Out on the Golf Course with an accomplished businessman this week, I swung hard on my driver. Though it turned out to be a good shot thankfully, my friend put his arm on my shoulder and said: 'Rabbi, it's not how hard you hit that matters, it's how smart'.
His words hit me hard. Suddenly it dawned upon me why I tire after just 6 holes. 'If you just use the correct technique, it'll work every time'. Despite my protests that logic is on my side, he stood firm in his position: 'it doesn't need to make sense. Just follow the rules of the swing and you'll be amazed at the results!'
Then and there, I stopped him and remarked that it's interesting that the same principle rings true with our Spirituality and inner peace. Though it sometimes defies logic, our relationship with Hashem is the key to inner peace and true happiness, 'as long as you follow the rules, you'll be amazed at the results'.
'Don't move your wrists; it's all in the shoulders.' 'Don't lift your head until you hear the ball land in the cup.' 'Don't hit the ball, swing right through the ball.' These rules and techniques will deliver a perfect shot.
Light Shabbat Candles, Give Tzedaka, Lay Tefillin, have an attitude of Gratitude to G-d. These are the rules and techniques that deliver a happier and more meaningful life!
How do I know? Try it. It works every time!
After the President of Israel personally asked them to reconsider, the Council of Europe agreed yesterday not to outlaw male circumcision in their continent! Phew! Hard to believe that such a debate could go on in this day and age? Yes, it's true, America is still eons ahead of the rest of the world in terms of religious freedoms, thank G-d for this great land!
Why did Noah's Ark fare better than the Titanic?!