Bridge the Gap

*Courtesy of Aish.com

Sometimes we tend to ostracize the people closest to us, because of simple differences. We neglect the reality of the situation: we have more in common than we think...Thousands of years together and a shared goal.

The next time that you see one of your brethren on the street. Say hello or smile.

Bridge the gap

The Greater Picture

It happens that sometimes we look at some of our friends who have been more successful than we have and we wonder, "how is it possible that they have attained so much, while I have attained so little?"

Rabbeinu Bachayei says in Chovevos HaLevavos that at this point one should introspect and come to the realization that just as I wish to serve the Ribbono Shel Olam so does my dear friend.

When it comes to situations like these we should realize that as we suffer though trials and tribulations, we are part of a greater nation that G-d loves.

Maybe We Can be like Moses

Check out this article that was written by R' Gil Student on his blog, Hirhurim - Musings. It is an interesting piece about the level to which we should judge ourselves and others.

After reading the article I recommend actually seeing the Gemara Yoma 35b (a Gemara that he quotes) in the text, it gives you more of a perspective.

I would be remiss if I forgot to tell you to check out the Gemara Rosh HaShana 15a.....the Gemara is pretty clear about the pro's and con's within the chapter of judging others aswell. It's a good one not to forget.

G-d Willing I will be writing up a few more pieces soon. Thank you for your patience.

G-d's Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -porcelain plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.

While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eying each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee G-d has provided us."

G-d brews the coffee, not the cups........ .. Enjoy your coffee!