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All rise in honor of General Shmooze 2. (General Snooze?) Will someone please recite some words?
(Joke that fits in here: A group of people were at the funeral of a man who the whole town hated. Someone got up and said no one would leave until someone came up and said something good about the deceased. After an hour of everyone sitting, one kind man got up and walks up to the podium. “His brother was worse.”)
What gives is that the CR became… well… boring. There are two people involved in a convo, (as long as theres no mental illness involved), one cant have a shmooze on his/her own. Now that this place seems to be opening up a little, how is everyone doing?
Anyone still here who remembers general shmooze 2? <sighs>
If you live in the brooklyn area, go to Ohr Naava, if not there are definitely Shiurim you can get online (theShmuz.com, Torahanytime.com)
Take out cookbooks from the library and try different recipies, or get a book on different crafts.
See if theres an organization like Tomchei Shabbos in your neighborhood that may need volunteers to help pack boxes of food(or if there are any clothing drives, toy drives etc)
Take up piano lessons (or a different instrument).
New system is good, but not perfect. A report button would be nice or maybe a “hide button”, if a few people do it, the post goes “into hiding” until it passes regular modding.
estherh, is it possible for whatever reason she didnt want to mention it? (just an observation)
Hashem should bentch you with a R”S bekarov, and may you be well and healthy and greet Mashiach quickly.
haifagirl, if Hashem decided that He will send Mashiach when there are (lets say) 100 Tefillos. Only 90 of them are able to be filled by people like the Chofetz Chaim and the Chazon Ish, and the remainder must come from “everyone else”, then your Tefillos accomplish just as much. Additionally, for the people you mentioned, who were involved with issues involving the public, they felt the need for Mashiach more. For someone who isnt, they need to “work harder” to feel the need for Mashiach. Your (seemingly) simple Tefilla will accomplish more than anyone can imagine, and never forget that no Tefilla is ever wasted.
About the original post, I once heard from a teacher of mine, that on Yom haChuppah, people ask for everything, but they tend to forget that davening for Mashiach includes it all.
There can be any number of reasons why Mashiach isnt here yet, but wanting him more, and davening more, will definitely help to bring him faster.
ihear, maybe the chavrusas do have data plans? Just a possibility.
I have in the past thought the same thing. In seminary, someone once mentioned something about her blackberry and I thought to myself “you’re 18, who are you that you need a blackberry?!” I’m not against texting or the internet if they stay in safe hands but I see no need for a blackberry (definitely not for a young crowd).
Does this make it a party?
NY Mom, they do have great bagels, and they have good ww bagels!
if you want to risk having other great bagels, try
let me know what you think!
DT for monday
by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
The news came from a most unlikely source. Og, a feared giant, came to Avraham (Abraham) and informed him that his orphaned nephew Lot, was captured in a war. Avraham felt compelled to do something. Lot’s father, Haran, was Avraham’s younger brother. After Avraham was miraculosly saved from death by incineration, Haran, also trying to emulate Avraham’s monotheistic beliefs, was thrown into a burning furnace.
But, miracles don’t happen for everyone and Haran was burnt alive.
Now Avraham, the man of peace, was thrust into war. He joined five kings, including the King of S’dom, and battled four of the most powerful kingdoms on Earth. Yet he emerged victorious. He propelled the five kings to a victory that was unprecedented in history. And Lot was returned to his family, unharmed.
The kings were grateful. They offered Avraham the spoils of war that were rightfully his. Avraham declined their magnanimity. “I lift my hand to Hashem if so much as a thread to a shoestrap,” replied Avram as he refused to take any personal compensation from the spoils. Genesis (14:22)
The question is why Abraham, when anguished by Pharaoh in Egypt or Avimelech in Grar, had taken gifts as part of a greater compensation for his humiliation. Why defer now? What was different about this war that removed Avram from desiring any rightful financial gain?
Rabbi Paysach Krohn in his wonderful work Around the Magid’s Table tells a beautiful story.
One Shabbos afternoon when young Yitzchak Eisenbach was in Jerusalem, he spotted a very valuable gold coin shining in the distance. The value of the coin was enough to support his entire family for 2 weeks! But it was Shabbos and young Yitzele knew that the coin was muktzeh, prohibited to be picked up and taken on the Shabbos.
He decided to put his foot on top of the coin and guard the coin until sunset — a good number of hours — but worth every moment of the the wait.
An Arab boy saw Yitzchak with his foot strangely and obviously strategically placed, and decided to investigate further.
“What’s that you’re hiding?” the Arab asked.
“Nothing,” replied Yitzchak as he shifted his body to hide the fact that he was guarding a golden treasure.
It was too late. The Arab boy pushed him, saw the prize, quickly grabbed it and ran away. All Yitzchak could do was watch in horror as his attacker melted into the Arab market place.
Dejected, Yitzchak sulked to the nearby Tzcernobel Bais Medrash (synagogue) where he sat in a corner. Normally, Yitzchak would help prepare the final Shabbos meal, but today he sat — dejected and depressed — until the Sabbath was over. The Rebbe inquired about young Yitzchok’s sullen mood and was told the story.
Immediately after Shabbos the Tzcernobel Rebbe (1840-1936) summoned Yitzchak into his private study. In his hand he held a gold coin, exactly the same size as the one Yitzchak had almost secured earlier that day.
“I am very proud of you,” said the Rebbe. You did not desecrate the Shabbos even for a tremendous monetary gain. In fact,” he continued, “I am so proud of you that I am willing to give you this same coin.” The Rebbe halted. “On one condition. I want you to give me the reward for the mitzvah you did.”
The boy looked at the Rebbe in utter disbelief. “You want to trade the coin for the Mitzvah?”
The Rebbe nodded, slowly.
“If that’s the case, keep the coin. I’ll keep the mitzvah.”
The Rebbe leaned over and kissed the child.
Avraham underwent tremendous sacrifice to fight the battle which had basically nothing to do with him. But he did it for one reason. The mitzvah of redeeming his own blood. He refused any compensation that would put any monetary value to the mitzvah. Any reward, albeit a strap or thread, would attach a mundane value to an inestimable act.
Pharaoh and Avimelech compensated Avraham for damages. For that he was willing to accept gifts. But for a priceless Mitzvah — never. Certain actions we do are beyond physical evaluation. By keeping them in the spheres of the unearthly, they remain like the heavens themselves — eternal.
taken from Torah.org
Just saying hi! Have a good night, everyone! zzzzzzzzzzzz
I dont think I’m the only one who finds this, but its very annoying to read through a long post. If your post is longer than the average “scroll length” on a computer monitor, chances are your post is too long and probably no one will read it anyway. Either shorten it or put a summary at the bottom. (I think the first is probably a better idea).
Sorry for complaining.
haifagirl, I once saw something very similar, I think in an interview/article about Rebitzen Kanievsky. It was basically that a young girl had cancer and she was told there was nothing to do. She went home and decided she wanted to do something, as a form a teshuva, but nothing was good enough. She decided to get rid of all her clothing except for a nightgown which she wore to the hospital. She was given a young medical student because the hospital didn’t want to “waste” a good doctor on someone they were sure wouldn’t make it. She had the surgery and the cancer came out in one piece, as if it had been wrapped in something.
Probably another side, or another version to the same story.
Jax, very nice! Thank you!
Local ad for a plumber:
“We repair what your husband fixed.”
Pizza shop slogan:
“7 days without pizza makes one weak.”
At a tire shop in Milwaukee:
“Invite us to your next blowout.”
Sign at the psychic’s hotline:
“Don’t call us, we’ll call you.”
At a Towing Company:
“We don’t charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.”
Billboard on the side of the road:
“Keep your eyes on the road and stop reading these signs.”
Outside a muffler shop:
“No appointment necessary, we hear you coming.”
Outside a hotel:
“Help! We need inn-experienced people.”
In a veterinarian’s waiting room:
“Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!”
At the electric company:
“We would be de-lighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don’t, you will be.”
EDITED
as haifagirl said, I think wedding shtick is a wonderful idea. I know someone who does it and takes a small fee for tzedaka.
other than that,
diapers/formula
chuppah tefillos
I always wanted to start some sort of meter-feeding gemach and feed meters that are about to run out.
Lots of Hatzlacha!
s/o experienced, not your 20 yr old friend
I’m gonna take this a little bit out of context. I can not emphasize how important it is not to discuss things with friends. Firstly, no one (I repeat, NO ONE), as happy as they may be for you, will not be a tiny bit jealous and that never brings good things. Secondly, usually a young girl (in this case a 20 year old) has a very distorted view of things that may or may not be potential problems. Choose a mentor that you trust, and someone with some measure of life experience. (generally 35+)
simplydevo, I was actually gonna bring up a topic about smoking and you beat me to it. I agree with you, and I think smoking is an unhealthy, disgusting habit thats a big waste of money. At the same time I do understand that everyone needs their outlet and if someone makes the choice to start smoking then its their choice and they have to face any consequences.
My question is why does it have to be done in public? If you’re so desperate, smoke in front of your house!!! Why, when someone goes on a “main street” (like ave J, ave M…) does there have to be a whole group of people standing outside stores and smoking? A. Why do I have to look at people smoking, its not a very nice sight. B. if you want to smoke, then dont make breathe in all the smoke? I never asked for it.
are the mods shmoozing without us??? whats with the modding?
How many people just scrolled up to see all the typos? Sorry, oomis. Better luck next time 😉
hey noitall! Nice of you to show your face around here! 🙂
mazal, I’m pretty sure the old city cafe mac and cheese mixes are cholov yisroel but I’m not totally sure. I haven’t seen them in a loooong time though. Maybe call the manager of your LOS (local orthodox supermarket)
mepal, the only other option seems to have some extra kapusta next time 😉
yossi, are you trying to make me jealous? jk
oh, I wouldn’t want to go off topic so I’m here. 😉
tamazaball, IMO shalom comes first, and if the way you’re thinking of now is how you’ll have shalom, than thats the way to go. But I’m not a rav and I think its best to consult someone about this.
Hatzlacha in whatever you decide!
p.s. welcome to the CR!
zzzzzzzzzzz
just figured I’d help things along a bit. I’m never known to turn down a snooooooooze 😉
Jax, not sure where you got lost, what squeak is referring to, (I think anyway), the thing about denial (when a person is in denial about a habit or something that needs to be changed) its the longest route to go, because while a person is in denial, they can’t overcome the habit/middah/whatever it was.
As long as shes not there when she gets it/sees it, and no one ever mentions it, I can’t imagine why it would be awkward but if you still feel uncomfortable about it then try typing it and if you don’t want to sign your name then just sign with your initials or do something generic like, “a classmate” or something like that.
Hope I helped!
kapustas DT for monday
Parshas Noach
Tire of Babel
Volume 3 Issue 2
by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
The Flood was history. The era of robbery, greed, and corruption was washed away by its powerful waves. Peace and tranquillity reigned. The entire world was now united — against the Almighty.
The world community decided that in the interest of harmony they would join forces and build a colossal tower to reach to the heavens. Then they would ascend the tower and do battle with G-d Himself.
It was an ambitious dream, but they were united and determined.
Hashem, however, had other plans. The Torah tells us that He convened the same tribunal He consulted with in creating man and this time decided that He would not destroy the builders. He would confuse them. He changed their languages so they were not able to communicate. One man would ask for a hammer and receive a nail, a saw, or a blank stare. Enraged, the requestor would then argue with and even strike his fellow builder who was impeding progress. Eventually a small civil war erupted on the construction site. The men dispersed and the construction project was eternally halted. And seventy distinct nations ultimately emerged.
It is puzzling: how does a problem such as lack of communication stop a lofty project of such tremendous scope? Didn’t the French and British jointly finish the Chunnel, the tunnel that connects the two countries, under the English Channel?
I once asked my rebbe, Reb Mendel Kaplan, who after escaping from the Nazi inferno lived in Shanghai, China for nearly five years, how he was able to communicate with the Chinese. He held up a dollar. “Everybody understands this language,” he said.
Don’t people of different languages manage to communicate when they want to realize a noteworthy mission? Why was there no way to gather the forces, create new communication techniques, and continue the project?
A college professor was known give difficult tests yet he had a very lenient policy. If a student missed the exam he could take a make-up test the next day. The make-up, however, was always the same test the professor had given the day prior.
15 minutes before the final exam, of a particularly difficult semester, the professor received a phone call. The four voices crowding the phone booth sounded desperate.
“Professor, we were on our way to take your final and we got a flat tire. Please let us take a make-up exam tomorrow.” “Certainly,” the professor responded.
The next day the four young men walked in feeling quite smug. They had reviewed the entire final with a friend who had taken it the day before. The professor seated the four students in different corners of the room. He placed a single sheet of paper in front of each one and stated crisply.
“Today’s make-up exam entails just one question. I would like you young men, each in his own way, to write down for me…” he looked at the young men and smiled knowingly — “which tire was flat?”
When the goal entails truth and true good for mankind, when the goals are harmonious with the concepts that transcend culture, language, custom, or vogue, then nothing can impede success.
But when selfishness rules and individual glory and gratification is the motivation, then the simplest problem can cause total disunity, contempt, and ultimately failure.
When our common goals are enveloped in common good, then we can unite under the most difficult of circumstances. However, if our motivations are selfish, the slightest impediment will leave our entire project and mission flat. As flat as the tire of Babel.
taken from Torah.org
sunflower, maybe you can put a note in her looseleaf or bag or something when shes not there. That way you do it awkward-free and get the message across. I’m sure she would appreciate hearing it.
plonis, first I’d like to say I have so much respect for what you’re trying to do, and I wish you lots of hatzlacha in doing it!
Maybe you can “plan”. Like if you hear someone oulling into the driveway, either go put on tights or just get out of sight so you wont be the first one whos asked and only go out when you’re wearing tights. Not sure if you’re comfortable going out in knee socks and a long skirt, but maybe always keep a pair in an accessible location for “emergencies”.
NY Mom, this thread is a wonderful idea! Theres lots of talk about tznius, but no one actually does anything about it.
What took you so long?
bye, everyone! Enjoy the rest of your day!
Oh good. But isn’t kapusta generally fleishig?
I was making lunch. Sorry. What would R’ Joseph like for dinner? There was talk of lasagna or eggplant parmesan.
Sorry for the wait. Here you go! One glass of juice coming up! (Uh, do you want a clean glass? ;))
If you like. Should I throw some soap out the window?
I would let you come in to wash your hands, but then I’d be breaking a CR rule. Sorry.
Cabbage. It has a very calming effect.
You mean the one holding up two fingers and eating kapusta?
NY Mom, did you ever think that the people you shmooze with on the CR could be your neighbor? lol
mepal, fine <thank you squeak> but I think now he should keep careful watch for you, NY Mom, and Jax. Theres no telling what three angry CR members could do! 😉
mepal: lol, thank you, I feel much better!
was anyone left out? 😉