This video is SO funny.
Enjoy!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Check out this great deal Treo Phone - A must get for anyone who uses Texting!
Here is a listing from eBay that I am selling, I must tell you this is an awesome deal... you won't get such a good price for a Treo Phone without an activation. If you have wanted or have been thinking to get a Treo phone from Sprint for a while, THIS IS THE TIME.. We have this deal only once and we have received only 10 of those phones and they are selling QUICK!
If you want in BID NOW!
If you want in BID NOW!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Definitely a perspective worth thinking over!
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see...
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for- profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno
Keep smiling and have a great day!
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for- profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno
Keep smiling and have a great day!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Amazing eBay Seller Story
Here is great story from an eBay member whose mom recently received an amazing and unexpected gift.
Taken from the eBay Chatter Blog
Taken from the eBay Chatter Blog
Hi Guys, I just wanted to tell you a heart warming story about my mom Kathy (moms_million_dollar_closet) and a buyer from Richmond, Virginia. Here is the story:
It used to belong to her grandmother and she used to use it as collateral for money borrowed from family members - when she paid them back she got her ring back. Unfortunately she currently has no family to ask for help other then me (and I don't work I just sell on eBay for extra money...lol). The next morning the woman in Virginia bought the ring from my mom for the buy-it-now price of $450.00 and paid for it right away through PayPal. She then sent my mom a message along with it stating after hearing your story and the reason why you are selling it, I have brought your ring for the buy-it-now price BUT DO NOT SEND THE RING TO ME!!! Use the money to get yourself caught up and best of luck in the future...
eBay is not just a place to buy great things at great prices, and find hard to find items. It is a godsend to my mother, it helped her angel find her and give her hope and to know that people do care out there. I just thought maybe you would like to hear a really great heart warming story that took place on the eBay site recently.
Thanks for your time and reading my story about how eBay made my mom’s day and helped her angel find her.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
B&H Photo $50 Million Enlargement
Brooklyn, NY - Manhattan-based B&H Photo will undergo a $50 million expansion at the Brooklyn Navy Yard - the biggest single project at the industrial park since WWII, when the shipping yard was at its most active.
The photography and electronics emporium, which has operated in the Navy Yard for more than a decade, plans to build a 400,000-square-foot building for storage and distribution, said officials, who heralded the 300 new jobs the project is expected to create.
vosizneias.com
The photography and electronics emporium, which has operated in the Navy Yard for more than a decade, plans to build a 400,000-square-foot building for storage and distribution, said officials, who heralded the 300 new jobs the project is expected to create.
vosizneias.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
They Walk Among Us
I walked into a Burger King with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said "buy one-get one free." "They're already buy- one-get-one-free", she said, "so I guess they're both free." She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.
They walk among us and many work retail.
===================
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" One female (yes.. blond) looked up at the sky and said, "Where?"
They Walk among us!
====================
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sunrise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff."
They Walk Among Us!!
====================
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."
They Walk Among Us!
====================
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.
They Walk Among Us!
====================
My friends and I were on a beer run and noticed that the cases were discounted 10%. Since it was a big party, we bought 2 cases. The cashier multiplied 2 times 10% and gave us a 20% discount.
They Walk Among Us!
====================
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?"
They Walk Among Us!
====================
While at a Pizza Hut I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."
Yep, They Walk Among Us!
===================
AND... they reproduce!
They walk among us and many work retail.
===================
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" One female (yes.. blond) looked up at the sky and said, "Where?"
They Walk among us!
====================
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sunrise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff."
They Walk Among Us!!
====================
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."
They Walk Among Us!
====================
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.
They Walk Among Us!
====================
My friends and I were on a beer run and noticed that the cases were discounted 10%. Since it was a big party, we bought 2 cases. The cashier multiplied 2 times 10% and gave us a 20% discount.
They Walk Among Us!
====================
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?"
They Walk Among Us!
====================
While at a Pizza Hut I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."
Yep, They Walk Among Us!
===================
AND... they reproduce!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Have you ever wondered why?
Can you cry under water?
How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
What disease did cured ham actually have?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
6 Dangerous Reasons People Do Not Set Goals and Never Succeed
Goal setting is the framework for personal achievement. It is the backbone of becoming a person you desire to be. Setting and achieving personal goals will guarantee you success. Most people who do set goals have little to no understanding of goal setting and as a result fail to achieve them and never succeed. You would think that if goal setting was the ultimate skill and secret to success that everyone would develop their own personal goals and learn to achieve them. Unfortunately, the world is not that perfect. There are six dangerous reasons people do not set and achieve their goals which act like a road block to their success.
There are several reasons why people do not set goals similarly to why people do not care about communicating effectively. I know with absolute certainty that everyone will experience a more successful and far enjoyable life if they learned to communicate effectively. Arguably the greatest modern day personal development Coach, Anthony Robbins said, "The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives." Effective communication determines the quality of your life with others while self development determines the quality of your inner life.
The first reason I believe why people do not set goals is they do not see its importance. Like people who do not develop their communication and other aspects of themselves, they do not see the importance of setting goals. I have met people who are unbelievably resistant to developing their communication. They have actually found it insulting to think they need to improve how they communicate! Every single person on the face of this Earth can always communicate more effectively and have their life improve as a result. Likewise, with goals there are people who do not see the importance of setting personal goals. Goal setting forms the foundations for personal achievement and it is of the utmost importance.
The second reason why people do not set goals is a fear of others caused from criticism. People criticize because they see faults in others or are brainwashed by society and other beliefs into thinking greatness cannot be achieved. They criticize to hold people back from achieving goals. Average people do not want others to go beyond average. A person can fear setting goals because each time they have set goals in the past, others have criticized and shot down their dreams. Others impose their own self-limiting beliefs through criticism instilling fear within the person. Think of receiving criticism as a poisonous needle injected into your body. It slowly controls and destroys what you want. The destructive thought of fear controls the person from achieving anything remarkable. Put bluntly, screw what people think. Screw allowing people to destroy your life with their beliefs. Society is filled with endless garbage to prevent you from achieving your goals. If you want something, go and get it by setting and achieving personal goals.
The third reason why people do not set goals is a fear of failure. They can think success is derived from not failing. The opposite is true. Success comes from failing a lot and failing fast. Famous inventor Thomas Edison said, "I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Being an inventor, Thomas understand failure was apart of success. Failure was the nuts and bolts that constructed his success. Understand that failure occurs and it shows you are taking action. Learn from failure and enjoy knowing you are moving towards your goals instead of fearing to set out after them in the first place.
The fourth reason why people do not set goals is a fear success. People who fear success believe it is bad. The fear is common in wealth and wanting an attractive partner because negative results will occur. They believe wealth is evil or a certain type of partner is unfaithful. The fear prevents them achieving what they want by not laying the foundations of their desire with goal setting.
The fifth reason why people do not set goals is they do not know how. This reason relates to fear of failure where the person has set goals in the past, but has not achieved them and becomes discouraged from the failure. These people become disheartened from the failure and think failure is imminent. They do not learn from past mistakes and move towards personal growth. The classic example of this is losing weight as a new year's resolution. A mere temporary motivation inspires the person who is lucky to lose weight in January but no further progression towards achieving the goal occurs in later months. If you do not set and start working towards a goal now, what makes you think you will be able to achieve it as a new year's resolution? There are techniques such as SMART goal setting which I have written about but are not covered in this article. Using SMART goals enables you to set and achieve goals then merely wishing a result based on temporary motivation too common around the new years period.
The sixth reason why people do not set goals is they lack the inner desire to want something greater then what they currently have. For them, the ordinary or even sub-ordinary is sufficient. These people do not believe they can reach or deserve success because society has conditioned them into thinking they are ordinary people and therefore must do ordinary things. It can also be caused by failure, criticism, and other reasons as to why people do not set goals.
Did you find yourself relating to one of these six dangerous reasons people do not set goals and as a result never succeed? Do not fret too much because you are now more self-aware and able to doing something about. All that is required for you to do is learn how to set achievable goals. I personally advise people to follow the SMART goal setting technique because its congruency with successful goal setting is spot on. You set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible goals leading to your success. Master this skill and you will have the most powerful personal development technique in your grasp to achieve success.
Source: SelfGrowth.com
There are several reasons why people do not set goals similarly to why people do not care about communicating effectively. I know with absolute certainty that everyone will experience a more successful and far enjoyable life if they learned to communicate effectively. Arguably the greatest modern day personal development Coach, Anthony Robbins said, "The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives." Effective communication determines the quality of your life with others while self development determines the quality of your inner life.
The first reason I believe why people do not set goals is they do not see its importance. Like people who do not develop their communication and other aspects of themselves, they do not see the importance of setting goals. I have met people who are unbelievably resistant to developing their communication. They have actually found it insulting to think they need to improve how they communicate! Every single person on the face of this Earth can always communicate more effectively and have their life improve as a result. Likewise, with goals there are people who do not see the importance of setting personal goals. Goal setting forms the foundations for personal achievement and it is of the utmost importance.
The second reason why people do not set goals is a fear of others caused from criticism. People criticize because they see faults in others or are brainwashed by society and other beliefs into thinking greatness cannot be achieved. They criticize to hold people back from achieving goals. Average people do not want others to go beyond average. A person can fear setting goals because each time they have set goals in the past, others have criticized and shot down their dreams. Others impose their own self-limiting beliefs through criticism instilling fear within the person. Think of receiving criticism as a poisonous needle injected into your body. It slowly controls and destroys what you want. The destructive thought of fear controls the person from achieving anything remarkable. Put bluntly, screw what people think. Screw allowing people to destroy your life with their beliefs. Society is filled with endless garbage to prevent you from achieving your goals. If you want something, go and get it by setting and achieving personal goals.
The third reason why people do not set goals is a fear of failure. They can think success is derived from not failing. The opposite is true. Success comes from failing a lot and failing fast. Famous inventor Thomas Edison said, "I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Being an inventor, Thomas understand failure was apart of success. Failure was the nuts and bolts that constructed his success. Understand that failure occurs and it shows you are taking action. Learn from failure and enjoy knowing you are moving towards your goals instead of fearing to set out after them in the first place.
The fourth reason why people do not set goals is a fear success. People who fear success believe it is bad. The fear is common in wealth and wanting an attractive partner because negative results will occur. They believe wealth is evil or a certain type of partner is unfaithful. The fear prevents them achieving what they want by not laying the foundations of their desire with goal setting.
The fifth reason why people do not set goals is they do not know how. This reason relates to fear of failure where the person has set goals in the past, but has not achieved them and becomes discouraged from the failure. These people become disheartened from the failure and think failure is imminent. They do not learn from past mistakes and move towards personal growth. The classic example of this is losing weight as a new year's resolution. A mere temporary motivation inspires the person who is lucky to lose weight in January but no further progression towards achieving the goal occurs in later months. If you do not set and start working towards a goal now, what makes you think you will be able to achieve it as a new year's resolution? There are techniques such as SMART goal setting which I have written about but are not covered in this article. Using SMART goals enables you to set and achieve goals then merely wishing a result based on temporary motivation too common around the new years period.
The sixth reason why people do not set goals is they lack the inner desire to want something greater then what they currently have. For them, the ordinary or even sub-ordinary is sufficient. These people do not believe they can reach or deserve success because society has conditioned them into thinking they are ordinary people and therefore must do ordinary things. It can also be caused by failure, criticism, and other reasons as to why people do not set goals.
Did you find yourself relating to one of these six dangerous reasons people do not set goals and as a result never succeed? Do not fret too much because you are now more self-aware and able to doing something about. All that is required for you to do is learn how to set achievable goals. I personally advise people to follow the SMART goal setting technique because its congruency with successful goal setting is spot on. You set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible goals leading to your success. Master this skill and you will have the most powerful personal development technique in your grasp to achieve success.
Source: SelfGrowth.com
Thursday, April 19, 2007
5 tips for eBay selling
Want to be successful selling on eBay? These 5 tips for eBay selling are a good starting point for your eBay business.
1) Understand your eBay selling costs of doing business
eBay selling is not as simple as some people make it out to be. Your are running a complicated business, so treat it that way. Learn about your eBay selling fees, PayPal fees, shipping and handling costs, labor costs and your cost of packaging materials.
2) Understand the risk factor with eBay selling
eBay selling does not come without its risks. Like any business, you have marketing expenses that may or may not translate to sales and dollars in your pocket. With eBay selling, your eBay selling fees should be treated as your marketing budget. You will have to make choices regarding which listing upgrades and eBay selling formats to list your items with, and monitor their progress to see the impact on your profits. Some items are meant for an auction or fixed price eBay selling format, and others will be more effective as a Store Inventory Format eBay listing. Study up on this and become a pro on your risks and costs of doing business before you start selling on eBay or try to ramp up your eBay sales!
3) Don't fall into the "what to sell on eBay" trap
Many up-and-coming eBay sellers scour the internet and attend seminars to find that "magic source" of the best products on earth to sell on eBay! If there was a magic source, no one would tell you what it is, no matter how much money you pay them for their advice. Truth is, you will need to work with distributors on an individual basis who source products straight from the manufacturer, and then sell to the retailer (you). The other option is to create your own "custom" products. Either way, the "hot sources" of products that are advertised out there for a fee aren't very good. Think about it... if thousands of people are paying for access to the same products and all competing with each other, how would anyone make any money?
4) Research, Research, Research!
Before you sell a single item on eBay, make sure you have researched the market first. There are tools out there to help you with this, but the simple tool (that I use) is free and right on eBay. Do a search for any item, then on click on "completed listings" to see what has sold and what hasn't in the last two weeks on eBay. Sort this list by "highest first" on price, which will organize the information for you so you have a strong idea of what sells well before you begin your eBay selling journey.
5) Determine your eBay selling price
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, your eBay selling price is very important, and not just for your buyers. The price you set your eBay listing at will impact your eBay selling fees, PayPal fees and will obviously matter to the eBay buyers out there.
There is so much more to learn about selling on eBay, this is just the beginning...
StartupNation
1) Understand your eBay selling costs of doing business
eBay selling is not as simple as some people make it out to be. Your are running a complicated business, so treat it that way. Learn about your eBay selling fees, PayPal fees, shipping and handling costs, labor costs and your cost of packaging materials.
2) Understand the risk factor with eBay selling
eBay selling does not come without its risks. Like any business, you have marketing expenses that may or may not translate to sales and dollars in your pocket. With eBay selling, your eBay selling fees should be treated as your marketing budget. You will have to make choices regarding which listing upgrades and eBay selling formats to list your items with, and monitor their progress to see the impact on your profits. Some items are meant for an auction or fixed price eBay selling format, and others will be more effective as a Store Inventory Format eBay listing. Study up on this and become a pro on your risks and costs of doing business before you start selling on eBay or try to ramp up your eBay sales!
3) Don't fall into the "what to sell on eBay" trap
Many up-and-coming eBay sellers scour the internet and attend seminars to find that "magic source" of the best products on earth to sell on eBay! If there was a magic source, no one would tell you what it is, no matter how much money you pay them for their advice. Truth is, you will need to work with distributors on an individual basis who source products straight from the manufacturer, and then sell to the retailer (you). The other option is to create your own "custom" products. Either way, the "hot sources" of products that are advertised out there for a fee aren't very good. Think about it... if thousands of people are paying for access to the same products and all competing with each other, how would anyone make any money?
4) Research, Research, Research!
Before you sell a single item on eBay, make sure you have researched the market first. There are tools out there to help you with this, but the simple tool (that I use) is free and right on eBay. Do a search for any item, then on click on "completed listings" to see what has sold and what hasn't in the last two weeks on eBay. Sort this list by "highest first" on price, which will organize the information for you so you have a strong idea of what sells well before you begin your eBay selling journey.
5) Determine your eBay selling price
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, your eBay selling price is very important, and not just for your buyers. The price you set your eBay listing at will impact your eBay selling fees, PayPal fees and will obviously matter to the eBay buyers out there.
There is so much more to learn about selling on eBay, this is just the beginning...
StartupNation
Friday, March 30, 2007
Good Shabbos Everyone: Parshas Tzav 5767
Good Shabbos Everyone. This week's parsha begins with the word Tzav. Rashi explains that "Tzav" indicates "zerizus" - alacrity. Alacrity - moving quickly - is an important aspect of serving Hashem. Because, one who does mitzvahs with an eagerness, will be able to do more mitzvahs and do the mitzvahs more completely. The following story illustrates one Jew's eagerness to help others.
Eli was a bit concerned about the way his car sounded as they drove out of Brooklyn Friday early noon-time. But the car was driving all right, so he put it out of his mind. Unfortunately, just as they exited the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel-right in front of the World Trade Center, (which still stood at the time) -Eli's car suddenly quit in the middle of the intersection. Car horns blared as drivers detoured around them. Eli and his passengers managed to push the car to the side. Then he pulled out his cell phone and called the AAA.
How long will it take for a tow truck to get here?" he asked the operator. "It will be two hours, sir." Two hours! Eli and his friends looked at each other in dismay. It was already after one o'clock. It was a three hour trip up to Thent, a small town in up-state New York, where the group was driving to a Shabbaton.
Shabbos was at 6:09. One did not have to be a mathematical genius to realize that there wouldn't be enough time to make it to Thent in time for Shabbos. "Maybe we should go home," one of the passengers suggested. But then they wouldn't have a minyan up in Thent. Many of the other invitees had already left for the farm where the Shabbaton would be held, and they were counting on them for a minyan. "And all the food's in the car!" Eli suddenly remembered as he looked at the food that he was bringing up for the Shabbaton. "We have to get it up there somehow."
"Maybe we can get a car service to take us," another one of the guys if suggested. "Good idea," Eli agreed. "I'll take care of my car. You go ahead with the food." It was a good idea. There was just one small problem: no car service was willing to come on a Friday afternoon to take them on a three-hour trip to Thent.
Once again, they were staring at each other in dismay, when a brand new Lexus came to a halt right near them. The driver stepped outside and walked over to where they were standing. "Let me take a look at your car," he offered. "Maybe I can find the problem." They watched hopefully as he marched over to the car and lifted the hood. "It's gone," he proclaimed, after studying the engine for a few minutes. "This car is going nowhere." He walked back to the Lexus and said something to the passenger inside.
Then the passenger door opened and a religious Jew stepped out. "My driver says your car is finished." His gaze took in their Shabbos attire. "Where were you trying to go? Maybe I can give you a lift or help out in some way." Eli explained about the trip to Thent.
"We can't turn around and go home, because the food is in the car and they're counting on us for a minyan. We have to get there somehow."
"No problem." the man said instantly. "Here, take the keys to my car drive up there and have a good Shabbos. There's a built-in computer navigator so you won't get lost." The driver looked at his employer with astonishment. "Are you crazy? How can you give them the car? You just drove it off the dealer's lot! It's brand new!" Said the driver. The religious man shrugged. "What's the big deal? It's just a piece of plastic that happened to cost $60 000."
Eli and his friends could not believe it. They didn't even know the man's name and he was willing to lend them his brand-new, expensive car! But they weren't going to turn the offer down. Immediately they transferred the food and seforim (Jewish books) over to the Lexus then settled down inside. Eli held the keys out to one of the other passengers. "Here you'll have to drive. I need to stay here to get my car towed."
"Don't worry about that," their benefactor spoke up. "I'll take care of the towing and I'll find my way home. Just go and have a good Shabbos." As Eli drove off he realized that he hadn't even asked the man his name! Even with the new car their problems weren't over. Traffic was very heavy and more than once they seriously considered turning back. But the thought of how the rest of the group was counting on them made them continue on. They could always spend Shabbos in a motel if it came to that. But they had to try their best.
Traffic finally eased up at around 4:30 in the afternoon. Just then Eli's cell phone rang. "This is AAA. We're in front of the World Trade Center but your car isn't here. Did you tow it already?" Eli realized that the man had the car towed-at his own expense.
At 5:45, with 24 minutes left until Shabbos the Lexus pulled into the Pamoner farm in Thent. The rest of the group, relieved by Eli's arrival, were impressed by the way they had traveled in style. Shabbos was beautiful and inspiring.
After Shabbos, Eli drove back to the city, tracked down the owner of the car - Mr. Isaac Lefkowitz - and brought his Lexus back to him. "We don't know how to thank you," Eli exclaimed. "You really saved our Shabbos."
"There's even more to the story," Mr. Lefkowitz told him. "I have a very successful business, but for years I've been bothered by the way I arrive home late on Friday afternoon, with hardly any time to prepare for Shabbos. This past Rosh Hashanah, I made a resolution that I would close up earlier on Fridays." He paused, then looked at Eli. "This Shabbos was the first week I left early. And there you were, waiting outside with your car." (From Visions of Greatness Reb Yosef Weiss, Vol. 6, p.89)
We should always jump at the opportunity to do a favor for a fellow Jew. The more desperate someone is for our help, the greater the mitzvah is to help him without delay.
Good Shabbos Everyone
Eli was a bit concerned about the way his car sounded as they drove out of Brooklyn Friday early noon-time. But the car was driving all right, so he put it out of his mind. Unfortunately, just as they exited the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel-right in front of the World Trade Center, (which still stood at the time) -Eli's car suddenly quit in the middle of the intersection. Car horns blared as drivers detoured around them. Eli and his passengers managed to push the car to the side. Then he pulled out his cell phone and called the AAA.
How long will it take for a tow truck to get here?" he asked the operator. "It will be two hours, sir." Two hours! Eli and his friends looked at each other in dismay. It was already after one o'clock. It was a three hour trip up to Thent, a small town in up-state New York, where the group was driving to a Shabbaton.
Shabbos was at 6:09. One did not have to be a mathematical genius to realize that there wouldn't be enough time to make it to Thent in time for Shabbos. "Maybe we should go home," one of the passengers suggested. But then they wouldn't have a minyan up in Thent. Many of the other invitees had already left for the farm where the Shabbaton would be held, and they were counting on them for a minyan. "And all the food's in the car!" Eli suddenly remembered as he looked at the food that he was bringing up for the Shabbaton. "We have to get it up there somehow."
"Maybe we can get a car service to take us," another one of the guys if suggested. "Good idea," Eli agreed. "I'll take care of my car. You go ahead with the food." It was a good idea. There was just one small problem: no car service was willing to come on a Friday afternoon to take them on a three-hour trip to Thent.
Once again, they were staring at each other in dismay, when a brand new Lexus came to a halt right near them. The driver stepped outside and walked over to where they were standing. "Let me take a look at your car," he offered. "Maybe I can find the problem." They watched hopefully as he marched over to the car and lifted the hood. "It's gone," he proclaimed, after studying the engine for a few minutes. "This car is going nowhere." He walked back to the Lexus and said something to the passenger inside.
Then the passenger door opened and a religious Jew stepped out. "My driver says your car is finished." His gaze took in their Shabbos attire. "Where were you trying to go? Maybe I can give you a lift or help out in some way." Eli explained about the trip to Thent.
"We can't turn around and go home, because the food is in the car and they're counting on us for a minyan. We have to get there somehow."
"No problem." the man said instantly. "Here, take the keys to my car drive up there and have a good Shabbos. There's a built-in computer navigator so you won't get lost." The driver looked at his employer with astonishment. "Are you crazy? How can you give them the car? You just drove it off the dealer's lot! It's brand new!" Said the driver. The religious man shrugged. "What's the big deal? It's just a piece of plastic that happened to cost $60 000."
Eli and his friends could not believe it. They didn't even know the man's name and he was willing to lend them his brand-new, expensive car! But they weren't going to turn the offer down. Immediately they transferred the food and seforim (Jewish books) over to the Lexus then settled down inside. Eli held the keys out to one of the other passengers. "Here you'll have to drive. I need to stay here to get my car towed."
"Don't worry about that," their benefactor spoke up. "I'll take care of the towing and I'll find my way home. Just go and have a good Shabbos." As Eli drove off he realized that he hadn't even asked the man his name! Even with the new car their problems weren't over. Traffic was very heavy and more than once they seriously considered turning back. But the thought of how the rest of the group was counting on them made them continue on. They could always spend Shabbos in a motel if it came to that. But they had to try their best.
Traffic finally eased up at around 4:30 in the afternoon. Just then Eli's cell phone rang. "This is AAA. We're in front of the World Trade Center but your car isn't here. Did you tow it already?" Eli realized that the man had the car towed-at his own expense.
At 5:45, with 24 minutes left until Shabbos the Lexus pulled into the Pamoner farm in Thent. The rest of the group, relieved by Eli's arrival, were impressed by the way they had traveled in style. Shabbos was beautiful and inspiring.
After Shabbos, Eli drove back to the city, tracked down the owner of the car - Mr. Isaac Lefkowitz - and brought his Lexus back to him. "We don't know how to thank you," Eli exclaimed. "You really saved our Shabbos."
"There's even more to the story," Mr. Lefkowitz told him. "I have a very successful business, but for years I've been bothered by the way I arrive home late on Friday afternoon, with hardly any time to prepare for Shabbos. This past Rosh Hashanah, I made a resolution that I would close up earlier on Fridays." He paused, then looked at Eli. "This Shabbos was the first week I left early. And there you were, waiting outside with your car." (From Visions of Greatness Reb Yosef Weiss, Vol. 6, p.89)
We should always jump at the opportunity to do a favor for a fellow Jew. The more desperate someone is for our help, the greater the mitzvah is to help him without delay.
Good Shabbos Everyone
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
MATZO-MOBILE - COPS PUT HEAT ON RABBI'S OVEN-BUS
March 27, 2007 -- Thou shalt not make unto thee . . . matzo in a school bus. That's what upstate New York police commanded a Hasidic Jewish group after they learned that a red-and-white school bus had been turned into a giant oven for baking Passover matzos.
With the Jewish holiday just a week away, cops in Spring Valley pulled the plug on the king-sized bus-oven, which belched smoke from the back yard of a residence owned by Rabbi Aaron Winternitz, who heads the 50-member Mivtzar Hatorah congregation.
"Smoke was coming from the stack and there was a working fire," Sgt. Lou Scorziello of the Spring Valley police said yesterday. "This is a tinderbox. There certainly was the potential for an explosion."
The rabbi uses a crank made from a converted exercise bike to mill the flour for the unleavened bread - pushing the peddles with his hands.
Matzos are the staple of the holiday, which commemorates God's mercy in sparing the Israelites from a plague that would have killed their firstborn and their subsequent freedom from slavery in Egypt.
During the weeklong holiday, which begins Monday night, observant Jews eat unleavened bread to illustrate how little time the Israelites had to let their bread rise as they fled Egypt.
Winternitz said the bus - complete with a smokestack, exhaust fans and a working fire - had been making matzos for about three years, and posed no danger to the neighborhood.
But village officials flattened him last Friday after a neighbor called about the smoke, and inspectors found illegal gas lines extending from the house.
Winternitz said it has been a while since the bus actually carried any kids to school.
Before the bus-turned-bakery landed in his backyard, Winternitz said someone else used it as a home and a carrier for a race car.
"School buses are made strong and safe," Winternitz said. "I understand the attention. It's something new that you never saw. Inventions are exciting. People are curious."
Winternitz said concerns that the oven was not safe were just a bunch of smoke.
The rabbi said the bus is used only during the Passover observance to make about 100 pounds of matzos - or two pounds per congregant.
But officials said Winternitz might have to give a little more time to his design.
Although he praised it as "creative," a village official said the bus was sitting too close to the house.
"If something happens, it could spread to the house," said Manny Carmona, the village building enforcement officer.
Carmona said he would not issue a summons if Winternitz provided "clear drawings and approval by a licensed engineer."
"It looks safe," Carmona said, "but you can't go on looks."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Good Shabbos Everyone - Parshas Vayikra 5767
Good Shabbos Everyone. In our portion this week Vayikra, the Torah describes the various korbanos - sacrifices which were brought in the tabernacle and later in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The root of the word korban - (sacrifice) is karov which means close. The essence of the korbanos was that they brought Jews closer to Hashem. The korbanos are sacrifices for Hashem. Our lesson this week is therefore the following: Whenever we make sacrifices for Hashem, we grow closer to Hashem and His Holiness. The following amazing and touching true story illustrates how two friends grew closer to Hashem.
Binyomin Greene grew up in a divided home - his mother was observant and his father secular. On Friday nights, his mother lit her Shabbos candles and his father came home from work and turned on the television. However, Binyomin's father was tolerant and did not object to his wife observing any religious laws she wanted, nor to sending the children to Hebrew day schools.
Little Binyomin followed his mother's guidance until he was eleven years old; then he became very friendly with Clarence, whose family had moved onto his street. Clarence was a boy of African descent and was a year older than Binyomin was. Unfortunately, at the tender age of 12, Clarence was already taking drugs, and had been arrested for theft, and regularly skipped school. Binyomin admired Clarence's courage in doing all the things he wanted, and though Binyomin did not follow Clarence's illegal actions, Binyomin became very influenced by Clarence and slowly drifted away from all his mother's teachings.
Eventually Binyomin left Hebrew school and attended a public high school. Binyomin kept up his close friendship with Clarence, who had already served several short prison terms.
When Bennie, as his friends now called him, graduated from high school, he left home and went to college in another city. He had completely left his Jewish roots, but remained a decent person. One evening he received a call from Clarence, who had just been released from prison. "Bennie," Clarence announced, "I've had it! My life is a sorry mess, and if I don't do a turn-about, I'll end up in the electric chair. I've been doing some real serious thinking," he went on. "Ready for this, Bennie? I've decided that I like what I see about the Jews. I remember your Mom and how you grew up. I would like to convert, if the Rabbis will accept a black man and an ex-con who wants to become a Jew." Binyomin was astonished.
But Clarence meant what he said, and made inquiries until he found an understanding Rabbi who spelled out the many conditions he would have to meet in order to convert. He got right into it and as Clarence became more and more engrossed in his studies, he changed significantly and found the truths he had been lacking. He met Binyomin from time to time, and even tried to encourage him to go back to his Jewish roots.
When Clarence's conversion was final, he telephoned his old friend, saying "my name's Avrohom now." Clarence then told his friend, "Listen, Bennie, I have a great idea for you - why don't you go to Israel and try to find yourself over there among our people?" Something clicked for Binyomin, and he did just that. Shortly after he arrived in Jerusalem, he was directed to a yeshiva for ba'alei teshuuah, and there in yeshiva Binyomin began to reconnect with his Jewish roots. Slowly he realized that he felt peace of mind for the first time in years.
After a few months in Eretz Yisroel, Binyomin decided to enter a higher-level yeshiva and he settled down to study Torah diligently. A few years later he met a very fine girl who had converted to Judaism several years before, and they were married and soon after had children. Binyomin now teaches in a yeshiva in the afternoons, and studies in a kollel (a yeshiva for married men) in the mornings. It was a long road back that Binyomin traveled, but it was his African American friend, Avrohom, who opened his eyes, heart, and soul to that path, which led to his becoming the Torah Jew he is today. (From, Shining Lights, P. 75 R. Shain)
We can be inspired by this story to strive for spiritual growth. We see how much trouble some people are willing to go through in order to become Jewish. How much more so then should those who were born Jewish make efforts to grow close to Hashem through making sacrifices in life. Good Shabbos Everyone.
Good Shabbos Everyone
Binyomin Greene grew up in a divided home - his mother was observant and his father secular. On Friday nights, his mother lit her Shabbos candles and his father came home from work and turned on the television. However, Binyomin's father was tolerant and did not object to his wife observing any religious laws she wanted, nor to sending the children to Hebrew day schools.
Little Binyomin followed his mother's guidance until he was eleven years old; then he became very friendly with Clarence, whose family had moved onto his street. Clarence was a boy of African descent and was a year older than Binyomin was. Unfortunately, at the tender age of 12, Clarence was already taking drugs, and had been arrested for theft, and regularly skipped school. Binyomin admired Clarence's courage in doing all the things he wanted, and though Binyomin did not follow Clarence's illegal actions, Binyomin became very influenced by Clarence and slowly drifted away from all his mother's teachings.
Eventually Binyomin left Hebrew school and attended a public high school. Binyomin kept up his close friendship with Clarence, who had already served several short prison terms.
When Bennie, as his friends now called him, graduated from high school, he left home and went to college in another city. He had completely left his Jewish roots, but remained a decent person. One evening he received a call from Clarence, who had just been released from prison. "Bennie," Clarence announced, "I've had it! My life is a sorry mess, and if I don't do a turn-about, I'll end up in the electric chair. I've been doing some real serious thinking," he went on. "Ready for this, Bennie? I've decided that I like what I see about the Jews. I remember your Mom and how you grew up. I would like to convert, if the Rabbis will accept a black man and an ex-con who wants to become a Jew." Binyomin was astonished.
But Clarence meant what he said, and made inquiries until he found an understanding Rabbi who spelled out the many conditions he would have to meet in order to convert. He got right into it and as Clarence became more and more engrossed in his studies, he changed significantly and found the truths he had been lacking. He met Binyomin from time to time, and even tried to encourage him to go back to his Jewish roots.
When Clarence's conversion was final, he telephoned his old friend, saying "my name's Avrohom now." Clarence then told his friend, "Listen, Bennie, I have a great idea for you - why don't you go to Israel and try to find yourself over there among our people?" Something clicked for Binyomin, and he did just that. Shortly after he arrived in Jerusalem, he was directed to a yeshiva for ba'alei teshuuah, and there in yeshiva Binyomin began to reconnect with his Jewish roots. Slowly he realized that he felt peace of mind for the first time in years.
After a few months in Eretz Yisroel, Binyomin decided to enter a higher-level yeshiva and he settled down to study Torah diligently. A few years later he met a very fine girl who had converted to Judaism several years before, and they were married and soon after had children. Binyomin now teaches in a yeshiva in the afternoons, and studies in a kollel (a yeshiva for married men) in the mornings. It was a long road back that Binyomin traveled, but it was his African American friend, Avrohom, who opened his eyes, heart, and soul to that path, which led to his becoming the Torah Jew he is today. (From, Shining Lights, P. 75 R. Shain)
We can be inspired by this story to strive for spiritual growth. We see how much trouble some people are willing to go through in order to become Jewish. How much more so then should those who were born Jewish make efforts to grow close to Hashem through making sacrifices in life. Good Shabbos Everyone.
Good Shabbos Everyone
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Good Shabbos Everyone - Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei 5767
Good Shabbos Everyone. In the 1920's, a secularist leader in Eretz Yisroel, who was known for his outspoken criticism of the Torah community, suddenly became critically ill. He was brought to the British Missionary Hospital in Jerusalem which, as its name indicates, was owned and operated by Christian missionaries. The hospital was open only to Jews, for its real purpose was not to heal the sick but to introduce Jews to gentile beliefs. Near every bed was a copy of the "New Testament" and the walls of each room were decorated with religious proclamations. Jerusalem's rabbinate had issued a strict ban against even setting foot into the Missionary Hospital.
After being in the hospital for four weeks, the secularist's condition had deteriorated to the point where doctors declared that there was no hope for recovery.
The man's family realized that the only ones who could help them at that point were the doctors at Shaarei Zedek Hospital. Shaarei Zedek had been founded by Jerusalem's Torah community; its staff, headed by the legendary Dr. Moshe Wallach, was known to be the best in the country. The family feared, however, that the patient would not be granted admittance into Shaarei Zedek, since he had ignored the rabbinate's ban and was known as a forceful opponent of the Torah community.
The family concluded that their only hope was to speak to the city's revered Rav, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, who was known for his kindness and love toward every Jew. Someone was chosen to represent the family, and he went to R' Yosef Chaim's humble home in the Old City.
As the man made his way through the streets of Jerusalem, a terrific thunderstorm struck. Wet and shivering, the man entered the Rav's home and found him deeply immersed in study. The visitor apologized and related the entire story.
R' Yosef Chaim promptly closed the sefer before him, donned his coat and prepared to leave for the hospital. Outside the thunderstorm was still raging, so the visitor blocked the door, refusing to allow the Rav to go out in such treacherous weather. "I only asked for a letter, not that the Rav should go out in the storm," he said. To this, R' Yosef Chaim replied, "When a Jewish life is in danger, a letter is not enough. I must personally attend to fulfilling this great mitzvah. "
As the visitor later related: "Still speaking, the Rav dashed out of the room and in a moment he was up the steps. Young as I was, I had trouble keeping up with this seventy-five-year-old man. No sooner had we set out than the rain became torrential. I advised the Rav to wait until it let up a bit. In response, he only quickened his pace, exclaiming, 'Can a few drops of rain deter a person who is going to save a Jewish life?'
"I breathlessly followed the Rav until we reached the Jaffa Gate. There we boarded a carriage and ordered the driver to get us to the hospital as quickly as possible. The Rav drew his worn Tehillim from his pocket; I sat transfixed by the glow on his face as he quietly prayed."
As soon as they arrived at the hospital, R' Yosef Chaim wasted no time in arranging for the patient's immediate admittance. Two weeks later the man was released from the hospital having fully recovered. Knowing how agitated the man became whenever the Torah community came under discussion, his friends decided not to tell him of R' Yosef Chaim's involvement in his case.
During a speech at a groundbreaking ceremony one year later, this secularist declared, "We will build the land in our own way and with our own strength. We will build this land by waging a fight to the death against the black arm of Rabbi Sonnenfeld and his cronies!"
Seated in the audience was the messenger who had come to R' Yosef Chaim on that stormy day to seek his help on the man's behalf. Upon hearing the man's terrible remarks, he jumped up and shouted, "How dare you! Have a little respect for the saintly rabbi to whom you owe your very life!" The messenger then made his way to the podium and spoke at length about the efforts of R' Yosef Chaim to save the speaker's life. (Shabbos Stories, Reb. Shimon Finkelman, p. 122)
It states in the parsha, "and Bnai Yisroel had done everything that Hashem commanded Moshe, so did they do." Is it not redundant that the verse states, "so did they do?" The Torah is perhaps hinting to a basic principle in Jewish belief: we are obligated to follow the advice of our Torah leaders. The Ramban explains in parshas Shoftim, that it is crucial that every Jew listen to his Rabbi. Because, we are a society of laws, and the Rabbis are our judges. A society which does not heed its judges, is doomed to chaos.
We see the greatness of our Torah leaders from the inspirational story we told this week. R' Yosef Chaim was truly a Tzadik, a righteous person who lived an exemplary lifestyle which we can all emulate. Good Shabbos Everyone.
Good Shabbos Everyone
After being in the hospital for four weeks, the secularist's condition had deteriorated to the point where doctors declared that there was no hope for recovery.
The man's family realized that the only ones who could help them at that point were the doctors at Shaarei Zedek Hospital. Shaarei Zedek had been founded by Jerusalem's Torah community; its staff, headed by the legendary Dr. Moshe Wallach, was known to be the best in the country. The family feared, however, that the patient would not be granted admittance into Shaarei Zedek, since he had ignored the rabbinate's ban and was known as a forceful opponent of the Torah community.
The family concluded that their only hope was to speak to the city's revered Rav, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, who was known for his kindness and love toward every Jew. Someone was chosen to represent the family, and he went to R' Yosef Chaim's humble home in the Old City.
As the man made his way through the streets of Jerusalem, a terrific thunderstorm struck. Wet and shivering, the man entered the Rav's home and found him deeply immersed in study. The visitor apologized and related the entire story.
R' Yosef Chaim promptly closed the sefer before him, donned his coat and prepared to leave for the hospital. Outside the thunderstorm was still raging, so the visitor blocked the door, refusing to allow the Rav to go out in such treacherous weather. "I only asked for a letter, not that the Rav should go out in the storm," he said. To this, R' Yosef Chaim replied, "When a Jewish life is in danger, a letter is not enough. I must personally attend to fulfilling this great mitzvah. "
As the visitor later related: "Still speaking, the Rav dashed out of the room and in a moment he was up the steps. Young as I was, I had trouble keeping up with this seventy-five-year-old man. No sooner had we set out than the rain became torrential. I advised the Rav to wait until it let up a bit. In response, he only quickened his pace, exclaiming, 'Can a few drops of rain deter a person who is going to save a Jewish life?'
"I breathlessly followed the Rav until we reached the Jaffa Gate. There we boarded a carriage and ordered the driver to get us to the hospital as quickly as possible. The Rav drew his worn Tehillim from his pocket; I sat transfixed by the glow on his face as he quietly prayed."
As soon as they arrived at the hospital, R' Yosef Chaim wasted no time in arranging for the patient's immediate admittance. Two weeks later the man was released from the hospital having fully recovered. Knowing how agitated the man became whenever the Torah community came under discussion, his friends decided not to tell him of R' Yosef Chaim's involvement in his case.
During a speech at a groundbreaking ceremony one year later, this secularist declared, "We will build the land in our own way and with our own strength. We will build this land by waging a fight to the death against the black arm of Rabbi Sonnenfeld and his cronies!"
Seated in the audience was the messenger who had come to R' Yosef Chaim on that stormy day to seek his help on the man's behalf. Upon hearing the man's terrible remarks, he jumped up and shouted, "How dare you! Have a little respect for the saintly rabbi to whom you owe your very life!" The messenger then made his way to the podium and spoke at length about the efforts of R' Yosef Chaim to save the speaker's life. (Shabbos Stories, Reb. Shimon Finkelman, p. 122)
It states in the parsha, "and Bnai Yisroel had done everything that Hashem commanded Moshe, so did they do." Is it not redundant that the verse states, "so did they do?" The Torah is perhaps hinting to a basic principle in Jewish belief: we are obligated to follow the advice of our Torah leaders. The Ramban explains in parshas Shoftim, that it is crucial that every Jew listen to his Rabbi. Because, we are a society of laws, and the Rabbis are our judges. A society which does not heed its judges, is doomed to chaos.
We see the greatness of our Torah leaders from the inspirational story we told this week. R' Yosef Chaim was truly a Tzadik, a righteous person who lived an exemplary lifestyle which we can all emulate. Good Shabbos Everyone.
Good Shabbos Everyone
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Good Shabbos Everyone - Parshas Mishpatim 5767
Good Shabbos Everyone. There was no denying it. Life was becoming more frightening with each passing day. The Germans had occupied the town and the deportations to the concentration camps had begun. Mendel and Moshe were ready when their turn came. They knew that they would not be allowed to take very much along with them.
One item, however, they made sure to take � their tefillin. And they both vowed that come what may, they would strive to fulfill this precious mitzvah every single day. It was not long before the brothers found themselves on a cattle-car bound for Auschwitz. As soon as they arrived at the camp, they were ordered to undress and their every possession, including their tefillin, was taken from them.
Immediately, the two began searching for a way to get themselves another pair of tefillin. They discovered that all religious articles which the Nazis had confiscated had been thrown into a shed on camp grounds. The Nazis often saved such articles because they planned to build a "museum of the Jews" after the war, so that future generations would know that there was once a people known as "the Jews" which the Germans, the "master race," had wiped off the face of the earth.
One day, Mendel noticed that one of the gentiles working at the camp seemed like a fairly decent fellow. He asked the man what his price would be to get him a pair of tefillin from the shed. The gentile replied that he wanted a day's food rations. Mendel quickly agreed.
The next day, the man brought the tefillin and Mendel handed over the little bread and watery soup that was supposed to have sustained him for that day. When Mendel opened the boxes which housed the tefillin he became filled with dismay � they were both tefillin shel yad (of the arm)! He sought out the gentile and explained the problem.
The gentile replied, "Look here, Jew. I took a big risk bringing you those things. And how was I supposed to know that you wanted two different boxes? If you want me to risk it again, it will cost you another day's food."
Mendel agreed. He fasted two consecutive days, but he had a pair of tefillin. Mendel and Moshe shared their tefillin with any Jew who wanted to put them on. Before long, as many as fifty Jews a day took turns fulfilling this mitzvah.
All were well aware that to get caught would probably mean death. One day, a capo entered the barracks and asked Mendel if he could borrow the tefillin. Mendel had no choice but to give the capo the tefillin. He never returned them. The next day, news spread through the camp that a new transport of Jews would be arriving that day. Well aware of the risk involved, Mendel stood near the barbed wire fence which surrounded the camp, waiting for the transport to arrive.
As soon as the frightened deportees entered the camp grounds, Mendel hurried over to them. "Who has tefillin, who has tefillin'?" he asked frantically, as he hurried up and down the columns of people. Finally, one man called out, "I have tefillin."
"Then please, give them to me," said Mendel. "If you hold on to them, they will surely become lost to you, for you will be ordered to hand over your every possession. But if you give them to me, I will do my very best to guard them, and I will try to return them to you as soon as possible."
The man gave Mendel the tefillin. The man was old and weak and the Nazis had no use for him. They murdered him that same day. Mendel kept the tefillin and, as in the past, shared them with everyone.
Then one day, it happened. While one of the prisoners was wearing the tefillin, a Nazi entered the barracks. The Nazi flew into a rage. He demanded that the tefillin be handed over and asked to whom they belonged. Mendel raised his hand.
"You should really die for this," the Nazi said, "but I've thought of an even better punishment. This afternoon, we're going to assemble all the prisoners in this section. They will all gather in a circle around a fire. And you," he continued, pointing to Mendel, "will throw your 'precious treasure' into the flames!"
He tossed the tefillin back to Mendel and left. The inmates were crestfallen. Some of them went over to comfort Mendel, while the man who had been caught wearing the tefillin begged forgiveness in case he had not been careful enough. Mendel assured him that there was no reason to apologize.
"As for that beast's orders," he continued, "I've prepared for such a possibility." He bent down near his bed and pried up a floorboard. From underneath the floor, Mendel withdrew what looked like a pair of tefillin. "I made these a while back, thinking that they might come in handy some day. Today is the day."
That afternoon, the Jews assembled in a circle around a bonfire which the Nazis had set. As the Nazis looked on mockingly, Mendel threw his empty wooden boxes into the flames.
The next morning, he and his friends donned the tefillin, just as they had the previous mornings. It was 1945 and the war was quickly drawing to a close. The Nazis, realizing that defeat was inevitable, had stopped providing even the pitiful rations which they had given until that point. Prisoners had to fend for themselves to keep from starving.
Mendel was dreadfully weakened from all the hardships and backbreaking work he had endured. He lay on his bed with his eyes closed, barely alive. Moshe was in somewhat better health and he rushed about the camp frantically, trying to find even a crust of bread which would keep his brother alive. A German was riding a wagon through the camp. Moshe noticed something fall off the wagon. He rushed over to pick it up � it was a lump of sugar, a precious commodity!
Quickly, he hurried over to someone. "Would you trade me a few slices of bread for a lump of sugar?" The items were exchanged and Moshe ran back to his barracks. He crumbled the bread into small pieces and proceeded to place a few crumbs into his starving brother's mouth.
Mendel opened his eyes and looked up at his younger brother with a mixture of love and gratitude. After swallowing a couple of mouthfuls, Mendel attempted to speak. Moshe had to bend down and place his ear near his brother's mouth to hear what he was saying.
"Moshe . . . Please bring me the tefillin ... I haven't worn them today. . ." The next day, the Allied armies took control of the camp. Mendel and Moshe eventually made their way to America, along with their precious tefillin. (Shabbos Stories p.212 R. Shlomo Finkelman)
Every Jew has the ability and obligation every day to speak to His creator through the vehicle of prayer. We learn of the obligation of prayer in our weekly parsha Mishpatim. As the verse states, "You shall worship Hashem..." (Shemos 23:25) From this verse, the Rambam derives the source of the mitzvah of daily prayer. (Hilchos Tefilah, 1,1)
Hashem hears our prayers, and if we are worthy, we answers our prayers also. As Dovid HaMelech tells us in Tehillim (Psalms) "Hashem is close to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon him sincerely." (145:18) A day without prayer is like a day without food! Good Shabbos Everyone.
One item, however, they made sure to take � their tefillin. And they both vowed that come what may, they would strive to fulfill this precious mitzvah every single day. It was not long before the brothers found themselves on a cattle-car bound for Auschwitz. As soon as they arrived at the camp, they were ordered to undress and their every possession, including their tefillin, was taken from them.
Immediately, the two began searching for a way to get themselves another pair of tefillin. They discovered that all religious articles which the Nazis had confiscated had been thrown into a shed on camp grounds. The Nazis often saved such articles because they planned to build a "museum of the Jews" after the war, so that future generations would know that there was once a people known as "the Jews" which the Germans, the "master race," had wiped off the face of the earth.
One day, Mendel noticed that one of the gentiles working at the camp seemed like a fairly decent fellow. He asked the man what his price would be to get him a pair of tefillin from the shed. The gentile replied that he wanted a day's food rations. Mendel quickly agreed.
The next day, the man brought the tefillin and Mendel handed over the little bread and watery soup that was supposed to have sustained him for that day. When Mendel opened the boxes which housed the tefillin he became filled with dismay � they were both tefillin shel yad (of the arm)! He sought out the gentile and explained the problem.
The gentile replied, "Look here, Jew. I took a big risk bringing you those things. And how was I supposed to know that you wanted two different boxes? If you want me to risk it again, it will cost you another day's food."
Mendel agreed. He fasted two consecutive days, but he had a pair of tefillin. Mendel and Moshe shared their tefillin with any Jew who wanted to put them on. Before long, as many as fifty Jews a day took turns fulfilling this mitzvah.
All were well aware that to get caught would probably mean death. One day, a capo entered the barracks and asked Mendel if he could borrow the tefillin. Mendel had no choice but to give the capo the tefillin. He never returned them. The next day, news spread through the camp that a new transport of Jews would be arriving that day. Well aware of the risk involved, Mendel stood near the barbed wire fence which surrounded the camp, waiting for the transport to arrive.
As soon as the frightened deportees entered the camp grounds, Mendel hurried over to them. "Who has tefillin, who has tefillin'?" he asked frantically, as he hurried up and down the columns of people. Finally, one man called out, "I have tefillin."
"Then please, give them to me," said Mendel. "If you hold on to them, they will surely become lost to you, for you will be ordered to hand over your every possession. But if you give them to me, I will do my very best to guard them, and I will try to return them to you as soon as possible."
The man gave Mendel the tefillin. The man was old and weak and the Nazis had no use for him. They murdered him that same day. Mendel kept the tefillin and, as in the past, shared them with everyone.
Then one day, it happened. While one of the prisoners was wearing the tefillin, a Nazi entered the barracks. The Nazi flew into a rage. He demanded that the tefillin be handed over and asked to whom they belonged. Mendel raised his hand.
"You should really die for this," the Nazi said, "but I've thought of an even better punishment. This afternoon, we're going to assemble all the prisoners in this section. They will all gather in a circle around a fire. And you," he continued, pointing to Mendel, "will throw your 'precious treasure' into the flames!"
He tossed the tefillin back to Mendel and left. The inmates were crestfallen. Some of them went over to comfort Mendel, while the man who had been caught wearing the tefillin begged forgiveness in case he had not been careful enough. Mendel assured him that there was no reason to apologize.
"As for that beast's orders," he continued, "I've prepared for such a possibility." He bent down near his bed and pried up a floorboard. From underneath the floor, Mendel withdrew what looked like a pair of tefillin. "I made these a while back, thinking that they might come in handy some day. Today is the day."
That afternoon, the Jews assembled in a circle around a bonfire which the Nazis had set. As the Nazis looked on mockingly, Mendel threw his empty wooden boxes into the flames.
The next morning, he and his friends donned the tefillin, just as they had the previous mornings. It was 1945 and the war was quickly drawing to a close. The Nazis, realizing that defeat was inevitable, had stopped providing even the pitiful rations which they had given until that point. Prisoners had to fend for themselves to keep from starving.
Mendel was dreadfully weakened from all the hardships and backbreaking work he had endured. He lay on his bed with his eyes closed, barely alive. Moshe was in somewhat better health and he rushed about the camp frantically, trying to find even a crust of bread which would keep his brother alive. A German was riding a wagon through the camp. Moshe noticed something fall off the wagon. He rushed over to pick it up � it was a lump of sugar, a precious commodity!
Quickly, he hurried over to someone. "Would you trade me a few slices of bread for a lump of sugar?" The items were exchanged and Moshe ran back to his barracks. He crumbled the bread into small pieces and proceeded to place a few crumbs into his starving brother's mouth.
Mendel opened his eyes and looked up at his younger brother with a mixture of love and gratitude. After swallowing a couple of mouthfuls, Mendel attempted to speak. Moshe had to bend down and place his ear near his brother's mouth to hear what he was saying.
"Moshe . . . Please bring me the tefillin ... I haven't worn them today. . ." The next day, the Allied armies took control of the camp. Mendel and Moshe eventually made their way to America, along with their precious tefillin. (Shabbos Stories p.212 R. Shlomo Finkelman)
Every Jew has the ability and obligation every day to speak to His creator through the vehicle of prayer. We learn of the obligation of prayer in our weekly parsha Mishpatim. As the verse states, "You shall worship Hashem..." (Shemos 23:25) From this verse, the Rambam derives the source of the mitzvah of daily prayer. (Hilchos Tefilah, 1,1)
Hashem hears our prayers, and if we are worthy, we answers our prayers also. As Dovid HaMelech tells us in Tehillim (Psalms) "Hashem is close to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon him sincerely." (145:18) A day without prayer is like a day without food! Good Shabbos Everyone.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Meet Fred...
A cop stops a car for traveling faster than the posted speed limit.
The officer asks the man his name "Fred," he replies.
"Fred what?" the officer asks.
"Just Fred," the man responds.
The officer is in a good mood and thinks he might just give the fellow a break and write him out a warning instead of a ticket. The officer then presses him for the last name. The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it. The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it.
"Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?"
The man replies, "It's a long story, so stay with me."
"I was born Fred Dingaling. I know -- a funny last name. Kids used to tease me all the time. So I stayed to myself, studied hard, and got good grades. When I got older I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Dingaling, MD.
"After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through school, got my degree, so then I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS.
"Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD. So now I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS, with VD. Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Dingaling, MD with VD.
Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Dingaling with VD.
Then the VD took away my Dingaling, so now I am Just Fred."
The officer walked away in tears, laughing.
The officer asks the man his name "Fred," he replies.
"Fred what?" the officer asks.
"Just Fred," the man responds.
The officer is in a good mood and thinks he might just give the fellow a break and write him out a warning instead of a ticket. The officer then presses him for the last name. The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it. The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it.
"Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?"
The man replies, "It's a long story, so stay with me."
"I was born Fred Dingaling. I know -- a funny last name. Kids used to tease me all the time. So I stayed to myself, studied hard, and got good grades. When I got older I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Dingaling, MD.
"After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through school, got my degree, so then I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS.
"Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD. So now I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS, with VD. Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Dingaling, MD with VD.
Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Dingaling with VD.
Then the VD took away my Dingaling, so now I am Just Fred."
The officer walked away in tears, laughing.
Monday, February 12, 2007
UK - Police get Guide on Judaism
Police stations across the UK have been sent a new guide which aims to explain to police officers the laws and traditions of Judaism.
The publication, A Police Officer’s Guide To Judaism, has been produced by the Community Security Trust (CST) follows requests from serving officers who wish to know more about Jewish life in a bid to help them engage better with members of the Jewish community.
“We are regularly asked by police officers how they should behave when entering a synagogue, or why Orthodox Jews cannot call to report a crime on the Sabbath,” said CST director of communications Mark Gardner. “It is vital that all officers understand the basic tenets of our religion, so that they can provide an effective and sensitive service to the community.”
Among the topics covered are dietary laws, holidays and death and burial.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Good Shabbos Everyone - Parshas Yisro 5767
Good Shabbos Everyone. Imagine a long table covered with a beautiful white tablecloth. On the table there are silver candlesticks with candles burning, and a crystal flask of deep red wine. Imagine that at the head of the table there are two braided loaves of bread. Imagine that the room is warm; it is a spiritual warmth. Imagine that the smell of chicken soup wafts in the air. Imagine that the children are smiling, the adults have a content and relaxed expression on their faces and everyone is wearing their finest. Imagine that there are no worries, no pagers, no ringing cell phones, no bosses, no blaring televisions; instead there is great food, wonderful song and inspiring words of Torah. Image peace. Imagine happiness. Imagine tranquility. Imagine a taste of paradise. Imagine Shabbos…
If you experience the beauty of Shabbos every week then you know… If you have yet to experience Shabbos, then your imagination will have to suffice. Everyone knows that reality is much better than the imagination.
Shabbos is the most important institution in the Jewish faith. The Sages go so far as to say that observing Shabbos is the solution to all the world’s problems. As the Talmud teaches us: “If all the Children of Israel would observe one Shabbos properly, then Moshiach would come immediately." (The 39 Avoth Melacha of Shabbath, Rabbi Baruch Chait, citing Talmud Yerushalmi, Taanis 1:1)
The importance of Shabbos is evidenced by the fact that Shabbos appears in the Ten Commandments, which is the seminal creed of the Jewish people. As we read in this week’s parsha Yisro in the fourth commandment: “You shall remember the Shabbos day to make it Holy. Six days you shall work and you shall do all of your labor. But the seventh day is Shabbos for Hashem your G-d, you shall not do any work...” (Shemos - Exodus 20:9) Many people are willing to accept upon themselves the Ten Commandments. However, one who does not keep Shabbos is only observing nine of the Ten Commandments.(Shabbos, Rav Aryeh Kaplan)
The Sages have told us in many places about the greatness of Shabbos. For example, “Whoever is careful with Shabbos observance will be forgiven for all of his sins, even idol worship.” (Ibid, citing Shabbos 118b) And, “Respecting Shabbos is greater than fasting 1000 days.” (Ibid., citing Tachuma, Bereishis 3) Also, “Whoever takes pleasure in the enjoyment of the Shabbos will be granted all his heart’s desires.” (Ibid., citing Shabbos 118b) And, “Observing Shabbos is equal to fulfilling all the mitzvahs of the Torah.” (Ibid., citing Pesikta) And, “Proper observance of just one Shabbos is equal to having observed every Shabbos since the time of Creation.” (Ibid., citing Mechilta, Ki-Sisa 31) The following inspirational story shows us the power of keeping Shabbos.
The distraught woman took an audible breath. "My name is Sarah Paller." And it's my brother. He's going to end up in jail! He's been arrested, and now the judge wants to make an example of him for the rest of the community." Her voice began to grow hysterical again. "He's going to put my brother in jail! For five years!"
"What's your brother's name?" Rabbi Gruskin cut in. "Joe. Joe Paller." "Joe Paller?" Rabbi Gruskin repeated. "I don't think I know him. Is he affiliated with a synagogue?"
The woman replied with the name of a local conservative synagogue. "So why are you calling me?" Rabbi Gruskin asked, puzzled.
"I've already spoken to his rabbi, along with another rabbi who knows my brother," the woman admitted. "And they've both gone to see the judge."
"And?" "The judge hasn't responded to them! He won't listen, he doesn't understand! I was hoping maybe you could do something." "But how do you expect me to make a difference? I'm a total stranger."
"Please, rabbi. Please help me." Rabbi Gruskin sighed. "All right, I'll try." "Thank you, rabbi. Thank you so much!" She gave Rabbi Gruskin the address of her brother's business and hung up. Rabbi Gruskin set out immediately.
A short while later he was speaking to the receptionist at the front desk. "I'm here to see Mr. Paller." The secretary picked up her phone and dialed an extension. "Mr. Paller? There's someone here to see you."
A few minutes later a man walked into the lobby from a back office. He looked at the secretary, who nodded toward Rabbi Gruskin. "Mr. Paller? I'm Rabbi Gruskin." "What can I do for you?" Joe Paller asked.
"Actually, I came to see if there was anything I could do for you." Joe Paller gave Rabbi Gruskin a strange look. " I'm not sure what you mean." "Your sister called me this morning and said that you were in some sort of trouble with the law. She's worried that you're about to go to jail."
Joe Paller's face darkened. His jaw clenched as he muttered something angrily under his breath. "Who does she think she is, getting mixed up in my business like that?" he burst out. "And who do you think you are?"
Rabbi Gruskin lifted his hands in a soothing gesture. "I've only come because your sister seems very concerned about you. You should feel fortunate that somebody cares enough to help you."
"My rabbi has already spoken to the judge, and nothing's changed," Joe said dismissively. "Why should you be any different? "You're probably right about that," Rabbi Gruskin admitted. "If I went by myself to see the judge, I'm sure it wouldn't accomplish anything." He paused for a moment. "But what if I had someone with me when I went to see the judge? What if I went with someone special? Maybe then I could help you."
"Someone special?" Joe said suspiciously. "You mean a lawyer?"
"That's not quite what I had in mind, Mr. Paller." Joe Paller stared blankly at Rabbi Gruskin for a moment. "So who're you talking about?"
"Shabbos," Rabbi Gruskin said emphatically. "If I went to the judge with the power of Shabbos, I know that would help. I want you to start keeping Shabbos."
"That's ridiculous," Joe snorted. "What does the Sabbath have to do with going to jail? I've got a business to run, Rabbi, and I'm not going to throw it all away just because you told me to. You're crazy, coming in here thinking you can just tell me what to do!"
"You know something, Mr. Paller?" Rabbi Gruskin said, shaking his head. "I don't really know you, but I can see that you're not a very smart man."
Before Rabbi Gruskin could get another word out, Joe Paller had practically jumped on him. "Now wait just a minute here! How do you know I'm not smart? Why did you say that?"
"Relax, Mr. Paller, and listen closely. If you get five years in prison, that would mean 365 days multiplied by 5, so it's just over 1800 days of prison time. Now, I know a bit about life in jail, because I was a chaplain at one of the federal prisons, and let me tell you—it's no picnic. You're only allowed a set amount of mail a week, visitors only at certain times on certain days, phone calls only when they choose, no liquor. You'll sit in a two-by-four cell day in and day out, and you'll only be allowed in the yard if the judge grants permission. That's plenty of time away from your business in very unpleasant surroundings.
"Now let's say your business will keep going for another thirty years or so. Shabbos comes around fifty times a year, so it's a total of 1500 Shabbos days in those years. Granted, you're restricted on Shabbos too, but it's a bit more pleasant than in prison. You're in your own, comfortable home. You can eat cholent, kugel, drink liquor, rest a little, learn a little, go out for walks, be with your family. And during the rest of the week, you can write as many letters and make as many phone calls as you wish. "So you look at the numbers and at the restrictions, Mr. Paller. And you tell me which one's a better deal. You would pick prison and no family over Shabbos and family, and you tell me that you're a smart man? I just don't see it," Rabbi Gruskin concluded.
Joe Feller was silent for a few minutes. He scratched his chin and looked up at the ceiling before finally meeting Rabbi Gruskin's gaze. "So what do you want me to do?" he asked.
"What I said before. Start observing Shabbos. Give it a try, and while you do, think about everything I just said to you. I think you'll see I'm right."
" I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. Okay, I'll do it," Joe said decisively. "Let's shake on it." He held out his hand, and Rabbi Gruskin shook it.
"Now that you've promised to keep Shabbos, I think it's time to see the judge," Rabbi Gruskin offered. Joe walked over to the secretary's desk, picked up the phone and dialed a number. Then he held the phone out to Rabbi Gruskin. "Here, you talk to him."
Rabbi Gruskin took the phone and a few minutes later was put through to the judge himself. "This is Judge Collins, how may I help you?" "Good morning, Judge Collins, this is Rabbi Gruskin."
"You're calling about the Paller case, aren't you," the judge interrupted. "I think I've heard from every rabbi in the city." "Your honor, if you've seen every rabbi, then why not get to know another one?" The judge laughed.
"I guess you're right. Why don't you come down to my office this Tuesday? Then we can talk in person." Rabbi Gruskin hung up the phone and turned to Joe Paller. "I'll meet you here on Tuesday morning. We'll be seeing the judge that afternoon."
Joe's sentencing was scheduled for Thursday, so the two were careful about keeping their appointment with the judge on Tuesday. "So, Rabbi, what is it that you want me to know? I should warn you beforehand that I am determined to make an example out of Mr. Paller," the judge said coolly. "There has to be a stop to this behavior."
Rabbi Gurskin was silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. Finally, he said, "Your honor, I am reminded just now of Joseph and his brothers—from the Bible."
"In what way?" the judge asked with interest. "I'm thinking specifically of the episode where Benjamin was supposedly caught stealing the silver flask. The brothers were dumbfounded, and exclaimed, 'What can we say? This is the work of the Almighty.'" Rabbi Gruskin stopped. "To tell you the truth, your honor," he admitted, "I am at a loss as to what to say."
The judge nodded, looking thoughtful. "It's interesting that you mentioned that episode. I am a Sunday school teacher, as well as a judge, and this Sunday I'll be teaching my class this particular story. I'm interested in hearing the Jewish point of view. Tell me what the Talmudic sages have to say."
Rabbi Gruskin related the story of Joseph and his brothers to a fascinated judge and an interested Joe Paller. The discussion lasted over an hour. "Rabbi, I'm impressed," the judge said finally. "I've changed my mind. I will not sentence Mr. Paller to jail. I'll give him probation, I'll give him a hefty fine, but no jail. I promise, Rabbi." (Visions of Greatness, Volume VIII, R. Y. Weiss) Good Shabbos Everyone.
Taken from the Good Shabbos Everyone
If you experience the beauty of Shabbos every week then you know… If you have yet to experience Shabbos, then your imagination will have to suffice. Everyone knows that reality is much better than the imagination.
Shabbos is the most important institution in the Jewish faith. The Sages go so far as to say that observing Shabbos is the solution to all the world’s problems. As the Talmud teaches us: “If all the Children of Israel would observe one Shabbos properly, then Moshiach would come immediately." (The 39 Avoth Melacha of Shabbath, Rabbi Baruch Chait, citing Talmud Yerushalmi, Taanis 1:1)
The importance of Shabbos is evidenced by the fact that Shabbos appears in the Ten Commandments, which is the seminal creed of the Jewish people. As we read in this week’s parsha Yisro in the fourth commandment: “You shall remember the Shabbos day to make it Holy. Six days you shall work and you shall do all of your labor. But the seventh day is Shabbos for Hashem your G-d, you shall not do any work...” (Shemos - Exodus 20:9) Many people are willing to accept upon themselves the Ten Commandments. However, one who does not keep Shabbos is only observing nine of the Ten Commandments.(Shabbos, Rav Aryeh Kaplan)
The Sages have told us in many places about the greatness of Shabbos. For example, “Whoever is careful with Shabbos observance will be forgiven for all of his sins, even idol worship.” (Ibid, citing Shabbos 118b) And, “Respecting Shabbos is greater than fasting 1000 days.” (Ibid., citing Tachuma, Bereishis 3) Also, “Whoever takes pleasure in the enjoyment of the Shabbos will be granted all his heart’s desires.” (Ibid., citing Shabbos 118b) And, “Observing Shabbos is equal to fulfilling all the mitzvahs of the Torah.” (Ibid., citing Pesikta) And, “Proper observance of just one Shabbos is equal to having observed every Shabbos since the time of Creation.” (Ibid., citing Mechilta, Ki-Sisa 31) The following inspirational story shows us the power of keeping Shabbos.
The distraught woman took an audible breath. "My name is Sarah Paller." And it's my brother. He's going to end up in jail! He's been arrested, and now the judge wants to make an example of him for the rest of the community." Her voice began to grow hysterical again. "He's going to put my brother in jail! For five years!"
"What's your brother's name?" Rabbi Gruskin cut in. "Joe. Joe Paller." "Joe Paller?" Rabbi Gruskin repeated. "I don't think I know him. Is he affiliated with a synagogue?"
The woman replied with the name of a local conservative synagogue. "So why are you calling me?" Rabbi Gruskin asked, puzzled.
"I've already spoken to his rabbi, along with another rabbi who knows my brother," the woman admitted. "And they've both gone to see the judge."
"And?" "The judge hasn't responded to them! He won't listen, he doesn't understand! I was hoping maybe you could do something." "But how do you expect me to make a difference? I'm a total stranger."
"Please, rabbi. Please help me." Rabbi Gruskin sighed. "All right, I'll try." "Thank you, rabbi. Thank you so much!" She gave Rabbi Gruskin the address of her brother's business and hung up. Rabbi Gruskin set out immediately.
A short while later he was speaking to the receptionist at the front desk. "I'm here to see Mr. Paller." The secretary picked up her phone and dialed an extension. "Mr. Paller? There's someone here to see you."
A few minutes later a man walked into the lobby from a back office. He looked at the secretary, who nodded toward Rabbi Gruskin. "Mr. Paller? I'm Rabbi Gruskin." "What can I do for you?" Joe Paller asked.
"Actually, I came to see if there was anything I could do for you." Joe Paller gave Rabbi Gruskin a strange look. " I'm not sure what you mean." "Your sister called me this morning and said that you were in some sort of trouble with the law. She's worried that you're about to go to jail."
Joe Paller's face darkened. His jaw clenched as he muttered something angrily under his breath. "Who does she think she is, getting mixed up in my business like that?" he burst out. "And who do you think you are?"
Rabbi Gruskin lifted his hands in a soothing gesture. "I've only come because your sister seems very concerned about you. You should feel fortunate that somebody cares enough to help you."
"My rabbi has already spoken to the judge, and nothing's changed," Joe said dismissively. "Why should you be any different? "You're probably right about that," Rabbi Gruskin admitted. "If I went by myself to see the judge, I'm sure it wouldn't accomplish anything." He paused for a moment. "But what if I had someone with me when I went to see the judge? What if I went with someone special? Maybe then I could help you."
"Someone special?" Joe said suspiciously. "You mean a lawyer?"
"That's not quite what I had in mind, Mr. Paller." Joe Paller stared blankly at Rabbi Gruskin for a moment. "So who're you talking about?"
"Shabbos," Rabbi Gruskin said emphatically. "If I went to the judge with the power of Shabbos, I know that would help. I want you to start keeping Shabbos."
"That's ridiculous," Joe snorted. "What does the Sabbath have to do with going to jail? I've got a business to run, Rabbi, and I'm not going to throw it all away just because you told me to. You're crazy, coming in here thinking you can just tell me what to do!"
"You know something, Mr. Paller?" Rabbi Gruskin said, shaking his head. "I don't really know you, but I can see that you're not a very smart man."
Before Rabbi Gruskin could get another word out, Joe Paller had practically jumped on him. "Now wait just a minute here! How do you know I'm not smart? Why did you say that?"
"Relax, Mr. Paller, and listen closely. If you get five years in prison, that would mean 365 days multiplied by 5, so it's just over 1800 days of prison time. Now, I know a bit about life in jail, because I was a chaplain at one of the federal prisons, and let me tell you—it's no picnic. You're only allowed a set amount of mail a week, visitors only at certain times on certain days, phone calls only when they choose, no liquor. You'll sit in a two-by-four cell day in and day out, and you'll only be allowed in the yard if the judge grants permission. That's plenty of time away from your business in very unpleasant surroundings.
"Now let's say your business will keep going for another thirty years or so. Shabbos comes around fifty times a year, so it's a total of 1500 Shabbos days in those years. Granted, you're restricted on Shabbos too, but it's a bit more pleasant than in prison. You're in your own, comfortable home. You can eat cholent, kugel, drink liquor, rest a little, learn a little, go out for walks, be with your family. And during the rest of the week, you can write as many letters and make as many phone calls as you wish. "So you look at the numbers and at the restrictions, Mr. Paller. And you tell me which one's a better deal. You would pick prison and no family over Shabbos and family, and you tell me that you're a smart man? I just don't see it," Rabbi Gruskin concluded.
Joe Feller was silent for a few minutes. He scratched his chin and looked up at the ceiling before finally meeting Rabbi Gruskin's gaze. "So what do you want me to do?" he asked.
"What I said before. Start observing Shabbos. Give it a try, and while you do, think about everything I just said to you. I think you'll see I'm right."
" I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. Okay, I'll do it," Joe said decisively. "Let's shake on it." He held out his hand, and Rabbi Gruskin shook it.
"Now that you've promised to keep Shabbos, I think it's time to see the judge," Rabbi Gruskin offered. Joe walked over to the secretary's desk, picked up the phone and dialed a number. Then he held the phone out to Rabbi Gruskin. "Here, you talk to him."
Rabbi Gruskin took the phone and a few minutes later was put through to the judge himself. "This is Judge Collins, how may I help you?" "Good morning, Judge Collins, this is Rabbi Gruskin."
"You're calling about the Paller case, aren't you," the judge interrupted. "I think I've heard from every rabbi in the city." "Your honor, if you've seen every rabbi, then why not get to know another one?" The judge laughed.
"I guess you're right. Why don't you come down to my office this Tuesday? Then we can talk in person." Rabbi Gruskin hung up the phone and turned to Joe Paller. "I'll meet you here on Tuesday morning. We'll be seeing the judge that afternoon."
Joe's sentencing was scheduled for Thursday, so the two were careful about keeping their appointment with the judge on Tuesday. "So, Rabbi, what is it that you want me to know? I should warn you beforehand that I am determined to make an example out of Mr. Paller," the judge said coolly. "There has to be a stop to this behavior."
Rabbi Gurskin was silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. Finally, he said, "Your honor, I am reminded just now of Joseph and his brothers—from the Bible."
"In what way?" the judge asked with interest. "I'm thinking specifically of the episode where Benjamin was supposedly caught stealing the silver flask. The brothers were dumbfounded, and exclaimed, 'What can we say? This is the work of the Almighty.'" Rabbi Gruskin stopped. "To tell you the truth, your honor," he admitted, "I am at a loss as to what to say."
The judge nodded, looking thoughtful. "It's interesting that you mentioned that episode. I am a Sunday school teacher, as well as a judge, and this Sunday I'll be teaching my class this particular story. I'm interested in hearing the Jewish point of view. Tell me what the Talmudic sages have to say."
Rabbi Gruskin related the story of Joseph and his brothers to a fascinated judge and an interested Joe Paller. The discussion lasted over an hour. "Rabbi, I'm impressed," the judge said finally. "I've changed my mind. I will not sentence Mr. Paller to jail. I'll give him probation, I'll give him a hefty fine, but no jail. I promise, Rabbi." (Visions of Greatness, Volume VIII, R. Y. Weiss) Good Shabbos Everyone.
Taken from the Good Shabbos Everyone
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