Hi,
Hope you’re having a great day.
It’s amazing how our perspective on things can change.
My nephew Yehudah has a very long road ahead of him.
Thank G-d, there have been some encouraging signs.
Very small things. But very important things.
Like a little sensation where there was none before.
But when it happens to Yehudah?
It’s exciting! And it gives us hope.
It also makes us think about the things that we usually take for granted.
It reminded me of this story.
An Israeli tour bus driver was greeting everyone with a big smile and a hearty ‘Good morning!’
Finally one of the passengers says to him: “Boy. You’re in a real good mood today”.
And the driver explained: “Something happened yesterday that really got me thinking.
I was hired to show a family the sights. We stopped at a very beautiful spot. It was just breathtaking.
Everyone got off the bus to take a closer look. And then I noticed one older man who had remained on the bus.
I asked him if he needed help. He said: “No thank you.
It’s just that I’m almost completely blind. And I wouldn’t appreciate the scene. So I might as well wait on the bus”.
… And then, he told me something amazing.
“You should know that I’m a very successful businessman. A millionaire.
But I’d give up every penny to be able to enjoy a beautiful sight again
The bus driver continued: “This morning I got up and started thinking.
That man would give up a million dollars to be able to see.
… And I can see! So I’m a millionaire!
… A millionaire!
Of course I’m excited!”
… The doctors are cautious, but hopeful.
It is possible for him to bounce back and regain full function.
Yehudah is very alert, very aware of the challenge he faces. And very determined.
He’s also aware that as much as he is ready to give it all he has?
He will need a huge amount of help.
He’s now inOttawawhere there is a rehab center specializing in spinal injuries.
And where he will get the best medical care possible.
But Yehudah deeply believes that there is a whole other level of help.
Spiritual energy.
The thousands of people praying for him all over the world.
Huge numbers of people who have decided to be more sensitive to the feelings of others.
And thousands of people who are trying to make their Shabbos more special.
Like the woman who wrote to say that she “did it for Yehudah”…
“I left my computer off the entire Shabbos!”
Try to think of something you can do to make this Shabbos special.
(No gossip? No computer? No Blackberry?
(Shabbat candles? Special Shabbat dinner? Jewish learning? Quality time with family or friends?)
And if you regularly attend a full Shabbat morning service, that’s great.
If not, there’s this week’s special CTN Shabbat Experience.
It’s informal and relaxed. We’ll sit around a table and make Shabbat more meaningful.
And make our lives more meaningful.
We’ll say some select prayers and really understand their meaning.
You’ll hear short insights, inspiring stories and nuggets of inspiration.
And you can even ask questions and get answers!
And yes… There will be a Kiddush following with great food.
The CTN Shabbat Experience
Saturday, July 17, 9:30 – 11 am at the CTN Center, 2832 West Touhy
Registration: http://www.torahnetwork.org/shabbatservice.htm
All the best,
Rabbi Moshe Katz
Director
ChicagoTorah Network
2832W. Touhy Avenue
Chicago,IL60645
P 773. 761. 0400 ext. 201
F 773. 761. 9262