{"id":106,"date":"2020-11-04T17:16:37","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T17:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/?p=106"},"modified":"2020-12-27T11:02:51","modified_gmt":"2020-12-27T11:02:51","slug":"a-daily-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/?p=106","title":{"rendered":"A Daily Walk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A daily  walk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter  17      The Righteous shall live by his faith<\/em>.   Habakkuk 2:4  &<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                         In all your ways know Him.     <\/em>Proverbs 3:6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something that is so singular and distinctive about the daily walk of a Jew are the rituals that a man, woman or child will perform throughout the day from the moment he or she wakes up till evening and before going to sleep.  These actions are those little moments throughout the day that connects one to our Creator G-d and draws down holy sparks from Heaven to the mundane and material life.  In fact, these are to treasure and keep \u2013 therefore to Shema <\/em> (*1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This especially is another example what Christianity does not share.  Praying together or reading a scripture with the children all depends on the parent\u2019s habit of demonstrating and living his or her faith.  The stresses of modern life and the rush to get the children off to kindergarten or school and be in time for work are typical constraints that impinge on any kind of personal ritual one may feel inclined to keep.  And because these, or the bed time reading and prayers, are not prescribed in the Christian faith and therefore not an ancient tradition,  it is totally up to an individual to do or not to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hebrew or Jewish daily walk is very different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is not only the Creator of all things, Lawgiver and Guide of History but also man\u2019s Helper:\u00a0 \u2018Your miracles which are daily with us, Your wonders and goodness which are wrought at all times, evening, morn and noon\u2019<\/em>\u00a0 If one keeps and enacts all of the following throughout the day, one will indeed notice the many small miracles that happened during our daily walk.\u00a0 As the great teacher Dr Gerrit Nel<\/strong> said:\u00a0 How can you expect to have a relationship with your wife if you seldom acknowledge her, speak to her and interact with her?\u00a0 So is it also with our relationship with G-d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(1)The first thing one does when opening one\u2019s eyes when waking up in the morning, one says a prayer to thank G-d for a peaceful night\u2019s rest, for being alive and restoring one\u2019s soul.  The Jewish prayer that one recites is called the  Modei Ani. <\/em> What can be meaningful is to thank G-d for three specific things that are really relevant to you personally; and each morning three things that you did not mentioned the day before.  As Milton Steinberg said: \u201c\u2026some of it represents folk practice or local custom or individual option; all of it \u2026.is subject in some degree to diversity of interpretation.  So, within a framework of uniformity, a fair measure of variety and freedom is achieved.\u201d [50.122]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then before continuing the daily tasks after getting up, one washes one’s hands. Susannah Heschel writes of her father Abraham Joshua Heschel, “my father never wavered in his piety, even continuing the custom of ‘nagel wasser<\/em>‘ (rinsing the hands first thing upon awakening, in order to begin the day with prayer)” [58.xiv] It is the same principal as the custom to wash one’s hands before the breaking of bread, and starting the meal. As the Psalmist writes: Who may ascend the mountain of Hashem, and who may stand in the place of His sanctity? One with clean hands and pure heart<\/em> (Ps 24:3&4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(2) As\u00a0 one steps out, and when putting on your right shoe, say: I am a child of G-d, confident and strong in my Soul and Spirit because of G-d\u2019s love and faithfulness.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a custom for one to then put charity aside. As you expect G-d to hear your prayers and requests, so you should give to those that need. As you expect G-d to hear your prayers and requests, so you should give to those that need. A charity box is not an unfamiliar site in a Jewish home. Often each child would have his own to put his or her contribution from his pocket money in. A wife could have one in the kitchen in which she will deposit what she has sav3d from her weekly budget. Men are fortunate too have pockets in their pants or jackets to keep coins to give Tzedaka <\/em>(charity) when out about town. It is a good idea for a woman to keep a small purse in a side pocket of her handbag to easily give to someone begging .<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

(3) Then when washing and doing the morning ablutions one says a blessing.  So often one feels dejected, desponded and weary but when you look at yourself in the mirror remember what    G-d said: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you left the womb I sanctified  you<\/em>  [Jeramiah 1:5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remind yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                For You [G-d] have created my mind; You have covered me in my mother\u2019s womb.  I acknowledge You, for I am awesomely, wondrously fashioned;  wondrous are Your works, and my soul knows it well   <\/em>[Psalm 139:13,14]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(4) It is a tradition to say a blessing after leaving the toilet.  Ask any one who has had a bowel operation, or had procedures done to any of the body\u2019s private parts, how pertinent it is to thank G-d that one\u2019s body is functioning normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(5) Men have the additional obligation to say prayers when donning the undergarment adorned with  fringes [Tzitzit<\/em>] as commanded in the Torah,  as well as putting on Tefillin.<\/em>(*2)  \u201cSo he refers his every move to G-d and fulfills the instruction that a man shall be strong as a lion and fleet as a deer to do the will of his Father who is in Heaven\u201d [50.122]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(6) When you are cleanly, freshly,<\/ins> and for women especially, modestly dressed; and feel clean and refreshed by G-d\u2019s Spirit, step out aware that you convey His image;  you<\/ins> walk, talk and act in His Image as a son or daughter of the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, as you leave your home and touch the Mezuza <\/em>(see *3) the latter statement should be your guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(7) Not everyone<\/ins><\/span> is so fortunate to habitually arise at sunbreak<\/span>.  With the overloaded obligations, commitments and tasks of this fast paste life that we lead; it is not easy to start the day with a Scripture reading or study.  I remember how my mother would at last at round about ten in the morning when the household had settled down, have her quiet time. At boarding school a bell was rung when we had to be dressed and ready to go down for breakfast, and which indicated the five minutes we had to first read the Bible and do our private prayers. I always especially recommend to people that are depressed and stressed, to read a Psalm and to underline the positive bits that can easily be reread or referred to in future.  These phrases and verses of praise and joy of G-d\u2019s help, provision and guidance is the best tonic to carry with during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(8) It is a custom before one drink<\/ins>s a glass of water, or any beverage, to thank G-d.  And how appropriate is it not today when all over the world we experience drought or unclean water. I usually at the same time thank G-d for the privilege to share company,  <\/del>or thank Him for the friend that I am sharing time with.  Or pray that I may be a blessing and shine His light in the company that I am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(9)  We read \u201cWhen you have eaten<\/span> and are satisfied, thank G-d\u201d (Deu 8:10)  The term \u2018saying Grace\u2019 is familiar to most people. To make it a habit either before or after a meal is a beautiful tradition to teach children and bind a family together.  There is that very famous painting by the American artist Norman Rockwell that shows an old woman and young boy sitting at a table in a restaurant saying grace with all the people around them looking at them.  It is not unusual for a Jew to take out his daily devotional booklet in the restaurant and read the word of the Birkat HaMason. <\/em>Thus one gives testimony to the miracle and privilege of having food to eat as well as that the Creator of this world provides all living beings with nourishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The custom to wash one\u2019s hands<\/span> before eating bread which usually commences dinner, reminds us of the Lather <\/em>[bowl of water in front of the curtain leading to the Holy chamber of the Tabernacle] in which the priests washed their hands and feet, to be spiritually clean before they entered the Holy chamber.  By bending over the water they would see their reflection, all dressed in white, in the bowl made of the woman\u2019s mirrors.  That was a visual reminder of being holy people onto G-d.  \u201cWho does go up onto the mountain of \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 And who does (may) stand in His set-apart place? He who has innocent hands and a clean heart\u201d <\/em>[Ps 24:3 &4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This same image and reminder should be a reminder to each of us when we partake of a meal to thus lift up the occasion to a spiritual level, and this is especially pertinent on Shabbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(10) On leaving one\u2019s house one touches the Mezuza <\/em>(*3) on the doorpost.  This should not be just a fleeting and automatic action. To make it a meaningful moment, think about what the verse actually says:   Belief in one G-d, that you love G-d with all your heart, soul and resources; to teach this to your children; to be beware that you are not seduced by pagan, worldly and foreign ways. It will be meaningful to say in your own words: May I walk according to Your commandments and let Your light shine into the world.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(11) When setting out on your journey, be it by bus, train or car,  <\/del>say a short prayer asking for G-d\u2019s blessing on this journey and to protect you from harm. In olden days they would refer to protection from wild animals.  Today it is also so applicable because of the many dangers we face not only because of reckless drivers but also the many deranged people all over Europe, US, Israel, Asia, Africa, that blindly would attack and kill for their god.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And on returning home safely one says a prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(12) There are many more occasions to invoke G-d\u2019s name .  Judaism ordains benedictions for almost every juncture in life.  \u201cShould (you) don a new garment, taste a fruit just then in season, see a flash of lightning, hear thunder, catch a glimpse of the ocean or of a rainbow or of trees burgeoning in the spring\u2026(or) hear good news.\u201d [50.124] At the beginning of Summer when I walk into the grocery store and with delight see the colorful display of the new fruits of the season, I cannot help but silently utter my amazement and joy saying ‘Oh G-d, how wonderful is your creation and provision!’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the day, wherever you are, notice and thank G-d for: the beautiful morning light falling into the room;  the breeze rustling through the trees;  singing of birds;  the patterns and colors and leaves on the ground where you are walking;  a squirrel dashing away;  the sound of children laughing;  a dog playing, and look up to the magnificent mountain or sky that fills your vision. All a reason to feel joy and sing a praise to our Father and Creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greet people with a smile and when appropriate say a blessing.  Take cognizance of a poor person you pass or an obviously unhappy person, and say a silent prayer for them.  There may be also the opportunity to give tzedakah <\/em>(alms) to a beggar. Ask the busy street sweeper or the tired till operator at the supermarket how they are and wish them well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are other occasions like when baking bread, the Tradition is to break off a small piece <\/span>and say a blessing in remembrance of the priests and Temple.<\/ins>  When picking up your child from school, ask G-d for insight and patience.  Or as you go into a meeting, ask for wisdom and clarity.  As you can glean, there are many occasions throughout a day that one can communicate with our Father in Heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(13) As from the moment you woke up, so too you end the day with a prayer to thank and praise G-d;   pray for people on your special prayer list and end off with the brief Shmah <\/em>or Our Father <\/em>prayer. (*4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be clear from the above, that these customs inculcate an awareness of G-d\u2019s presence in one\u2019s life and that it is of inestimable value for yourself and your children to learn and practice.<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FOOTNOTES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*1    See Deut. 6:4   In the Hebrew text of the Bible [Tenach] we read the famous first verse of what is called \u201cThe Shma\u201d which is the closest to an affirmation of faith or creed one finds in Judaism.  Note also that this verse contains two unusual features.  The  \u2018a\u2019 or  \u05e2 which appears at the end of the first word (Shma),  and the \u2018d\u2019 or  \u05d3  which appears at the end of the last word of this verse \u2013 echad <\/em>which means \u2018one\u2019, appear larger than all the other letters.  [Remember there are no capital letters in Hebrew.] These two letters taken together and pronounced  \u2018ed\u2019 means \u2018witness.\u2019  And this is exactly what one\u2019s actions throughout the day should be:  be a witness of our faith in G-d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*2  Also referred to as Phylacteries. Exodus 13 and Deuteronomy 6 and 11, teach that Jews must bind the commandments upon their hand and between their eyes.  This is fulfilled by bindings special boxes containing three Biblical passages with leather straps over the forehead and round the arm.  The verses written on parchment cover the fundamentals of the Jewish faith: 1) Ex 13:1-10 & 11-16 describing the duty to always remember Israel\u2019s redemption from Egyptian bondage and the obligation to educate his children of this as well as G-d\u2019s commandments.  2) Deu 6:4-9  The Shema, pronouncing the unity of one G-d, and command to love and fear Him.  3)Deu 11:13-21  G-d\u2019s assurance to us of reward that will follow our observance of His commandments. [See Chabad.org]    The practice is an ancient one and mentioned in the Brit Chadasha \/ <\/em>New Testament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*3  According to Deu 6:9 the children of Israel must write G-d\u2019s words upon the doorposts of their houses.  In order to fulfil this, the words of Deu 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 are written on parchment and placed in the small container called a Mezuza,<\/em> and attached to the right hand doorpost of the house. [38.115]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*4  In A Prayer to Our Father, the Hebrew Origins of The Lord\u2019s Prayer,  <\/em>by Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson, [Hilkiah Press, 2012],  they write how they discovered a Hebrew version preserved in secret by Jewish rabbis for over a thousand years,  that reveals a powerful message of spiritual growth for Jew and Christian alike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A daily  walk Chapter  17      The Righteous shall live by his faith.   Habakkuk 2:4  &                          In all your ways know Him.     Proverbs 3:6 Something that is so singular and distinctive about the daily walk of a Jew are the rituals that a man, woman or child will perform throughout the day from the moment […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=106"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":228,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106\/revisions\/228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/nachalayim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}