In spite of all the economic turmoil facing the world, I was doing OK. Until today, when the trickle down theory was set in motion, and a long-time client informed me that she can no longer afford to keep me as her PR consultant. Now I suppose the news should have been shattering. I am a single mom with a home and family to support. Every client counts. But here is a bizarre thing—I find myself almost glad and I thank G-d because I see that it couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time.
As an Orthodox Jew, I know that in two days I will be renewing my vows to G-d—pledging to let all my efforts culminate in transforming me into a better person. I will stand before Him and whisper each word of prayer, pleading not only for myself, but for the world to recognize that every morsel He grants us is a blessing. I will pray for sustenance, health and happiness. Now I will pray that much harder. I will pray for survival.
For those of us who believe in a Higher Power, when catastrophic economic turmoil hits, we know it is no coincidence. It says in the Ethics of Our Fathers (Pirkei Avot) that economic disaster is a direct result of lack of charity and giving—lack of recognition of the hand that feeds us. It isn’t the banks, the hedge funds and the stock market that fuel the economy. It’s a confluence of factors that can only come from one supernatural force.
The fact that this is happening in the period of time that preceded Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is an omen, and something to be taken very seriously. Not just by Jews, who will be heading into their respective Houses of Prayer to sing and cry to G-d, but by everyone. The disaster is global. The scope is as tragic and frightening as was 9/11 – which also happened in that same Jewish time period. Are you scared? You should be. Now is a time to introspect, to increase charitable donations (even if you feel the pinch), to look beyond ourselves and try to reach out to others. We emulate G-d when we open our hands and give to others.
I’m not a Rabbi and I try not to preach religion to those who don’t believe. But today, as world events begin to affect MY world and MY life, I have a choice. I can feel insecure and helpless. Or I can understand the nature of the message that has been sent to me and share it. My prayers will be that much more soulful as a result of the crisis which has finally affected me directly. And for that I am grateful. THAT is a blessing. I will pray with vigor that I may not have had otherwise. And even as I pray—I am confident and secure that G-d will somehow provide for me. He has always taken care of my needs. May all our prayers be answered this year, and may the world understand that money is only as powerful as the person who uses it to bring sustenance, health and joy to others.
This is such a beautiful advice. The world should read this, as there is much to learn from what is written here. The last sentence is definitely profound. Thanks for sharing. Prayer is the answer to everything.
Posted by: siskam | December 16, 2008 at 05:15 PM