* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Word of the year: brain rot
The Oxford Press just published its word of the year: brain rot.
I guess all of us know to what this term refers, but here is Oxford’s definition:
‘Brain rot’ is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging".
I read this and was reminded of the definition of the Jewish nation as “the people of the book.”
For thousands of years, our nation devoted itself to learning, while our connection to Torah allowed us to overcome every challenge. It was learning that led to action which sanctified the learners. As we read in the book of Deuteronomy:
”Observe them (laws and rules) faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws will say, Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.”
As “a wise and discerning people,” each of us knows how to fight against the danger of brain rot. We can build a world of more study, more focus, and more connection to God and to others.
A message from Kibbutz Be’eri
The following words were said by Avida Bachar at the memorial service for his friend, Yossi Sharabi, at the synagogue in Kibbutz Be’eri. Avida, a farmer on the kibbutz, lost his wife and son on Simchat Torah:
“If there is one thing that I want to tell you, it’s this: Never say ‘tomorrow.’ We came into this world for probably 80 years and that’s it. Therefore, never say ‘tomorrow’ or ‘later on.’
When I would be in my office and Carmel, my son, who was taken from me at the age of 15, would call me at four in the afternoon and say ‘Abba, come to the swimming pool,’ I would say ‘Carmel, I just have four more meetings,’ and then come home at eight at night. When it comes to those who are dear to you, never say ‘tomorrow.’
By the way, when it comes to work, you should always say ‘tomorrow.’ Put off everything until tomorrow. If there are people in the office, tell them: ‘Thanks but please excuse me, I have to go.’ I told Noya my secretary: ‘Listen well. Every meeting after four o’clock is unnecessary. Postpone it, reschedule it Close the office and go home.’
Go home, have fun and make memories because, at the end of the day, that’s what remains,
I am telling you there is no reason to cry over those who are no longer here. I do not cry over Danna, and not over Carmel. You cry only over yourself, over what you missed. Because those who are not here - are in another, better world.
Weekly Shiur in Hebrew:
