Ayekah? Where are YOU?

I’m sitting at my desk at work doing the usual- e-mails, calls, paper work etc. and can’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

Today, Yud Tes Kislev, one of the most fundamental Chassidishe Yomim Tovim, is coming and going as if it were an ordinary day.

Back when I was in elementary and then onto High School such a day was far from the ordinary. Starting with us being allowed to leave our uniforms at home and come dressed in Shabbos finery, on to a day filled with programs, speakers, Farbranging and more, there was no way; no matter how “disconnected” you thought you were, to not feel the specialty of the day.

Not being in school anymore is a poor excuse to let such a day go by without doing something. Of the many beautiful stories and lessons this day has to offer one famous incident stands out that I want to share. A lesson we hear about all the time which only stresses how important it is.

“Ayekah”

In 1798, The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was put into prison because of the slanderous behavior of Misnagdim who strongly opposed the Rebbe. For fifty two days he sat in St. Petersburg’s prison.

As per the daily routine there, an interrogator came in one morning to ask the Rebbe some questions. Having a broad knowledge of the Bible and Jewish studies he asked the Rebbe to explain the verse (Genesis 3:9), “And G‑d called out to the man and said to him: ‘Where are you?’” 

The minister turned to the Rebbe with the obvious question- Did G‑d not know where Adam was? 

At first the Alter Rebbe tried to offer the explanation offered by several of the commentaries which explained that the question “Where are you?” was merely a “conversation opener” on the part of G‑d, who did not wish to scare Adam by immediately confronting him with his wrongdoing. 

“What Rashi says, I know,” said the minister. “I wish to hear how the Rebbe understands the verse.” 

“Do you believe that the Torah is eternal?” asked the Rebbe. “Do you believe that its every word applies to every individual, under all conditions, at all times?” 

“Yes,” replied the minister. 

The Alter Rebbe was extremely grateful to hear this. The czar’s minister had acknowledged a principle which lies at the basis of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, the very teachings and ideology for which he was standing trial!

The Alter Rebbe then continued, “Ayekah, where are you? Is G‑d’s eternal call to every man. 

Where are you in the world? 

What have you accomplished? 

You have been allotted a certain number of days, hours, and minutes in which to fulfill your mission in life. You have lived so many years and so many days,” (here the Alter Rebbe actually gave the exact age of the minister.) 

Where are you? What have you achieved?” 

We all so to speak are “Adam.” Hashem is constantly calling out to us and asking- Ayeka? Where are you? He knows good and well where we are but is sending us a wake up call. 

It’s easy to get caught up in such a world. 

A world filled with physicality and darkness, and the burdens of our every day routines. 

But that is no excuse. 

Each and every one of us was given a hand-picked, special mission that NO ONE but you can accomplish. 

Before such a special day comes to a close take five minutes to ask yourself, Ayekah? Where am I? 

Where am I going? 

Where should I be going? 

What can I do to get there?

 Good Yom Tov everyone! 

How Will You Build Your House?

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you."

The carpenter was shocked!

What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently.

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall.

Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow.

Build wisely!

TidBytes From A Tech Genius

I’m currently reading Walter Isaacson’s, Steve Jobs, a riveting, fascinating biography about the late Steve Jobs.

While Steve was a mad man of sorts and did all kinds of eccentric things such as fasting for weeks, dropping acid in wheat fields, and meditating in his attic, he also was a brilliant man with so much to learn from.

One particular lesson I learned from and really admire about Steve is his attitude. He believed that so long as you put your mind to it there is nothing one can’t accomplish. He really, truly held to this and lived his entire life with this mind-set. One such incident Isaacson talks about takes place with a close female friend of Steve. She recalls how one time Steve decided they were taking a trip somewhere. He told her she would be the one to drive and had her get behind the wheel. The car he was driving then was stick shift and she hadn’t a clue how to drive it. She told him this but he merely laughed it off, turned on some music, and went to sleep. He literally put his life in her hands. She goes on to say that if Steve decided she can do it that must mean she can and for the next 55 miles she drove, for the first time in her life, stick shift while Steve soundlessly slept beside her.

While this may be a bit of an extreme example- no, I am not recommending anyone get behind vehicles they do not know how to operate; I found a very profound lesson from this.

Here are two of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson to help understand: “Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine.” And, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” 

We constantly undermine our capabilities and that which we can accomplish. When we decide in our mind we can not do something than no, we can not do that. But it is not G-d determining that fate but us putting it onto ourselves.

Don’t go for the easy, safe route which you know you can do but rather step outside your comfort zone and realize just how competent you actually are.  People surprise themselves every day with that “Hey! I didn’t know I can do that,” thought. Well that’s because you never tried! No matter how far off or out of your league it seems you’ll never know if you can do it unless you try.

Another defining characteristic of Steve was simplicity.

What Apple has done is combine software and hardware into a seamless experience.  Steve’s goal, which he integrated into the whole Apple experience, is to offer products that are simple and user friendly but never at the expense of quality.

No one is asking or expecting of you to make grand, extravagant gestures. It’s really the simplest of acts that can make a world of a difference.

Learning from everyone and understanding Hashgacha Pratis, the importance of everything happening for a reason, we can look at Steve’s passing and really gain a lot from him.

Craziness and all he was a brilliant man who took thinking, innovation, creativity, and ambition to entirely new levels.

Find one thing today that you think is “beyond” you and just go for it, there is no feeling more rewarding.

Whale Or Mermaid?

In a large city in France, a poster featuring a young, thin, and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

 A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym:

To Whom It May Concern...

Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active mating life, get pregnant, and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp.  They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.  Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs.  They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.  They are loved, protected, and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids, on the other hand, do not exist.  If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis.  Fish or human?  They don't have a mating life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they? Just look at them... where is IT?  Therefore, they don't have kids either.  Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me:  I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me happy, and a piece of chocolate with my friends.  With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies.

So, we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. 
Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, "Good grief, look how smart I am!"

I read this and loved it. Firstly because unfortunately we do live in a society where weight is a big peer pressure and to see someone putting a positive, humorous twist to it was quite refreshing. More so I enjoyed it because it clearly illustrated the power of perspective. Of attitude. It literally makes all the difference.

Going out to eat with my fam later, can’t wait to embrace my inner whale ;) 

Change Your Vocabulary

Oxford and Cambridge have now decided to remove the words CAN'T and IMPOSSIBLE from their dictionary. 

Jessica Cox, 25, a girl born without arms, stands inside an aircraft. The girl from Tucson, Arizona got the Sport Pilot certificate lately and became the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.  Jessica Cox of Tucson was born without arms, but that has only stopped her from doing one thing: using the word "can't."

Her latest flight into the seemingly impossible is becoming the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.

With one foot manning the controls and the other delicately guiding the steering column, Cox, 25, soared to achieve a Sport Pilot certificate. Her certificate qualifies her to fly a light-sport aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet.

She's a good pilot. She's rock solid," said Parrish Traweek, 42, the flying instructor at San Manuel's Ray Blair Airport. Parrish Traweek runs PC Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Services and has trained many pilots, some of whom didn't come close to Cox's abilities.

When she came up here driving a car," Traweek recalled, "I knew she'd have no problem flying a plane."

Doctors never learned why she was born without arms, but she figured out early on that she didn't want to use prosthetic devices.    

So, the next time you are ready to tell yourself, "I can't possibly..." remember this amazing young woman and change your vocabulary.

Lessons From A 4-Legged Friend

Now I haven’t always been a dog lover.

In fact I’m pretty sure there was a relatively big stage of my childhood where they petrified me. 

I’ve come a long way since then and now I’m head over heels in love with them! Well most of them at least, not the ones that resemble wolves!

A friend of mine recently got a dog, he’s a tiny, adorable puppy named Romeo. He loves to be played with and when you pick him up he usually goes in for a good face licking- maybe a little gross but also kinda cute!

Now I don’t know if it’s Frum thing or a Crown Heights thing but so many people in our community have this fear and distaste towards animals, dogs in particular.

It’s really a shame because as long as you treat them kindly and with respect they are nothing but loving, loyal creatures with a lot to teach us.

Take a look at the following story:

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''

The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

It’s so important for us to realize that every single thing in this world, from person to animal to inanimate object, is here with a purpose, reason, and lesson to teach us.

Here are a few pics of Romeo, such a cutie!

Sometimes his friends like to pretend he's a girl!

Romeo learning to "sit."

Love Love

Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.

The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.

Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.

Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”

“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”

A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”

Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”

Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”

When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.

Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.

On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”

Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”

“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”

The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?

There are so many wonderful people in our lives whom we love- family, friends, etc. but sometimes we take for granted that they know how much they mean to us.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, just take an extra minute or two out of your day to tell your loved ones how you feel.

To my incredible parents, my loving brothers, my amazing family, and unbelievable friends, I love you more than words can ever express!