Expectations

December 3, 2008 at 9:30 pm (Uncategorized)
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What are the expectations of you? Are they mostly internal? Are they external? By your spouse, friends, parents? By your work? By your community? Are they by G-d?

Do these expectations help you live to the best of your abilities?

What is the best you can be? Or are you asked to reach for the stars? What are the expectations put upon you?

Do expectations help you better yourself?

Like Rabbi Zusha asks: What is G-d going to ask you when you get to the gates of heaven? Why weren’t you like Moses or King David? Or why weren’t you more yourself?

Judaism recognizes you as an individual and I believe expects you to do all you can do as individual within the world which we live. Do you recognize what you have to offer? Do you do all that you can with what you have to offer?

- inpired by a Boston CJP adult learning class with Rabbi Samuelson

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Is having intention enough?

June 4, 2008 at 7:35 am (Uncategorized)
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Is having intention enough?

I intended to go to service last Shabbat. I did not go.
I intended to give tzedakah to the homeless as I was walking to the bus. I did not give.

Is the thought enough? I had good intentions. I believe this is the Jewish definition of sin. I missed the mark. I missed the opportunity that was laid out infront of me.

Doing something with intention requires action. Judaism is a religion of action, not just faith. Whenever I am in New York City and I have to walk several blocks to the office I make sure to set aside a dollar and my change in my pocket. I prepare the money for the first homeless person or homeless collection box I see. I know where these people usually are. I could conveniently take another route. However, I start off my trip with the intention to give money. I give the money each time. I have done it frequently enough that it is natural and I feel compelled. I feel compelled not by the individuals but as a Jew giving tzedakah with intention. Perhaps a little connection is starting to open up.

Try it. Take out the money and put it in your pocket ahead of time. Give. Remove all judgements and reasons why you shouldn’t. Do it because it is right and do it with intention.

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