 |
|
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
|
| |
Jewish World Review
Feb 15, 2012
/ 22 Shevat, 5772
'Linsanity' isn't a craze --- or, at least, shouldn't be
By
Rabbi Joshua Hess
Our FAN-atic rabbi spots the spiritual in the latest sports trend
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
"Linsanity" has captured the hearts and minds of sports fans across the world. It is, indeed, a great story about perseverance and a testament to New York Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin's hard work and dedication. This is an epic tale about an athlete unwilling to forfit his dream. When given the chance, he seized the opportunity to showcase his talents and left everyone wanting more.
The comparisons between "Linsanity" and "Tebowmania" have been made. They go like this: We root for Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow to succeed because most experts have counted them out. We want them to become great, because no one dreamed that they would. And their struggles and successes assume a deeper and more personal role because we identify with them. We are the Lin's and Tebow's of the world who are waiting in the wings for the opportunity to showcase our skills. So when someone makes the most of their chance, we feel a sacred kinship with him or her, as though we are a part of their journey.
Yet, our affinity for their successes also create serious challenges. For more often than not, we become so enthralled and enamored with their achievements and accomplishments, that instead of using the motivation and inspiration to strive for greatness in our own lives, we choose to sit back and view our lives through the prism of the Jeremy Lin's of the world. Instead of living the dream as Lin has done, we prefer to talk about the dream. Instead of being participants, we remain spectators.
This is an unfortunate reality that affects many areas of our lives. Take politics, for example. We love bantering among friends and colleagues about what needs to change in Washington or in our home states. We listen to talk radio, we read the newspaper, and spout off about the issues of the day. But we would be better served if we put that energy and excitement to good use. For all of the controversy that the Tea Party and Occupy movements have brought to our country, we must credit them for having the courage to make a difference. While we may not agree with their tactics or philosophies, we must certainly applaud their passion to act and attempt to create change to better our country.
| FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO INFLUENTIAL NEWSLETTER |
| Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". In addition to INSPIRING stories, HUNDREDS of columnists and cartoonists regularly appear. Sign up for the daily update. It's free. Just click here. | |
Most of us suffer from this same common malady. Our talents have been lying dormant for years because we haven't put them to good use. Rather than satisfying ourselves by living vicariously through the successes of others, we should strive to emulate those people in our own fields of endeavor. Jeremy Lin is an example of an athlete who wasn't satisfied sitting at the sports bar talking about who the best player in the NBA is now, or which player he would want on his team to take the game-winning shot. Instead, Lin said, "Not only do I dream of being that guy; but I am going to be that guy." His attitude was one of determination and passion. He wasn't willing to live life as a spectator; he wanted to be a participant.
This is the message that our rabbis taught us when they stated in Ethics of the Fathers, that "every person should believe that the world was created for them." They were not calling for a world in which each man was for themselves. Rather, they wanted each and every human being to internalize the belief that the Divine created a world for them to conquer. Yes, it's an imperfect world; but one that humanity is charged to complete. "Tikun Olam," requires that each and every one of us do our part to perfect it. We aren't allowed to sit idly by and grow complacent, watching as our peers and friends excel in different areas of life. For if we don't become active participants in this world, then the work will never be finished.
Sure, it's fun to talk about Lin, Tebow, or any other player that has beaten the odds to become successful, but we can't forget that we are on the same exact mission. And while our task may not be as glamorous as a professional athlete's, the Divine is waiting and hoping that we find our vocation and use it as a means to perfect the world.
The Creator has given us the keys to His world. Not only must we protect it and treat it with respect and honor, but we must also perfect that which he intentionally left unfinished. It does not take great effort to be an observer or onlooker, but our job is to get off the couch or the bar stool, and participate in life's work with all the fervor and passion for that which we were created. To find our "calling" and fill that void.
Let's use Linsanity as another opportunity to remind us that, like Lin just 7 days ago, we are ready, now, to prove our worth and greatness to the world. Go get 'em!
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes inspiring articles. Sign up for our daily update. It's free. Just click here.
Interested in a private Judaic studies instructor — for free? Let us know by clicking here.
Comment by clicking here.
JWR contributor Rabbi Joshua Hess is spiritual leader of Congregation Anshe Chesed, a growing, friendly, and inclusive Orthodox Shul, in Linden, NJ.
Previously:
• Blitzing for the Lord
• Al Davis' last Yom Kippur sermon
• Floyd Mayweather and King Solomon's Advice for Cleaning up Washington
• At 85, Ralph Branca, the pitcher who surrendered ‘the shot heard 'round the world’, is back in the news --- but for the wrong reasons
• U.S. Women's Soccer and the Problem of American Exceptionalism
• Rabbi to NFL: Pass the pig … skin, already!
• Johnson & Job: Is it Appropriate to Blame the Almighty for a Missed Catch?
• Running up the score: Is it kosher?
• Brett, it's time
© 2011, Rabbi Joshua Hess
|
