Click on image to see the clip
Dear Friends,
While aware of our good health and good fortune, continually making plans for future events, we cannot be unaware at the same time of pain and suffering around us, and how easily things can go awry. When we pray for health and strength to continue our daily activities, of course we direct our prayers to G-d, recognizing His hand in every facet of our lives.
Some years ago I caught 'one of those bugs' and lost my voice for quite a while. There I was, the rabbi, the speaker—where I was always expected to be a man of words with a class or an invocation or a speech, and suddenly I was rendered absolutely speechless -- a mute!. Overnight, I became useless and unproductive -- all by a microscopic germ. Even when we work hard, create the most intricate business plans, or present the most wonderful proposals, ultimately our success needs a prayer. We need to recognize the hand of G-d in our lives and, hopefully, inour success.
In the past few days, so many friends, both Jews and non-Jews have sent me the following clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4GQO1L-OK0
It's particularly significant to us as in two weeks my children and I will visit the gravesite of our dear Rebbe of blessed memory for the day of his anniversary of passing. In our daily lives, as much as we work so hard and try to have all the plans laid out, we still need blessings from above and to recognize that a little prayer can't hurt. It can be short but meaningful and powerful. If anyone wants a prayer, please let me know and I will make blessings as well on your behalf. All of us can pray to G-d to whom we are all equal: to pray and seek blessings at a holy place such as the resting place of our dear Rebbe and mentor makes it even more meaningful.
For the past few months, among many other activities we have been preparing for summer camp. This coming Monday 180 children will be coming through our doors. We’ve worked hard to refine every detail and a big shout goes out to Director Ettie for her superb efforts!
But over the weekend we will take a moment and to reflect that as we begin the summer we know that we also need a blessing from above. Let us do our work as best as we can and then let us not forget to ask Him to bless the work of our hand.