Nathan’s October 2022 Newsletter
"The comfort zone is the great enemy of courage and confidence." Brian Tracy
Right when you think you’re getting better at juggling many balls, a wrench or two get thrown at you. It has probably been one of the most difficult of times I can think of this current month. The holidays are always pretty hard for me (yeah I know, it is supposed to be the opposite) as I like my routine, healthy eating, exercise, reasonable sleep schedule and work comes easier than praying and partying. As I talked about in last month’s newsletter, a lot is going on.
There is an old story about a Rabbi that had a very successful business, he would pick up all these items via boat across the sea, sell them where he lives and it provided him great wealth. Each year, he would do the same but kept increasing the amount he bought, gaining more and more wealth but always putting the earnings back into more merchandise. This Rabbi explained to his students how everything that happens is from G-d. And everything that happens is good, so you should always know this no matter how things look on the outside. Then one year, as his merchandise was coming back, the boat that held all of his goods, sank during a vicious storm out at sea. The Rabbi’s students didn’t know how to break it to their teacher, but they remembered what he said about always knowing everything that comes from G-d is good and that it should never phase you. So a student said, “Rabbi, you know how you said everything is good and no matter what happens in life, should be seen as good?” The Rabbi nodded in agreement with a big smile. The student continued, “well your boat of merchandise sunk in a big storm.”
The Rabbi passed out when he heard the news. When the students woke him up, they asked why he reacted the way he did if he knows it’s for the good. The Rabbi said, “yes, the theory sounds nice but until it happens to you, it is very hard to internalize.”
One thing I’ve learned from this last month is never judge what someone is going through. While many people go through similar circumstances, it is never the exact same situation. I know when people move and are super stressed sometimes I think, why is it so hard? Not anymore.
We are super blessed to have a temporary home and is the theme of this last holiday that passed, Sukkot. It is all about living in a temporary dwelling place. This spiritually reminds us that material matters are temporary and that at the end of the day, it is the relationships, the internal things, that can never be taken from us. I spoke about this last month and about the mindset of knowing everything is for good, and I know it is through the hard times that allow you to appreciate the great ones. So I know great times are ahead.
My advice (talking mostly to myself) is we all need to be more empathetic and do our best to experience whatever someone is going through. The world needs more empathy and less judgment, something I know I need to work on, and this is a good lesson this last month.
GCI-wise, the holiday season is wrapping up, and things are pretty quiet here. I’ve met with JNF groups and have been preparing for The JNF conference, construction is moving forward (see the pictures above), and an updated website is in progress. Other than that, the holidays, vacation (really packing and moving), and spending time with my family is what has consumed me. I’m very excited to be getting back to work starting today but appreciate the time I’ve had with my community and family.
I wish everyone an amazing month and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at JNF’s national conference next month.
L'chaim (To life)
Nathan