Page 30 - Jewish News_November-2020
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30A November 2020 JEWISH INTEREST
Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old
Finding happiness
By Rabbi Barbara Aiello
an looked up from her book Nan realize how deeply unhappy Kurt God and your fellow human beings, require perfection in every activity. Mazel Tov!
and observed the man she’d was. do so with no ulterior motive. In other God In Your Words
Nbeen married to for more than What do our traditions teach us words, take an action because it is the When you pray, meditate or reflect, vi-
40 years. “Kurt, you’re pacing, and about happiness? What can we do, if right thing to do, and not because you sualize that God is invested within the Benderson
when you’re pacing I know some- anything, to overcome sadness? Ac- expect something in return. letters and the words that you choose.
thing’s not right.” cording to Tzvi Freeman (“How the God Will Save Us Zernitsky writes, “Words are the cloth-
“OK, so I’m Baal Shem Tov Changed the Way We Be joyful in the knowledge that when ing for your thoughts. Clothing that is
pacing. What’s Think About Happiness,” chabad.org), you have troubles, the God of your neat and clean brings out a person’s
the big deal?” the famous sage, the Baal Shem Tov, understanding will come to your res- inner beauty. Your words of prayer
was Kurt’s de- had an answer. A respected rabbi who cue – with a fresh perspective, a new God’s presence as well-spoken words Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
provide the same sort of clothing for
fensive response. lived in Poland in the 19 century, his thought, an idea of how to approach
th
Undaunted, Nan name means the “man who has an ex- and solve a problem. bring out your inner thoughts.
continued, “The cellent reputation.” He brought about Joyous Studies The Baal Shem Tov taught that
big deal is that major changes in the Jewish religion. Find a subject that interests you and in every word you speak, you should at
something’s both- He encouraged rabbis to refrain from a study it with energy and great joy. intend to sweeten a relationship. This
Rabbi Barbara Aiello ering you. I’m focus on the negative and instead teach When you immerse yourself in study means that you must let go of the harsh
here. I’m listening. So you’ll tell me.” the people how to have a joyful rela- you will reduce disturbing thoughts. approach of finding fault with every-
Reluctant as he was to open up, tionship with God. Reverence and Happiness one and instead enter a mode of com-
Kurt knew it was time to talk. After How is happiness achieved? Rab- Don’t torment yourself that you do not passion, seeking out the positive.”
all, it had been five weeks and things binic sages from historical to modern know the proper prayers or that you are Finally, our sages believed that
weren’t getting any better. In fact, Kurt times have interpreted the Baal Shem unfamiliar with rituals. Use your own “The joy we are talking about is not the
felt miserable. He said, “Rosh Hasha- Tov’s teachings and applied them to words and melodies and be grateful for screaming and shouting of a crazed fa-
nah usually picks me up, but this year, our lives. According to Leon Zernitsky every opportunity to pray and sing. natic. It is joy with a purpose, for when
no. It’s the COVID-19 thing, the lock- (“Eighteen Joyous Quotations of the The Happy Ascetic we offer a helping hand to another,
down, the restrictions. OK. so I’m not a Baal Shem Tov,” chabad.org), these We all want the good things in life but when we marshal our efforts to bring
regular shul-goer. I mean, twice, three teachings emphasize principles that al- do not permit an obsession, like a de- happiness to our world, we find that we
times a year is enough for me. But I leviate sadness and lead us to living in sire for a new car, a bigger house, the are living in joy.”
had no idea how much I’d miss just sit- joy. Here are several: latest electronics, more money, etc., to For 10 years Rabbi Barbara Aiello
ting in the synagogue. How sad it was Trust and Celebrate lead you into depression. On the con- served the Aviva Campus for Senior
that the kids aren’t here and all we’re Imagine that God’s loving presence is trary, celebrate that you have the ca- Life as resident rabbi. Her most pop-
getting are virtual hugs. I want the real continually with you and protecting pacity to overcome these desires and ular columns are now published in her
thing. I want our life back to the way it you. Remember that you are bound to remain grateful for what you have. new book, Aging Jewishly, available
used to be!” the Creator and the Creator is bound Better Happy Than Strict on Amazon. Rabbi Barbara now lives
Nan looked closely at Kurt. Were to you. You are never alone. Do not become so obsessed with details and works in Italy where she is rabbi For receiving a
those tears in his eyes? Certainly it had Sincerity and Joy that you castigate yourself over every of Italy’s first Reconstructionist syna-
been a difficult year, but only now did When you do something out of love for little thing. Do not become obsessively gogue. Contact her at Rabbi@Rabbi
self-critical because this will bring de- Barbara.com.
pression. Living a joyful life does not Deficiency Free Survey
from the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration
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