"THE HOUSE WE BUILD"
Compliments of Rabbi Moshe Wolf

With the summer almost behind us, just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for going above and beyond the call of duty to keep our city safe. There were many days off canceled, your absence at many family events and a lot of personal sacrifice, for that we say THANK YOU to you and your families. On the streets with the troops and one of our members said, " through all the politics of the job, jumping through many of the daily hurdles, at the end of the day I know, even though I might be just one person, but I did my best to make a difference for the Department and my family". I hugged them and thanked them for their attitude and inspiration. It reminded me of a great parable story called " The House We Build"...
 
 An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer, a building contractor, of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. His employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but it was easy to see that his heart was no longer in his work. He had lost his enthusiasm and had resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.
 
When the carpenter finished his work, and his boss came to inspect the new house. The boss walked through the house, then they gathered in the dining room and the Boss said, "Let's talk". The Boss said, "thank you for doing this last project", then handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house, my gift to you."
What a shock! What a shame! If the carpenter had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So, it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less rather than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built for ourselves. If we had realized that we are doing it for our own benefit, we would have done it differently.
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.
The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result. Remember " every day of life is a gift, enjoy your present!".

Before we close a bit of humor from the " Moshe Files" to keep you smiling.
The Doctor and the Lawyer: A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party. Their conversation was constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the Doctor for free medical advice. After an hour of this, the exasperated Doctor asked the lawyer, “What do YOU do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?” “I give them the advice,” replied the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.” The doctor was shocked but agreed to give it a try. The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared the bills for the advice seekers. When he went to place the bills in his mailbox, he found a bill from the lawyer. LOL
 
"Do You Know Who I Am?"
At the start of the semester final exam, the very stern looking proctor says, “You have exactly 2 hours to complete the exam. I will not accept any papers after this time has elapsed.” Two hours later, the proctor calls out, “Time’s up, Ladies and Gentlemen, put your pens down, and hand in your papers.”
One student is still scribbling away ten minutes later when the proctor has all the collected papers in a large stack front of him. Slowly, the student finishes up and walks over to hand in his paper, but the proctor refuses to accept it. The student puffs up his chest and says:
“Do you have any idea who I am?”
“No, not a clue” says the proctor.
“Great,” says the student as he slips his paper into the middle of the stack and walks out. Lol.. 
Let me hear back from you with some of your own favorite jokes.
A special note to all our members, as we enter Rosh Hashana - Yom Kippur , the Jewish New Year please let me leave you with our traditional blessing: " May you be inscribed in the book of life, good health, success and all good things you wish for. May the coming year be one of your best ones yet. Amen.
On behalf of ALL your Chaplains, May G-d bless you and your family, keep you safe, and always keep you in His loving care.
Should you need and ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, or perhaps have some good humor to share , please do not hesitate to give us a call. 
Compliments of your Department Chaplain: Rabbi Moshe Wolf, 773-463-4780
E-mail: moshewolf@hotmail.com
Snail Mail: 3008 W. Pratt Blvd, 60645

October-November 2024