Category — Sukkos

So it’s that time of the year again where pious Jews start living outdoor Hawaiian style. Plus once a day they take a bunch of leaves with a citrus, wrap them together and shake ‘em, raising eyebrows from many a passerby.

Let’s take a closer look at what this green and yellow combo is comprised of… and maybe we can even find great relevance to our daily lives!

We’ll start with the best looking and tasting of the bunch, the Etrog – citrus. Ah what a taste and oh what a smell. Like those times when we are at our best, willing to do anything were asked, our temper is locked away, our self esteem is just perfect, we are strong and firm and at the same time soft and warm.

Downside? Ego. It’s at these times that our ego takes a soar to the heavens… ‘I’m just the best’.

Etrog – we’re in the mood for everything.

In second place comes the Lulav – palm frond. Palms (dates) have a great taste but lack aroma, implying that they have substance – mind, but lack smell– action. I am honest and fair, I read every book on business management and on being the perfect spouse and parent, and I follow them to the letter! You’ll never find me doing the wrong thing, I am a fully thought out person.

So what’s my downside? Don’t ask me to take out the garbage, because I’m too busy learning the different personalities of my three year old son and my six month old daughter and how it affects their relationship… Oh, and to fold laundry? Please, that is so dull. Basically I’m the kind of guy who’s wonderful to describe on paper and on the tomb, but not necessarily easy to live with.

Lulav – we’re in the mood for reflection, not action.

A millisecond later comes in our third mood the Hadas – myrtle. Smells like heaven, but nothing to munch on. Lots of warmth, but no brains… I’ll build anything you ask from me, I’ll take out the garbage, yes, yes, yes whatever you ask. Robot.

Downside? One thing I can’t do is to sit and reflect. I’m not in the mood to delve into intellectual pursuits, I’m just busy doing the right thing and I don’t have time to learn what the right thing is!

Hadas – Just do, don’t think. Not exactly a relationship mood…

In the last place we have Mr. and Mrs. Arava – willow. Nothing to talk about. No taste and no smell. Just one lousy mood. Those times when we roll up in the blanket until 4 pm and forget the world exists and all else. Zero productivity.

Upside? This mood is honest and humble! He knows his faults and he doesn’t feel too good about it…

Arava – lock down.

Take all these moods, which sometimes can all occur within the same 24 hours… and learn from the pro’s and con’s of each of them. Wrap them all together, say a blessing to G-d and request him to make us greater and stronger than our moods. Then shake them and shake them and shake them until you become master of them all…

A few weeks ago I was delivering a sermon in a synagogue. In the middle of my sermon, I noticed someone get up and walk out. Of course, I was pretty hurt, but I managed to contain my feelings and concluded the sermon. At the end of the service, I went over to the fellow and asked him why he’d left.
“Oh,” he said, “nothing personal, Rabbi. I went to get a haircut.”
Of course, I was relieved. But then it occurred to me to ask him, “But why didn’t you get the haircut before my sermon?”
“Rabbi, I didn’t need one then!”
***
In desperate need of a suit in honor of the holidays, I went shopping in the mall.
My first stop was a nice big store with a beautiful display. A pleasure to shop in – or so I thought. I went over to the first suit that caught my eye, an elegant blue striped suit, and casually checked the price tag. To my shock and consternation, it read $4000!
Obviously, I had walked into an extremely upscale store – the price range here was completely out of my league.
Not to feel like a total loser, I made sure to try on the jacket and photograph myself in it. And so, at least for a quick moment, I felt like a millionaire. And it was even caught on camera!
Walking out of the store, I couldn’t help thinking: Ah, if only I had the money to go shopping without dashing for the ” Sale” rack! Then, with closed eyes, I would swipe my credit card on a purchase of a flashy new Lamborghini; I would build a mansion on the beach.
Oh, I thought to myself, how happy I would be!
That changed on Sunday.
I was at the airport waiting to board the plane. Feeling hungry, I walked over to a newsstand to buy some candy. Against my better judgment, I snatched a glimpse at the day’s news headlines.
The covers of the multi-readership magazines and papers shouted of conflict, destroyed lives, and immorality. And somehow, most headlines involved celebrities.
Boom! In a flash, the truth hit me in the face, and it screamed: Wake up! See for yourself how fame, money and material bliss not only do not contribute to happiness – on the contrary, they thwart it! These adored personalities, envies of the public, can not enjoy the blessings of normal life, health and family which many take for granted. It’s a heavy price they pay.
*
Wednesday evening, we begin a nine-day non-stop marathon of feasting, dancing, and laughter.
Having a hard time putting a smile on the face after your credit card has been stretched to the max, and you don’t have a clue where to start?
That’s the point! You don’t need to acquire anything to find happiness, because it comes from within. Just look inside and become aware of the unique YOU, by appreciating the fact that you are so special that there is no one in the world like you. Be happy because G-d trusts and believes in you.
If thinking is too difficult, just put a smile on your face. True, you’ll feel like a stewardess. But feelings follow action, and before you know it, it will be for real.
Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!