I had a conversation not too long ago with one of my friends about doing good deeds. She asked me if I thought it was possible for any good deed to be at all unselfish, because even if we do something good for someone else, we feel good about what we did and, therefore, we benefit from the action.
While I don't necessarily think this takes away from the good of the deed we have done, I don't disagree that seeking that good feeling we get isn't the point of doing good deeds. So what is a perfect act of kindness? One for which we expect nothing in return. In Jewish tradition, these mitzvot usually involve the deceased.
Day 314: A Ritual Way to Make Each of Your Children Feel Special
Every Friday night (a.k.a. Erev Shabbat), we are required to light 2 candles, but we aren't provided a maximum number to light so the sky seems to be the limit! But why not consider the suggestion brought to the table in this book by Rabbi Telushkin: "Tonight, when you light the Shabbat candles, your children alongside you, make yourself aware of something they did in the past week that has brought light into your life." Light that extra candle for them.
"How edifying it was for me to know that our home was brighter on Friday nights because I was in existence!" -Rabbi Abraham Twerski
Day 315: Shabbat
Whew, is this week over already? This is crazy! November is flying by right before my eyes. It's been a good week, though. Just productive enough with a good mix of fun thrown in. This week I joined a book club that will explore Jewish identity through books. Our first one came in the mail today! A Letter in the Scroll by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. It's been on my list for a while so I'm excited to read it!
Let's see, other than that, I've just been hustling and bustling to wrap up my work before finals season begins and I'm weighed down with things to learn.
- When a Half-Truth Becomes a Whole Lie: N/A
- Is Your Blood Redder?: This title became more and more relevant to me as we studied slavery in American History class this week.
- Should There Be a Limit to Parental Love?: N/A
- Teach Your Child Survival Skills: N/A
- The Most Perfect Act of Kindness: N/A
- A Ritual Way to Make Each of Your Children Feel Special: I'd really love to do this with my own family some day.
Day 316: A Time for Silence
Ecclesiastes teaches in chapter 3 verse 6 that "there is a time for silence and a time for speaking." This is in regards not only to being either noisy or quiet, but to encourage extra thought and conscientiousness before we speak. Is what we're about to say meaningful? Does it add anything to the conversation? Will there be ramifications or negative consequences for me or someone else if I say this?
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