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Shabbat Ki Teze
Deuteronomy 221:10-25:19
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, September 12, 2008 6:51 P.M.
Procrastination is a big word-seldom used, but often practiced. It means to
postpone or to put off until tomorrow what should be done today. This week’s
Torah portion warns us against the folly of supposing that tomorrow will
accommodate our slothfulness and unwarranted delay. Moses warns the
Children of Israel, “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not put
off fulfilling it, … (Dt. 23:22-23)
An incident from the American Revolution illustrates what tragedy can result
from procrastination. It is reported that Colonel Rahl, commander of the
British troops at Trenton, New Jersey, was playing cards when General George
Washington was crossing the Delaware River. Rahl put the letter in his
pocket and didn’t bother to read it until the game was finished. Then,
realizing the seriousness of the situation, he hurriedly tried to rally his
men to meet the coming attack, put his procrastination was his undoing. He
and many of his men were killed, and the rest of the regiment was captured.
Nolbert Quayle said, “Only a few minutes’ delay cost him his life, his
honor, and the liberty of his soldiers. Earth’s history is strewn with the
wrecks of half-finished plans and unexecuted resolutions. ‘Tomorrow’ is the
excuse of the lazy and the refuge of the incompetent.” (Of course, I don’t
feel too bad for the British. Their tragedy meant a great victory for the
Americans and I always root for the United States whether it be back in
history or during the Beijing Olympics. The Games are still in progress as
I write this devar Torah. I’ve been staying up to late to cheer on Team
USA!)
If you know there is something God wants you to do-a letter, a call to make,
a task to complete-don’t put it off. Do it today!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
Shabbat, September 13 We celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Alan Golman
Shabbat, September 20 Helen and Stanley Shnapp are sponsoring the Kiddush in
honor of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Slichot services tonight The
doors open at 10:00 p.m. with a program. Slichot services begin at 11:30
p.m.
Sunday, September 21 Marathon’s Spectacular Yard Sale at Deepdale Pool.
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