Monday, May 24, 2010

Doing the right thing

Sh'vuot has come and gone. It is time to think about next year. I know that we have a few days of fast and Tish'a B'Av before we get to the month of Elul. (When we begin to prepare ourselves spiritually for the High Holy Days.) But acting in an ethical manner is always a Mitzvah.
What does that mean? Well for one in business practices. Doing the right thing obviously means not to steal  or/and cheat. But what if it isn't always so obvious? I know that the financial melt down has caused a lot of anger. "Wall Street" and all the criticism, there is no end to how much we can go on about their immoral behavior and how they made a huge profit on throwing the world into a recession. Causing a financial melt down for several families that still do not see a way out yet. I agree with all that has been said about them and I do not wish to repeat it here. 
I believe that what will immensely help is MUSSAR. Our values. Nobody can change the behavior of somebody else. The most we can do is try to influence them. If it works it is not in our hands. But everybody with a conscious can and should be more ethical. Everybody can shop in a more ethical way. Spending an hour with a knowledgeable salesperson than buying it at a warehouse or online for a better price means that you are not supporting working people. If you can hire somebody then HIRE them. If you are fortunate to be in a position that you can employ somebody do it and do it quickly. Don't take advantage of the person and offer a ridiculous salary BE FAIR. Buy handmade, as much as possible. Here are just a few links: artfire.com etsy.com My own stores for hand made Judaica are: RuthFiberJudaica.artfire.com and RuthFiberJudaica.etsy.com
This is just the beginning. Often, we will have to think about what we our doing. This will not be painful. It requires looking around us, prioritizing and being grateful that you have this opportunity to make a difference.

Monday, May 17, 2010

אני יהודי

I am missing Israel a lot today. I found this and I love it.

Adon Olam - Tsahal

I really loved this video.  Adon Olam still moves me, even after countless beautiful songs are released I still love this traditional song. This time its the Israeli army singing.

Friday, May 14, 2010

I sold something on Artfire and I am so nervous

I finally sold something on "Artfire" I am so pleased. If only things can pick up my husband can work without downtime then I can make some serious investments and work FULL TIME as an artist. Imagine not having to be underemployed.


All The World is a bridge

Rabbi Nachman of Breslav (April 4, 1772 – October 16, 1810). 
teaches that the whole world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is to not to fear. 
Kol ha’olam kulo
Gesher tzar me’od
Veha’ikar lo lifached k’lal
These are the words to a beautiful song of hope. Rabbi Nachman was a Tzaddik from the Hassidic sect of Judaism. In modern times these words are said and song in Israel at happy and sad occasions calling to go forth and not give up.
It can be a bridge or a very narrow path that is in front of us, but we shouldn’t fear  continuing on with our lives. Everyone is a world to himself/herself.

The piece is hand dyed 100% cotton fabric. It is 8.25” by 10.75”.
I have an art quilt using this song. 
I hope to have the time to make more pieces. It really fits my mood right now. I am so nervous about the economy and how it is impacting my life. I just must keep on going with hope and not to fear.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Maybe I can Teach from my Home


It looks like after all these years I might get to teach from my home again. Yes I have had individuals yet not any groups. I hope this works out. I am going to teach conversational Hebrew. I have a book picked out that I have used to teach one on one. This will be an asset. The materials are from Israel I just know how to use them better.
This beets being underemployed, though will of course keep my job.