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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
Feb. 27, 2008
/ 21 Adar I 5768
If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
By Rabbi Yonason Goldson
The responsibility to be great
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
Once upon a time society provided endless examples of universally admired figures. With almost no thought at all, as a teacher, I could pluck the names of statesmen, sports stars, or philanthropists out of the air to illustrate the value of a good reputation and popular respect.
But the list has continued to shrink. Dishonesty, incompetence, abuse of power, perverse lifestyles, and undisguised greed have left the world of celebrity bereft of genuine heroes. And the latest shroud to obscure the constellation of stars has come in the form of baseball's steroid scandals — most notably the discrediting of the sport's erstwhile fair-haired boy, Roger Clemens.
Although the Rocket remains innocent until proven guilty, the court of public opinion has very nearly passed judgment on one of baseball's most successful pitchers. If events continue to unfold as they have, the asterisk that will attach itself to Mr. Clemen's career stats will eclipse virtually all he has accomplished. He will be remembered, together with Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, as a fallen hero who stole the respect of his admirers before falling forever under a shadow of disrepute.
The steroid scandal took on a new significance for me after I was asked a seemingly unrelated question by an "interviewer" from the school paper: If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
I didn't have an answer then. I don't have one now, either.
However, with a little research I discovered that nearly the entire pantheon of superheroes — Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, and the Green Lantern — were created by Jewish writers and artists beginning in the 1930s. For the not-yet assimilated Jew trying to find his place in secular society, the invincible alter ego of the mild-mannered misfit was the perfect symbol of cultural ambivalence.
Although we dare not diminish the luminaries of Jewish tradition by mistaking them for cartoon characters, there is a critical point in common between the heroes of Jewish tradition and the heroes of comic book fantasy: all recognized that their unique talents and abilities obligated them in service beyond individual self-interest.
The heroes of the Bible did not seek greatness. Moses tried to argue his way out of the yoke of national leadership. The prophet Jeremiah protested that he was too young and inexperienced to rebuke his fellow Jews. Samson's divine mission was prophesied before his birth. Yet each of them rose to the responsibility imposed upon him by the power with which he was endowed by his Creator.
How reassuring, therefore, to discover in our distinctly unheroic generation that perhaps some heroes yet remain who are worthy of our respect. When implicated (so far without evidence) in the steroid scandal, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols had this to say:
"I don't have to prove myself. Since 2001, I've been proving myself with the numbers. I've been proving myself every year. How much better can I get? Only G-d knows how much better [I can] get. But do I need to cheat in this game to get better?
"Baseball is just a hobby, man," Mr. Pujols said. "G-d has blessed me. And I fear G-d too much for me to do a stupid thing. I fear Him. If I do some stupid things to help me out, to hit .400 or three-something or hit 30 home runs, He's going to take that away from me."
It's refreshing to hear a contemporary superstar credit the Almighty and not himself for his accomplishments and recognize the abuse of natural ability as a betrayal of trust. And his message is equally relevant even for those of us not endowed with extraordinary physical or mental talent. For within the recesses of each individual soul lies a potential for greatness that no one else on earth is able to fulfill.
The great Chassidic master Rebbe Zisha was once asked whether, if he had the choice, he would switch places the patriarch Abraham. Rebbe Zisha offered two reasons why he would not. First, doing so would not benefit the Almighty at all: there would still be one Abraham and one Zisha. Second, and more important, Rebbe Zisha explained that he was not worried that the Heavenly Court might ask him, on the day of his arrival in the next world, why he had not attained the spiritual level of Abraham.
"I have an excellent answer ready for them," Rebbe Zisha said. "I will say that, since I was not created with the potential of Abraham, I cannot be expected to have reached the level of Abraham.
"However," continued Rebbe Zisha, "there is one question of which I am afraid. When they ask me, 'Zisha, explain why you did not reach the level of Zisha,' what will I be able to reply?"
How sad for those who seek any means to be more than what they are. It is by striving to become all that we are meant to be that every one of us can achieve true greatness.
JewishWorldReview.com regularly publishes uplifting articles. Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
JWR contributor Rabbi Yonason Goldson writes, lectures, and teaches at Block Yeshiva High School in St. Louis. Comment by clicking here.
© 2008, Rabbi Yonason Goldson
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