This is an auspicious month. The First of August, The First of Av, Ramadan. The confluence of all three of these events is rare, indeed. This period has certainly brought into evidence the failure of the US Government branches to deal with issues that they were specifically elected to preclude- the preservation of the United States of America. Because of this failure, the credit rating of this country has fallen; it’s regard by the rest of the world has fallen; and the regard of its citizens has also withered.
I was considering these events (all four), getting ready for a holy day (for me) that arrives today. (Actually, it arrives more than a few days in the future- but this will be the day of it’s posting.) In my religion, this (past) weekend, we begin reading from the fifth book of the bible and from the first chapter of Isaiah, in preparation for this day. The verbiage catches our minds vividly, amplified by current events. Verses 12 and 13 of chapter 1 (Deuteronomy) finds Moshe, the leader of the wandering people some 4400 years ago, asking , “How can I bear your trouble, your burden, and your strife all my myself. Prepare for yourselves wise and understanding men, known among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you…”
I thought we did this. Some of you also thought you did this. We thought that we elected wise and understanding representatives who would take our needs and aspirations into consideration and govern accordingly.
Back to those wandering people, who entered the promised land; they reached their zenith under Kings David and Solomon (3000 years ago), then split into a Northern and Southern Kingdom, bickering among themselves, falling prey to outside interests. (Sound familiar, America?)
So much so, a seer (someone who could see the obvious, as others fail to do so) some 200 years later proclaimed, “How this faithful city has prostituted itself. She was full of justice, righteousness lodged in her…Her silver has become dross..Everyone loves bribes and chases after rewards.” (Isaiah 1:21-23). Does this not sound like Washington, DC? The concept (even if overblown) of American Exceptionalism has been sullied by lobbyists (pimps to the city), devalued credit ratings, and letting the rich prosper at the expense of the rest of its citizens? But, that is still not the ultimate topic.
You see, today is the 9th day of Av. The day the Great Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed- twice (655 years apart). The Bar Kochva revolt against the Romans was terminated on this day. The First Crusade was declared in 1095, and while the ostensible aim was different, mass killings of my people were effected. England expelled the Jews on this day in 1290; my relatives (literally) were expelled from Spain (after enduring the Inquisition); the list goes on.
It is customary to read the Book of Lamentations and the Book of Job today. Interestingly, the first book’s real name is “Aicha” in Hebrew. Aicha means “how could this possibly happen?” The same word that Moshe used 4400 years ago. The same word Isaiah used 2800 years ago.
But, you should know that Hebrew has no letter vowels. That means this past sentence would be written: ‘Bt, y shld knw tht Hbrw hs n lttr vwls’. Obviously, that means one must understand the context of the words. Or the context of the events that led those words to be written. Hence, my examinations.
My friend, Gustavo Silva asked a question on 4 August, that helped coalesce my thoughts. He spoke about the time of the hero. My reply to his query was:
There are all kinds of heroes. Like you, I have had my opportunity (which actually should be read as Oh, s…, you have got to be kidding) moments… But, the real heroes… Instead of walking by the homeless person on the street, when the temperature is 90+, averting your eyes, get a bottle of water and a nutritious bar (or a box of them). Hand them to the person and walk away. Go to a local school or library and volunteer to read stories to those who can’t (either the very young, the very old, or the blind)… You see, the other potential pronunciation (given the fact that vowels are lacking) for “Aicha” is “Ayecha”. Which means, “Where are you?” or, “What are you doing?”To the world, you are one person.
To one person, you are the world.
Make that world a reality.
This is just beautiful Roy. I love that you have made me think about August in another light. I have many friends partaking in Ramadan, and then yourself in your holy day. It is also my month of birth, and winter here in Australia where people should be giving blankets and jumpers.
Glad to oblige, Janine.
Given the turmoil of the world right now, it’s a good idea to reflect and determine what WE need to do OURSELVES to make it better.
Roy
Simply stated for this post and as a facebook post: Being blind-eyed and wandering is never good in any situation.
Thanks for the addition, Veronica!
Roy
This is one of my favorites! You deftly blended astute political commentary with compelling Jewish history and tradition – outstanding! Did I ever tell you I lived in Israel for nearly two years?? We’ll have to get together for coffee sometime seeing as I live near DC myself. Tweeted!!!
I made a slight change in your comment, Tor…
Thanks for the comment- and I loved the tweet.
We really should MIRL for many reasons.
Have a great day.
Roy
Roy, such a clear view and I love the correlations…but the end note…stunningly beautiful. A call to action of the highest kind. Will share to the max.
Glad you enjoyed it, Tambre.
That was the hope- that we each try to leave this world one little bit better- each and every day.
Roy
Just a wonderful post Roy, so full of meaning and thought. Your comparison of today’s America with Jewish history is well stated. And I LOVE the saying at the end. Thank you for giving me more to think about this month!
Glad you liked it, Suerae.
I would love the occasion when we can point to current events and show where we have learned something. I fear the problem is – and was- the lure of money and power.
Thanks for dropping in.
Roy
Couple of thoughts – do we ever learn from history? And the power of one man can make a difference to someone, somewhere, sometime
Roberta,
Some folks learn from history. Some folks don’t learn anything.
The “trick” is to get more and more people learning.
Roy
Hi Roy,
I just love that quote. When you first shared it with me, it made a world of difference!!
Thanks,
Diana
Glad you like it, too, Diana.
My kids had it made to be a refrigerator magnet. One that hangs there 357 days a year (it has food stains on it; it has to be removed for Passover.)
Thanks for dropping in.
Roy
This is a beautiful piece of work, Roy. I found the history that you told about today’s date very interesting.
I agree that one person can make a difference. If we want a better country, we each have to be willing to DO SOMETHING to help.
Thanks for dropping in, Janette.
I am thrilled you liked the post. Let’s work to make this just a little better- at the very least, our kids will benefit!
Roy
Greed, greed, greed. It always seems to be at the root of corruption, cruelty and the lack of compassion for the rest of the people in the world.
A great post, and it has moved me to stop more often and “do something.” One step at a time does help, even if it doesn’t feel “big.” At least it’s better.
Thanks for the comment, Paula!
If we don’t take the first step, then we won’t get any closer to our goal. Moreover, if we don’t, why would we expect someone else to come forward?
Roy
I’m up on jewish history, but you always have such great information Roy! I also enjoy how you bring in a little of the politcal commentary and I could go on and on about certain things you mention, but I instead want to tell you how much I enjoyed your post. It is always thought provoking!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Lynn. I figured with August (for the “great Caesar” Augustus, the first Roman Emperor), Ramadan, and Av, the biblical depictions could go a long way.
Thanks for your comments!
Roy
…And great quote it is. Great as a wake up call! Thanks for the mention, my friend.
Thanks for dropping in, Gustavo. And, thanks for helping me think this through with YOUR post!
Roy
Hey Roy,
August is special this year..indeed! But I was aware of Ramadan only, thank for bringing all this to my knowledge. I love the fasting this month, most “difficult” for me actually, fasting first time during summers, winters made fasting easier.
I think we all fall short because we judge people – on too many things, and sadly, religion is one of them. I think I stay till I see the world in which people appreciate religion rather than make it an element for discrimination and terror.
Hajra:
You are absolutely correct. I am always amazed when folks decide that religion is a method to employ for discriminating against others.
Of course, you don’t live here in America, where we seem to be making this the new paradigm…
Roy
Thanks for dropping in and letting me know you like it.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Roy
There are so many sites for political commentary. And, many of them are long on polemics and short on truth/facts. As such, I can’t really recommend any.
If you are looking for discussions about SMALL p politics, you would be hard pressed to find discussions better than what Nate Silver (statistics and probabilities of elections) and Chuck Todd (NBC political director) out there.
Good luck.
Nice to meet you…
Of course, I would include my own blog among them. But, some other blogs worth reading (and you have put me on the spot, since there are so many- many of which I am aware- and oh, so, many more of which I am ignorant, as well as choosing among my favorites is a delicate task….)
Learnit2earnit.com Lynn Brown
GetOutOfStuck.net Roberta Budvietas
WorkingNaked.com Lisa Kankarek
Forbes runs a whole series of business blogs http://www.forbes.com/strategies-solutions/ is one such choice
I hope that will get you started…
Good luck!
Roy
Thanks for leaving your comment…
Roy
Thank you so much. I am thrilled you enjoyed the information.
Roy
Yours is just a very awesome article. It is really of you for sharing it. Thanks.
Thanks for visiting AND commenting, Halawi!
Come back often, please!