What Is In Our Control Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning had significant influence on my thinking. It is a “must read” for anyone interested in the human condition. In the first part of the book, Dr. Frankl, a psychiatrist and neurologist, describes his personal experience as a long-time prisoner in four concentration camps during the Holocaust. He writes of the physical and soul-destroying mental conflict the prisoners faced. The final part of the book is about logotherapy, the school of psychology Frankl created. It’s based on the idea that we are strongly motivated to live with purpose and meaning. One of Dr. Frankl’s insights seems particularly apt for these times. He teaches while we cannot always control the circumstances we face, the one thing that is always in our control is how we react. Such a realization can be liberating to all of us during these times and well beyond. I wish you a Shabbat Shalom. [...]

Earning Self-Respect: A Lesson from a Student and Friend I have been teaching a Torah study class in Brentwood for over fourteen years. One of the students is Steve Fogel, a former President of Stephen Wise Temple, cofounder of Westwood Financial Corporation and the author of several books. In Insights for a Happier Life, Fogel writes “Every time we break an agreement, we create upset for ourselves and others. The more we break agreements with other people, the less they trust us. Internally it works the same way: if we break agreements with ourselves, we lose self-trust, turning our intentions into hollow words. Essentially, keeping our agreements is about having integrity. Remember, that means keeping our word to ourselves as well as to others.” Keeping our promises to others is a path to gaining their respect. Steve Fogel is offering a route to self respect. — Rabbi David Woznica

Celebrate Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel teaches, “people of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating we seek to be amused or entertained. Celebration is an active state, an act of expressing reverence, or appreciation. To be entertained is a passive state—t is to receive pleasure afforded by an amusing act or a spectacle...” In our tradition it is a mitzvah to celebrate—to rejoice on the Jewish festivals (Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot). The Psalms teach that we should “Worship Adonai with gladness, come before His presence in joyful song” (Psalms, 100:2). In other words, we should serve God in joy and, I would add that serving God brings joy. When life returns to normal, let’s be sure to find ways to celebrate as an act of reverence and appreciation. It will lift us even higher. — Rabbi David Woznica

Warning Lights A few weeks ago, as a way to unwind, I decided to “take a drive” without destination. No radio or music. Just the sound of the engine and a feeling of freedom. I felt a sense of solace. Until. Until a warning sign on my dashboard popped up. It wasn’t a warning that anything had gone wrong or even needed immediate attention. It was “warning” that it was time for the car to be serviced. I’m slightly ashamed to report I allowed the warning sign to compromise my solace. All I thought of was servicing my car. And when my mind wandered, the next glance at the dashboard served as a reminder. At this moment our world faces a major crisis. Yet in life, we often allow what is in front of us to dominate our thoughts—even if what is in front of us is trivial. It’s in [...]