Ruminations from the Temple

We all make choices and live with the consequences. I am a little frustrated with a situation I find myself a part of currently. While friends come to me for advice, wisdom and a friendly ear to listen, I am not sure that I am the best one for the job. I find myself getting personally involved and affected by the circumstances. So, in the midst of my frustration, I have to ask myself a question: Why do people choose to walk into bad situations? Emphasis on the word 'choose'. Why, when everyone around them can see that they are wading into the landfill with a blind-fold and flip-flops, they proceed to close their ears and mind to the coming danger. Is it that they are just tempting problems to come their way, or are they just really stupid? Do they even want help? In my experience, the answer to the above three simple questions is no; I believe they are just not thinking things through. However, what irritates me is when all hell breaks loose, they come crying to their fri...

After an unprovoked attack this morning, I feel the need to express my thankfulness. Life is just too short to focus on the negative all the time. I am thankful for: for G-d revealing Himself in Scripture. the fact that I don't need medication to keep myself socially acceptable. for my husband, children and the life that HaShem has graciously given me. for Triple T and her endless friendship. for my parents who gave a darn... and still do. for a brother I love dearly. for all the dear friends I have had throughout my life - I cherish them all. for my congregation, even though it is challenging at times. for leaders that the Lord has placed over me to teach and shepherd. for my home, car and money enough to buy food. for hobbies, and the enjoyment and accomplishment that comes from them. for the ability to know when to keep my mouth shut. for virtual friends scattered all over the country. for the opportunity to homeschool my children. for the opportunity to do good deeds in all ar...

Some discount the Jedi philosophies, but how can you dismiss these awesome words to live by: Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy. Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others. Jedi respect all life, in any form. Jedi serve others rather than rule over them, for the good of the galaxy. Jedi seek to improve through knowledge and training. So, could I modify it just a bit, to make it apply to my life & community? I am a guardian of peace in my community. I use my powers (talents) to defend and protect, never to attack others. I respect all life, in any form. I serve others rather than rule over them, for the good of my community. I seek to improve through knowledge and training. Hmmm, I think that works. Something to strive for, it is.

In further pondering the whole 'community' issue, I thought it would be beneficial to look at some definitions: Community: the people living in an area, or the area itself, (or) A group of living things that belong to one or more species, interact ecologically and are located in one place, (or) A group of people with common interests especially when living together (ex. monks). (also) Shared ownership or participation. Commitment: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future (or) something pledged. Loyalty: the quality or state of being loyal; faithful to one's lawful government, (or) faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due, (or) faithful to a cause or ideal. Friendship: the state of being friends; a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another, (or) a person who is not an enemy, (or) a person who aids or favors something. Compassion: sorrow or pity caused by the suffering or misfortune of another. Time, (there are ...

OK, so as we sat around in our sukkah tonight, the question was raised: can a group truly attain community? What is community, anyway? It is a word that is thrown around easily, but I am hard-pressed to come up with a good definition. Is it a group of people with like-mind? I have always liked that definition, but it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. So, if we are of like-mind, that would mean that we would want to do things in a similar way, such as worship and leisure activities. But, does that mean that we would all want to show up for the not-so-pleasant things? Like coming early to set-up and staying late to clean up? How about work-days? So, if you don't show up, does that mean you aren't part of the community? Does that mean you have to show up everytime, or just some of the time? I like to think about loyalty when I think about being a part of a community. I consider myself a fiercely loyal person, especially in friendship. I believe that a person ...