The Responsibility of Life

Every life contains a series of thresholds.  Moments when we stand at a doorway from one stage of life to another, moments when we make choices that define our friendships.  Moments when we make decisions that very much define our character and who we are.  There are gateways of friendship.  Gateways of love.  Professional gateways.  Communal gateways.  National gateways.  And of course, deeply personal gateways. It goes without saying that it is of utmost importance that we be highly aware when we are making such choices and walking through these gates.  But how do we accomplish that?  What are the signs and markers that we can set up for ourselves, so that we are alert to the important choices that we each make?  Certainly, those markers are a personal creation; what reminds one person of his or her values might be useless to another person.  Every person's journey is personal, and therefore the ways that we keep ourselves alert on our journey are also very personal. It is this challenge that this weeks Torah portion highlights.  The signs we set up for ourselves might vary, but we must create them.  And we must always remain alert to the great gift of life we each enjoy, and the responsibilities that come with that wonderful gift. Attached please find this weeks Shu-Shine on the Torah portion of 'Shoftim': "The Responsibility of Life". May we all be blessed to always be alert to the important moments in our lives, to make wise choices at every crossroad, and to bring the most to ourselves and all around us through a deep and thoughtful journey of life. This shu-shine is dedicated to my awesome and beautiful wife, Yael, who is the wisest watch-woman I have ever met, who guards me at every gate, and helps me to always know when to move forward, and when to pause and consider another path.  You are the beacon on my ocean. With Love and a Smile, ~Shu