Lag BaOmer calls for reflection and spiritual growth

This Sunday, some in the Jewish community here in Cincinnati and around the world will celebrate Lag BaOmer, a joyous and festive occasion. It is not biblically commanded but is a result of Kabbalistic interpretations of the Torah, the mystic traditions of the Zohar.

After 3400 years in Egypt the waters of the Red Sea cleansed the Israelites as they fled from bondage and began a 49-day journey of spiritual growth and refinement that prepared them to receive the Torah.

The spiritual significance of this journey is that the Israelites moved from the lowest point spiritually when they departed from Egypt to the highest point when they received the Torah. This spiritual growth and refinement was not a one-time experience. It is to be repeated every year from the first day of Passover on 15th Nissan to the 6th of Sivan, The Festival of Weeks or Shavuot.

As diverse as Cincinnati is (it is one of its strongest assets), spirituality binds the community together. Indeed spiritual growth and expression in one ethnic group can have a positive impact in the spiritual growth of another.

Ahavat Yisrael, for example, or love for one another, which is one of the lessons of Lag BaOmer, is a universal virtue, which connects all faiths and traditions. Another example from Lag BaOmer and embraced by most faith systems is the setting of high goals of spiritual growth and striving to attain them.

It is therefore fitting that the whole community in Cincinnati, while embracing its diversity, can reflect on spiritual growth on this Lag BaOmer festival. Each segment of the community can also seek to hear the voice of its scriptures speaking to it afresh each day. For the Kabbalists, the Torah is received on every Lag BaOmer.

If you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you

The news coming out of television networks is mostly about the demise of Osama bin Laden. Gleeful crowds assembled in front of the White House immediately after the announcement of the death of a monster. Collage campuses erupted in jubilation and the mood everywhere was, in general, one of relief. The President declared, "Justice was done".

Something is wrong with this picture though. Not that Osama bin Laden should have been left alone, but the jubilant atmosphere and the kind of "justice" done are flawed.

The human society needs to look squarely into the eye of the cause of the anger and despair that breeds the types of Osama bin Laden. This has not happened and the monster is still out there. As the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 -1900) once remarked: "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you".

An article in Tikkun rightly pointed out that it is futile to try to fight malaria by killing mosquitoes. The biggest mosquito was killed and even many more may be killed in the future. Nevertheless, the only sure way to fight malaria is to drain the stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

One abyss that Cincinnati has been staring at for too long is urban poverty. And, yes, there are many doses of killing mosquitoes that cause urban poverty. But what is needed is concerted action to drain the water.

In the coming days and weeks we will introduce our readers to specific initiatives developed for this purpose, such as CORECHANGE. The hope is that you will contribute ideas for the success of these initiatives.

The more the spirit of giving the better the quality of life

Some time last year, the small town of Holland, Michigan, was voted "the best town to live" in. Of course, different places are voted "the best" at different times. Holland, MI has extreme weather conditions, especially frigid winters - not quite an ideal factor for "good" living. Furthermore, the percentage of retirees in the city is rather comparatively high.

What was equally surprising was the high level of volunteerism in Holland, MI. (Some people might mischievously conclude that the retirees are the reason). But it was also revealed that there are many places of worship too, making volunteerism a spiritual experience.

Cincinnati is not far behind in volunteerism either. Faith-based and non-profit organizations like City Gospel Mission rely on volunteers in carrying out their mission.

Go-Cincinnati is a citywide annual drive to engage volunteers in diverse projects in the community. This year's Go-Cincinnati takes place this coming Saturday, May 14. It is a day that everybody is encouraged and invited to give back to the community.

Everyone can find something to give by way of time, talent or treasure. And there is always great spiritual energy when people come together for a common purpose, in this case, volunteering.

For Believers volunteering is an act of obedience to the Lord Jesus who taught: "Freely you have received, freely give" (Mtt. 10:8). And if a better quality of life is a direct result of the individuals’ spiritual connection to the community, then there is every incentive to want to be involved in Go-Cincinnati.

A better life for each, a better life for all

Because of the uniqueness of Cincinnati, possibly there are many people in the community who wrestle with the question: "How can the quality of life be improved for every resident of this 'Queen of the mid-west'?" It is the preoccupation of both Agenda 360 and Vision 2015 just for an example.

How about starting with the assets or the "what is" and then move on to the possibilities? Greater Cincinnati has many strong factors that can be used to bring about the dreams of its residents and those who love living here.

How often do you appreciate the beauty of Cincinnati? Think of its geography, history and architecture. How about the arts and sports? Consider the fact that Cincinnati is home to many international and Fortune 500 companies. There are some Best 100 Hospitals right here as well as nationally and internationally recognized schools, universities and research centers.

Because of these factors, Cincinnati has a unique diversity, unmatched in the mid-west.

This diverse community is equally generous. The level and spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy is outstanding. There is passion for the well being of others. Leaders - in corporate, public, private and civic institutions - truly care about the community.

How can these positive qualities be used to bring about positive change, a better life for each, and a better Cincinnati for all?

Happy Mothers Day 2011

It was not until May 9, 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson declared a national Mothers Day to be observed on the second Sunday in May. Today, Mothers Day is observed as a special occasion to show gratitude to all mothers for all they are. Mothers represent a myriad of very special individuals. In every society they are by nature the center of family life and continuity.

Julia Ward Howe, often referred to as The Queen of America and credited by some as the founder of Mothers Day was passionate about women’s rights including women suffrage, prison reform and education. These are issues that shape the quality of society.

She was a writer, poet, preacher and reformer – all in one. To a very large extent, that is the picture of mothers – many roles in one person. In her vision, Mothers Day was to be a special council of women to discuss protection of children and attainment of world peace.

For 40 years after her husband’s death, and committed to a life purpose, convinced to be  answerable to her conscience and to God only, Julia travelled the world for those causes she believed in.

Today, in Cincinnati and around the world, mothers are carrying forward the legacies of pioneers like Julia. It is fitting to pay special tribute to those mothers in poor neighborhoods like Over the Rhine. They are mothers and “fathers” to extended families. All around the nation, more and more mothers are also their grandchildren’s “mothers”.

Imagine a community without them! If only every community could embrace those qualities that emphasize protection of children and families as exemplified in the life of Julia Ward Howe!

Happy Mothers Day all you wonderful mothers!

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it

This quote from the German author Johann von Goethe (1749 -1832) has inspired many people over the years. Some people may think it is a cliché because it is repeated too many times; but it is true.

The big news in Cincinnati this weekend is the Flying Pig Marathon. Saturday events included the 5K, 10K and kids races. The rest take place on Sunday.

It is the “big news” not only because it brings people together from all walks of life and from near and far for a common purpose but also because it enables individuals, groups and teams to experience the joy of completing an endeavor.

One man in the 5K race – there could have been many others like him – inspired many people who saw him. He had a walker and had to pause with every single step he made in order to make the next one. It was a slow movement with some effort. Yet he completed the 5K with rousing applause at the finish line.

He demonstrated that you can achieve anything you put your mind and your heart into. Jesus told his disciples, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt. 17:20 NIV).

Think of the things you have told yourself: “I cannot do this!” or “ It takes too long!” May be you have thought, “ I am too old for this!” or “I am gone too far, it is impossible to turn back”

We often put too many limitations on ourselves. More than 19,000 people are proving this weekend that “if you can imagine it, you can achieve it”.