Sacrifice might appear barbaric in today’s times but that might be because one doesn’t feel the message. When a person is willing to give up to G-D their most personal possession because of their devotion then one is truly in touch with their true calling. The sacrifices of today don’t require us to slay a lamb but cut into our expanding ego instead. By not eating our dish clean, thanking G-D 1st when receiving accolades, or taking a moment to say thank you to the one driving the train even as everyone else believes you have the keys you are making that sacrifice now. Furthermore when one sacrifices “their valuable time” to help another that is a sacrifice which burns brightly. We can make those sacrifices today and in so doing keep the meaning alive to the truth of who is really in charge with love.

I’m planning to go to work tomorrow although some in my faith might believe I should stay home. For tomorrow is the 1st day of Pesach/Passover where those who observe the faith traditional will normally take the day off.  Yet, the work I do has been determined by the state to be essential because I provide products that can save life’s in the Corona Times we are living in. Whether it be the masks that keep the virus away or the spray that kills it on contact my work might actually help save a life or at least prevent a tragedy. Further-more be me going to work a loved one who is more susceptible to the virus can rest assured at their home. Life supersedes most other rules in our faith  therefore tomorrow I plan to be pursue my normal day unless G-D decides otherwise.

Although the holy book/bible has much written there are many sections basically left blank. Yes, great wise people have written what they believe is the meaning yet I believe there is still many a page for your own insight. For example it is written we must observe Shabbos yet how we actually go about doing so is not written directly in any great length. Is there a certain way you can fully enjoy this day of rest that would fill a paragraph or two? G-D’s blank pages are there for us to fill in such a way that is distinctly based on our own DNA and experiences. Therefore faith is not just following the sheep but finding our own path to the truth which lies ahead.

I’m a “Basic Jew” which I’m not sure is a sect yet. For I believe all have a path even if some might be more bumpy then others. I also will not judge those who are more traditional then I or others that find a less rigid path. Yet my belief is strong and consist of the following tenants.

(1) VALUES- Following the “good book” must be performed in your daily commune with people in your life. G-D’s most important test is to due unto others as we want done unto us.

(2) ATTITUDE- One who possesses a cup 1/2 empty attitude never see’s the fullness within that G-D has given us one breath at a time.

(3) LIFE- This 4 letter word is precocious at all stages and should be protected as such. Yet one who has gone on from living to existing should try radical avenue’s if necessary to get back to life again.

(4) OWN OBSERVATION- Your relationship with G-D is not only communal but personal therefore there is room to find your own faith pattern that might be different then others.

(5) STUDY- Learning never ends and understanding where others come from into must continue as long as life gives you that chance.

Karma is a bitch and the running story I see throughout Jacob’s life.  Yes, his prodigy led to greatness but the times he went through to get there were anything but easy. In his early life there was a bit of “deceit” to get to the top. Whether it be for a greater good is not the point in this blog post it’s just that such deceit comes back to Jacob tenfold before he is able to enjoy a moment of true peace.  Those of greater learning might paint a different picture then the one I’m writing for mine is just on the surface. Yet no matter how you take it let’s face it G-D is the true judge and the scales always balance in G-D’s favor no matter how long it takes today, tomorrow or  in a future life.

Everyone who knows me understands that I believe we all should be able to take a joke but when it comes to actual mocking that is whole different category. When  Ishmael mocked Issac it was so serious that G-D allowed Sarah to cast him aside. For mocking someone for their beliefs and ideals isn’t about “humor” it’s about humiliation and making them feel as if they are “such a fool”.  This mockery can cause an individual to stray from the true path that they have been sent on to walk. Maybe that’s way Ishmael was allowed to walk alone. Yet in the end G-D heard the cries of  Ishmael and sent him along his on destine path.  For tears are heard from G-D no matter who is crying as they lead to a truth that one who mocks might not have heard before.