How to Give Birth On Yom Kippor?

As you may know, Shira and I are expecting our 3rd child –any day now.

Being born on Yom Kippor

I was thinking about the possibility of our child being born on Yom Kippor. A child born on Shabbat or Yom Tov, can present certain challenges to the observance of the day.

Example: If a woman goes into labor on Shabbat or Yom Tov, one has two options;
Option A. Drive to the hospital or
Option B. Have a non-Jew drive to the hospital.
Halachicly it is better to choose “Option B.” if one can.

This reminds me of a joke ---

“A very religious Jew calls a taxi to take him and his wife to hospital on the eve of Yom Kippur as she is preparing to give birth. Since its Yom Kippur he makes a request that they not send a Jewish driver. As he and his wife get into the cab, they hear the crackling voice of the dispatcher over the radio: Did you pick up those Anti Semites yet???”

Anti Semitism
Anti Semitism is often attributed to us being called “the Chosen people” by the Torah. Too often we Jews are uncomfortable with the title – “Chosen people.”

When we say Chosen, it’s not that we Jews are brighter, more energetic or talented than others. That is a racist doctrine to be rejected. Rather, it is that to be a Jew is to be asked to give, to contribute, to make a difference. We were chosen to help in the monumental task that has engaged Jews since the dawn of our history, to make the world a home for the Divine presence, a place of justice, compassion, human dignity and the sanctity of life. - Letakein Olam – to fix the world, to make the world better, kinder, gentler, a world befitting it’s great Creator.. A place G-d can call His home.

Here’s what some famous non-Jews had to say about the Jews:

Winston Churchill said: "Some people like the Jews, and some do not. But no thoughtful man can deny the fact that they are, beyond any question, the most formidable and the most remarkable race which has appeared in the world."

Leo Tolstoy wrote: "The Jew is that sacred being who has brought down from heaven the everlasting fire, and has illumined with it the entire world. He is the religious source, spring, and fountain out of which all the rest of the peoples have drawn their beliefs and their religions."

Paul Johnson in History of the Jews wrote: The Jews stand at the center of the perennial attempt to give human life the dignity of a purpose."

Matthew Arnold in his book “Literature & Dogma” wrote: "As long as the world lasts, all who want to make progress in righteousness will come to Israel for inspiration."

To chosen is to be a light unto the nations.. to lead the world in the direction of G-dliness and goodness.. More than a privilege, it is a responsibility..

Sometimes we try to hide the fact that we are Jewish..

A Jew walks into an exclusive country club looking to join.. They give him an interview where he is asked a few questions: “What’s your name?” - “Hutchinson River Parkway the Third”.. “Where is your family from?” – “ Ireland”.. “What’s your Religion?” - “My religion?.. I am from the Goyish persuasion!”

*** A Jew was having a hard time making a living so he got himself a job at the church. After a couple of weeks the priest meets with him and tells him how satisfied he is with his performance. “Just please, I ask of you three favors: When you come out of the bathroom don’t wash your hands with that water – it’s the holy water. Stop hanging your coat on the cross. And please..stop calling mother Teresa - mother Shapiro.
***

We can’t hide from our responsibility, and we can’t shirk from our destiny. Every one of us has the ability to inspire others and to serve as an example for the entire world.. How? By influencing first your close family members, your neighbors, & then your community.

With ever growing spirals of influence, those who you inspire, will in turn inspire others and even re-inspire yourself, allowing you to energize each other and grow together, reaching higher and further than one can individually.

So, Tonight, This Sunday night, as you light the Yom Kippor candles, feel the world get a little bit brighter.

Have an easy fast, and a sweet new year!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Elazar Green

P.S. Don't worry about lighting up the whole world by yourself. We are bringing in someone to help us, they may even be born in time for Sukkot!

P.S.S. The Chabad of York's Grand Annual Sukkot Party will be on Monday, "Columbus Day'', hosted by the Eibens. Please call 368-6565 for info or email me. Lulav Shaking, Arts & Crafts, Music, Refreshments, etc. call or email us...

Sincerely,

Rabbi Elazar Green

Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center