by Rabbi Koval
So, we Jews talk to G-d 3 times a day. But sometimes people wonder if He's really listening.
This is one of my favorite topics. If only He would talk back! Does He? I say yes, G-d does talk to us. In fact, I heard His call this past Sunday. No, don't call the men in the white coats yet.
Jewish tradition teaches us that in our non-prophet era, G-d manages to send messages our way. But, as in any other relationship, we can only hear Him if we make the effort, AND pay
attention to the messages that He sends our way.
Back to Sunday's case in point: I was slated to give the class for the parents at our Sunday school on the topic of Noah and the Ark: the Torah's guidelines for the relationship between mankind and animal-kind. There was a lot of research and preparation that I needed to do, and, for a change, I did not end up finding the time to adequately do so. So I figured I'd get up early on Sunday to finish preparing. That didn't end up happening - baby Nomi had other plans. So, I figured I'd arrive at Sunday School a few minutes early to at least jot down some notes.
I left for Legacy Village to pick up the coffee from Starbucks with plenty of time to spare. I pull in and see that the whole area is roped off to accommodate a charity walk-a-thon in the area. By the time I parked, shlepped the coffee through Legacy to my car and arrived at Sunday school, I was practically late.
I did not feel at all ready for my talk. But, something happened on the way to Laurel that made me feel very much at ease, and I "knew" that I would be alright. Thank G-d, it turned out to be a great class (if I do say so myself!) and I ended up getting great feedback from the audience.
So, what happened that changed my perspective? Actually all that happened was I ran into some change. First I found a quarter on the ground. I picked it up and smiled. (I always feel lucky when that happens!) A few feet later I spotted a penny. Now that changed everything for me.
You see, every morning I try and drop 26 cents into the tzedakah box, as 26 is the numerical value of G-d's name. It's a very meaningful custom for me, and it allows me the opportunity for a poetic prayer to G-d, asking Him to grant me the opportunity to develop a relationship
with Him, and to "hear" Him respond to my prayers. I heard a loud message jingling from those 2 coins, a message that He will guide me through the delivery of my talk, in spite my inadequacy due to lack of preparation.
Before I began my talk I took those 2 coins out of my pocket and left them out on the table in front of me for reassurance. The next morning I put them in the Tzedakah box, I thanked #26 for always being there for me and my family, especially when I pay attention - and not just to what's laying on the pavement!
