Don’t Pass This Over by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Don’t Pass This Over

by rivki D. rosenwald esq., LMFt, cLc, SDS

Iknow…one week to go!

“Why can’t we just pass it over?” is what you’re probably thinking.

But, think again, amazing family time – OK, maybe a little too much at times. Great food – though you may be the one preparing it. A lot of good songs – though some may be thinking dayeinu, enough! Fun vacation spots – though your room may be too far from the dining room or the all too integral tea room. Great weather – unless you chose a cold place for some crazy reason you can’t recall.

But, come on. Isn’t it really a special time?

Your family is getting together. You’ll enjoy people you haven’t been with in a while. You’ll eat yummy food. You’ll sing and laugh and relish quality time together.

These are life’s blessings!

Can I guarantee there won’t be some tension? Just swallowing the pungent marror can do a number on you.

And gobbling down 20 pieces of matzah stuffed with nuts, wine, apples and giant slabs of romaine lettuce is not such a breeze, either. Especially, with a time limit.

Now, staying alert can also be challenging. After all, it’s late at night, which is not easy sober. And you’re doing this on four brimming cups of red wine. Then playing hide and seek somewhere near midnight. Really? Couldn’t this be a sitting-down game instead of running all over the house this late? And you’ve also got to pay out for the privilege.

As I said, there could be some strains and stressors.

But it’s all about attitude!

Got my kids, my wife, my life, etc. What’s so terrible about a little strife thrown in?

When you do your searching this week, see if you can really find your attitude of gratitude! And get ready for the ups the downs and, of course, sideways ‘cause that’s how we sit on Passover.

The Journey to your

Ultimate Self

Expand your spiritual and intellectual horizons with this accessible and inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish wisdom.

RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

is an author, educator, and speaker who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership.

He received semichah from Yeshiva University’s RIETS and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

Haskamos and praise from Rabbi Asher Weiss, Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, Rabbi Zev Leff, and Rabbi Akiva Tatz.

When you do your searching this week, see if you can really find your attitude of gratitude.

Then embrace it with enthusiasm and fervor.

And you’ll be off to a holiday where you don’t pass over the bright spots – and where you’ll see why this night is different from all others.

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.