I launched this Substack on April 3, 2023, just a few days before the start of Passover.
At the time, I wrote about some of the principles that I wished to adhere to in this publication, and began writing as often as I could to share some of my ideas and the conversations that I had been having with friends and family. I am lucky to have subscribers and readers, and do not take any comments or criticism for granted. I am privileged to have the support I have.
Five months later, it is now the eve of another holiday: Rosh Hashana. This holiday gives us a time to reflect on the year past, as we pledge to do better in the year ahead, hopefully with a clean slate.
Opportunities
To that end, I’ve been thinking a lot about pursuing opportunities.
Several weeks ago, a close family friend and financial advisor passed away extremely suddenly. He was young and healthy, and it happened completely out of the blue. Anyone who knew him felt like they were hit by a ton of bricks upon hearing the news of his passing. He was the best and kindest person, and it immediately evoked the question: Why do bad things happen to good people?
In the weeks since his passing, I’ve thought a lot about the advice he gave. I realized that the common thread throughout his advice was always “make the most of each moment.” If we were saving money and putting it away for another day, he would make sure to tell us that although it’s important to save, that it is also important to use your money to enjoy yourself when you can. We spoke about the challenges of having young kids. He told us that as they get older, and into their late-teens and early-20s, that the challenges they sometimes throw at you are definitely worth the wait.
He modeled his advice as well. He participated in marathons and hikes, traveled and took special trips with his kids, and though he worked hard, he never lost sight of the big picture. Life is only worth it if it’s enjoyed. There is nothing more ironic in the world than the fact that his life was cut so short, at such a young age.
When speaking with my mom about this, she reminded me to “Order dessert, and buy the shoes.” You can easily by paralyzed by analysis, or wait to make the perfect or right decision, but at the end of the day, life is indeed short, and there’s something to be said for spontanaiety and just diving in.
5784 and the year ahead
This is what I am thinking about as the year 5784 begins. Though I sometimes find it difficult to concentrate on prayer during the High Holiday services, sitting in synagogue, or sitting around the table, is an opportunity to reflect on where we are.
This year I’ll be thinking about some of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ ten lessons from Rosh Hashana:
Life is short, but it is all that we have, so we should use it well.
Life itself is a gift from God, and so it should not be taken for granted.
We are free, and we have the freedom to act different tomorrow than we did yesterday.
Life is meaningful, and the Jewish people have always tried to “give human life the dignity of a purpose.”
Life is hard, but it does not mean that we lose hope.
Life can be sweet, and to live a good life means seeking out joy.
Our life is the greatest work of art we will ever make.
We are who we are because of those who came before us.
We are heirs to the greatness of Jewish history and our religion.
We defeat death by living by values that live forever.
I feel lucky to be a Jew in this time and place. We are fortunate to live amazing lives in Canada, we have the State of Israel to be proud of, and we can certainly walk around with our heads held high.
In the year ahead, we can all be prouder of who we are are Jews, louder in support of our community and Israel, bolder in our vision for the future, and more purposeful in the lives we lead. In that way, we can be sure that we don’t miss any opportunities in the year ahead, and all that follow.
Also, if anyone wants to contribute to Catch, please let me know!
Wishing a shana tova u’metuka to all.