Holidays

We don't usually think of gentleness as a source of power. Yet there's nothing as powerful as true gentleness. Such sensitivity requires that we really tune into others.

Gentleness means we are not harsh, hard, or forceful, especially when dealing in areas which are particularly sensitive or where the other person is vulnerable. Every one of us has areas of their lives that they are sensitive about, where hurts or wounds have left tender reminders or tough scars. If we are gentle, these are respected. We allow and ensure time and space for healing of these wounds.

Eye Mask

In this dark I rest,

unready for the light which dawns

day after day,

eager to be shared.

Black silk, shelter me.

I need more of the night

before I open eyes and heart

to illumination. I must still

grow in the dark like a root

not ready, not ready at all.

By Denise Levertov

Czeslaw Milosz, A Book of Luminous Things

Rarely have I seen positive and negative people attracted to one another. People who view life as a series of opportunities and exciting challenges don't want to hear others talk about how bad things are all the time.

John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Baruch Ata Adonai Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam a-sher ke-d-sha-nu b- mitz-vo-tav, v-tzi-va-nu al s-fi-rat ha-omer.

We extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness, and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land. The State of Israel is prepared to do its share in a common effort for the advancement of the entire Middle East.

Excerpt from Israel's Declaration of Independence

There is still a white sail on the horizon opposite a heavy black cloud.

May all that we ask for come to pass.

The earth grows still  

the lurid sky slowly pales

over smoking borders.

Heartsick, but still living, a people stand by

to greet the uniqueness of a miracle.

Readied, they wait beneath the moon

wrapped in awesome joy, before the light.

A girl and boy step forward,

and slowly walk before the waiting nation:

In work garb and heavy-shod

they climb