and peace in our society. 

     One wonders at times what happened to the idea of Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh Lazeh?  

    What makes for a good life one may ask? My answer seems simplistic but in truth it is profound, “Life is a test in how we deal honorably with our fellow man, how we experience the G-Dliness within us and how we renew our faith in G-D manifesting itself by advancing the goals of Torah in our lives. 

  Yes U’vachartah B’chaim, Choose Life.  A life that is a Blessing to Hashem and to Mankind. 

 May this coming year bring life and happiness, peace and prosperity, salvation and joy, to all of us,  to our loved ones and to all mankind.