Why do these things happen. That's what everyone wants to know.
Why did that bozo driving on a darkened street not only ram the shopping cart lying in the road, sending it hurtling across into my lane and putting a nice dent into my fender, but also speed away?
Why did I go out at all Tuesday night to look for ice when I should have known everyone would be sold out?
Why does this fruit fly buzzing around my desk keep pestering me? Why won't it just go away or die or something?
Why why why?
I have a more basic, Rosh Hashana-dik question.
After all, tis the season.
If you have a shofar at home, now's a good time to dust it off and get that lip back in shape. I've been blowing mine every morning starting Wednesday this week to wake up the kids.
If you don't have one,
here's a low-cost one online.
Nothing beats the real thing, but there is also the virtual shofar for iphone/ipad.
Now, I know I haven't asked you the question yet, but there are a few more Rosh Hashana links I'd like to share....
On jsli.org, you can download for free our "24 Questions to Think About Before Rosh Hashana". Here's the link.
On bestjewishkidsbooks.com, you can find links to our four favorite honey dishes which make great gifts. Here's the page.
Finally, now that school is back for young and old, how about showing your appreciation to the teachers? Don't wait until the end of year. We have found 11 gifts that are inexpensive but quite useful for any classroom teacher. Get them a small gift now that will both show your appreciation and help them be effective. Go to bestjewishkidsbooks.com and browse the category, "Gifts for Teachers".
Now back to our main program.
It seems to me that the question of "Why did such-and-such happen" is useful and instructive if and only if we begin with a more basic question:
What am I here for?
Meaning, What's the purpose of my life?
We now have a little over 3 weeks until Rosh Hashana. Here's your action plan:
1. Download my 24 questions worksheet. Print a copy for everyone you love.
2. Set aside 5 minutes a day to work on one question.
Friday night dinner is a great time to begin with question #1.
Do this, and then between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we'll be able to talk more meaningfully about the "why why why".
Shabbat Shalom
(I made these vids a couple years ago as an experiment. Please tell me what you think.)
PS - If you know anyone who might appreciate this blog, kindly send them the link, or post it to your facebook wall or even tweet it.
PPS - We have audio (CD and mp3) on Rosh Hashana / Yom Kippur here.
PPPS - What better way to help someone prepare for the new year than sending them the amazing Jewish iphone/ipad app?
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