spirituality >> To rah portion

Sandra Treboldi

Dana Fowler Labes

Realtor

Realtor

SKBK

SKBK

Sotherby's International Realty
streboldi@skbk.com
cell: 248.672.9669

HELLO

Sotherby's International Realty
dlabes@skbk.com
cell: 248.514.0781

MY NAME IS

NORTHVILLE TWP
$264,000

Enjoy Northville and one of the city's most upscale subdi-
visions. Large lot facing Spring Hill Lake. Very private .78
acres! Prime Lot! Bring your builder! MLS# 214094723

The Name Game

Parshat Shemot: Exodus 1:1-6:1;
Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-29:23.

A

re you living up to your
name?
This week's Torah portion,
Shemot, shares a name with the second
of the five books of the Torah. The word
shemot in Hebrew means names. One
may question: "What is the significance
of a name that an entire book of the
Torah is called Names?"
Let us take a moment to discuss the
general concept of a name. What does
knowing a person's name teach us about
that person? Usually not too
much.
Names don't teach us
about people, whether they
are kind, intelligent, athletic
or ambitious. We don't hear
people saying things like,
"Oh, her name is Sarah;
she'd be great at ..."
So what is it about
names? Why the emphasis?
I once spoke with a
parent whose child had
recently been asked to
leave college due to drug
abuse. This child, once a model student,
was to spend time in jail followed by
extensive rehabilitation. The parent
was devastated. What happened to the
straight-A child who held leadership
roles all through high school, played
on the sports teams and had dreams
of law school? What was wrong? All of
the high-achieving expectations this
parent had were now replaced with
disillusionments, disappointments and
frustrations.
This may be exactly what the name
"Shemot" is here to teach us. The way
we tend to describe people and attribute
character traits to them is very limiting.
He is so smart; he's going to have a great
career. She is so ambitious; she's already
becoming a great success.
These descriptions do not tell us
what is really going on inside of a per-

WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP
$547,000

son. They give no real indication or
direction in regard to an individual's
personal growth or internal struggles.
They often create expectations that may
very well become disappointments.
When we say that our son Joshua is
so smart, are we implying that Joshua
has to be smart in order to be valuable
— or is he fine just the way he is? As
parents, how often do we unknowingly
give our children the impression that
they need to succeed in order to earn
our love and respect?
In a world where depres-
sion and suicide are on the
rise, where our children are
struggling with self-esteem
and self-image, fraught with
stress and anxiety, the great-
est gift we can give is that of
complete acceptance, undi-
vided attention and uncondi-
tional love. The Eskimos have
52 names for snow because
it was important to them:
There ought to be as many
for love.
Shemot, names, reminds us to accept
and appreciate people for who they are
and not for what they accomplish. Just
being here makes you valuable.
In the words of my mentor and
teacher, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the very
fact that you are here, in this place, at
this time and with these opportunities
available to you, means that there is
something to be done — something
that only you can do, something of
utmost importance to God.
After all, have you ever met someone
that had the wrong name?

❑

Rabbi Yarden Blumstein is the acting spiri-
tual director at the Friendship House in
West Bloomfield, an organization focused
on building a community of people helping
those affected by isolation and other life
crises, such as addiction.

Don't miss this opportunity to own this custom built walkout home, remodeled
2014! Home offers new driveway and landscaping, beautiful walkways and
patio off the family room and deck from the master suite that overlooks beauti-
fully treed property Two acres of fabulous views overlooking The Franklin River!
Granite counters, new appliances, built-ins, parquet floors and large bay win-
dows Brand new carpeting and hardwood flooring throughout rest of the home
and lower level. First floor laundry. Breathtaking lighting throughout home.This
sprawling Ranch is loaded with fine detalls.A Must See!A beautiful family home.
MLS# 214110875

PREMIER LOCATION IN
BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
$1,200,000

BIRMINGHAM
$1,499,000

High end appointments and quality built in this site condo.
Open floor plan with high ceilings and Expansive windows.
Every room bursts with sunlight including the lower level.
Custom Designed with extensive use of stone, Hardwood
floors, Iron staircase, & more. 1st floor Master bedroom with
his and hers walk-in closets. Walk out lower level with family
room, exercise room, 2 bedrooms and full bath. Paver brick
driveway.
MLS# 215000805

This gorgeous new construction home offers everything
you're looking for in high end luxury living. This amazing
home offers the finest craftsmanship, high end finishes
and architectural details thru out this stately home. This
spectacular home has 6459 sq ft of finished living space,
4 beautiful bedroom suites and a 3rd floor offering 2 more
additional bedroom suites. You will live the lifestyle of your
dreams with every modern amenity located in the Heart of
Birmingham.
MLS# 214123662

SKBK

Sotheby's

INTERNATIONAL REALTY

415 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham MI 48009 I 248-644-7000

1967750

If you are not wearing it... sell it!...
or BORROW on it!

'

You can't enjoy jewelry if it's sitting in your safe

deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash.
We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins.

A. Service to
Private Owners
Banks & Estates'

eaod & pew"),

Contact Larr

33700 Woodward Ave. • Between 14 Mile & Ada

248-644-8565

1966980

Keep your company top of mind with our readers.

/ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107

Visit

theJEWISHNEWS.com

January 8 • 2015

iN

37