It’s a brand new machine,” said the Israeli Minister of Science, “It takes green grass and makes it into pure, fresh milk”…
Yes, you guessed right, it’s called a cow. Although it was technically “made in Israel,” like the whole creation we read about just last week, it would be difficult to give credit to anyone but G-d Himself for this fantastic “machine.”
This week, I thought about it as I was making my monthly trip to Taoyuan to get 40 liters of fresh milk straight from “our friends” the cows at a small dairy.G-d had given us so many beautiful things in His world. It doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Maybe we can learn from the interaction with the cows how to simplify things a bit.I am preparing this email on a remarkably enhanced machine called a computer. It is made of a processor (which, by the way, is probably “made in Israel”) and thousands of small parts; while you are reading it most likely on an even more enhanced smartphone or tablet, so sure, not everything can be so simple.
On my way to the dairy, I stopped at the newly bought apartment of one of our community members who just moved to Taoyuan to help them fix a Mezuzah by their doorpost. (BTW, it’s important to position the Mezuzah with the right side up!)
They live in a beautiful building surrounded by greenery and fresh air. “I had to move out of the hustle and bustle of Taipei City to a little more quiet place,” he told me.
Although being urban by nature and not being able to fall asleep without the sounds of cars honking under my window, I must say I can appreciate his point of view. “God made man straight, but they sought many intrigues,” said the wisest of men.
Although I know that in 2020 it is near impossible to disengage from technology and enhancements (yes, my friend’s new “green” building is fully equipped with sensors and smart switches), we can do it once a week.On Shabbat, we can simplify things. Close your phone, disconnect from Wifi and Bluetooth (and pull those AirPods out of your ear for heaven’s sake!).
Have a day dedicated to your family, community, and G-d. Have a family dinner and lunch, open up a Torah book and (if possible) come to shul to pray.
I truly hope to see you soon!
Rabbi Shlomi Tabib
