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There are many who follow the ideas of Sigmund Freud, who said that by the time we are five years old our brain is, so to speak, set in stone and will dictate our personality and behavior for the rest of our lives, no matter how long that may be. I've always felt that this is somewhat of a radical statement, but I do realize, as I'm certain that all of you do, that childhood events and memories continue to play a great role in how we react as adults, even many decades after those childhood events have passed.
My aversion to a certain type of teacher or instructor relates to my second-grade teacher in public school, who was a great teacher but a very nasty person. I have always tried to avoid nasty people, and to judge my teachers not only on their professional ability to communicate knowledge and facts, but also on their personality. My focus was on what type of human being they were, and how they treated others, even those who were not star pupils. Somehow, over the past few weeks, my memory bank has revisited my experiences in the lower grades of elementary school in long-ago Chicago.
Even though in many cases it has been 80 years since those events occurred, my memory has made them fresh and immediate again. I imagine that that is why all of us have a wish that we could relive certain times of our lives, as well as certain words and events that we created. Unfortunately, we all realize that there are really are no do overs in life, and that the wise person is one who ascribes to a certain degree of morality, always learning from previous errors, to make sure that they are not repeated. Memory serves to remind us of those previous mistakes and contributes to our ability to avoid similar problems in the future.
I have also found it interesting that so-called good memories do not really displace those memories which remain troubling and challenging. And, the fact that this flood of memories is not controllable, makes the situation even more difficult. In effect, we are all challenged in a psychological manner to deal with our memories head-on and without rationalization. By so doing, we become better people and we avoid repeating past errors and grievous mistakes. King David and Solomon said that "My sins and errors are forever before me."
We may wish to forget much of the past, but we are wired that this becomes an almost impossible task to fulfill. We must deal with our memories as we must deal with all current events in life, with honesty, humility, and the drive to improve and overcome. Perhaps that is the very reason that we are so flooded with memories as we grow older and more distant from the events and people that triggered those memories. The Torah emphasizes many times the necessity to remember the great and good positive things, as well as the negative occurrences that are occasions for shame and repentance. We should never shirk away from our memory bank because through it we can understand our inner essence and reach greater spiritual development.
Shabbat shalom
Berel Wein
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
