With A Rose In Her Hand

12:38 PM - Rabbi Jonathan Sachs was at a convention in New York where he took a walk in Central park. He writes about what he saw there:

"New Yorkers tend to be health fiends and there are always lots of them out in the park, having a jog. One of them, though, obviously didn't want to miss a minute from business, so he was wearing a hands-free mobile phone, into which he was talking, trying to tie up a deal. There he was, running, arguing, negotiating, and gesticulating wildly. It was the first time I've seen someone trying to keep fit and risking a heart attack all at the same time."

I've been thinking a lot lately about taking better care of my health, and losing weight. It's not a question of appearance, that doesn't so much concern me (though it does somewhat); it's more corncer regarding the toxic waist. Yesterday I walked a mile around the school track. I'd like to do it again now, but I have work to do and I have a ride at 1:15. I also have a sick friend that I last spoke to very briefly two weeks ago. I think he's appreciate receiving a call...

4:21 PM - Erev Shabbos is an under appreciated day. Shabbos is on her way, and we move forward to greet her. We approach with excitement, concealed under our cool exterior. Erev Shabbos is the day of preparing for Shabbos. Like life, the meaning of today rests in the reality that we infuse it with and in our anticipation of an even greater tomorrow.

4:55 PM - Parshat Yitro is known, in particular, for ten things - usually referred to in English as the Ten Commandments. The Gemorah (Brachot 12a) discusses the proposition of reciting the Aseret HaDibrot daily in daveing, as we recite Shmah. The Yerushalmi (Brachot 1:3) shows how each of the dibrot  is included in a line of Shmah (Hashem Elokeinu = Anochi, Hashem Echad = Lo Yihiyeh, etc.)

Wishing the world a Shabbat Shalom!