An Oldie: On Your Journey...

I wrote this a while ago, actually a long while ago but this is a new blog for me so I figured I'd post it here as well.


On Your Journey I Will Bless You 
8 November 2010
1 Kislev 5771 




Over the past few weeks, as some of you know, I have been going through a rather interesting self-conflict. Deciding what path I should walk now, where I would like to walk, and how to get from here to there.
    As my studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University kicked-off, it was clear from the second day of classes that the course I was taking was not the right one for me. My courses could not hold my attention, let alone my interest. My instructors were not what I was expecting, and the sheer level of academic challenges that existed was not what was promised, nor what was expected of a “Harvard of the Skies.” It is because of those reasons I chose to conclude my tenure at Embry-Riddle. Not only were the credits being earned untransferable, it was becoming increasingly difficult, for myself, to perform down to the level that ERAU was at.
    This is not to solely one party’s guilt. It is to my own tunnel vision as well. Often times, we set our sights on a goal, and limit our peripheral vision to focus on the crosshairs. Although this ambition often can serve us well, we sometimes limit ourselves to what we can see and do. It is important to give an appropriate balance of distance, near, and peripheral. Not only should we keep our long-term goals in mind, but also be aware of our surroundings and doings: current, and anticipated.
    Since my resignation from Embry-Riddle, I have been questioned “What do you want to do?” or “What are you going to be when you grow up?” Ah, when I grow up… unfortunately the answers we used to give in elementary school of “fireman” or “policeman” don’t really suffice my persona. “What do you enjoy?” is a much more appropriate question.
    So what do I enjoy? Flying, psychology, helping people, studying, critical thinking, writing, and my religion. Flying, well, unfortunately due to eyesight restrictions, flying professionally is not an option, however I am well on track for earning my Private Pilot’s certificate hopefully very soon. I take pride in lending an ear to those in need and aiding people in whatever ways I can. Whether it be listening to a friend going through relationship problems, helping someone out with a math problem, explaining (or re-explaining) a chemistry topic, or just lending an ear to a friend in need. I enjoy helping others. Studying- yes, I am that much of a nerd. Writing- doesn’t this little note prove that point? Just sayin’.
    Currently, my studies are on hold, until Yavapai Community College’s spring semester begins at the end of January. I will pursue the final twenty five credits needed to earn an Associate’s of Arts in Psychology, and at that point I plan to attend Arizona State University, in Tempe, Ariz. As I was looking on ASU’s website to find majors I would be interested in pursuing, Psychology stuck out. I enjoy the social sciences. I enjoy understanding what makes people tick.
    As far as long term, I am considering a path that I have spoke with some about recently. I am currently considering and contemplating becoming a Rabbi. However, I will not set my sights solely on joining the Rabbinate. That is a decision I can defer until after I graduate with a Bachelor’s degree. However, I am responsible to educate myself about it, and explore.
    Some might ask why I am considering such a path. Here’s why: I am Jewish. This has always been a sense of pride and responsibility. I enjoy and embrace my religion and it’s practices, and enjoy learning from it and studying it. I have a passion for helping people, and I enjoy it when after I sing in my synagogue, I look into the congregation, and I can see I’ve helped others’ worship service. It is heartwarming to be able to help the Hebrew School kids with their Hebrew or give a deeper meaning to congregant’s worship. I love my religion, studying, and teaching as well as being able to help others. I believe that a career in the Rabbinate may be a way for me to encompass all of these. I have a passion for them all.
    It is interesting how as I come to this point of varying paths to take in my life, a few weeks ago, the Torah portion לֶךְ-לְךָ Lech Lecha came to pass. Lech Lecha (Hebrew for “go forth”) begins in Genesis, Chapter 12. The parsha opens וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל-אַבְרָם, לֶךְ-לְךָ “Vayomer Adonai el Avram:  lech lecha…”


    The Eternal One said to Abram:
    “Go forth from your land,
    your birthplace,
    your father’s house,
     to the land that I will show you.
    I will make of you a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
    I will make your name great,
    and it shall be a blessing I will bless those who bless you,
    and I will pronounce doom on those who curse you;
    through you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
                                    Genesis 12:1-3
This passage speaks a lot of uncertainty, and yet as Genesis continues, we learn Abram complies.  The journey is not clear, and Abram is being asked to up and go, leaving every comfort and everything he had known and found to be his niche, whether true or distorted. Abram does not know where he is being led, and what that course will be, and yet he complies. We all have something to learn from this parsha. Even if the path may not be clear, if the destination is not certain, we can lean on our faith in Adonai to get us from here to there. Abram did, and it worked out pretty well for him.
    Our lives are filled with uncertainty and change. The path we walk today may not be the one we chose to follow tomorrow, however it is important to embrace the change and not run or hide from it. Our goals in life have no other advocate then ourselves, when we falter our beliefs due to fear, we only hinder ourselves. Follow the leadership and trust of Abram. Even if we don’t have an individual promise of blessing attached to our passage, we can trust that we will not be alone. It is through our friendships, families, and spirituality that we can all march on as Abram did. I would not be here if it wasn’t for the support of my family, the advice and thoughts of my friends, and the trust in The Devine. It is only by joining hands and marching together by which we will walk the path of shalom, of wholeness, of peace.
    L’man achai v’rey eye, adab’ra na: Shalom Bach. Because of my brothers and sisters and friends, please let me say: Peace to you. May the journeys in your lifetime be enlightening, meaningful, and most importantly, full of friendship and shalom. Remember the words of The Eternal, for you shall go in peace and your life shall be for blessing. Below is the Traveler’s Prayer, תפילת הדרך T’filat Haderech. I thought it would be a fitting conclusion to this note. Thank you to all of my friends and family over the past few weeks for the assistance rendered. Always know my phone is on, I will always be here for you.


L’shalom, in peace, and with thanks,
Sean E Samitt
Yochanan ben Aharon
   
                Traveler’s Prayer
    May it be Your will, Eternal One, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, emplace our footsteps towards peace, guide us toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush, bandits and wild animals along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to Earth. May You send blessing in our every handiwork, and grant us peace, kindness, and mercy in your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our supplication, because You are the God who hears prayer and supplications. Blessed are You, Eternal One, who hears prayer.