-- Judith Lederman
In spite of all the economic turmoil facing the world, until today I was doing OK. Today 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 house and family to support. Every client counts. But here is a bizarre thing - I find myself almost glad and I thank G-d because this awakening couldn't have come at a more appropriate time.
As an Orthodox Jew, I know that on Yom Kippur--in just 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 immense supernatural force.
It's a Financial 9/11
The fact that this is happening in the spiritual period of time that precedes 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 yet? 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. It may seem counterintuitive to give to others when we are struggling ourselves, but 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 this Yom Kippur 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.
Judith Lederman is a published author and Public Relations Consultant based in Scarsdale, NY. Her website is [url=http://www.thethinclub.com]http://www.thethinclub.com[/url]
