Attitude of Gratitude - Thanksgiving 2012

It's Thanksgiving - when we overeat, hang out with family/friends, and generally gorge ourselves on the abundance we usually take for granted. Many of us enjoy living in a life of plenty, of excess, and even as we *try* to be mindful of those (even within our own midst) who are in need - it is so far outside our comfort zone/off our radar screen - it is truly difficult to understand the plight of our brothers and sisters who really don't have enough. 

It's not just in "Third World" nations that people suffer from lack of food, clothing, shelter, necessities...unfortunately such impoverished conditions have emerged throughout our blessed American society.

Let us commit ourselves anew to working toward a just society that cares for those in need - whatever those needs might be. As we give voice on this day for our "thanks" for all that we know in our lives - let us express our *ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE* by truly making a difference in the world - not merely be claiming to love humanity, more so by loving our fellow human beings.

Happy Thanksgiving - may this be a time of greater peace, compassion and love for us all!

Celebrating TBE's "Teen J.A.M." on National Philanthropy Day

Over this past year, DJS and I have been privileged to work with the high school students of TBE as on of the pilot sites for the URJ-sponsored "Teen Philanthrophy" project. Through it, our young people have been studying, exploring and implementing a variety of philanthropy-related topics from social justice and tikkun olam to fundraising and grant writing to request evaluation and donor recognition. It has been a wonderful exposure to the intricate system of philanthropy, which is much more, of course, than simply "charitable giving." And for us, as teachers, it has opened the opportunity to help cultivate a coming generation who will be more philanthropic in their endeavors that ours (my direct peers, that is) has proven to be.

After a general overview of these various items - the students chose four areas of concern that they felt are critical in our community. After putting out a call for RFPs (request for proposals), the teens vetted the applications and ended up making grants of a total of $2500 to two local worthy organizations - what a great way to culminate the initial season of the project.

Today, we attended the annual "Salute to Philanthropy" luncheon hosted by the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - at which our program, known as Teen J.A.M. (Jewish Agency of Michiana) was recognized for its efforts by receiving this year's Youth Philanthropist award. I am very proud of the work our high schoolers are doing to elevate awareness about important issues, and to be involved in supporting such ideas in real terms.

Just a thought for this difficult Monday of Tday week

This is a time of great concern, anxiety and worry for our brothers and sisters - Jew and non-Jew alike - in the land of Israel. As we hope for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis coming out of Gaza, so too do we voice our support for Israel's sovereign right to defend itself, protect all its citizens, and eliminate any such terror threat it faces.

As Americans, we are enjoying this season of Thanksgiving, acknowledging the many blessings we know in our lives. One of these blessings is of course our obligation to be among those good, caring, compassionate people who work together to make the world a better place. Now approaching our Festival of Light - may we dedicate ourselves anew to the causes of justice, peace and love.

"about whatever inspires me"

Obviously, very little has been inspiring me.
Since the flurry of blog-tivity during Sukkot, not a single post in more than a month.
Halloween, voting, elections, Movember....a big fat NADA.

Guess I need to find some renewed inspiration. Maybe you can help.

Hachnasat Orchim #8 - Sukkot/Simchat Torah 5773

WHAT A MONTH!!! Full, fulfilling, crazed, creative, uplifting, exhausting....the beginning of 5773 has been a wonderful time - our community has outdone itself with a very meaningful set of observances: from S'lichot the week before Rosh Hashanah through the yamim nora'im along with Sukkot and today's festive conclusion of Simchat Torah - this has really been a z'man simchateynu, a time of rejoicing.

And now (hallelujah!) it's OVER. DONE FINIS. I'm wiped just thinking about the energy and activity I've spent over the last 5 weeks. As well as deeply satisfied.

I know the weeks ahead will be just as busy, if not more so. 

Bring it.

Hachnasat Orchim #7 - Sukkot 5773

I got nothing (and sometimes that just simply enough).

"The commandment to dwell in the sukkah is intended to teach us that a man must not put his trust in the size or strength or salutary conveniences of his house, even though it be filled with the best of everything; nor should he rely upon the help of any man, even though he be the lord of the land. But let him put his trust in the One whose word called the universe into being, for God alone is mighty and faithful, and does not retract what is promised."

(Menorat ha-Maor 3.6.1)

Hachnasat Orchim #6 - Sukkot 5773

Now we've reached shabbat chol ha-mo'ed sukkot, the intermediary Shabbat during the festival of Sukkot. This remains a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration. Of course, in Jewish tradition, the best way to give thanks for the many blessings we know in our lives is to "give back" by supporting worthy causes, and efforts that will have positive effect in our world.

It is also the first Shabbat of October. Anywhere you look, on any given day, you can surely find that some outfit has declared it to be "national such-and-such day" or "national fill-in-the-blank week"....and yet, there are at least three such named opportunities for us to consider now that it is October: it is National Anti-bullying Month; National Mental Health Awareness Month; and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nicely - none of these are frivolous or goofy causes. Bullying is a serious issue in our society today; and let us not think that it is limited to the playground or school-yard - our children ONLY pick up their cues in how to behave toward their peers from their parents and other adults. Mental health is an area that affects us all. Thankfully, we continue to become more aware of how varying levels of mental health issues have an impact not only on those who face them directly, but also ALL those who are connected with people who suffer. And of course, one of the great challenges to our society today is the scourge of cancer - particularly the invasive types including breast cancer - which not only attacks the health of the victim, but also wreaks havoc on a whole variety of additional psychological issues for those affected.

And I must say - we are better because of our growing willingness to address and discuss these topics, rather than shy away from the difficulties they pose. Many of us have had too much personal experience with these and other serious issues. Even as we work hard to overcome, conquer the challenges presented by these and more, may this Shabbat of thanksgiving be a time when we can reflect on the many blessings we do know, even when it's hard for us to see....