Jewish Musings, Tuesday 6/11

[lee058]

What’s on your mind — how to make kugel? This week’s Torah reading? Life goals? Prayer? We are all engaged in weight loss/weight maintenance journeys and we are all Jewish or at least interested in Judaism. We like to eat, we like to discuss. It is our goal here to provide each other support on our journeys, to share experiences, to call on our rich cultural heritage and texts, and to help each other grow spiritually.





Some of us take weekly turns starting the thread:





Frieda (hopefully)?

Holly

Lee

Louise

Lynne

Peachy



And for those of you that stop by to read this thread without posting — you are welcome to, but you are also welcome to chime in. Don’t be shy!

[lee058]

Good morning everybody. Hope you are all well and SAFE! Please pray for Israel.

Today's topic: Do you greet and/or smile at strangers?

For me, it depends. Some people, I immediately get friendly vibes from, and I greet and smile at them. Others, I don't feel comfortable with, so I tend to ignore them.

Since I've been using a cane and then a walker, I've noticed that a lot (not everyone, but a lot) of people are very friendly. They often ask me if I need help, a supermarket driving-cart, a door held, or anything else. I appreciate this so much!!

As for me initiating contact, I often greet and smile at moms with babies or young children. Just yesterday, I got to tell a mom with two little kids that it was my son's birthday, and asked when their birthdays were. It was fun. I also smile at older people, especially if they also have a walker or cane. I've gotten into a lot of conversations that way.

A surprising number of people get out of my way or wait for me. I always thank them, and often tell them that there's plenty of room, so they don't have to wait. They often do anyway.

What bugs me are people in cars who zoom around me! Seriously, most people wait, but there are a few jerks who think that they are more important. Grr.

In short, I like people, and like initiating a friendly conversation. I am lucky to live somewhere where this is possible.

Have a peaceful day, Lee

[louise]

It's my "job" to greet people at synagogue but maybe that's a different thing - they are still strangers to me but I have a "role" and they are always appreciatiove. I have stopped absolute strangers on the street or train to compliment someone on their scarf or whatever. Sometimes there's just a smile, sometimes a few lines of conversation about the item. I think it always causes them to smile inside too. Since I am often by myself myself I sometimes make comments during intermission about the show - can lead to some pleasant exchanges. When I crochet on the bus or waiting for a show to start people nearby may compliment me on the work and sometimes there's a bit of a continued exchange. I don't talk anyone's ear off but it's fun and most people respond well.

[peachymom1]

I do greet strangers and talk to them if they seem receptive. I like to make people feel comfortable when possible. I've been feeling confined lately - I am a people person and need to be around people more. Going to shul for Shavuot will help - who doesn't bond over blintzes?

[gazelle18]

I think that talking to strangers is one of life’s great pleasures. Generally, the interaction is “low stakes,” meaning that the subject matter is not controversial, and the conversation is generally time-limited. I use talking to strangers as a way to boost my own mood. It’s sort of a little gift I give myself.

[peachymom1]

Just finished working for the day. I've been saving my points for cheesecake tonight! Chag sameach to all!