When I first heard this sung at a kumzitz, I couldn't relate to the message

Inspired by Angels

Around the Campfire / Mindel Kassorla

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’sheim Hashem Elokei Yisrael, miyemini Michael, mismoli Gavriel, milefanai Uriel, umei’achorai Refael. V’al roshi Shechinas Kel.

In the name of Hashem, the G-d of Yisrael, on my right is [the angel] Michael, on my left is [the angel] Gavriel, in front of me is [the angel] Uriel, behind me is [the angel] Refael, and above me is the Presence of Hashem. Source: Bedtime Shema.

When I first heard this sung at a kumzitz, I couldn't relate to the message. My eyes shifted from one intensely crinkled face to the next, perplexed as to what they felt while singing about… angels? Stories about angels don’t inspire me; they are so far removed from everyday experience.

I’m moved instead by tales of growth, of vulnerability and resilience, of bitachon that came before the miraculous salvation. That was until one particular camp counselor shared with us the following explanation (which I’ve now discovered is based on Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s commentary on the siddur).

The names of the angels can be interpreted also as metaphors to remind us of how Hashem manifests in our lives. On my right, where I feel strong and in control — mi-cha-Kel (Who is like Hashem?). I let go by realizing that I own nothing, it’s all a gift, and I’m at His mercy. On my left, where I’m weak, incapable, helpless — gavri-Kel (Hashem is my strength). I don’t need to be the biggest, the smartest, the most eloquent, because my power emanates from the Source of all power. In front, when the path is dark and I need to step forward in doubt — uri-Kel (Hashem is my light). He is my eyes when I feel blind; He guides my feet. And behind me, when I have fallen, rofeh-Kel (Hashem is the Healer). Hashem gives me resilience and the ability to move on.

Now as I say the words, I sing my heart out.

Decide, Don’t Slide

Mindset / Rebbetzin Dina Schoonmaker

WE all naturally adapt to our environment. The first time you see a new style in shoes, you may think it’s ugly. But after seeing hundreds of people wearing them you start thinking that they’re “kinda cute” and go buy them yourself! Unfortunately, we do this regarding words, songs, and even tones and attitudes that we find distasteful at first, until we find ourselves adapting to them over time.

So how does one fight this kind of adaptation? There is a mantra called “Decide, Don’t Slide!” When you’re first exposed to something new, take a little time to develop your hashkafah regarding that trend. If you don’t agree with it, make a conscious decision to thwart adapting to it.

A student of mine demonstrated what it means to live like this. After spending Pesach at a hotel, she came to me with a bag full of clothing — all the recent styles she’d seen many people wearing. She decided not to buy any of them until she evaluated if the look was appropriate. Because she had already gotten used to the new look, she wanted me (the Israeli who’s behind in fashion) to give my opinion.

This is particularly relevant in the area of technology, where standards are always changing, and if you don’t take a proactive stance, you may find yourself wasting a lot of precious time distracted by things you never actually decided were worthy of your time.

Let’s make the choice to live a life determined by conscious, value-based decisions.

He’s Got My Back

Stories that Uplift / Miriam Klein Adelman

 WE were in for an unpleasant surprise when we discovered that our insurance had unexpectedly shot up. How were we going to come up with the extra amount of money every month? My husband and I were both very aggravated, but really there wasn’t a whole lot we could do about the matter. So I decided to go shopping. (What do you do when you don’t know how you’re going to come up with money? Answer: Spend more!) I figured I’d go to Aldi to buy eggs for Pesach since the price was a steal — only $2.11 a dozen! While I was driving, I talked to myself,  “Chill, Miriam. Hashem has your back. He’ll take care of these extra expenses just like He does every other bill we have. He pays our bills every month, so why am I thinking that from now on, He won’t be able to afford it? How many times has He taken us out of tough situations that we had no idea how we’d get out of?” I continued to talk to myself in this vein until I reached the store. I think I even half-convinced myself.

Before I left my car, I felt for the quarter I keep in the door pocket to pay for the shopping cart. It wasn’t there, even though I knew I’d just seen it there yesterday. I was getting stressed again and the unappealing vision of me walking around juggling 15 dozen eggs wasn’t helping to calm me down. Then when I texted my husband and discovered that he’d used the quarter to put air in the tires, I panicked.

Figuring there must be a spare coin somewhere, I continued to search. I looked in the other door pockets. No quarter. I looked in the middle compartment. Ditto. Then, as I was rummaging through the mess of tissues, used shopping bags, disposable cups on the back seat, I saw an unopened letter that looked like a piece of junk mail. For some inexplicable reason, I opened it.

Inside was a refund check from our insurance company for $806.26. I looked at the date of the check. It was dated two months ago. What was this refund for? How did it get to the back seat of my car? How come I only found it now?

I don’t know the answer to any of these questions. All I do know is that Hashem was talking to me. He was saying, “Miriam, I told you. I’ve got your back.”

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 876)