Going to the unknown- Ancient Ties to modern life

Many times Abram (A.k.A later in life as Abraham) took very large steps and made decisions that were monumental. The Midrash (Stories to help us in interpretation of the Biblical text) inform us of the time Abram decided to break every idol but one, that were in the possession of his father. At the time Abram did not know what would be the reaction of his father
When Abram was older he left his home, the surroundings that were familiar to him, and went again to the unknown. Many times in our lives we have to go and face the unknown.
Later in life Abram became Abraham, the father of many nations. Greatness and respect came his way because of the risks he took. These risks are based on trust.
Each day we face many unknowns. The thing we need to make sure is that we have someone who will be there to help guide us with our "leap of faith". Only when we are ready to believe in what we are doing, are we able to feel secure in our journey.

Why join as a new user?

This is a demo site created and envisioned by myself, Ariel Dagan, Director of Operations and Michael Foilb, Director of Marketing. Our joint philanthropic mission is to help connect in essence every nonprofit Jewish organization through social media. In essence Tech Success will host the largest interconnected network of The Jewish Community in the United States (and other countries).
Read more about it in About Us.

in reference to:

"This is a demo site created and envisioned by Ariel Dagan, Director of Operations and Michael Foilb, Director of Marketing. Their joint philanthropic mission is to help connect in essence every nonprofit Jewish organization through social media.(A key target market for Tech Success will be the 2,200 nationwide congregations of various affiliations in the US). In essence Tech Success will host the largest interconnected network of The Jewish Community in the United States (and other countries)."
- The JCommunity Site - About Us (view on Google Sidewiki)

A Lesson from the Bee “life and death are in the hands of the tongue”

Image by autan via Flickr

Have you ever stopped to appreciate all the work bees do to ensure a continuous cycle? Have you had a chance to observe the way it meticulously collects the pollen or how it hovers over in a field carefully searching for those perfect flowers to bring back their payload to its nest? Although the bee might seem to be a loner it knows well its task and place in the workings of its hive. As a member of its group it can be relied on since it is an integral part of the communal effort to produce its product. The fruits of its labor take much time and effort to produce. A bee keeper tries to maintain a delicate relationship with the bees. In order to keep the secure balance of a healthy community the keeper must ensure that there is healthy equilibrium of all the players and producers in the colony.

As in many of G-d creations bees too have their defense tactics that some of us have found to be unpleasant (not so pleasant). One might find the sting of a honey bee a slight nuisance but may consider the sting of a wasp a more serious sting (offense). The feminine form in Hebrew for bee is Devorah and in the masculine form is Dabur (Hornet). The Hebrew root is Daled Bet Reysh meaning speak.  Our sources are filled with examples helping us to learn the power of speech. Devorah the Prophetess was a true leader who was wise with her words.

Words are like bees. At times a slight sting may be irritating or just be an annoyance. At other times certain words can serve as a massive strike. Certain bees in the hive protect their community. The Israeli Navy has chosen to name their patrol class boats respectively DABUR and DEVORA.

Words can sting or be sweet. We should emulate the bee who can hover over beautiful and delicate flowers taking only what is needed from each of G-d creation and pollinating in a positive way the nearby flowers. We should reflect and be gentle with words we choose. We are in essence the beekeepers. As we reflect on our actions during the Holidays of Tishrei we should be mindful of the quote from Mishlei (proverbs) 18:21  (Mavet v’chayim beyad Halashon) – “life and death are in the hands of the tongue”.

May each of your days be overflowing with sweetness of honey

Appreciating, being part of a team, and 13 attributes to strive for in our business.

This Shabbat we are going to complete (as we have read Shabbat afternoon, Monday, Thursday) reading the Torah portion of Ki Tezeh ( When you go out… to war).
Well as all of you know as an Israeli going to war is an unfortunate part of our life.
There are many things I do not understand in the Torah (Bible). However I think this portion has wonderful lessons we can apply to our Team and to the success we wish to have through the work and ethical values we have in our business transactions with each other and our clients. I would like to begin this Shabbat a tradition where I will finish each work week we have done, in which we have accomplished so much with a D’var (short inspirational message) to help us unwind with our families and friends.

If you think about war it requires the ultimate sacrifice. But this Torah portion teaches us something very important about the values that we should have as a community and many of the values I would like to make sure I promote in Tech Success, Inc.
1. we do is with the help of God. As people who are made in his image we must remember that we can’t do anything by ourselves and we should cherish the gifts that we get from community. We might think we are super talented. But we are a community of leaders meant to inspire each other and those we lead. (Deuteronomy 21:10)
2. We need to make sure to listen to those with more experience. The Torah says that the parents came and asked the community for advice of what to do about the child who didn’t listen (ignored his elders). We are here to offer advice to each other and our clients. Life experience is not measured by age. (Deuteronomy 21:18)
3. If you messed up, deal with the consequences and make sure to clean up the mess and put it behind you. (Deuteronomy 21:22)
4. Someone should not have to carry a burden too heavy for them. It is your responsibility to lend a hand. (Deuteronomy 22:4)
5. As we start to build the company, we must be sure to put in place safe procedures so we can all succeed and no one gets hurt from not knowing where’s the danger zone (Deuteronomy 22:8)
6. We will not try to pair up people to learn or work together that are incompatible with one another. (Deuteronomy 22:10)
7. The stumbling blocks put before us by other will be removed if we keep our faith in ourselves, our mission and the blessings that are brought into our lives.(Deuteronomy 23:6)
8. Be honest and pure in all your business doings so the presence of G-d will be within our mission and service of education and inspiration. (Deuteronomy 23:15)
9. Keep the promises that you make to one another since words (spoken and written) can’t be taken back. (Deuteronomy 23:23)
10. Always give credit where it is due. What other wrote, created should be publicized by you with credit to them. (Deuteronomy 24:7)
11. All people who work for Tech Success, Inc. will get full benefit and wages at the agreed upon time and all vendors will be paid when we agreed to pay them. (Deuteronomy 24:14)
12. Our freedom is a gift. No one should ever feel that they have to do something they do not wish to do. (Deuteronomy 24:18 & 22)
13. We will charge for our services and products what if just, and do business in a fair way (Deuteronomy 25:4)

Thank you for believing in the dream that will become a reality on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.

Avi Katz does it again in " The Waiting Wall

As many of you know I have been working with Avi Katz for years with the beautiful designs you all have come to cherish, wear with pride, and give as gifts to others through the www.ancientties.com web site. Many of you might not know much about Avi Katz but once you have seen his talent in Illustration you will never forget his style.

Avi Katz was born in Philadelphia in 1949. He studied at UC Berkeley and immigrated to Israel in 1970, where he has lived and worked ever since. Avi graduated from Bezalel in Fine Arts, and became a member of Agudat Hatzayarim (Artists' Guild), AKI (Israel Caricaturists' Guild), Illustrators' Association, and Association of Science Fiction Artists.

The illustrator of over 100 books, Avi has produced impressive body of award-winning work. Seven of his books received the Ze'ev Prize, and four are IBBY-Andersen honor winners. The Waiting Wall is his first book for Hachai Publishing.

About the new book: The Waiting Wall he has just illustrated:

When a young brother and sister walk through the Old City of Jeruslaem on their way to the Kotel ( The wall), parents will want their young children to "walk" along!

In simple, poetic language, The Waiting Wall describes the beauty of the Kotel in every detail... the ancient stones, the plants and birds that find shelter there... and the many people who sway in tefillah(prayer), "like trees in the wind."

Why do some people have tears in their eyes? Why are there little papers stuffed into the cracks between the stones? What used to be here many years ago?

The Waiting Wall is a book to be experienced, not just read. It is a special journey to one of the most special places on earth.

The Waiting Wall

Written by Leah Braunstein Levy and illustrated by Avi Katz

About the author:

Leah Braunstein Levy has been writing and editing ever since she learned to read. After graduating from Bais Yaakov, Leah received her B.A. from Touro College, and has worked as a copyeditor for, among others, Random House Publishing Company. Her previous work has appeared in several publications, including Highlights for Children. She has also worked as a freelance editor for some fascinating Torah scholars. The Waiting Wall is her first book for children.

The Waiting Wall

Written by Leah Braunstein Levy illustrated by Avi Katz

ISBN: 978-1-929628-49-0 / LCCN: 2009927317

Hardcover / Pages 26 / Ages 3-6 / List price $12.95

You may find it at your local Jewish Book store and other book stores. If you want this book immediately you can contact the publisher and order your copies for your school, and other organizations