We can learn from everything

Today, people are divided into two camps; those who read the news constantly and those who no longer read the news at all. The world, especially the Jewish world, is going through some difficult times. How are we supposed to make sense of things today?

First, take care of yourself

To begin, one must be aware of one’s emotional state. There is no point in reading news that will increase one’s anxiety. Troubling events, outside of one’s control, can cause anxiety. On the other hand, if we have the proper lens, it is possible to learn from everything. Take the Egyptian plagues from the Torah for instance.

Each plague teaches and important lesson in the service of G-d. 

On the surface, it seems that the plagues are just tools that G-d uses to have the Jews released from slavery. But, if one looks a little deeper, each of the plagues provides a lesson in the service to G-d. 

The plague of blood tells us to get warm. 

The first plague, blood tells us that we need to have some warmth in our service to G-d. Water is cold. Blood, in addition to being the liquid of life, is warm. Warmth is the first ingredient to Jewish life. If we are not warm and excited about Jewish life it is hard to accomplish anything else. Without warmth we would still be in Egypt. So, get excited and get that blood moving. To that effect, the Greensboro Jewish Federation has some wonderfully warm events coming up…. For example the Jewish Film Festival and our Israel 101 class.

Also – Let us know what lessons you are deriving from the news of the day and we can share them….