A LIFE LESSON

Even though Moses was clearly upset with those who were in charge of the battle (against the Midianites, as ordered by G'd), he did something so vitally important in leadership - he went out to meet them outside the camp. Moses practiced one of the most important concepts in dealing with people - and that's always to reprimand people in private. In fact, the blockbuster best-selling book entitled "The One Minute Manager" devotes much time to this powerful principal.

Sadly, people in a position of authority don't like doing this because they have a strong ego-based need to put their power on display for all to see. So, in an effort of to show everyone that "they're the boss," they actually like to reprimand people in front of others. This makes you no better than a school yard bully and clearly makes you much more of a coward than a leader.

Ironically, people act this way because they wrongly believe that they'll actually gain respect by occasionally (or regularly) letting everyone know that they're in charge. But great leaders have long recognized that people truly want to do the right thing and publicly adding salt to their wounds is just plain stupid.

Parents are the most important "leaders" in the world. God entrusts them with the responsibility of raising His children, and He certainly doesn't want His children to be publicly ridiculed. There are certainly times that parents have a rush of frustration when their child does something wrong and have a powerful urge to yell at them for all to hear. But this isn't at all how to discipline or educate your child. Even though Moses was angry with his commanders, he didn't let it get the better of him. He chose to go outside the camp so he wouldn't embarrass them in front of their men.

There are countless times throughout the day that you'll be in a position of being a "boss." Whether as a customer in a store, a patron at a restaurant, or hiring a landscaper - for a brief period of time you can act any way you choose. While you might feel a need to let these people know "who's in charge," it will only make you look like a fool. And if there is something they did that you're upset about, then let them know without anyone else being able to hear. This will not only make them actually listen to what you're saying, but it will also build your own self-esteem by not living in the fantasy world that you can get taller by publicly knocking someone else down.


Chaim Paz of Idit Jewelry Designs created this Jerusalem pendant. You will see more from the talented and creative Jeweler tomorrow.

Star of David - The History

Much folklore mention the Shield of David, known in Hebrew as Magen David, alleged to have contained a six pointed star or hexagram used by the early Israelite soldier warrior David, who later became Israel's second king. Some theories note that the combinations of two pyramids may have been derived from ancient Egypt, a country that often was connected with ancient Israel, both as an adversary as well as ally. Another theory is that the design was actually the metal framework for David's shield, as many warriors used a stretched hard leather over a wood or metal framework; a practice still in use by some African tribes to this day.
Some folklore says that David's shield, also contained Hebrew words to protect him during warfare. These words included Shadai, which meant Almighty, as well as the names of protective angels. Other legends say that David's son and successor, King Solomon, had a signet ring made with the hexagram symbol which later became known as the 'Seal of Solomon'.
The symbol may also have been by later warriors, including Judas Maccabeus, and Shimeon Bar-Kokhba (Son of the Star) who let a futile revolt against the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century C.E. The symbol also is noted in a mosaic floor design from a synagogue in Capernaum located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. One of the first known written usage of the six pointed hexagram occurred in the 10th Century with the Leningrad Codex, written in the year 1008 CE.
Biblical scholars have written numerous interpretations as to why this symbol became important in Judaism. One of these deals with the Creation, in which God created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh – the seventh being the center. Other scholars interpret the 'star' as being the joining of two triangles, with the upper pointing to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the lower to Mankind's dominion on earth.
The two separate triangles, also resembling the Greek letter 'Delta' also are said to denote two of the Hebrew letters of King David's biblical name. Along with this, the symbolic meaning of the conjoining of the two triangles are said to point to the astrological positions of the stars at the time that David was made king of Israel.
The Star of David and Shield of Solomon also became symbols used by alchemists and others during the Middle Ages. Its use as a dominantly Jewish symbol came later when it was popularized during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Many of you are likely unfamiliar with the webiste ETSY.COM. For me it is the supermarket of handmade AFFORDABLE art and gifts. This Magen David pendant is from one of the artists... NightsWork. It is casual, unique AND less than $50!

Shidduch

I have to admit, I was feeling a bit uninspired... Looking for something to post about for a while.

WEDDINGS. LOVE. MARRIAGE. While it is forbidden to marry during the Omer, there is not a prohibition against PLANNING your wedding (or engagement). For the next few weeks lets think WEDDING.

I googled the word Shidduch and found there were over 46000 sites. Apparently the World Wide Web is very involved in matrimony.

I am trying to recall my single days (the early part of the last decade) and I remember many a blind date. I was lucky to find my "nice Jewish boy who read books" but the search was long and arduous.

I recall that among the hardest part of my (series of ) first dates was dressing the part (fashion has never been my strength). A few of my first dates were at temple... I would carefully choose my outfit, and then choose just the right piece of Jewelry to go along with it (one must always let one's dear ones know what you like).

Here are some pieces I like... They were made by Steve Cooper- a man I knew in my single days. He and his wife Karen worked at Camp Kutz for years and I remember when they announced that they were getting married.. I was so happy to find Steve's work on line. I am thrilled to share these with you today. I have to find out if Steve is making wedding rings!

Happy Birthday to me!

So its my birthday. I know you all have been so busy, you forgot. To make your shopping easier I have picked out a few things that I would not mind receiving. Let's see... there is this sterling silver with amethyst star of David from Aliza Herman
Or this gold star from Tova Botwinick

Then there is the personalized dichroic glass pendant from Eudice (and Chana is my Hebrew name)

Or you can simply throw a few pennies into the nearest tzedakah box and wish me a good year.