Beat the Clock
Rabbi Raymond Beyda
Some people are always late and others seem to always arrive at their
destination with time to spare. If you took a survey the results would show
that most people say that punctuality is a positive, admirable trait. Deep
down inside even the tardiest will admit that keeping others waiting is rude.
Like most things in life, however, it is not a matter of only black and
white. There are some shades of gray. If one is a slave to time one might
fall into traps that are definitely negative. Some people reach unhealthy
blood pressure levels because someone he or she expected is not where he or
she promised at an appointed time. Others argue with a spouse over
tardiness that amounts to only a few minutes. Children develop negative
images of themselves because a prompt parent has repeatedly said, "You're
ALWAYS late!" People have gotten into automobile accidents when rushing to
beat the clock.
Today when you are aggravated by another's tardiness -stop. Don't blow your
cool. Weigh the few moments of lateness against the negative effects of
"losing it." Chill out a little and after taking a deep breath -beat the
clock, don't let the clock beat you into an unpleasant or even unhealthy
situation. It only takes a minute to become a master of time rather than a
slave to it.
DID YOU KNOW THAT
If one comes out of a rest room or bathhouse or if one cut their
fingernails or toenails, he or she should wash a Netillat Yadayim. Unlike
other washings, a cup is not necessary and it is not necessary to repeat
the washing three times on each hand. One rinsing for each hand under a
faucet is sufficient. In these situations, if one hears a Kaddish or
Kedushah or even a beracha [blessing] one should answer even though one as
not yet washed.
[Source Yalkut Yosef, Vol 1, p16/7, Halakha 20,21]
Text Copyright © 2003 Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Torah.org.
