IThink - Law and Order (Avos 3:2) [Rav Binyamin Hutt]

It is all too often that we are subjected to a disturbing report relating another offense or felony.  It is right there on the front page or smart-phone, alongside your coffee, as you roll out of bed.  We are neither oblivious to the world around us, nor ignorant of all the pervasive dangers.  Why don't we care?  How can we move on to the sports page as if nothing happened?  We might not be lawyers, judges, or law enforcement agents, but there is something we can do.  We are members of society who should care enough to take a moment to pray for the general wellbeing of our fellow citizens.  Never underestimate the power of prayer.  They may be called headlines, but each news flash must penetrate our hearts.  Additionally, while we should always hope to live in a more perfected world, we must simultaneously thank Hashem for allowing the governing nations to facilitate real life law and order. 

iThink - Your Final Destination (Avos 3:1) [Rav Binyamin Hutt]

 דע מאין באת ולאן אתה הולך ולפני מי אתה עתיד ליתן דין וחשבון

Remember when an airport used to be just an airport with a few news stands?  Now most airports could practically double as shopping malls, food courts and art museums.  All of these amenities offer convenience and entertainment to the modern traveler.  Now imagine the embarrassment of the everyday passenger who missed his connecting flight due to his window shopping in the central terminal!  This world in which we live is strikingly akin to a bustling airport.  Everyday there are countless exciting new arrivals as well as departures that are difficult to deal with.  Amidst all of the people coming and going, we find newer and more sophisticated innovations that constantly grace our lives; providing opportunities for efficiency, pleasure, and ease.  If these temporal attractions become distractions, then you might not arrive at your potentially glorious final destination.  Do not get diverted by a culture of 'duty free,' and remember to proudly fulfill each incumbent obligation to earn your place in sublime eternity.  All passengers for flight 120, this is your final boarding call.                

   

iThink - It Is Too Much For Me (Avos 2:21) [Rav Binyamin Hutt]

לא עליך המלאכה לגמור ולא אתה בן חורין ליבטל ממנה

How many parenting books does it take to raise ‘good children?’  There is no answer.  Not because good children do not exist, rather because it is an impossible mission to execute alone.  A parent’s responsibility is to be a good parent - to pour his or her heart and tears into providing the best resources to succeed for their entrusted jewels to succeed.  However, the effect depends upon another person with his own free will and an assortment of external circumstances.  We find similar trends in many realms of life, where the line between aspiration and expectation is often blurred, if not ignored.  When we expect from ourselves to actualize every one of our noble goals, we rightfully feel overwhelmed.  Our modus operandi should be to strive to fulfill our responsibilities to the best of our ability, while cognizant of the reality that we are not in control nor are we expected to change the world single-handedly. 

iThink - Real World (Avos 2:20) [Rav Binyamin Hutt]

היום קצר והמלאכה מרובה והפועלים עצלים והשכר הרבה ובעל הבית דוחק

Welcome to the real world.  The real world is where time is of the essence, despite the illusionary notion of unlimited minutes.  Every precious moment of our lives must be accounted for, even on nights and weekends.  The real world is where there are social, moral and religious expectations of us that must be met, which are able to be met.  Every segment of the day has its own meaningful governing directions – at home, at play, and especially at work.  Life is not a series of haphazard chaos, and therefore it has profound meaning.  The real world is where effort and energy exerted are the metrics of success.  Good intentions are rewarded, and the thought does actually count.  Achievements are scored relative to yourself, not subjectively in relation to others.  The real world is where salaries, automobiles, and designer clothing are not indicative of personal stature.  Physical adornments attract a great deal of attention, but leave the person unchanged.  Sounds like a wonderful place?  You already are living in the real world. 

iThink - That's a Good Question (Avos 2:19) [Rav Binyamin Hutt]

הוי שקוד ללמוד תורה ודע מה שתשיב לאפיקורוס

That’s A Good Question

We are a people that love questions, so much so that we often answer one question by posing another.  However, there is a misconception that having ideological doubts regarding G-d, let alone expressing them is taboo in religious circles.  This is absolutely not true.  There is no such thing as a heretical question.  How could a finite mortal man with limited intellect not grapple with the ways of the Infinite?  Our life settings are constantly highlighting the most perplexing of quandaries, such as:  Does G-d really care about what I do?  Chosen people – what happened to equality?  If G-d is good, how could He let this happen to me?  While there is no shame in having uncertainties, caution still must be exercised when seeking the answers.  The truth is not as elusive as it seems, yet it can easily be distorted.  Every question should be properly explored, for each question begins a quest to discover the answers which will enrich our lives and the way that we relate to our Infinite Creator.

iThink - Silence Is Not Golden (2:18)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

ואל תהי רשע בפני עצמך

It is frightening but true.  A human being is more fragile than the finest crystal, and the deafening sound of silence can totally shatter a person's self esteem.  A parent, employer, or friend who rarely compliments or offers acknowledgement, may not know how far reaching the unspoken damage is.  Even the most gifted and talented people thrive with boosts of self-esteem, let alone those who have less natural potential and depend on external support.  Someone deprived of his psychological nourishment can possibly conceal his pain, yet it is only a matter of time until the harm manifests itself in untold ways.  Fortunately the converse is true, and hopefully more prevalent.  With your simple compliment, you can effortlessly lift the crushing bricks of doubt and self condemnation that had been weighing so heavily before.  With one encouraging word, you can infuse in anyone the poise to cultivate his potential, strength to succeed, and confidence to create greatness.

iThink - 3D Judaism (Avod 2:17)

Rav Hutt

וכל מעשיך יהיו לשם שמים

Religion sounds nice, but what's in it for me?  We usually relate to religion as consisting of two dimensions – ritual practice and mandated restrictions.  Seen from this vantage point, religion can be a very flat and tedious part of life.  Yet there is a third dimension to Judaism that brings our religion alive.  We focus on the relationship with G-d even beyond the obvious religious obligations.  The majority of our day consists of necessary but seemingly mundane activities, such as earning a living, doing laundry, or eating.  However, when the above mentioned tasks (or others of the like) are carried out with a mindset of, "I am doing this for the sake of Heaven," they themselves become bursts of holiness elevating our entire day.  We can constantly remain connected to a source of greatness and meaning.  This 3D perspective, where sanctity from the sanctuary overflows into the office, kitchen, and gym, enables a real-life Jewish experience of depth and beauty.  

iThink - You're Precious (Avos 2:16)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Although every buried diamond must still be mined, cut, and set, the jewel already exists.  It is only a matter of carving away the layers upon layers that conceal the small fortune, and polishing it to perfection.  It is stunning to see the parallel between the world of the physical and the world of the spiritual.  Do not be deterred by your current state.  You already are a precious person with a unique color, cut, and clarity waiting to adorn the world.  You already are an elated, holy, and pure soul that refracts an exquisite light – the image of G-d.  You need not undergo a process of dramatic transformation, rather a process of invigorating revelation.  Slowly and patiently, you can cast off the impediments of ego and indulgence which veil your priceless potential.  If left buried beneath raw human behaviors of self-gratification, the world will never know your true rare beauty.  If you want to be a millionaire, cherish and reveal the jewel that you already are.

iThink - It's Your Honor (Avos 2:15)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

At times, it seems to me that a thoughtfully chosen gift is a magnanimous gesture of consideration, worthy of abundant praise and gratitude. Why then in other instances do I think that a sincere yet simple, "Thank you," should suffice for a thoughtful birthday gift received?  How could one person experience such a variance of responses?  There is an easy resolution to this apparent inconsistency.  In the first scenario, I am the giver who tends to focus on my honor.  When the honor is due to me, I see no limit to the extent of praise possible to be given by another.  However, when I am the recipient – even in a completely parallel act of kindness – as in the second case, my tendency is to be far more sparing when considering and articulating the generosity of others.  Hopefully next time I have the opportunity to express gratitude, defend the reputation, or praise the achievements of my fellow, I shall pause to consider that his honor is just as valuable as mine. 

Mussar: iThink - I'm Easily Impressed (Avos 2:14)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

As original and creative as we hold ourselves to be, consciously or subconsciously, we tend to mimic the people that surround us.  Take the entire industry of advertising as proof of this human phenomenon.  Effectively creating an image that people 'like you' use this product, is worth millions.  Our impressionability is a fact of life that has the ability to refine and improve our lives, or bring about great damage.  So why then do we allow ourselves to be exposed to people of skewed priorities, vulgar vocabulary, or immoral conduct?  Would we be willing to go out for coffee with a Swine Flu carrier because of his charming sense of humor or her fascinating past?  If we can acknowledge and relate to our physical vulnerability, then we are equally capable of protecting our behavioral and moral health as well.  Don't get the wrong impression.  

iThink - It's An Optical Illusion (Avos 2-13)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Through the eye of every human, the world is projected upside down – on the retina that is.  It is only after signals are transferred via the optic nerve, that the optic lobe processes the information in the brain.  We can then properly relate to the given image in its true state.  Surely this concept from optometry can offer an insight into optimism.  This is a character trait that when developed properly, can transform and make everyday a wonderful day.  The secret is in the processing.  Inevitably, we experience a variety of events and people in our lives; many of which we will have little or no control over.  If there is a facet of good to be seen or positive to be perceived, why not see it?  An aspiring optimistic person is a more pleasant person to be and a more enjoyable person to be with.  Seeing the good in others, which truly is there, or in life itself depends on how we choose to process the world around us.  It needs no optical illusion.

Mussar: iThink - You're A Star (2-12)

Rav Hutt

The entire world was created for me and I play a unique role that in no way can be replicated or executed by anyone else.  There is a clear purpose in my life, for if not, I wouldn't be here.  This opportunity of greatness, importance, and self worth is the manifestation of being a creation – created in the image of G-d.  A treasure endowed to every single person.  While sitting in an airplane with 400 people or a stadium filled with thousands, the danger arises of getting lost in the crowd.  As nerve-racking as it may be to lose my car keys or cell phone, nothing can compare to the fright of losing my sense of self.  Such a feeling can impede personal growth and accomplishment.  Although we are compared to the sand of the sea that is only noticed in mass, we are also described to be like the stars in the sky.  Every star is seen and shines on its own from a place that no other star can stand. 

Mussar: IThink - This is Holy Advice (Avos 2:11)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

It is a popular notion that with 10,000 hours of practice you can become an expert at anything.  Anyone can do it, but no shortcuts.  Exerting minimal energy and expecting maximal output, is akin to trying to drive cross-country on a single tank of gas.  Without the adequate fuel, there is no chance of reaching the desired destination.  However can success be the product of merely extreme patience and the passage of time?  To develop mastery of any given area, the hours must be focused towards an objective, with a plan to implement gradual change.  Developing expertise also requires subjecting oneself to critique and criticism in order to improve.  After all the countless hours of calculated experience invested to truly perfect a given discipline, it is worthwhile to chose a noble, honorable, holy endeavor to dedicate this much energy towards.  A pursuit that both our ancestors and future generations will be proud of.

Mussar: Student Teaching (Avos 2:10)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Your doctor’s office most probably displays a collection of degrees, awards, and certificates, but they do not impress me.  There are likely shelves lined with textbooks so heavy they could break the office scale, but they do not impress me.  However the cluttered bulletin board on the wall with handwritten notes, vying for visibility, is far more striking.  A few brief words lauding the doctor as a mentor and colleague are incredibly more telling about the person beneath the white coat.  Do you have a ‘bulletin board’?  What have others attributed you as having taught them?  Even if you do not train the next generation of aspiring professionals, or stand at the front of a lecture hall, you will have students learning from you.  They might be found in classrooms or boardrooms, at home or in the office.  So ask yourself, “What has someone learned from me today?”

Mussar: iThink - Identity Theft (Avos 2:9)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

We have become a society of passwords and security questions, finger prints and retina scans – all to forefend from the ever feared, identity theft.  But is it really your identity that is in danger?  Your social security number, ATM pin or confidential information are undoubtedly valuable and of great importance to remain private, yet they do not personify you.  Hence YOU are not at risk.  True dangers however, are forgetting about your past, ignoring your potential today, and losing sight of your future.  These catastrophes threaten us, as individuals and as the Jewish nation collectively, when we submit to the whims of society and blindly conform to popular consensus.  Although powerful undercurrents of various “isms” have tugged at our hearts, we have endured.  Knowing that the identity of our people is inextricable from Torah has literally been the tree of life for those who hold fast to it.  It is therefore incumbent upon us to identify with our identity, and do everything in our control to protect it.

Mussar: iThink - Simplicity Is Bliss (Avos 2:8)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Who doesn't want a higher quality of life?  A nicer car, a vacation home, more jewelry.  A fancy gold watch might add a little flare to your wardrobe, but it is an expensive price to pay for the ongoing concern of its damage or loss.  Perhaps the second mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance issues impinge upon your enjoyment of your vacation villa.  With more wealth comes more worry; yet with more simplicity comes more serenity.  Living modestly without riches, is the secret element to enrich our lives.  It is hardly a loftier level to have so many investments, that there aren't enough nights to stay up agonizing about each one.  Simplicity is bliss.  While the allure of a life of luxury can hardly be resisted, everything comes with a price – which sometimes even the wealthiest cannot afford.

Mussar: iThink - Beyond Myself (Avos 2:7)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

An unforeseen chain of events is triggered with a simple act of kindness.  Consider the following scenario: Upon arriving at the crowded grocery store parking lot, the closest spot opens up just as you are passing by.  With a surge of excitement, you flick on the turning signal to indicate your "new claimed territory".  Before pulling in, you check the rear-view mirror and take notice of the driver behind you.  "Maybe she's in a rush?" Foregoing the victory, you continue in your search – a small price to pay to make someone's day. Approaching the checkout line with soda and chips in hand, the man in front of you with an overflowing cart notices you. "Maybe he's in a rush?" the man considers, and kindly insists that you take your turn first.  This is no coincidence.  Very often, Hashem allows us to be a benefactor of our own kind ways, in ways we could not have imagined.

Mussar: IThink - It's Not Me (Avos 2:6)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Image is everything.  Often times the greatest impediment to accomplishment is ourselves.  Ambitious thoughts of integrity, chivalry, and benevolence occasionally visit our mind, and are then tragically expelled to the tune of, "but that's not me."  I should drive back to the store to return the extra change, but that's not me.  I should wait to start eating until everyone is seated at the table, but that's not me.  I should give more money to charity instead of taking an even more exotic vacation, but that's not me.  Nonetheless, with a little bit of honesty and an abundant amount of courage, we can cast off our underdeveloped self image, to find the righteous, polite, generous 'me,' that is waiting to thrive.  Perception is reality, but the reality must accurately be perceived.

Mussar: iThink - Common Unity (Avos 2:5)

Rav Binyamin Hutt

Community, as indicated in its etymological construct, is the expression of common unity.  Let us define what these two components are, and perhaps more importantly, what they are not.  Commonality amongst a group's constituents should include shared values, goals, and priorities; despite differing approaches.  It does not mean however, that everyone must adhere to uniformity and relinquish all individuality.  Regarding unity, any group or community must recognize the value of every member.  Only then can the foundations of commitment and loyalty be established – providing stability for ourselves and others alike.  As inclusive as unity seems to sound, it does not mean tolerating people or ideas that undermine and endanger the essence and objectives of a given community.  Surely we are part of some sort of community, be it religious, personal, or professional, of which we must attempt to strengthen its elements of common or unity. 

Mussar: iThink - Lose the Fight, But Win a Friend

Rav Binyamin Hutt

When the car to the right signals in attempt to pass, there are two different types of reactions: Quickly speed up as to not jeopardize 'the lead,' or graciously slow down, easing the transition for your fellow driver.  Ostensibly, the same person who can yield to another vehicle can usually yield to another's view or opinion too.  Although it is not an easy stance to take, it is not a weak stance to take either.  It requires maturity and strength to abnegate to someone else.  What a delight to be in the company of those who wisely allow others to be heard, and are open to hearing an opinion other than their own?!  Additionally, the long-term effects include becoming a more pleasant person to be around and becoming better equipped to succeed in relationships.  Therefore the recommended strategy is to lose the fight, but win a friend.