When a film is completed, usually there are entire scenes and out-takes left over. They are referred to as being left on the cutting room floor. At the end of the High Holy Days there is usually material left over which, for one reason or another, was not included in any of the sermons. These are referred to as being left in the Rabbi’s outbox.
On Yom Kippur, I spoke about rules that my brother, Marvin, and my Aunt Minnie (Min) had – along with my own list of Halpern’s Rules.
I want to share with you another set of rules that were left in the Rabbi’s outbox, another set of rules that got cut from the final d’var. I feel sorry that I do not remember who wrote them, so that I could give credit. Then again, Halpern’s Rule #6 – I know something is good when I steal it. I hope you enjoy.
B’Shalom
Rabbi Stanley Halpern
THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS TO CHANGE YOURSELF AND THE WORLD
- Make peace with your past so that it does not spoil your present.
- What others think of you is none of your business.
- Time heals almost everything – give the time some time.
- No one is the reason for your happiness except for yourself.
- Do not compare your life with others because you have no idea what their journey is all about.
- Stop thinking too much. It is all right not to know the answers.
- Smile, you do not own all the problems in the world.