|
| |
What gifts can I give my parents, children, spouse or significant other,
co-workers, and the people at shul?
Rabbi Jack Moline, of Alexandria, VA, gives the following suggestions:
For parents to give to their children:
Give each of your children at least one afternoon; find a place to explore
together, be it the zoo, the park, or the planetarium, or a bookstore or
whatever. Plan it; make it a date for the two of you, and enjoy that special
time together.
For kids to give to their parents:
Write a letter to your parents telling them some of the lessons they have taught
you. Give your parents the gift of knowledge about you and the gift that some of
the things they are saying are getting through.
For your spouse or significant other:
Offer a blessing. Write it out on paper or improvise; put your hand on his or
her head the same way that we bless our children on Shabbat, and say all the
wonderful things that you hope and pray God will provide to this person, whom
you love so much.
For your co-workers:
Tell them what they want to hear most. Not necessarily “I’m giving you a big
raise” but rather that their work is appreciated. If you are too self-conscious
to do it to their faces, then write them a card; but say that you appreciate
what they do; and that is part of your gift to them in the holiday season.
There’s nothing better than to feel appreciated in the work that satisfies you.
For the people whom you see at Shul:
Say hello, and I’m glad to see you, and how are you doing? You might know that
there are people who come to shul every week and go home without ever learning
the name of a single person there. I hope that does not happen; but it is so
important to come to shul where you seek community; and to find that community
who is willing to be there and greet you.
|
