Accurate Time
By Rabbi Raymond Beyda
In the past several years people have become infatuated with accurate
time. A new product called the Atomic Clock hit the market and has grown
in popularity year after year. Unlike other timekeeping devices this unit
is not self-sufficient. Inside the clock’s casing is a tiny radio receiver
that is programmed to receive signals from an atomic clock in Colorado
reputed to be the World’s most accurate timepiece. Synchronization occurs
several times every 24 hours keeping your watch accurate without manual
adjustment. It is now possible to really be “on time”.
In spite of technological advancements, 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.
Should you become aggravated by another’s tardiness 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 moment’s contemplation 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 berakhah [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 by Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Torah.org.
