Faith

I don’t mean this to be disrespectful in anyway to those that are more traditional then me but I believe Hash-m doesn’t mind if I drive on Shabbos.  First let me state that I truly respect those who feel differently and that there argument is quite logical I just believe mine has credence as well.  The traditional argument as best as I know it is it says in the Torah that you shall not kindle a fire on the Sabbath and by starting the ignition you are starting a fire.  Here are the reasons I differ.

(1) Kindling a fire in those days required a great deal of effort on those that were attempting this act by rubbing two sticks together while turning an ignition switch isn’t basically effortless.

(2) When you kindle a fire in those days it was for heat or use of food and not for transportation.

(3) If an individual who is not Jewish drives you or you stay at a hotel you are spending monies (which is a form for work) on those who might enjoy the Shabbos in their own way as well.

(4) It becomes extremely difficult for those that are elderly, in-firmed, poor or live further way to hear words of wisdom if they can’t use transportation to get there and I believe it’s more important to hear the words directly then have them interrupted from far away.

(5) G-D wants Shabbos to be joyful, peaceful, thoughtful and not create divisions within our community which can occur when we don’t visit each other. Cars are a great way to visit distant communities.

People of faith find many ways to disagree among each other but there needs to be true common ground if we are to truly do G-D’s work.  These would be basic principals that set the ground rules for any discussion, debate or even argument.  Rules that even those who aren’t traditional in any other will follow and impart to others. Most important these rules  if enforced will stop the killings of innocent Christian in Nigeria, kidnappings of Jews in Israel and the slaughter of Muslims in Iraq.   They need to have a foundation that all can agree on that is based on a  common ancestry. Therefore let’s start with the Noahide laws (below) and few we could add.  We could also start with the 10 commandments either way once we formulate these rules let’s publish, promote, and proselytize those of faith to commit their life and soul to them.

HE 7 LAWS

1
Acknowledge that there is only one G-d who is Infinite and Supreme above all things. Do not replace that Supreme Being with finite idols, be it yourself, or other beings. This command includes such acts as prayer, study and meditation. That G-D is the creator of all life and we therefore must respect and love all his creations.

2
Respect the Creator. As frustrated and angry as you may be, do not vent it by cursing your Maker.

3
Respect human life. Every human being is an entire world. To save a life is to save that entire world. To destroy a life is to destroy an entire world. To help others live is a corollary of this principle.

4
Respect the institution of marriage. Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage is an assault on that oneness.

5
Respect the rights and property of others. Be honest in all your business dealings. By relying on G-d rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him as the Provider of Life.

6
Respect G-d’s creatures. At first, Man was forbidden to consume meat. After the Great Flood, he was permitted – but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.

7
Maintain justice. Justice is G-d’s business, but we are given the charge to lay down necessary laws and enforce them whenever we can. When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners in the act of sustaining the creation.

I would add

(1) Do unto others as you want done unto you.

(2) Faith must come from the heart and soul and never imposed by the sword.

Like most I often get consumed with work responsibilities that I forget to take time for the truly important things in my life. I don’t mean to say that work isn’t one of my essential ingredients of daily function (except Sabbath) but it is just one of them and I need to make sure I add the other items or my life isn’t really complete. Here are a few items that I believe we all should include in our daily lives (below) and hopefully they’ll remind me as well.

(1) Take a moment to thank those for their little as well as they’re big gifts to our daily life.

(2) Sorry is a word that we often don’t take the time to say to those we have directly or indirectly hurt.

(3) Empathy is a way to add moments to a day as we share someone’s joy or sadness.

(4) Laughter is a way to realize that our crisis can be overcome.

(5) Learning helps us grow each and everyday.

(6) Helping those in need doesn’t take your whole wallet just a part of your heart.

(7) Listening enables us to hear words and sounds we have never heard before.

(8) Prayer to G-D helps you find all these ingredients so that we can find true happiness and productivity in our life’s

It’s true those that the top positions rarely hear compliments but rather complaints even when kind words are said. Those in leadership positions might hear a compliment once in awhile but the truth is it’s easier to complain then to truly do something about it.  Many people will say if ” I was in charge” but rarely take a step toward that role.  When a compliment is said it’s usually by those “true believers” who’s words might not seem as true over-time. Don’t get me wrong their are plenty of bad leaders that shouldn’t be in charge of a dog house let alone the …. but that doesn’t mean we can’t express gratitude especially when they step out and truly take a chance. Therefore take a moment to thank those who have went out of their way to try to lead.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the one leader that is always right, listens to all our words, is there for us us all, gives us the very breath and heartbeat we need to exist, that is our G-D.  We often forget to thank G-D when we are rushing through our lives, enjoying a moment and/or just living.  So on behalf of the 5 Billion or so beautiful humans you’ve created I want to express my eternal gratitude for your love, compassion, understanding and hope you bring to every soul.  I maybe one  very tiny voice but may my words ring true everywhere.

How do we react when someone begs for our assistance? We’re probably more likely to respond in a positive way to their request when it comes with a plead then if someone asks in a casually way. We also could get annoyed and give into the pleading even if we don’t fully agree just to shut them up and let them learn from their consequences.
Why would we think differently about G-D? When people come to him with an urgent plead he is more likely to respond then those who ask without any emotion or deference. Add to that a will to fight for what you believe in and G-D will open his heart with compassion. It might not turn out exactly as you want but if you read through the clouds you will see that
G-D has sent an answer to your plead.

No matter how different we might appear and no matter how far apart we might seem we all are connected.  We can try to separate ourselves by ethnicity, wealth, or culture but in the end we all come from the same starting place and end in the same place (on this earth). No matter how our lifestyle appear different we all have to eat, drink, go to sleep and even visit the John. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we all have one G-D who has brought has here, who loves us and listens to each one of our prayers to him.  One G-D that is there for us all no matter how different we might seem to appear.

The holy book has many harsh penalties for those who perform actions that go against the law but I believe many of us misunderstand the true meaning for the time. Today we live in a period where we witness miracles but not at the same realm as when the laws were written. Whether that be witnessing the Plaques brought on the Egyptian People, Manna coming down from the sky, or hearing the Ten Commandments how could you disobey those words. G-D has given us the law but understands that we live in a period where faith is more difficult to hold and therefore I believe he gives us the leeway to find our own path without the severity of the book. When the Messiah is revealed to the world then we will all faithfully follow because it will be obvious.