R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y

At this point in the year, I believe that every class has heard me quote the saying "when pointing a finger, three fingers point at you." I've often explained that this means, when accusing others we need to look at ourselves for solutions. We are the means of change, and ultimately can only control ourselves. We have the opportunity to be responsible, and must act accordingly.

This week's value is derived from Cain's remark to God: 'Am I my brother's keeper?'

Let's create a lengthy list, what responsibilities do you have?

Post by Wednesday.

Do we have an issue with bullying?

Are there cases of bullying at school? If so, we need to correct this. Let's talk about it, and find solutions to the problem.
How does a bully bully? And what ideas do you have to solve the problem?

These posts will earn extra credit through Monday.

Do Not Tease or Bully

“One who humiliates another, even though he is learned in Torah and performs other good deeds, will not go to Heaven.” --Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 3:11

I must say, this is a powerful statement. One could be extremely learned and pious, but if s/he does act with caution and value each person then it is as if the actions are for naught.

Do you have a personal example of a time when this occurred? Be careful, we don't want you to use names here and further embarrass someone else. Use fictitious names, letters or numbers.

I will share with you a great story in the Talmud about how to explain embarrassment, and how embarrassment is equated to death.

GET THINKING FOR THE NEXT POST TOO! Do we have an issue at school with teasing or bullying? Also, what constitutes bullying? Don't post to this line, yet. I'll make a new post in just a few short days.

Practical Applications of Time

It seems to be a problem of late, that we at Adelson are becoming more lackadaisical with our time. Our schedules have been altered and we forget when class begins and for some, when class ends. Do you have any ideas or suggestion as to how we can make our time be more valuable with one another? We know there is the occasional 'quick word' with a teacher or student that becomes five minutes or longer, but when the 'occasional' becomes the norm, we need to retool our attitudes and procedure for the common good.

Let's try something new with this post, and turn it into a running conversation. Feel free to not only suggest ideas, but positively develop others' to reach a new concensus. Keep the discussion positive and moving.

The Upper School is OUR community, and as such we have the power to shape it and make it an environment conducive to learning based on OUR needs. This week, let's tackle the idea of time and if you have a suggestion of something we should discuss e-mail me, and let's discuss.

We're here to build community, so let's build it.

"Does anybody really know what time it is?"

I'm sure that many of us know the expression "time=money," and I would wonder want does this mean about time (or money). We'll leave money for another discussion, leaving us to focus this week on time.

“Just as theft of money is theft, so is theft of time.”
–Mesilat Yesharim (Path of the Upright), Chapter 11

What do you think about time? Is it valuable and precious? Thinking in terms of the world, who do you think has the most valuable/precious time? In your perspective, who do you thank has the most precious time?

Responses, and thoughts are due Wednesday. I will be posting another thought on Tuesday to discuss throughout the week. The upcoming post will deal with the idea of time in our own community.

Two eyes, two ears, a nose and a mouth

We all have the same basic structure of a face, but what we do it with it is our own decision. It is one of the few body parts we could go through life without ever seeing (after all we only see it with the aid of water or a mirror).

How do you wear your face? Are you often with a smile or a frown? When you are smiling how do other people react? When you frown, do people join you in your sadness or attempt to turn the frown upside down?
There are people who say that frowning takes more muscle control than a smile. Yes, smiling is easier than frowning.

"Shammai says we should greet everyone cheerfully." (Pirkei Avot 1:15)
What do you think about this idea?

Purim Shpiel Script

Get your Shpiel, fresh off the presses! Get your shpiel!
(Yes, I do feel like a newsie.)

CHECKOUT THE CALENDAR ON EDLINE FOR TODAY, AND LOOK FOR THE PDF!!

HAG SAMEAH!
-Mr S

Tzaar baalei hayim

The verse which explains this week's value comes from Deuteronomy. (A Rav of mine once gave a shiur (lesson) on this topic and cited the humourous translation found in the Soncino Humash. A point for those who find it and share the 'weird' translation.)

“If a person comes across a nest of birds, he cannot take the mother bird with the young, but must send the mother away first.” –Deuteronomy 22:6

What are you opinions of this? Also, can you find another example in the Torah? HINT: I discussed it recently in class. If you know what it is, or have an idea, e-mail it to me and it will become part of the next post.