As it was super hot outside, I chose to stay home all day in the air conditioning the whole Shabbat, took a nap, read many interesting articles. I like when things are explained clearly and resonate with me. In the video above it explains capitalism as hard work, independence, and moving towards individual success. I saw that in my own family, and socialism makes me think of where I was born, in the Soviet Union, and I am in no rush to ever get back to that mentality.
My daughter saw the sun today out of our window and was telling me how beautiful it was, when I finally got up to see it, first it was orange, reflecting orange into our home, and then red. We do not watch any television or go on the computer or phone today, so I had no idea why all of the sky was blue, but one area was dark, and the sun was red peaking through. I found out later there were huge fires, it is scary and dangerous, but also looked so beautiful, this was a picture I found online.
The message below is so powerful, especially the last line, taking care of ourselves and loving ourselves, leads to wanting to be of service and share the love.
Enjoy!
Coach Yulia
Dorothy Tiano Melvin
We are going into Shabbos and it is always good to focus on true reality. I particularly like this one on chasing honor. We should be defined by who we are rather than what kind of car we drive. Shabbat shalom.
“I will honor you greatly” (Numbers 22:17). We sometimes think that
honor is something we deserve for the things we own, the clothes we
wear, and the cars we drive, yet the Torah teaches us that true honor
has nothing to do with those things. In fact, we are told that those
who chase that kind of illusory honor are, in actuality, chasing it
away. True honor is found in how we relate to others; it is having the
inner dignity and self respect to graciously and willingly give others
the respect they deserve; it is the ability to always find the good in
others and to respect them for it. A person should try to cultivate a
sense of humility within himself. Doing so opens us up to see others
for who they are: a reflection of the Divine. The Ramban (13th
Century) teaches us that we should always try to see others in a
positive light despite their shortcomings, and to view every
individual as if he is bigger than you. The Ramban, himself,
exemplified such characteristics, yet this never detracted from his
self worth and inner strength. In fact, he had such inner strength
that he succeeded in defending the Torah against the Catholic Church
in a four-part debate before the king of Spain. He earned the respect
of the royal court, yet never grew arrogant or detracted from the
honor he directed towards others. The healthier our self image, the
more we will be able to see the good in others.
—
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Jawary