Josh's Bar Mitzvah Toast

Here's what I said when I got up to make a toast at my son's (Josh) Bar Mitzvah. Josh loves astronomy, so we decorated the reception room with that theme.

Hi everybody! How’s everybody like "The Mansion"? Great isn’t it? Everybody’s so accommodating.

I told them I was concerned everyone should have enough space. Look around the room. You think they got a little carried away?

I’d like to thank everybody, including the Rabbi, our relatives, and our friends for sharing Josh’s Bar Mitzvah with us. Some came a long distance. As far away as VT, FL and WA state. Any further and you’d need a Visa!

Most of all I want to thank Wendy. Thank G-d for Wendy. Not only did she make the arrangements to make this day possible, but she also had something to do with making Josh possible.

Wendy and I are very glad you can join us for this special day. Unfortunately, my parents aren’t able to make the trip due to circumstances beyond their control.
But they wanted to be here and participate so much that they wrote a note, and I’d like to share with you.

You know, I just remembered something about my mom. I don’t think she really understands astronomy. In college, I was fascinated by black holes. But every time I’d talk about them at home my mother would blush. Why would mentioning black holes make anybody blush? Anyway, here’s their note.

(read parent's note)

Well Josh, you’ve certainly come a long way. You went from being afraid to get in the pool as a baby, to being on a competitive swim team.

You went from suffering bullies, to a few weeks away from your black belt test.

You get straight A’s,
you’re on the Principal’s Honor Roll,
you’re in the accelerated enrichment program at school,
just made 1st Class in Boy Scouts on your way to Eagle,
and just did a great job on your Bar Mitzvah.

What I want to know is, whose kid are you anyway?

Josh is one sharp cookie, and I know he’ll do well whatever life he chooses.

So, I’d like you all to raise your glass for a toast to the man of the hour:

Josh… may you know yourself, be yourself, and love yourself,
and seek experience
enough to know
what you love
and where you’re strong,
and make a path
that will take you to both.

Lachiem!

Father's Day Wish 6/2011

This is a note I wrote on a Father's Day Card to my 81 year old dad who isn't in the best of health. The inside of the card was blank and on the cover is a newscaster quoted as "Our top story tonight...Everything everywhere sucks. More after this."

My message was inspired from the realization some years ago that my parents, like most people, see negatives easier than positives. And having their genes, and being raised by them from a very young age, I too have seen negatives easier than positives. I may have been a negative person even though I thought the opposite. Since my epiphany, I have been working hard at recognizing and changing those habits and having some success.

Here's the note:

Dad,

You taught me a thing or two growing up. One thing is that "its not whether you have problems, its how you deal with them. You will always have problems". Another thing is that "life is not a straight line punctuated by curves, its curves punctuated by straight lines."

There are plenty of negatives and positives in the world and in our lives. If you want to see negatives, its easy to do so. Sometimes I think its easier to see the negatives. But I realized that's only true if that is one's bent. I think it may have been my bent for a long time. But I found I can change.

I find what I can be grateful for and the positives about everything I can and try to focus on that. At least, that is my goal. It has slowly been improving my life, and perhaps the lives of those I touch.

My Father's Day wish is for you to feel better when things are tough by focusing on what positives you can find and leaving the negatives behind.

Happy Father's Day!

With love,

Jeff and family