BEAT THE CLOCK
By Rabbi Raymond Beyda
Some people are always late and others seem to always arrive at their
destination with time to spare. If you took a survey the results would
show that most people say that punctuality is a positive, admirable trait.
Deep down inside even the tardiest will admit that keeping others waiting
is rude.
Like most things in life, however, it is not a matter of only black and
white. There are some shades of gray. If one is a slave to time one might
fall into traps that are definitely negative. Some people reach unhealthy
blood pressure levels because someone he or she expected is not where he
or she promised at an appointed time. Others argue with a spouse over
tardiness that amounts to only a few minutes. Children develop negative
images of themselves because a prompt parent has repeatedly said, “You’re
ALWAYS late!” People have gotten into automobile accidents when rushing to
beat the clock.
Today when you are aggravated by another’s tardiness –stop. Don’t blow
your cool. Weigh the few moments of lateness against the negative effects
of “losing it.” Chill out a little and after taking a deep breath –beat
the clock, don’t let the clock beat you into an unpleasant or even
unhealthy situation. It only takes a minute to become a master of time
rather than a slave to it.
DID YOU KNOW THAT
If one comes out of a rest room or bathhouse or if one cut their
fingernails or toenails, he or she should wash a Netillat Yadayim. Unlike
other washings, a cup is not necessary and it is not necessary to repeat
the washing three times on each hand. One rinsing for each hand under a
faucet is sufficient. In these situations, if one hears a Kaddish or
Kedushah or even a beracha [blessing] one should answer even though one as
not yet washed. [Source: Yalkut Yosef, Vol 1, p16/7, Halakha 20,21]
CONSIDER THIS FOR A MINUTE
Rebbi Yishak said, “Blessing is not found except on things that are hidden
from the eye [i.e. the view of others]. The Gemara adds that should one go
to his storehouse to take inventory, one may pray, “May it be your will
our G-d that you bless my possessions -- [blessing means “increase”]. If,
however, one has already begun to count his inventory then he may only
say, “Blessed is the One who sends blessing to this stock.” If the person
has already completed the inventory count then any blessing or prayer for
a bountiful count is considered a blessing in vain. Blessing cannot fall
on something counted exactly. [Baba Mesiah, 42a]
NOTE: This Gemara is a lesson in living a low-key, modest lifestyle. The
blessing of G-d and His divine protection applies to things that are
hidden from the sight of others.
Raymond J Beyda
www.raymondbeyda.com
Text Copyright © 2004 Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Torah.org.
