Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

"Oh my God, another year is just about over!" Where has the time gone? I say this every year and I'm sure you, at least internally, express the same thing. We all sense that each year passes a little quicker and we have little to show for it.

My mother used to warn me not to anticipate future fabulous events saying, "Michaeleh, don't be so fast to wish your life away. When you get older, like me, you'll realize just how fast time flies, and you'll be wishing for it to slow down a little." I took this to be "old people" talk, and I didn't understand, until many years later, how wise my mother's observations were.

December is a month when I reminisce about events that have recently flown by. I see my life as an end of year magazine, depicting the highs and lows of the past twelve months. It helps me get perspective on my life, and it reminds me that no matter what problems I have endured, there is always enough good to tip the scale in a positive direction; and for this, I am extremely grateful.

My work requires me to spend a great deal of time reading news reports, too many of which are about people going without food, medication and hope. Desperate squalor, rampant abuse, and miserable mistreatment invade so many people's lives. Each day I am assaulted with photos and articles about innocent men, women and children being blown to bits in war. Some people escape death but are relegated to a life of disability and disfigurement because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A permanent injury, although not fatal, forces one to deal with disability and illness as a constant companion. I know firsthand what this is like and beyond the temptation to feel sorry for myself, which I confess does happen from time-to-time; I try to remember that I am still more fortunate than so many others are.

I have access to the latest medicines and treatments, innovative surgical techniques, modern and well-equipped hospitals and a host of other facilities that make my existence as comfortable as humanly possible. Most importantly, I am blessed with a loving partner of 21 years, who is a constant support and comfort to me no matter what the circumstances.

Further, I am blessed that not once during the past year have I gone to bed hungry. In fact, I have too much to eat. When I see images of children and adults dying of malnutrition, I shudder at my gluttony. What would these people think if they could look into my refrigerator or pantry? I often find myself saying, especially in the late evening as I am watching television, "I am starving to death."

What a laugh! I don't have a clue what starving to death actually feels like, and I probably never will. This "innocent" expression loses all relevance when you remember the millions of people who really know the meaning of starvation.

This past year, we have all been confronted with inconveniences and no one likes to endure lonely or unsettling situations. However, as corny as it might sound, I really believe that most of us wouldn't exchange our problems for those of millions in our own country and around the globe, who suffer from far worse tribulations than we can ever imagine enduring.

I ask all of you to join me in acknowledging all the blessings we have shared in 2003. Just for a moment, let's put our lives into perspective and realize that no matter how much difficulty and unpleasantness, and in some cases even pain we have experienced, we have had it so very much better than millions of others who can't imagine the luxury, we live in. The old adage "I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a child who had no feet" is a grim reminder of the challenges others face.

It is the Jewish way to care for others. Whether we are religious or secular in our beliefs, as Jews, it is incumbent upon us to approach those in need with tzedakeh. This does not only mean offering charity in a financial way, but also understanding and empathizing with the feelings and pain of those less fortunate than us. Let's make 2004 a year when we become more aware of the needs of others, and more tolerant and patient with our own lot. An attitude of gratitude is in order.

Arnold and I wish our Megillah family much happiness, love and good health in 2004. May your dreams for yourselves and others come true.

Michael
Editor-the Gantseh Megillah