It was just a game
I played when young
It was just a game
That I thought was fun
It was just a game
No more than that
It was just a game
I liked to win
And..
In this game
There are many 'ups'
In this game
There are just as many 'downs'
In this game
You use your skill and wit
In this game
You avoid all snakes
As...
Throughout this game
You get nervous as you rise
Throughout this game
There is a possibility to fall
Throughout this game
There are 2 or more players
Throughout this game
There is only one winner
But...
It's not just a game
Of forwards and backwards
Its not just a game
Ruled by a dice
It's not just a game
As I now see depth
It's not just a game
Its the story of life
However...
Unlike this game
Your life is no competition
Unlike this game
Each 'snake' is unique
Unlike this game
You have more control
Unlike this game
Everyone can win
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Pre-pesach Reflections
Cleaning gives one a lot of time to think, reflect how the last months have been and plan the dreams of the future. It has been a very rough last year for a number of reasons but as I am cleaning I am finally feeling hopeful, not that what has plaguing me these last months will disappear but rather that despite what I believe, what is happening, where I am, I will get through it and He will help just as soon as I turn to Him. Reading the blogs of others has also helped and I am working on trying to put things into perspectives. Their nisyonos are not mine and are not meant to be but it is inspiring to see how despite struggling you are all unwilling to give up. So thank you all those who have shared your life online with many of its usually unseen details, those who have commented on my blog and encourage me to plod on and the special few who have given me something that is incredibly valuable but they shared it anyway - their time. I know that there will be many more ups and downs to come but I have hope that it will be 2 steps forward and one step back and not vice versa.
I know it seems that this is a good bye but its not - I'm not leaving....just reflecting :)
I know it seems that this is a good bye but its not - I'm not leaving....just reflecting :)
Friday, 13 March 2009
Purim reflections
It is no secret that many of those who were financially rich have lost money this year. It is no secret that those who were not well off previously are struggling more than ever. It is no secret that all local and international charities are dredging the last few coins from their coffers...which made the following scene all the more heart warming.
Along one long road within a predominately Jewish area every 50-100 feet there were a group of dressed up children and teenagers tentatively stopping cars. Each held a pushka or bucket of a different style and color collecting whatever coins were dropped in. And this is how these youngsters spent their day, for hours they stood there, children from all spectrum of the Jewish community, who would not even acknowledge to each other is the street, some may even ridicule the others, but shoulder to shoulder they stood, each determined to do their share, with a smile on their face and a thank you on their lips. And what made this picture even more precious was that each Yiddishe car driver stopped at EACH group and gave something to a few of those collecting, note that they had been stopped just a moment before and probably a moment before that too (there were I think about 6 groups along that road - on both sides of the road!). The drivers weren't getting irate as they usually would, there were very few honking of the horns at this slow movement of traffic but rather, each stretched out their hand to give and gave with a smile.
Yes, money may be tight, but it's not what you give but how you give!
Mi K'amcha Yisroel
Along one long road within a predominately Jewish area every 50-100 feet there were a group of dressed up children and teenagers tentatively stopping cars. Each held a pushka or bucket of a different style and color collecting whatever coins were dropped in. And this is how these youngsters spent their day, for hours they stood there, children from all spectrum of the Jewish community, who would not even acknowledge to each other is the street, some may even ridicule the others, but shoulder to shoulder they stood, each determined to do their share, with a smile on their face and a thank you on their lips. And what made this picture even more precious was that each Yiddishe car driver stopped at EACH group and gave something to a few of those collecting, note that they had been stopped just a moment before and probably a moment before that too (there were I think about 6 groups along that road - on both sides of the road!). The drivers weren't getting irate as they usually would, there were very few honking of the horns at this slow movement of traffic but rather, each stretched out their hand to give and gave with a smile.
Yes, money may be tight, but it's not what you give but how you give!
Mi K'amcha Yisroel
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Spring holiday
In many ways it has been a hard and long winter. Reflecting from outwards in, the state of the current economic crisis, the wars and terror attacks within the Jewish world, the suffering and high amount of deaths from unnatural causes within my community, have all added to the general slump of spirits. Within my own tiny world, I have lost count of the number of communications which were 'down' ones. Whereas a weekly shot of inspiration was once enough now it is needed twice daily, friends around me are gripping tightly to the edge of their world and feeling like the earth under them is moving and the level of sadness is rising. No, I am not exempt, I too have felt the whirlwind, I too have struggled.
After hearing a particular piece of sad news today I was staring out the window watching the thick grey clouds press down out the world, matching my mood and those of many others, when I saw it, I saw the first blossoms, those tiny white petals that speak of growth, renewal and a reminder that the sun will shine again. A remainder that the sadness would be lifted, the pain of loss would lessen, the world will continue and somehow it will all be alright in the end. Therefore I would like to put forward a proposal for a special spring holiday, a day in which work would be banned and a day where living in the outdoors would be compulsory, a day in which we should renew ourselves through observing beauty and growth around us and a day to just be at one with the natural world!
After hearing a particular piece of sad news today I was staring out the window watching the thick grey clouds press down out the world, matching my mood and those of many others, when I saw it, I saw the first blossoms, those tiny white petals that speak of growth, renewal and a reminder that the sun will shine again. A remainder that the sadness would be lifted, the pain of loss would lessen, the world will continue and somehow it will all be alright in the end. Therefore I would like to put forward a proposal for a special spring holiday, a day in which work would be banned and a day where living in the outdoors would be compulsory, a day in which we should renew ourselves through observing beauty and growth around us and a day to just be at one with the natural world!
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Going too fast
Someone forwarded this to me and it really made an impact. A strong enough impact that I wanted to share it!
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!
He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.' Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.
'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar.
The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!
He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.' Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.
'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar.
The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Morning
Its the morning after a long night.
A night of unrest,
A night of questions,
A night of confusion,
A night of uncertainty,
A night until sunrise.
Tomorrow has began...today!
A day of surprises,
A day of hope,
A day to conquer,
A day to try again,
A day to reshape until tomorrow.
A night of unrest,
A night of questions,
A night of confusion,
A night of uncertainty,
A night until sunrise.
Tomorrow has began...today!
A day of surprises,
A day of hope,
A day to conquer,
A day to try again,
A day to reshape until tomorrow.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
The joy of freedom
No words can describe nor structured learning compete with the unbridled happiness of a group of girls, with boulders on their shoulders, finally let go of their multiple inhibitions and enjoy the energetic give and take of...
a full blown snow ball fight.
a full blown snow ball fight.
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Away
run...
run...
run...
feet pounding
on the hard gravel
fast
.........faster
.....................faster
.................................faster
.............................................faster
.........................................................faster
laboured
breathing
..........................................................slower
..............................................slower
..................................slower
.....................slower
.........slower
stop!
When will I ever learn that I cannot run from away myself.
run...
run...
feet pounding
on the hard gravel
fast
.........faster
.....................faster
.................................faster
.............................................faster
.........................................................faster
laboured
breathing
..........................................................slower
..............................................slower
..................................slower
.....................slower
.........slower
stop!
When will I ever learn that I cannot run from away myself.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Ikea renames some products...
For those of you who are familiar with the regular names that Ikea uses for its furniture - this is a good one!
Welcome to Ikea Israel, where products include:
BILLIG – a cheap bookcase for all those extra seforim
NIDAH – a moveable bedside table
FRESS – an extra-long family-sized dining room table
GREPS – a carbonated soft drink available from the restaurant
BROYGUS – a new range of wedding invitations
SHLUF – a comfortable single bed (only single beds are available at this branch)
NINEDAYS – a healthy meat-free meal option
OSSUR – a budget computer system with Internet access
TOYVEL – a luxury, extra-deep bath
SHMUTZ – a strong shower gel
FRACK – a long jacket, available from the clothing department
GROB – an extra-large convenience meal with no cutlery
PONIMCHADOSHOS – a face pack for the Charedi lady
SHTINK – a room deodoriser
SHLEP – a set of heavy-duty suitcase, available from the luggage department
SHAA – a set of earplugs
EKEL – a rather sickly cake, available from the restaurant
YIDDISHKEIT – an outdoor toy for Jewish children
DREK – a toilet brush
SHMOOZ – a telephone
SHVITZ – a thick duvet, available from the bedding department
SHTEIG – a work desk, available from the office department
Welcome to Ikea Israel, where products include:
BILLIG – a cheap bookcase for all those extra seforim
NIDAH – a moveable bedside table
FRESS – an extra-long family-sized dining room table
GREPS – a carbonated soft drink available from the restaurant
BROYGUS – a new range of wedding invitations
SHLUF – a comfortable single bed (only single beds are available at this branch)
NINEDAYS – a healthy meat-free meal option
OSSUR – a budget computer system with Internet access
TOYVEL – a luxury, extra-deep bath
SHMUTZ – a strong shower gel
FRACK – a long jacket, available from the clothing department
GROB – an extra-large convenience meal with no cutlery
PONIMCHADOSHOS – a face pack for the Charedi lady
SHTINK – a room deodoriser
SHLEP – a set of heavy-duty suitcase, available from the luggage department
SHAA – a set of earplugs
EKEL – a rather sickly cake, available from the restaurant
YIDDISHKEIT – an outdoor toy for Jewish children
DREK – a toilet brush
SHMOOZ – a telephone
SHVITZ – a thick duvet, available from the bedding department
SHTEIG – a work desk, available from the office department
NACHAS – a family picture frame
Sunday, 25 January 2009
You didn't ask
Tefilla is a topic very close to my heart for the huge struggle it represents to me. I know that I am not alone in this fight with the y''h and we all have this fight at some point over some issue. While for some it may be the kavana issue for me it is reaching out to my siddur, taking it in my hands and opening it up. Once I feel the weight of it in my hands I know that most of the fight is over but some days it is hard to get to that point. Therefore when I came across a small inspiring piece I thought that I should share it as if it inspires only one person to daven one small tefilla it will have been worth it.
I recently read a mashal about a boy who whilst playing in his garden came across a large rock and tries to move it. He pushes it hard again and again but it doesn't move. Frustrated he turns to his father stating ''I cant move it,'' but his father remains unsympathetic and tells his son to use all his strength and to try harder. The boy pushes with every bit of energy till he is sweating, he pushes this way, that way, tries pulling till he is aching, but with little success, not even a few centimetres. Turning to his father, he cries that it is of little use, but again his father tells him that he has not used all resources available to him. After another unsuccessful go, tired, frustrated and in pain the boy cries out that he has tried his best and can't anymore, he's giving up, he has no more energy and has tried every strategy possible to him, his father calmly replies...''my dear son, you do, you didn't ask me to help you!''
I recently read a mashal about a boy who whilst playing in his garden came across a large rock and tries to move it. He pushes it hard again and again but it doesn't move. Frustrated he turns to his father stating ''I cant move it,'' but his father remains unsympathetic and tells his son to use all his strength and to try harder. The boy pushes with every bit of energy till he is sweating, he pushes this way, that way, tries pulling till he is aching, but with little success, not even a few centimetres. Turning to his father, he cries that it is of little use, but again his father tells him that he has not used all resources available to him. After another unsuccessful go, tired, frustrated and in pain the boy cries out that he has tried his best and can't anymore, he's giving up, he has no more energy and has tried every strategy possible to him, his father calmly replies...''my dear son, you do, you didn't ask me to help you!''
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