It’s the next to last day of Elul. As I wrote on the first day, when the period of self-assessment begins, we are 30 days into the 40 day period of determining how we can make our lives- and the lives of others- better. (You can also search for Elul in the index to the left and see more of my thoughts on this “resolution-making” period.)
Continue reading 29 Days and still counting
Stubborn. Determined. Disciplined. Persistent. All of these words say the same thing- even if some of them evoke negative connotations. And, the personality characteristics that underlie these words are critical to bring about change. (We also need to know when and if we need to stop being persistent- sometimes it is time to stop.)
Continue reading The year is half-over…What have you done so far?
A new moon. That means there really is NO moon. On a moonless night, we can see all the stars (assuming it’s not going to be stormy or cloudy tonight- which now that I am proofing this today- is, indeed, going to be the case). And, in my religion, it’s the advent of a new month.
Continue reading Tamuz (Month 4 or Month 10- your choice!)
It was more than a few years ago. I was sitting in our board room, discussing the plan to shut down our company. The one we started some 25 years prior.
Continue reading Pondering the imponderable…
A few drops of ink changes the world. I know it seems hard, but if you think about it, you will see. Having just finished a month laden with holidays, it’s easy to use biblical references first.
A most unusual situation occurs in the Tora, Chapter 10 of Vayikra (the third book), the weekly portion called Shmini.
Most of you know I’ve moved recently. For the first time in a quarter century. And, this time, the primary purpose was to downsize. After all, my kids are all grown up and doing fine…there’s no reason to have a large house with lots of empty bedrooms.
Continue reading Diffusion. Convection.
Who is wise? S/He who learns from everyone.
These words from the Talmud (Gmara) remind us that we are never the smartest person in the room. We always can learn from another. Today, I will share words of wisdom from two great people- Rabbi Avi Weiss and President Abraham Lincoln.
Continue reading Fourscore and Seven Years Ago; Now- Seven Score and a Decade beyond
We all want to help. But, most of us have limited funds. Even as an advisor/director of trusts, there never are unlimited funds to help every charity that deserves it. (Professional advisors- who we do not employ- never answer that question directly, either. Instead, they offer you categories of charities that meet their specifications. You still have to choose!) How do you decide? Continue reading Tzedaka
Do you know what this Sunday is? Oh, yes, it is, indeed, the 10th of March (2103) [28th day of Adar]. But, that’s not the point. No, this Sunday is Good Deeds Day!