What if I were a Real Estate Agent?
“The daughters of Zelophehad…stood before Moshe…saying…Give us a possession among our fathers brothers. And Moshe brought their claim before Hashem.” (Bamidbar 27:1-5).
What if I were a real estate agent? Real estate agents have the challenging job of trying to find someone the perfect house. In order to do this an agent must understand who the person is and what it is they are looking for in a home. Do they prefer classic architecture or more contemporary style? Will they be spending a lot of time on the porch or is it more important to have a basement? Do they want to fix the house up themselves or are they looking for something brand new?
Many questions must be answered for an agent to meet the needs of their client. Of course one can’t forget the three most important items an agent considers; location, location, location. How can we apply a real estate agent’s perspective to our daily lives?
A real estate agent takes the time not just to help others, but to assist them with what’s meaningful for them, not what’s meaningful to himself. When someone asks us for help, we must take the time to really understand what it is they are asking and how we can best help them, not just do what’s easy and quick.
A real estate agent recognizes when a person isn’t interested in what they’re showing and is willing to look at other options without getting offended. Don’t be afraid of multiple ways of doing things. If someone doesn’t want to do something your way, that’s okay look for another path that will work.
A real estate agent is energetic and excited to show someone a house. They can’t wait to find the perfect home for their client. Be full of zest when someone asks you to do something for them. Learn to be eager in doing something for someone else exactly how you think they would like it.
A real estate agent knows location is of the utmost importance. Be mindful that no matter where you are there are mitzvahs available to do and Torah to learn!
What if I were a real estate agent? Real estate agents have the challenging job of trying to find someone the perfect house. In order to do this an agent must understand who the person is and what it is they are looking for in a home. Do they prefer classic architecture or more contemporary style? Will they be spending a lot of time on the porch or is it more important to have a basement? Do they want to fix the house up themselves or are they looking for something brand new?
Many questions must be answered for an agent to meet the needs of their client. Of course one can’t forget the three most important items an agent considers; location, location, location. How can we apply a real estate agent’s perspective to our daily lives?
A real estate agent takes the time not just to help others, but to assist them with what’s meaningful for them, not what’s meaningful to himself. When someone asks us for help, we must take the time to really understand what it is they are asking and how we can best help them, not just do what’s easy and quick.
A real estate agent recognizes when a person isn’t interested in what they’re showing and is willing to look at other options without getting offended. Don’t be afraid of multiple ways of doing things. If someone doesn’t want to do something your way, that’s okay look for another path that will work.
A real estate agent is energetic and excited to show someone a house. They can’t wait to find the perfect home for their client. Be full of zest when someone asks you to do something for them. Learn to be eager in doing something for someone else exactly how you think they would like it.
A real estate agent knows location is of the utmost importance. Be mindful that no matter where you are there are mitzvahs available to do and Torah to learn!
What if I were an Investment Banker?
"This they shall give, everyone who goes through the counting: half a shekel according to the holy shekel." (Shemos Ki Sisa 30:13)
What if I were an investment banker? Investment bankers work hard to advise their clients on the most efficient ways to earn, save, secure, and grow their assets. They assist in managing bonds, stocks, and mutual funds, and the profession involves a high level of risk, stress, and expertise. This type of work requires a great deal of financial analysis and specialized knowledge, as well as an intensive educational background.
Being an investment banker means devoting many hours to analyzing the best interests of others. All night brainstorming sessions are not uncommon, as investment bankers strategize the specifics in helping their clients maximize their profits and make the best „bang for their buck‟ on a large scale. Additionally, they facilitate networking by introducing one client and/or company to another, and are often experienced negotiators.
How does an investment banker approach life? An investment banker uses his personal skills, know-how, and knowledge to help others maximize their growth and potential. He is interested in promoting others and ensuring they have made solid investments with their time and energy. An investment banker endeavours to join people together, allowing all involved to benefit. He recognizes that one person on their own is not complete and therefore strives to connect individuals. He will spare no expense in his efforts to match people for their mutual benefit.
An investment banker spends much time traveling between multiple parties in order to analyze and examine the situation in a holistic manner and ensure that they are advising each party appropriately and efficiently. Even if it means getting no sleep, an investment banker is determined to do that which he has set out to accomplish.
In this week’s maftir, we read about the giving of the half shekel. The half shekel is a symbol that each Jew on his own is not complete and that he must combine his own efforts with that of his fellow man. On our own, we are only able to accomplish so much; however with the collaboration of others, our half becomes whole. Investing by ourselves may not secure a profitable return; however investing together with others means we pool our resources, thus enhancing our profit. That’s what group policies are all about!
A young boy was once walking with his father along a dirt road when they stopped for a break and leaned against a sizeable boulder. The boy turned to his father and asked him, "Do you think I could move this big rock?" The father replied, "I think you could move it if you used all of your strength." The boy pushed and pushed until he was drenched in sweat and red in the face, but still the rock didn’t budge.
The young boy sat on the ground, as tears began flowing down his face. "What's the matter son?" asked the father. "You said that if I used all my strength I would be able to move the rock, but it wasn’t true. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do it. All of my strength wasn’t enough," replied the boy. "No, son, you didn't use all your strength,” said the father, “You didn't ask me to help you!"
Each of us is capable of a great deal; however, when we combine our efforts we can achieve even more. Take an investment banker approach to life and make it your business to invest your time and energy in helping others. I think you'll find it well worth your while. As they say, the greater the investment, the higher the return.
What if I were an investment banker? Investment bankers work hard to advise their clients on the most efficient ways to earn, save, secure, and grow their assets. They assist in managing bonds, stocks, and mutual funds, and the profession involves a high level of risk, stress, and expertise. This type of work requires a great deal of financial analysis and specialized knowledge, as well as an intensive educational background.
Being an investment banker means devoting many hours to analyzing the best interests of others. All night brainstorming sessions are not uncommon, as investment bankers strategize the specifics in helping their clients maximize their profits and make the best „bang for their buck‟ on a large scale. Additionally, they facilitate networking by introducing one client and/or company to another, and are often experienced negotiators.
How does an investment banker approach life? An investment banker uses his personal skills, know-how, and knowledge to help others maximize their growth and potential. He is interested in promoting others and ensuring they have made solid investments with their time and energy. An investment banker endeavours to join people together, allowing all involved to benefit. He recognizes that one person on their own is not complete and therefore strives to connect individuals. He will spare no expense in his efforts to match people for their mutual benefit.
An investment banker spends much time traveling between multiple parties in order to analyze and examine the situation in a holistic manner and ensure that they are advising each party appropriately and efficiently. Even if it means getting no sleep, an investment banker is determined to do that which he has set out to accomplish.
In this week’s maftir, we read about the giving of the half shekel. The half shekel is a symbol that each Jew on his own is not complete and that he must combine his own efforts with that of his fellow man. On our own, we are only able to accomplish so much; however with the collaboration of others, our half becomes whole. Investing by ourselves may not secure a profitable return; however investing together with others means we pool our resources, thus enhancing our profit. That’s what group policies are all about!
A young boy was once walking with his father along a dirt road when they stopped for a break and leaned against a sizeable boulder. The boy turned to his father and asked him, "Do you think I could move this big rock?" The father replied, "I think you could move it if you used all of your strength." The boy pushed and pushed until he was drenched in sweat and red in the face, but still the rock didn’t budge.
The young boy sat on the ground, as tears began flowing down his face. "What's the matter son?" asked the father. "You said that if I used all my strength I would be able to move the rock, but it wasn’t true. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do it. All of my strength wasn’t enough," replied the boy. "No, son, you didn't use all your strength,” said the father, “You didn't ask me to help you!"
Each of us is capable of a great deal; however, when we combine our efforts we can achieve even more. Take an investment banker approach to life and make it your business to invest your time and energy in helping others. I think you'll find it well worth your while. As they say, the greater the investment, the higher the return.
What if I were a Weatherman?
"On the third day when it was morning, there was thunder and lightning and a heavy cloud on the mountain..." (Yisro 19:16)
What if I was a weatherman? Forecasting the weather is serious business; I'd have to learn how to read all different types of charts, maps, and diagrams. I would have to correspond with meteorologists and then communicate that information to the public in a succinct and understandable manner. People would rely on me to tell them what tomorrow would bring and whether they would need their umbrella, snow shoes, or sun screen!
What kind of approach does a weatherman take to life? A weatherman is willing to put his reputation on the line to share his knowledge with others. Even though he knows he cannot guarantee his forecasts and that people might judge or complain about him, still he is willing to give over his advice again and again.
A weatherman is familiar with many geographic areas and locations. He is not afraid to go out of his comfort zone to learn about others and help them. A weatherman does not restrict his help to those in his neighbourhood, but shares his time with other communities as well.
If in the morning a weatherman predicts rain and mid-day realizes that that there will be flurries, he will update everyone. He is willing to correct himself when he makes a mistake. He isn’t afraid to admit he was wrong.
If we take a weatherman’s approach to life we won’t be hesitant to share our knowledge and expertise even when we cannot ‘promise results’, we will be willing to help others outside of our immediate vicinity, and when we make a mistake we will be quick to correct ourselves without feeling ashamed!
What if I was a weatherman? Forecasting the weather is serious business; I'd have to learn how to read all different types of charts, maps, and diagrams. I would have to correspond with meteorologists and then communicate that information to the public in a succinct and understandable manner. People would rely on me to tell them what tomorrow would bring and whether they would need their umbrella, snow shoes, or sun screen!
What kind of approach does a weatherman take to life? A weatherman is willing to put his reputation on the line to share his knowledge with others. Even though he knows he cannot guarantee his forecasts and that people might judge or complain about him, still he is willing to give over his advice again and again.
A weatherman is familiar with many geographic areas and locations. He is not afraid to go out of his comfort zone to learn about others and help them. A weatherman does not restrict his help to those in his neighbourhood, but shares his time with other communities as well.
If in the morning a weatherman predicts rain and mid-day realizes that that there will be flurries, he will update everyone. He is willing to correct himself when he makes a mistake. He isn’t afraid to admit he was wrong.
If we take a weatherman’s approach to life we won’t be hesitant to share our knowledge and expertise even when we cannot ‘promise results’, we will be willing to help others outside of our immediate vicinity, and when we make a mistake we will be quick to correct ourselves without feeling ashamed!
What if I were a Lamplighter?
What if I were a Lamplighter? Historically, a lamplighter was employed to light the street lamps, generally by means of wicks on a long pole. The lamplighter was also responsible for refilling the lamps and ensuring they stayed lit throughout the night. They would then return at dawn to extinguish the lights, as the sun began to shine.
I would use my long pole to bring light to those near and far. There wouldn’t be a corner too distant to bring joy and happiness. With an outstretched arm, I would bring food to women who’ve just had babies, offer a shoulder for those who are in pain, and give a high-five to a young child who just did an act of kindness. With the help of my long pole and boundless enthusiasm, no job would seem too difficult.
At dawn, I would recognize that the sun has innate capabilities to shine and bring light and warmth to everyone. I would notice and compliment my fellow townspeople, the water carrier, teacher, butcher, and blacksmith, on their talents and capabilities. I would acknowledge their skills and strengths. Rather than feeling intimidated by their abilities, I would applaud them on their successes and encourage them to continue living up to their potential.
I would take great pride in my job, knowing that I was responsible for monitoring the lamps and refilling them when necessary. Being a lamplighter is a role that entails constant vigilance. My job is never done. I can’t light the wicks and simply go home, but rather I must ensure that the lamps stay lit. It is not enough to do a mitzvah once and then check it off and file it away, but rather I must continue by bringing more “oomph” to it each time the opportunity presents itself. I would help „refill‟ others lamps by encouraging them with a friendly smile and go-getter attitude.
I would make sure to learn all the laws and customs of lighting candles in Judaism, such as Shabbat candles and the Chanukah Menorah, and share my knowledge with others.
Some Menorah customs include:
I would use my long pole to bring light to those near and far. There wouldn’t be a corner too distant to bring joy and happiness. With an outstretched arm, I would bring food to women who’ve just had babies, offer a shoulder for those who are in pain, and give a high-five to a young child who just did an act of kindness. With the help of my long pole and boundless enthusiasm, no job would seem too difficult.
At dawn, I would recognize that the sun has innate capabilities to shine and bring light and warmth to everyone. I would notice and compliment my fellow townspeople, the water carrier, teacher, butcher, and blacksmith, on their talents and capabilities. I would acknowledge their skills and strengths. Rather than feeling intimidated by their abilities, I would applaud them on their successes and encourage them to continue living up to their potential.
I would take great pride in my job, knowing that I was responsible for monitoring the lamps and refilling them when necessary. Being a lamplighter is a role that entails constant vigilance. My job is never done. I can’t light the wicks and simply go home, but rather I must ensure that the lamps stay lit. It is not enough to do a mitzvah once and then check it off and file it away, but rather I must continue by bringing more “oomph” to it each time the opportunity presents itself. I would help „refill‟ others lamps by encouraging them with a friendly smile and go-getter attitude.
I would make sure to learn all the laws and customs of lighting candles in Judaism, such as Shabbat candles and the Chanukah Menorah, and share my knowledge with others.
Some Menorah customs include:
- It is praiseworthy to light the Menorah at the earliest possible opportunity at night, rather than procrastinating.
- The Menorah should be attractive & clean.
- All 8 candles should be lined up on the same level, with the shamash being separate.
- The light of the Chanukah candles cannot be used for anything but to commemorate the miracle; they are pleasant for the eyes and soul. Thus a shamesh is used to spread the light.
- The preferred equipment is olive oil and cotton wicks, as was done with the Menorah in the Holy Temple, but other types of candles, oils, and wicks can be used as long as they give a steady light.
- There is a custom to place the Menorah in the window or doorway, so that others will see it and remember the wondrous miracles G-d performed.
What if I was a Wrestler?
“Yaacov was left alone and a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn… No longer will it be said that your name is Yaacov, but Yisrael, for you have striven with the Divine and with man and have overcome.” ( Vayishlach, 32:25-29)
What if I was a wrestler? I‟d have to really start watching what I eat and not just pre-tend to like I do now. I would have to buy some equipment, such as headgear and wrestling shoes. Of course I’d need to start training by lifting weights, running, stretching and maybe even swimming. But what about working out my mind and my soul?
In Chapter 26 of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe gives an example of two people wrestling. If one of the wrestlers is lazy or sluggish, he will lose, even if he is stronger than his opponent. The opposite can be said as well. Though a person may feel that they are not physically on par with an opponent, the real winner is always the one who wants it more, the one who really desires in his heart of hearts to win and is willing to put in every-thing that he has. In other words, the one that is willing to struggle.
Life is a struggle. I’m not just talking about the big decisions in life, but even the little things can be a struggle as well. For instance, not having that extra dessert that I know I don’t need is a struggle. However, without a struggle, there is no life. Hashem plants tailor-made struggles in each of our lives so that we can “workout” our minds and our souls so that when we accomplish a challenge we can be that much more aware of our potential.
Often in life, our biggest wrestling opponent is ourselves. We question our skills, talents, and abilities. The first step to overcoming an opponent is overcoming one’s insecurities. A wrestler approaches life with a “go get ‘em” attitude. A wrestler tackles every obstacle with great enthusiasm and alacrity. And above all a wrester knows that even if he feels that he lost a round, there is always the option for a rematch. So what are you waiting for? Start wrestling!
What if I was a wrestler? I‟d have to really start watching what I eat and not just pre-tend to like I do now. I would have to buy some equipment, such as headgear and wrestling shoes. Of course I’d need to start training by lifting weights, running, stretching and maybe even swimming. But what about working out my mind and my soul?
In Chapter 26 of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe gives an example of two people wrestling. If one of the wrestlers is lazy or sluggish, he will lose, even if he is stronger than his opponent. The opposite can be said as well. Though a person may feel that they are not physically on par with an opponent, the real winner is always the one who wants it more, the one who really desires in his heart of hearts to win and is willing to put in every-thing that he has. In other words, the one that is willing to struggle.
Life is a struggle. I’m not just talking about the big decisions in life, but even the little things can be a struggle as well. For instance, not having that extra dessert that I know I don’t need is a struggle. However, without a struggle, there is no life. Hashem plants tailor-made struggles in each of our lives so that we can “workout” our minds and our souls so that when we accomplish a challenge we can be that much more aware of our potential.
Often in life, our biggest wrestling opponent is ourselves. We question our skills, talents, and abilities. The first step to overcoming an opponent is overcoming one’s insecurities. A wrestler approaches life with a “go get ‘em” attitude. A wrestler tackles every obstacle with great enthusiasm and alacrity. And above all a wrester knows that even if he feels that he lost a round, there is always the option for a rematch. So what are you waiting for? Start wrestling!
What if I Drove a Bulldozer?
“And Isaac dug anew the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Avraham his father and the Philistines had stopped up after Avraham’s death; and he called them by the same names that his father had called them.” (Toldot, 26:18)
What if I worked for a construction company and my job was to work the bulldozer? Those machines are massive and have a complicated array of controls. Bulldozers have wide tracks which make them extremely stable. They are used for a variety of reasons, such as clearing areas of obstacles, towing large objects and of course digging. After learning how to drive one I would tackle my work full force. While a bulldozer may look somewhat intense and evoke a feeling of destruction in actuality they are employed not to solely tear down, but to rebuild and strengthen.
What does it mean to go through life as a bulldozer? It means helping people clear obstacles out of their way. Some-times people have a challenge in life and they need help to get over the hump. A bulldozer person lends a helping hand to clear away any debris that are preventing the person from reaching their goal.
It also means towing large objects. When a person is going through a difficult and straining time in life they may need someone to pull them along and help them get back on their feet. A bulldozer person doesn’t wait to be asked but rather attaches his hook and starts helping pull the person right to the top.
And course there is digging, which bulldozers are most famous for. There are times when a person feels downright helpless or they may feel down about themselves. A bulldozer person does some digging and helps show the person all the amazing potential and qualities that they have, the dirt just needed to be moved away.
What if I worked for a construction company and my job was to work the bulldozer? Those machines are massive and have a complicated array of controls. Bulldozers have wide tracks which make them extremely stable. They are used for a variety of reasons, such as clearing areas of obstacles, towing large objects and of course digging. After learning how to drive one I would tackle my work full force. While a bulldozer may look somewhat intense and evoke a feeling of destruction in actuality they are employed not to solely tear down, but to rebuild and strengthen.
What does it mean to go through life as a bulldozer? It means helping people clear obstacles out of their way. Some-times people have a challenge in life and they need help to get over the hump. A bulldozer person lends a helping hand to clear away any debris that are preventing the person from reaching their goal.
It also means towing large objects. When a person is going through a difficult and straining time in life they may need someone to pull them along and help them get back on their feet. A bulldozer person doesn’t wait to be asked but rather attaches his hook and starts helping pull the person right to the top.
And course there is digging, which bulldozers are most famous for. There are times when a person feels downright helpless or they may feel down about themselves. A bulldozer person does some digging and helps show the person all the amazing potential and qualities that they have, the dirt just needed to be moved away.
