This ramble is so fresh, it's happening right now. I am standing in
line at Heinen's. Not only is it Christmas Eve but it's erev Shabbat
too. On my way to Heinen's I called my husband.
"I'm on my way to Heinen's. Did you need anything?"
"Well actually... I was going to buy you flowers!"
"OK, so I'll buy YOU flowers this week!"
I go, I shop, I conquer. I find the short(er) line. Now there is only
one person in front of me... Then I realize that I forgot to get the flowers.
I think: They're really for me.
I could really just waive my flowers this week.
I realize: They're not for you anymore, hon!
Oh, right.
I consider asking the guy behind me to hold my place. I consider just
making a mad dash. I could be back with the flowers before the line even
moves!
I realize: I can't do that. It is quite obvious that I am a patently observant
Jew. Anything I do is a veritable advertisement for my faith. For my people.
For my G-d. For religion.
It has a name.
If I provide good advertisement, it's called a "kiddush Hashem" - a
sanctification of G-d.
If bad, "chillul Hashem" - no less than a desecration of G-d.
How's that for a weighty moral decision.
So I get OUT of line (the guy behind me was praising his lucky stars) and get
the flowers. I seek a new, short line. I find it. But there is a random cart (full) hanging out in the line. I look around... doesn't seem to have an owner.
Owner shows up.
I have 2 choices:
Pretend I didn't notice her cart. Or let her in. Or, 3, be obnoxious about it.
I'M A WALKING ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE JEWISH FAITH!
So I wave her through. With a smile.
Guess what? She didn't even acknowledge me!!
But G-d did...
Big time.
