Small Deeds Done are Better Than Great Deeds Planned. ~Peter Marshall

Busy day today, my boss is coming back tonight from his Hong Kong show. Was a great week of vacation for me while it lasted! But anyways just wanted to share something small. 
My motto is, and for those of you who have picked up on the underlying theme in some of my posts, is we are a lot more powerful than we think. 
As most of you know or for those that don't, my post the other day about the Soup Kitchen was published on COL- http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=16408&alias=what-im-thankful-for#comments . 
I got a lot of positive feedback on that from friends and family telling me how nice it was to see. 
Even more than that, a friend just messaged me that she was so touched by it and by the Ahavas Chessed organization that she made a small Elul donation to them! This made me so incredibly happy :) :) :)
Look at the power of one simple article. 
Never underestimate what you can accomplish!


Wishing everyone a wonderful Shabbos!

Not Such A Bad Day After All...

The following is a bricklayer’s accident report he sent in to the Worker’s Compensation Board, you think you’re having a bad day at work? You might think again after reading this:

Dear Sir:

"I am writing in response to your request for additional information in Block 3 of the accident report form. I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You asked for a fuller explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six story building. When I completed my work, I found that I had some bricks left over which, when weighed later were found to be slightly in excess of 500 lbs. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which was attached to the side of the building on the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the bricks.

You will note in Block 11 of the accident report form that I weigh 135lbs. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope.  Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel which was now proceeding downward at an equal, impressive speed. This explained the fractured skull, minor abrasions and the broken collar bone, as listed in section 3 of the accident report form.

Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope, in spite of beginning to experience a great deal of pain. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel.

Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, that barrel weighed approximately 50 lbs. I refer you again to my weight. As you can imagine, I began a rapid descent, down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and several lacerations of my legs and lower body. Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.

I am sorry to report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to move, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope and I lay there watching the empty barrel begin its journey back down onto me. This explains the two broken legs. I hope this answers your inquiry."

Ok, so maybe this story was a little on the morbid side! It does kind of put things in perspective though, no? 

Yes, it is extremely annoying that my printer jams EVERY time I re-fill it with paper and that my boss is forever stealing my favorite pens no matter how many times I order more but you know what, lucky me that I even have a job!

Happy Wednesday people, two more days until Friday!

Find Your Faith

Today, Chof-Alef Elul, has a Hayom Yom I find to be very special:

“Our first Father, Avraham, as a result of his Avodah with self-sacrifice to make G-d, the One G-d, widely known among all mankind, merited to bequeath to his descendants (to the end of all generations) pure faith in G-d and His Torah.

Hence every Jewish man and woman has the power and fortitude to offer his life for the holy Torah.”

What does this mean practically?

Starting with Avraham Avinu and then continuing with the rest of the Avos, we see a life lived with complete selflessness. They literally gave over every ounce of their being to serve Hashem and fulfill that which he asked of us to do. In living such an altruistic lifestyle we merited to have automatically instilled in us this amazing Emunah in Hashem and His Torah. It’s there inside us just waiting to be unearthed.

So whenever you’re feeling confused with Hashem and His ways, or having doubts, take a minute to tap deep inside yourself and re-discover those feelings and beliefs of complete faith. They are there inside each and every one of us just begging to come out!

On an even deeper level, why was it that we merited this faith? Because of Avraham’s mission to spread the name of Hashem to all mankind. What an important lesson for us in our daily lives. Wherever we may find ourselves, we must be conscious of our mission to spread the name of Hashem. Whether is be by going out on actual Shlichus or Mivtzoim or through dressing the right way, talking in a nice manner etc., we must never forget who we are and what we hold inside of us.

Realize and understand the incredible powers we possess and use them to the fullest, positive extent!

Not Just Another Soup Kitchen

Hello there readers :)

So I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. Between my best friend getting married and then moving to Florida and me starting school it’s been quite a busy few weeks. Things are starting to settle down though and I have some time to blog.

So as I mentioned earlier my good friend recently got married. I had the honor of hosting her last Sheva Brochos for the friends of the Chosson & Kallah. I chose to hold the event at a venue called the Chessed Center. The Chessed Center is located at 271 Kingston Avenue and is home to an organization called Ahavas Chessed. This organization, run by Rabbi Avrohom Lieder, aids people who need medical attention and support as well as houses a year round Kosher soup kictchen.

I’ve know about this place, been there a time or two for random events, but never got to see the soup kitchen in full swing. Having to set up for the Sheva Brochos and being slightly OCD I showed up at the center to prepare three hours before my event. I was told that the Kitchen would be opened until 7:30 but I was free to do whatever work I could in the back. As I busily prepared I couldn’t help but observe the scene around me.

Let me start with the appearance of the center. Upon walking in I was pleasantly surprised as to how inviting the place was. The décor of the room was welcoming and fresh. There were plants around the room and chairs and tables neatly set up. Adorning each table was a pretty little vase with a flower and a candle beside it; I felt like I was walking into a café. You could tell there was much sensitivity and care put behind the room so that people would feel at home and good about themselves walking in there and not C”V belittled.

Throughout the evening all types of people came into the Kitchen. You could tell there were the “usuals,” then there were newcomers, elder people, 770 Bochurim, and even some families. No matter who you were, if this was your first visit or your hundredth, you were made to feel as though you were the only one that mattered. A volunteer immediately came to greet you carrying a warm, loving smile, told you what was on the menu, sat you down at a table, and quickly went to get some food.

Now let me tell you about this food. It wasn’t canned or frozen or looking like a mystery meal of some sort but a delicious, home cooked dinner- starting with some bread and hot chicken soup then onto chicken, rice, salad, knishes and for dessert, juicy watermelon. They even offered to-go styrofoam containers if you wanted to take some food for later!

Taking it all in as I set for my event I was filled with a mix of emotions. I couldn’t help but feel so thankful for the clothes on my back, the food on my table, the warm comfortable bed in which I sleep in every night as well as lots of other things we all tend to take for granted. I was filled with a sense of pride for the beautiful community I live in and could not be more proud to say I am from. I was truly touched and inspired by all those who give daily to make such a wonderful place happen.

A huge Yasher Koach to Rabbi Lieder and the beautiful Chessed Center he runs, as well as to all the donors, volunteers, and people who make this kitchen a possibility. I was really moved by this special organization and the great work they are doing. May Hashem Bentch all of you with endless Brochos to continue being able to help and touch all the people that you do.

You Are Special- Don't Ever Forget It.

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

You are special - Don't ever forget it!

The King is in the Field

We have just arrived at the month of Elul and we all know what a significant month this is. 
Since we were little kids in school we have always associated this month with the famous analogy of “HaMelech Basudeh, the King in the Field.” 
Thinking about the concept can seem a little confusing;this idea of Hashem somehow being more present than before. How could it be that something as basic as G-d's presence has "strong" times and not so strong times?


Hashem is indeed always present; but Hashem is also beyond our reach, because our physical bodies and material lifestyles distance us from G-dly experiences.


It is easy for Him to see us from on high, but it is difficult for us to approach that stage. If we want to experience G-dliness we need to undertake numerous demanding tasks in order to access spirituality.


In Elul, however, G-d makes Himself accessible for all. It is as if He is walking amongst the crowd. Even if your track record of behavior has not been up to par, even if your actions do not make you deserving of an audience with G-d, G-d grants it to you anyway.


There is one catch: although spirituality and G-dliness is more attainable and tangible in this month, you still need to approach it. So take advantage of this opportunity! Speak to Hashem with an open heart during this month, take an extra moment to connect with Him through His commandments; there are no security guards to check your spiritual ID, and there are no ushers to examine your ticket of good deeds; all ordinary procedures are set aside.


And that's what makes this month extraordinary!

The Trouble Tree

Here’s a cute little story with a great lesson to learn:

I hired a carpenter to help me restore an old farmhouse. He had a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.

On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of some branches with both hands. As he opened the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So, I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again." Then he smiled and said, "Funny thing is, when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

After reading this story the first thing I thought to myself was, I gotta get me one of these “Trouble Trees.” While I do think planting a tree and assigning it to be a “Trouble Tree” would be kind of fun I also don’t know how practical that would be. For one thing, I live in NY and my 4x4 backyard just isn’t the most conducive place to be tree planting as well as I believe trees take about thirty years to grow!

I do though love the concept of this. Many times we have a tough day at work or at school and we come home carrying these negative feelings, looking for somewhere or someone to dump them on.

Think about it, that’s pretty silly. What happened earlier, happened, and granted you can’t go back and change that but why take it with you any further?

Especially when coming home and spending time with your family or your friends there’s really no reason to bring any downbeat energy with you.

So next time you have a tough day take an extra minute before you enter your home and just hang those troubles up on your makeshift tree.

Trust me, when it comes morning and you go to retrieve them, most will have been long blown away with the wind!