OY VEY OY VEY! HAVE I GOT A PROBLEM...
JEWISH JOKE
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Oy Vey! Have I Got a Pro lem
ly 20’s, Dear Rachel, cant issue. I’m in my ear ma relating to a signifi upcoming an ing ard I have a two-fold dilem imistic reg t personality, and am opt iously, ser y gu a g tin have an outgoing, upbea other note, I’m da an On . job ng chi tea help, interview for a dream ion that will, with G-d’s ding in a positive direct Well, m? ble pro the s and it looks like we’re hea ering, what’ So, I’m sure you’re wond So, l. tro con der un culminate in marriage. on to keep it xiety and take medicati ere they here it is: I have mild an nt on my application wh fro up be to ve ha I Do : ion est qu with my here’s my two-part have to be transparent al conditions? And do I revelation my ty, xie ask if I have any medic them about my an of er eith tell I if t tha anxiety date? I am concerned be unfair and unjust. My and that would really nkfully, tha I, d an , may be a deal-breaker, any situation ilities or performance in does not impact my ab e life. What’s your take? lead a busy and productiv Sincerely, Naomi Dear Naomi, What a brave question! You obviously value honesty, yet you don’t want to be judged unfairly for a condition that is well-managed and doesn’t affect your life negatively. To give you the best possible advice, I consulted with a mental health professional and will convey her recommendation. Regarding the job, since you manage your anxiety well, it would be unethical for an institution to use that information to disqualify you. If I were a principal, I would rather hire a teacher who deals with her mental health issue in a healthy way over a candidate who refuses to look at herself in the mirror and deal with any possible concerns. What is the reason they ask you this information? Is it so that in the event of a medical emergency, they would have on file the prescription you are taking? Or is it to weed out a potential teacher who may not be fully qualified for the job? The counselor I spoke with advised having an open conversation with the principal and asking for guidance about your situation. These days, most people are much more understanding of mental health conditions and would only want to have that information on file in the event of a medical necessity. Regarding the man you are dating and hope to marry, here is my feeling. Any serious relationship, especially marriage, needs to be based on a foundation of trust. In the initial stages of a relationship, as you get to know each other, I don’t think it’s necessary to mention your anxiety, especially since it’s mild and is being treated effectively. However, once your relationship deepens, and it sounds like you have already reached that level, I think you should be open about your condition. If the situation were reversed, wouldn’t you want your fiancé (or future fiancé) to mention his condition to you? How would you feel if he didn’t? If this man is your bashert, then something as relatively minor as low-grade anxiety shouldn’t be an obstacle in moving forward. And if this man decides to back out of the relationship, then he is not your intended, painful as that may be. But it is certainly better to find out now than after you are engaged. I wish you happiness, success, and fulfillment in both of these significant roles. If this teaching job works out, may you thrive in reaching out to the coming generation, helping to mold your students as they tune into their strengths and learn to utilize their potential. Regarding your personal relationship, may you and your bashert share a relationship of closeness and love that grows and flourishes with each passing day. ìì Wishing you success, Rachel Atlanta Jewish Times Advice Column Got a problem? Email Rachel Stein, a certified life coach, at oyvey@ atljewishtimes.com describing your problem in 250 words or less. We want to hear from you and get helpful suggestions for your situation at the same time! 110 | AUGUST 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Wake-Up Call On the morning of Rosh Hashanah, Rebecca went to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for synagogue, to which he replied in a dull voice, “I’m not going.” “Why not?” Rebecca demanded. “'I’ll give you two good reasons, Mother,” he said. “One, they don’t like me. And two, I don’t like them.” In an exasperated voice, Rebecca replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you must go: One, you’re 54 years old. And two, you’re the rabbi.” Source: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center
YIDDISH WORD OF THE MONTH schlimazel Yiddish: לזמילש,is a person who consistently gets into trouble. It is a portmanteau word, i.e. a fusion of two words into one with a new meaning (e.g. Britain + Exit = Brexit). A widely accepted explanation is a fusion of the German schlimm = “bad” (from Middle High German: “crooked, bent”) and the Hebrew לזמmazel = “luck”. Schlimazel is often associated with another Yiddish word, Schlemiel, a clumsy or awkward person. For example: “The schlemiel spills the drink on the schlimazel’s lap.” Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd.
