Socialism and the Law of Gravity (Great example!)

An economics professor at a local college, made a statement: that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.
___________

That class had insisted, that Obama's socialism worked, and that no one would be poor, and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class, on Obama's plan".
All grades would be averaged, and everyone would receive the same grade; so no one would fail, and no one would receive an A. __________

1. After the first test, the grades were averaged, and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset, and the students who studied little were happy.
___________

2. The second test, the students who studied little, had studied even less; and the ones who studied hard, decided they wanted a free ride too, so they studied little.
The second test average was a D!
No one was happy.
______________

3. The 3rd test, the average was an F.
__________
The scores never increased, as bickering, blame and name-calling, all resulted in hard feelings; and no one would study, for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise; and the professor told them, that socialism would also ultimately fail, because: when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try, or want to succeed; as a result, the economy will self-destruct.

Noah's Ark thought

Amateurs built NOAH’S ark,
but professionals built the Titanic.

True Love

Friday, May 9, 2008 at 1:04pm

A nurse:

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived, to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry, as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs, and had him take a seat; knowing it would be over an hour, before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures, and redress his wound.While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me, that she had been there for a while, and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset, if he was a bit late. He replied that, she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love, is an acceptance of all that: is, has been, will be, and will not be.
________
We all have our problems B"H, and must deal with life accordingly. But it is our choice, on how we deal with it.The happiest people, don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best, of everything they have.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

Thoughts

Instead of talking about the negative:
Focus on being a lamp-lighter: Because You are very bright!

Special Delivery- Rabbi A. Moss

Question:

It's my birthday this weekend, but I have always felt funny about celebrating it. My birth was a bit of an accident - my parents said I was a surprise, and I was born six weeks premature.

Is there any meaning in celebrating the day, that I wasn't really supposed to have been born?

Answer:

Your birthday is chosen by G-d; not your parents, your astrologer, or the obstetrician. Birth is G-d saying that, the world can't go on without you. It is the day, that your soul's mission had to begin.

There were already more than six billion people on earth, when you were born. Did the world really need you? Can one more soul, really make a difference?

Obviously the answer is yes. Otherwise G-d would not have sent your soul to this earth. The fact that you were born means, there must be some unique gift that you have to offer the world, that none of those other six billion people, could possibly achieve.
____________

A birthday is an opportunity to reflect: This is the day that my soul was dispatched on its mission.

How is the mission going, Have I been contributing my part, to the furthering of G-d's purpose, to create heaven on earth?

Have I been doing my part, to enhance and improve myself, and my world?
How much time and energy do I spend, on meaningful pursuits?
How much more time could I spend, on what really matters in the coming year?
____________

Far from being an accident, your birth was clearly, a deliberate act. The fact that you surprised your parents, and you arrived early just shows, how urgently the world needed you. Your soul couldn't even wait a few weeks, for the due date, to get down here. G-d had another due date in mind.

Your soul was sent down by priority delivery, make sure your soul always takes priority.

The Magen Dovid

The Bible makes no direct mention of the Star of David.

The six-pointed star, is commonly used both as a talisman, and for conjuring spirits in the practice of witchcraft.
The exact origins of the symbol's relation to Jewish identity, are unknown.
The Shield of David, is not mentioned in ancient rabbinic literature.

A magic ring called the "Seal of Solomon" was supposedly given to Solomon, and gave him power over demons. The magical symbol said to have been on the Seal of Solomon which made it work is now better known as the Star of David.

Avatar and Moshiach

Are these the fellings we should have, longing for the Geula world?
________

Avatar, a 2½-hour Virtual 3D movie, was too real, for some fans who say, they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts, after seeing the film; because they long to enjoy the beauty of the virtual alien world Pandora.

The movie was so beautiful, it showed something we don't have here on Earth. I think people saw, that we could be living in a completely different world, and that caused them to be depressed."

"All I have been doing as of late, is searching the Internet, for more info about 'Avatar.' I guess that helps. It's so hard, I can't force myself to think, that it's just a movie, and to get over it, that living like the Na'vi will never happen

Ever since I went to see 'Avatar,' I have been depressed. Watching the wonderful world of Pandora, and all the Na'vi, made me want to be one of them. I can't stop thinking about, all the things that happened in the film, and all of the tears and shivers I got from it.

I even contemplate suicide, thinking that if I do it, I will be rebirthed in a world similar to Pandora, and the everything is the same as in 'Avatar.' "

Other expressed feelings of, disgust with the human race, and disengagement with reality.

Compared with life on Earth, Pandora is a beautiful, glowing utopia.

When I woke up this morning, after watching Avatar for the first time yesterday, the world seemed gray. It was like my whole life, everything I've done and worked for, lost its meaning.

It just seems someaningless. I still don't really see any reason to keep doing things at all. I live in a dying world."

One can say, my depression was twofold: I was depressed because I really wanted to live in Pandora, which seemed like such a perfect place; but I was also depressed and disgusted, with the sight of our world, what we have done to Earth. I so much wanted, to escape reality."
_________

After discussing on the forums for a while now, my depression is beginning to fade away. Having taken a part in many discussions concerning all this, has really, really helped me.

Before, I had lost the reason to keep on living -- but now it feels like these feelings are gradually being replaced with others

Creating relationships with others, is one of the keys to human happiness; and that even if those connections are occurring online, they are better than nothing.

Lakewood is ready for Moshiach!

11-20-09
http://redirectingat.com/?id=593X1004&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmatzav.com%2Frav-matisyahu-salomons-dream

On Sunday, at what was the largest Hachnosas Sefer Torah event,in the history of the Ihr HaTorah of Lakewood.

Some 6-7,000 men, women and children took part, together with the roshei yeshiva and mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha; as well as Rabbonim and Poskim, from throughout the town.

For the pesichah of the Kleinman Family Campus of BMG, and a Hachnosas Sefer Torah, dedicated by the Kleinman family.

Following the Hachnosas Sefer Torah, guests gathered for a Seudas Mitzvah in a tent behind the new Forest Avenue-Eleventh Street bais medrash.

At the Seudah, the crowd was addressed by several speakers, including the Mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha, Rav Matisyahu Salomon; whose remarks have been quoted, and have been making the rounds in frum circles.
_________
In his speech, Rav Matisyahu spoke about a dream that he had this past summer.

The Mashgiach’s rebbetzin was very ill at the time, and he dreamt that the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, appeared to him; looking exactly the way he remembered him from when he saw the Rosh yeshiva as a Bochur in Gateshead Yeshiva.

The Rosh Yeshiva told him, that if he’s Mekabel (agrees) to remain in Lakewood, then his Rebbetzin (wife) will have a Refuah Sheleimah (a complete recovery): and both he and his Rebbetzin will merit, to greet Moshiach!
__________

He was Mekabel that, and the Rebbetzin has been Zocheh (mereited) to a miraculous recovery.The Mashgiach commented, the he is quite old and that we’re living in Moshiach’s times, and it’s incumbent upon every person to realize that.

{Dovid Bernstein-Matzav.com Newscenter/Yated Ne’eman contributed to this report.}

Accusing Others (moral)

The summons hanging on the milkman’s door, bewildered him. He was an honest man, who always behaved appropriately.
_________
The baker used to buy butter and cheese from the milkman, for his baking, but he felt that he was being cheated. One day, he decided to check out the matter, and weighed every lump of butter, that he bought from the milkman.

The baker was angry “he is cheating me,” he told his wife angrily, “I am not going to be quiet about it”. He went to the local court and complained about the milkman.

“We have to prosecute him” said the baker. “We can’t let him cheat all the villagers, people trust him!”
That same day, the court messenger hung a notice on the milkman’s house, that he had to come to court.
________
The Judge asked: “I assume you have a very accurate scale in your dairy.”

The milkman said: “No your honor, I do not have a scale.”
“So how do you weigh the butter?”

‘I built myself a scale – the kind that needs a weight on one side, to balance the butter on the other.

Every morning when I come to weigh the butter for the baker, I place a kilo loaf of bread, on one side of the scale.’

The Judge said: You are telling us, that the amount of butter that you give the baker, is exactly the weight of the loaf of bread that he supplies to you?”

“Yes” said the milkman

The baker’s face suddenly fell…
_________
Before we judge others, we must first check that our own house is in order. Maybe we have the same failings, that we accuse others of.
Chazal say: “Straighten oneself first, then straighten others.”

The Mezuzah- joke

Opening his front door, the Rabbi found himself face to face with the local priest.

"Rabbi, may I have a few words with you?" asked the priest. "Of course," replied the Rabbi, somewhat nervously. "Rabbi," began the priest, "It must be evident to you, that in this town we are plagued by thieves.

Scarcely a day passes, without one of my members coming to me, bemoaning the fact, that his house has been broken into.

On the other hand, I have noticed, that thieves do not bother you Jews, nearly as much." The Rabbi answered: “You are correct." Inquired the priest: "Yes, but why is that?"
___________
The Rabbi then said: "Look at this little box, on the side of my door post, it's called a Mezuzah.

We Jews believe, that when we put a Mezuzah on the entrances to our houses, the Holy One, may His Name be blessed, protects both us, and our property." "In that case", replied the priest, "I must have one!" Not wishing to be the cause of a pogrom, the Rabbi reluctantly handed over a mezuzah to the priest.
_________
Two weeks later the Rabbi was awakened, by the sound of someone pounding violently on his door. Dressing himself hastily, he made his way down the stairs. "Who's there?" the Rabbi asked. "Open the door, open the door!" screamed a voice on the other side.

Leaving the door on the chain, the Rabbi racked the door open wide enough, to see the priest standing in front of him, in great distraught. "What happened?" asked the terrified Rabbi. "Were you not protected from robbers?"
____________
"I was! But these people were worse than robbers!" screamed the priest.

"Who?" asked the Rabbi.

"The Fundraisers!!"

Funny: The Economy is so Bad that

The Economy is so Bad that

I got a pre-declined, credit card in the mail.I ordered a burger at McDonald's, and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"CEO's, are now playing miniature golf.If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you callthem and ask, if they meant you or them.Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks, are trading higher than GM.McDonald's is selling the, 1/4 ouncer.Parents in Beverly Hills, fired their nannies, and learned theirchildren's names.A truckload of Americans, were caught sneaking into Mexico.Motel Six, won't leave the light on anymore.The Mafia, is laying off judges.ExxonMobil, laid off 25 Congressmen.Congress says, they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal.
Great, the guy who made $50 Billion disappear, is being investigatedby the people, who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!And, finally...I was so depressed last night, thinking about the economy, wars, jobs,my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called theSuicide Lifeline.
I got a call center in Pakistan; and when I told them I was suicidal, they

got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck!

True friends

History has shown, that those, who throughout the years, have chosen the path of social detachment, have oftentimes fallen into the traps of futility, hopelessness, and despair.

Because, when one chooses to be alone in the world, he thereby rejects the mission, that G-d has given each and every human being: to make the world, and all of its inhabitants, a better and more divine place, specifically through social interaction.

This idea led the Talmudic Sages to exclaim: “Either friendship and peer study, or death!” In contrast, the second path encourages a person to battle solitude, by actively interacting with society.

The followers of this path hold, that a man must ‘go out of the bubble,’ and fully interact with his surroundings. Yet, despite the superiority of this approach, there lies within it two prominent dangers:

1. First, society can influence a person’s conduct negatively. Maimonides, the 12th Century scholar writes: “It is natural to be influenced, in sentiments and conduct, by one’s neighbors and associates.”

2. Second, if one is not morally and emotionally equipped, it is very easy to fall for the illusion of love, offered by the opportunists. Tiger Woods’s plunge, epitomizes the vulnerability of human beings, when faced with seducing exploiters, who wear fake masks of love and care.

Unfortunately, by the time Mr. Woods, and so many others discovered the real faces, behind the masks of their exploiters, it was all too late.
____________
The Winning Path
So what is the secret formula to human interaction? How can we mingle with society, without being influenced or exploited by it? Perhaps, the answer is found, in the fascinating biblical story of Joseph

When Potiphar’s beautiful wife allured Joseph, he strongly hesitated. But, at the last minute, he overcame the immense temptation, as a result of an omnipotent revelation, that suddenly captured his sight: “The face of his father, Jacob, appeared before him,” as Rashi’s commentary states

It was the vision of his saintly father, that pulled Joseph back to his roots and values. This sheds light, on the exemplary education that Joseph received. The image of one’s father, does not appear to him by coincidence. It can only appear, and have such miraculous effects, if it has been established in a person’s mind, over a long period of time, as a loving authority, that shiningly personifies G-d’s finest values and ethics.

Joseph’s triumph was a powerful testament, to his father’s extraordinary education; and a strong reminder, to all parents and educators, that education is not about the words you preach, or the love that you cultivate. Rather, it is about the ethical values, that you embody; and the authority of divine morals, that you establish, deep within the conscience of your children and disciples.
__________
A Brilliant Advice to a Young Man
A few years ago, a talented young man sought the advice of my dear mentor, world-renowned scholar, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, on how he should grow and succeed.

“My wife says you’re skilled,” Rabbi Steinsaltz complimented the young man, a rising Rabbinic leader. “But be cautious, of the illusions that you may encounter. People will invite you to speak, and provide enjoyment and pleasure.

They will even smile at you, and pay you a decent compensation; but, at the end of the day, many of them really care for their own pleasure, more than they care for you.

Therefore, always surround yourself with a base of people, that really love you, and care about you. And it is that base, that you must cultivate and trust!”

Yeshiva System of learning

The benefits of learning in a Yeshiva, are vast and far‑reaching. I will attempt to list a few, but by no means should one think that these are the only advantages to be gained.

I. 1. First of all, apart from the material itself that is being learned, which has innumerable benefits, the system of study alone is an amazing endeavor.
The method of learning most often used in a non‑yeshiva environment, is that a teacher lectures to students. This is passive learning, where the student is judged by the facts he remembers. This results in a lack of interest to the point of falling asleep, at worst, to remembering enough to pass a test and then forgetting what was learned, at best.
In the yeshiva it is quite different. The method of learning is called the "Chavrusah" system. Here you have two students sitting directly across from one another, discussing the topic to be learned. This is active learning.
Active learning not only is much more interesting, but it also develops the ability to think logically. How? Through con­stantly being forced to prove your opinion to your partner. As everyone knows the best way to learn is to teach, because to be able to explain something to someone else, you yourself have to understand it. Even if you don't, through the process of explain­ing, you come to understand it.
2. Also, by your partner continually questioning what you say, you learn to refine your thinking to look only at the essen­tial main points, and realize the difference between main and side points. This is like two knives, with each sharpening the other. Your partner motivates you to come up with things you never would have been able to on your own. In this way a person learns to become a thinker, and think on his feet. Not just be able to spit out facts, but to be able to assimilate and apply facts into beneficial results. Being able to apply the same facts to different situations.
3. It is a known fact that in order to remember something for a long period of time, the more of ones senses a person uses, the more he will remember. So too here, by using speech, by a person hearing what his partner says, by using hands to emphasize points, by getting excited about making your point understood, by simply being interested in what your doing, you as a result are able to remember a tremendous amount. Of course repetition is necessary, but now even this becomes an interesting endeavor, since your not doing it alone, but with a friend.
4. In addition to this, the material itself, (the Gemmora), is extremely logical. Each page using a different type of logic, which constantly challenges and stretches a persons mind, not allowing him to rest even for a second.
The Talmud is constantly aggressive. It constantly asks questions, tearing apart a subject, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for truth. This is opposed to other studies where you only memorizes facts, and do not learn how to think.
The Talmud stretches a persons mind to be able to see all sides of a question, and then to make a final decision based on all the points involved. This type of mental activity prepares a person to such a high degree, that anything else he may have to do later in life to make a living, will be child's play in com­parison.

II. In addition, a person does not go home to learn alone in his room, but all Chavrusahs sit together in one large room called a Beit‑midrash. Here 25 or more students sit and discuss the subject in a normal tone of voice. Included are emotional out­bursts at times, where an over zealous "Bacher" is trying to explain a seemingly obvious point to his "obstinate" partner. As a result of all this, the Beit‑Midrash is literally a live with activity. In this way, each group adds life and excitement, and a sense of unity, to the other.
An additional benefit is that if a person has a question he can go to any of the groups and get an immediate answer, so that he can go further in his studies.
Of course this is all watched over by a Rabbi, who is also there for guidance and questions.

III. Not only is the material very logical, but also it all relates to a persons being. How? By being spiritual, because it comes from G‑d. So it is not just the learning of sterile facts with no meaning, purpose, or direction; but it is all directed towards G‑dliness. Which includes: ethics, morals, personal growth, and true justice.

IV. To be a true Talmud Chocham, it is not enough to be an intellect, this does not automatically connect one with G‑d. As a matter of fact it can have just the opposite effect. By making a person a bigger ego, he therefore becomes self‑centered, not able to relate to something outside of himself, like G‑d for instance.
The epitome of a Talmud Chocham, is different than what the world views as the epitome, this being a great intellect in any area of endeavor. In Hebrew the word for intellect is Chochmah. We know that Hebrew being a holy language, every word has deep meaning, so too here. Chochmah is made up of two words, “Koach mah”. Which means the "power of what is". Which means that in his "minds eye", everything he sees in the physical world, he has the ability to see the G‑dliness in it.
In order for a person to become one with G‑d he has to refine his character to a very high degree, removing the coarse­ness of the body so that the soul can shine through. In this way he becomes sensitive to spirituality to a higher degree.
Therefore, just as important as the intellectual growth, is the emotional growth. A human, in order to be complete, must develop in all ways. If he only develops in intellectual ways there is a tendency to be a egomaniac and very self‑centered, not caring or relating to other people. It is also possible to be very smart intellectually, but be a child emotionally, which makes a person frustrated and unhappy. The goal is the putting of intellect into emotion.
The emotional growth is achieved by one having to worry about the progress of his partner. It is said that if one can get along with his Chavrusah he will make a good marriage partner. He has to develop patience, by having to explain his point many times, especially if his partner is not as smart as he is. He has to learn to break himself, and force himself to relate to his Chavrusah level. He has to be able to see things from his partners’ perspective, so that when he explains something to the other person he will be able to grasp it on his own level. In this way each person has to come out of himself and empathize with the other.
Ultimately a person should realize that he shouldn't just want to have the smartest Chavrusah so that he can learn much more, and as a result grow intellectually. Rather he also will want to learn with a slower student, because he realizes that it is for his own good, that he himself will grow emotionally. In addition to this, by slowing down he will see things and under­stand things in the material, down to its basics. To learn to teach takes a lot of patience. One has to develop the ability to relate to the other person on his own level. This is why not everyone who knows a lot can teach.
Eventually a person should develop to the point that the reason he wants to learn with another is not only for his own personal growth, but simply he wants to help others to fulfill their own potentials, since all Jews are brothers, and part of one body.

V. The main goal is to become one with Torah, which ulti­mately means one with G‑d. The ultimate of knowledge is, to know you don't know. Which means you've learned so much, for so long, so deeply, that you "see" the infinity of Torah. You know for a fact that there is a G‑d, and in comparison to him you know nothing. This knowledge connects a person with G‑d on a very high level. To where he can continually be connected with Hashem even when he eats, drinks, sleeps, works, etc.. Leading to total contentment, and happiness beyond words.
Does one have to be an intellectual to achieve this aware­ness? No. Every person, since they have a G‑dly soul, can make this connection. Try it!

Nature is changing

Blizzard warnings, as holiday storms hit central US
12-25-09

At least 18 people have died as a result of blizzards and freezing temperatures enveloping the US Midwest.

A state of emergency has been declared in South Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma, where the authorities have shut down highways after a series of accidents.

The winter weather, has stranded hundreds of travelers trying to make it home for the holidays. Flights have been delayed or cancelled. The conditions have also led several churches, to cancel Christmas services.

'Raging blizzard'
"The storm is spanning two thirds of the country," said Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the National Weather Service.
"Its effects run the gamut from severe thunderstorms in the Gulf Coast to ice in New England to really what is a raging blizzard in the lower plains," he added.

Parts of at least 10 central states, stretching from North Dakota to Oklahoma in the south, are now under blizzard warnings.
Winds of up to 50mph (80kph) buffeted central Kansas; while gusts of up to 65mph in Texas, left 5ft snow drifts, in some areas.

The storm began in the south-west on Tuesday before spreading to the east and north.

The Midwest storm comes, as the East Coast recovers from record snowfall last weekend, which brought much of the capital Washington DC to a standstill.

Forecasters warned of dangerous travel conditions in the eastern seaboard over the weekend, with freezing rain and heavy downpours expected from North Carolina to New England.

Flood warnings have been issued for parts of the north-east as the snow begins to melt.