Never fear to say that
Which you know not how
To say. To triumph over
Self, give voice to heart
And soul, share the
Song within...this
Will set you free.
And the music of your
Soul knows no words but
Truth, love, and
That which we feel
Yet cannot say...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sweet waters and Conan
So, today's a good day so far, a few days ago, eh, not so much. But when you're down, well, it's always good to try to think of something positive (especially when that is the absolute last thing you want to do at the time). Sometimes you'll come up with stuff that you never would have thought of otherwise. Yeah yeah, i know, I've gotta back that up, right? Ok, the other day I started thinking that u know, it's a really good thing that fresh water is sweet, cuz just imagine if it was all bitter...yech!!! :) so the next time you're down, try drinking some water and close your eyes & be happy that your tongue at least has escaped the deluge of bitter waters. i know, it's not much to go on but it is something and that's what counts. also, this clip from Conan is absolutely hilarious and somehow had the ability to turn my tears into laughter every time, which was absolutely frustrating and amazing at the same time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy3dX2KDhog
if that's not real magic, then i don't know what is ;)
if that's not real magic, then i don't know what is ;)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
"Yitro" (Shabbes 20 Shvat, 5769)
All right, so I’ve just gotta say something about the parshah for this week. Why? Cuz it’s special and cool and because I didn’t have a chance to actually speak about it this year (ya know, d’var torah style), I’m gonna at least write down what I would have said. And who knows, maybe next year I’ll get to actually say it! :) So here we go!!!!
***
Our parshah, “Yitro”, opens with the return of Moses’ father in law, Jethro (Yitro), who has heard of the wonders that G-d has performed for the Israelites by taking them out of Egypt. He advises Moses to appoint judges and magistrates to help him in his task of governing the people, and Moses decides to act on Jethro’s advice. Next, we find ourselves outside of Mount Sinai, where G-d proclaims that the Israelites are to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation”. Then, seven weeks after the Exodus, Mount Sinai is the place to be as G-d (the divine) descends and Moshe (the human) ascends to meet Him. G-d then gives the 10 commandments to the entire Israelite community, who are overcome by the power of such intimate human-divine communication and beg Moses to serve as a buffer between them and G-d while the Torah is revealed.
So that’s the basic summary of it all, and now let’s examine the parshah a bit more closely, shall we? If we consider Jethro’s advice to Moses, not only is it sound advice (and from a non-Israelite, no less!), but it also reflects on an important theme in the Torah: the division of human power and the acknowledgment of the unique contributions that can be made by various individuals. What do I mean by this? Well, as we’ve seen throughout human history, too much power in the hands of one individual is not a good thing. It’s overwhelming for the person themselves, and it also opens the door for such power to be abused. Thus, sharing the responsibility for judging and governing the people is better for Moses and for the community at large.
I believe that this is the same reason why we don’t just have a Moshe, but also an Aharon. While Moshe is the powerful, strong leader of the Israelites, Aharon is the more compassionate one, a better speaker and wordsmith, and an advisor and leader in his own right. Both men serve to complement each other and share in the division of power and responsibility, just as G-d has desired. And even in the time of the Judges and the Kings of Israel and Judah, we have the prophets and kohanim to counteract the quite formidable power wielded by these strong political leaders.
Finally, I would like to talk about the great significance of the Israelites’ response to G-d’s declaration that we are to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation”. Upon hearing about the covenant and G-d’s wishes for us, we could have said “Sure, all that G-d says, we hear it and we’ll remember it, for sure...” and then the next day, we run for our lives! But what do words really mean? For example, I can say anything I want to, whether I truly believe it or care about it or not, but words are only empty words unless I act upon them. In that way, even if I truly do believe something and speak beautiful words about it, those words are little more than pretty sound if I do not back them up with my own actions. And so we see that the Israelites’ response “All that G-d has spoken, we shall do” is all the more significant. “Do” is the key word here, to actually put beliefs into action and thus change the world through our actions, as G-d has wished. Even if it takes a few blatantly wrong actions (think golden…) for us to get the hang of truly acting on what we say :) Shabbat Shalom & Shavua tov!!!
***
Our parshah, “Yitro”, opens with the return of Moses’ father in law, Jethro (Yitro), who has heard of the wonders that G-d has performed for the Israelites by taking them out of Egypt. He advises Moses to appoint judges and magistrates to help him in his task of governing the people, and Moses decides to act on Jethro’s advice. Next, we find ourselves outside of Mount Sinai, where G-d proclaims that the Israelites are to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation”. Then, seven weeks after the Exodus, Mount Sinai is the place to be as G-d (the divine) descends and Moshe (the human) ascends to meet Him. G-d then gives the 10 commandments to the entire Israelite community, who are overcome by the power of such intimate human-divine communication and beg Moses to serve as a buffer between them and G-d while the Torah is revealed.
So that’s the basic summary of it all, and now let’s examine the parshah a bit more closely, shall we? If we consider Jethro’s advice to Moses, not only is it sound advice (and from a non-Israelite, no less!), but it also reflects on an important theme in the Torah: the division of human power and the acknowledgment of the unique contributions that can be made by various individuals. What do I mean by this? Well, as we’ve seen throughout human history, too much power in the hands of one individual is not a good thing. It’s overwhelming for the person themselves, and it also opens the door for such power to be abused. Thus, sharing the responsibility for judging and governing the people is better for Moses and for the community at large.
I believe that this is the same reason why we don’t just have a Moshe, but also an Aharon. While Moshe is the powerful, strong leader of the Israelites, Aharon is the more compassionate one, a better speaker and wordsmith, and an advisor and leader in his own right. Both men serve to complement each other and share in the division of power and responsibility, just as G-d has desired. And even in the time of the Judges and the Kings of Israel and Judah, we have the prophets and kohanim to counteract the quite formidable power wielded by these strong political leaders.
Finally, I would like to talk about the great significance of the Israelites’ response to G-d’s declaration that we are to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation”. Upon hearing about the covenant and G-d’s wishes for us, we could have said “Sure, all that G-d says, we hear it and we’ll remember it, for sure...” and then the next day, we run for our lives! But what do words really mean? For example, I can say anything I want to, whether I truly believe it or care about it or not, but words are only empty words unless I act upon them. In that way, even if I truly do believe something and speak beautiful words about it, those words are little more than pretty sound if I do not back them up with my own actions. And so we see that the Israelites’ response “All that G-d has spoken, we shall do” is all the more significant. “Do” is the key word here, to actually put beliefs into action and thus change the world through our actions, as G-d has wished. Even if it takes a few blatantly wrong actions (think golden…) for us to get the hang of truly acting on what we say :) Shabbat Shalom & Shavua tov!!!
this is cool...and funny! :)
So, I was visiting http://www.xyre.org/tag/orthodoxy/ and found this interesting commentary. Please enjoy!
“Much of the Talmud, and related writings, are about traditions thousands of years in the past, or places thousands of miles away, or both. Example: Deuteronomy 21.18–21 commands you to stone your son who is stubborn and rebellious (the so-called ben sorer umoreh). Do we do this anymore? Of course not. Did they even do it in the time of the Talmud? Of course not, and the Talmud itself basically admits as much: Chapter 8 of Tractate Sanhedrin (pages 68b and following) is obviously unhappy with this Torah law, so it institutes so many rules and regulations that it basically makes the ben sorer umoreh impossible to exist, thus legislating the Torah’s law out of existence. But the argumentation involved covers five pages of Talmud, concluding with ‘there never was one, and there never will be one’, but then Rabbi Jonathan says, ‘I saw one, and I sat on his grave.’ What the hell does this mean?..." hehehe =)
“Much of the Talmud, and related writings, are about traditions thousands of years in the past, or places thousands of miles away, or both. Example: Deuteronomy 21.18–21 commands you to stone your son who is stubborn and rebellious (the so-called ben sorer umoreh). Do we do this anymore? Of course not. Did they even do it in the time of the Talmud? Of course not, and the Talmud itself basically admits as much: Chapter 8 of Tractate Sanhedrin (pages 68b and following) is obviously unhappy with this Torah law, so it institutes so many rules and regulations that it basically makes the ben sorer umoreh impossible to exist, thus legislating the Torah’s law out of existence. But the argumentation involved covers five pages of Talmud, concluding with ‘there never was one, and there never will be one’, but then Rabbi Jonathan says, ‘I saw one, and I sat on his grave.’ What the hell does this mean?..." hehehe =)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Cheese and the English
Hey again to the wonderful world of cyberspace! I didn't wanna end the week on a down note, so I decided to write something more cheerful. And it worked for me, made me laugh, so please enjoy these amazing insights, awesome words of true beauty, wisdom, wonder, yeah, i'm just trying to create a good mood here. I bet you're smiling by now, so good, my job is done:
*******
Ok, let’s talk about the English. Why can’t the English teach their children how to speak? This verbal class distinction, by now should...and ok, I’ll stop with that. But what I really wanna know is this: how is it that the English language can turn perfectly good, meaningful, and nice-sounding words in other languages into the characteristically drab, ‘refined’ version of a reserved Englishman...that is, if said Englishman were a word? Utterly confusing, my dear Hastings, but that’s the point. WHY do they do it? Let’s see an example, shall we? Take the word “queso”, meaning the delicious hard substance that we make from aged milk curd. Mmmmmm, gotta love that old coagulated milk, tasty...!!! Ha, but that’s not the point. The point is, that “queso” in Spanish actually sounds like “Que es eso”? Which means literally "What is that?" -- not a bad description of any kind of chunky milk product, in my opinion. But you see, that makes sense; because, in a way, the substance does have some explaining to do. So why not give it a name that reflects that point? Ah, but now the kicker: why the heck did the English have to change a hip word like that to something so boring: “cheese”? I mean, really, cheese?? Or, if in reality the English word predates the Spanish one, WHY couldn’t the English think of a more fitting description and be creative like the Hispanics? Why not “Wisthat” or “Watsat” for short? How about a grilled “watsat” sandwich, please? See how it rolls off the tongue? Why must English words also be restricted to the confines of English mortals, why can’t they reach higher and let loose and be free as a bird, a plane? That must be why it rains in Spain on the plane, could be an English system to keep those rebel free words from living full, happy lives. You know, they never say where the plane is from, and why is the rain in Spain suddenly falling on it? Must be English and there’s a revolutionary word on board, there’s no other explanation.
Here’s another one: “corn”. Yep, you heard me, “cornnnnn”. What is that? Is that supposed to make me feel good saying it, or want to eat it, or perhaps just get bored out of my head by the time the final ‘nnnnn’ comes to an end on my tongue? “Maíz” is a much better word, or even “maize” or “choclo” if you want...but how the heck do you end up with “corn”? Ok, imagine this: one day, you see a beautiful green plant, young but sturdy, and you decide to adopt it and water it and help it grow tall and strong. Then at long last, your plant bears fruit (er, vegetables, veggie babies, whatever you want to call them) and you’re overjoyed. You name the new creations: ...“corn”. Huh? Is that all the emotion you can convey for such an amazing plant and food item? Maíz at least sounds exciting, or sounds like you were excited, but leave it to the English to think of a dull word for one of the world’s most versatile and amazing foods. At least ‘popcorn’ is a little better... :)
*******
Ok, let’s talk about the English. Why can’t the English teach their children how to speak? This verbal class distinction, by now should...and ok, I’ll stop with that. But what I really wanna know is this: how is it that the English language can turn perfectly good, meaningful, and nice-sounding words in other languages into the characteristically drab, ‘refined’ version of a reserved Englishman...that is, if said Englishman were a word? Utterly confusing, my dear Hastings, but that’s the point. WHY do they do it? Let’s see an example, shall we? Take the word “queso”, meaning the delicious hard substance that we make from aged milk curd. Mmmmmm, gotta love that old coagulated milk, tasty...!!! Ha, but that’s not the point. The point is, that “queso” in Spanish actually sounds like “Que es eso”? Which means literally "What is that?" -- not a bad description of any kind of chunky milk product, in my opinion. But you see, that makes sense; because, in a way, the substance does have some explaining to do. So why not give it a name that reflects that point? Ah, but now the kicker: why the heck did the English have to change a hip word like that to something so boring: “cheese”? I mean, really, cheese?? Or, if in reality the English word predates the Spanish one, WHY couldn’t the English think of a more fitting description and be creative like the Hispanics? Why not “Wisthat” or “Watsat” for short? How about a grilled “watsat” sandwich, please? See how it rolls off the tongue? Why must English words also be restricted to the confines of English mortals, why can’t they reach higher and let loose and be free as a bird, a plane? That must be why it rains in Spain on the plane, could be an English system to keep those rebel free words from living full, happy lives. You know, they never say where the plane is from, and why is the rain in Spain suddenly falling on it? Must be English and there’s a revolutionary word on board, there’s no other explanation.
Here’s another one: “corn”. Yep, you heard me, “cornnnnn”. What is that? Is that supposed to make me feel good saying it, or want to eat it, or perhaps just get bored out of my head by the time the final ‘nnnnn’ comes to an end on my tongue? “Maíz” is a much better word, or even “maize” or “choclo” if you want...but how the heck do you end up with “corn”? Ok, imagine this: one day, you see a beautiful green plant, young but sturdy, and you decide to adopt it and water it and help it grow tall and strong. Then at long last, your plant bears fruit (er, vegetables, veggie babies, whatever you want to call them) and you’re overjoyed. You name the new creations: ...“corn”. Huh? Is that all the emotion you can convey for such an amazing plant and food item? Maíz at least sounds exciting, or sounds like you were excited, but leave it to the English to think of a dull word for one of the world’s most versatile and amazing foods. At least ‘popcorn’ is a little better... :)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
To fly...
A constant aching sadness
Burns my heart, dulls my
Mind, embraces
Pain so deep it seems
My very blood is not immune.
Why?
Why me? Why alone?
For what greater purpose?
Is it thus my lot among us
To hurt, therefore to know
Unquestionably
The awesome beauty of true happiness,
However fleeting?
To cling to moments of light and
Flee the darkness, inside and
Out? I will not fall, I
Must not fall, I fly onwards...
Compassion gained but at what cost?
To cry for others, yet lose myself...alone?
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