Men's Club

Our annual paid membership barbeque will take place on Sunday, August 23 rd at 12:30 PM in the Multi- Purpose Room. Help us inaugurate the use of our new barbeque. The food will taste even more delicious. Temple Beth Emet’s version of the dynamic duo, Perry Goldstein and Zev Brooks will handle the entertainment portion of our program. For full details of the BBQ see our ad in the July-August issue of the Tidings. This event is always fun and enjoyable. So save the date, and plan to join us at the BBQ.

LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE The best scenario that underscores the objective of the principle, look beneath the surface, is typified by the story of Joseph. His brothers fostered by the hatred of jealousy put him in a pit, that harm may befall him. Merchantmen came across Joseph and rescued him, only later to deprive him of freedom and the loss of his family, by selling him into slavery. By his wisdom and desire to succeed, and his ability to interpret dreams, he rose to a prominent position in the Egyptian hierarchy.

This enabled him to rescue the Egyptian people as well as neighboring nations from a great and severe famine. When he revealed his identity to his brothers, they feared his vengeance. However, Joseph assured them, their evil deeds were the   precursor of a greater good, enabling Joseph to save the people from the famine. Other examples were the reversal of the birthright acquitted to the oldest child, in the case of Jacob and Esau, and Ephraim and Manasseh. Lastly, David was voted the least likely to succeed to be king amongst all of Jesse’s sons. Why did this happen this way? Hashem was looking for an individual with a greater sense of understanding and wisdom, and adherence to his laws and commandments, to lead the nation of Israel. Turning to modern times, our daily routines are channeled and fueled by reactive behavior patterns. The problem with this process, it doesn’t allow for time to do free thinking. Meaning, if we were allowed to do so, we may come upon more inventive and creative ways to enrich and lead more fulfilling lives. Consider people who change careers mid-way in their life cycle. In the food industry, many chefs and restauranteurs, started their career paths in more traditional occupations, such as banking, medicine, education, and the law. If you have a family to support or other responsibilities, you can’t throw caution to the wind, and jump off a cliff, and hope you land on your feet. However, you gradually ease your way into exploring the burning desire within you to make a course change. Many of the aforementioned people first enrolled in cooking school, to learn the ins and outs of the profession. Followed by an apprenticeship under the tutelage of an experienced chef or restaurant owner, prior to opening their own business. So the next time you feel your life has become a ho hum affair, make the time to do some free thinking, to explore the nagging feeling you have, it’s time to make a change. Life can be described as being like a Crackerjack box. If you look beneath the surface, you may find a surprise inside.

Shalom! Martin Solway – Club President