Anyone Listening?

by Mrs. Lori Palatnik

Getting the runaround? There's always one direct line available.

Published: December 20, 2009

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Visitor Comments: 14

(14) SusanE, May 2, 2011 5:09 PM

Lori................................ What?

Lori, You gave the airlines a zero? They didn't lose your item. They provided you with a safe flight. -------------------- Speaking to a person would not change the outcome of your left item. The difference is you would have been n hold for 20 minutes waiting. What would you have said when the 'person' said "I'm sorry about your loss but we aren't responsible for small items". Would you have said thank you and hung up without arguing? Would you have still given the airlines a zero? --------------------- I think G-d is listening and will help you to take full responsibililty for your lost items next time. And He will always hear a prayer of thanks for a good trip and for good insurance.

(13) Keith, January 1, 2010 5:03 PM

How true Lori... Thanks & G-d bless.

(12) esther, December 27, 2009 2:49 AM

thank you. i so enjoy your videos. i'm always wondering, though, what is "Lori, almost live"? how did it come about and what do you mean by it?

(11) Gedalyah, December 25, 2009 4:23 AM

Delightful and Touching!

What a lesson! Thanks Lori.

(10) andreah, December 23, 2009 9:50 AM

Las Vegas Appreciates you and your style of connecting people to HaShem and their higest good.

Thank you Lori, Yes at this time of year especially when people seem to be more frustrated with the world of services around us, It is a nice reminder that HaShem is always there for us to talk to.Especially when we are most frustrated or have given up on humanity. NEVER GIVE UP!! Very recently, in Israel I lost my wallet with $700, (most of my trip money)all but one credit card and some misc items.2 weeks went by and my friend now in the USA received a call from Israel, saying he has my wallet. He found her name in the wallet so he called her to find me in Israel. The story goes on but the picture is quite clear. Never give up & most importantly.. Thank G-d for all his many wonders and for giving us the ability to speak to him and hear his whispers. May this be a good and healthy year for you and all who learn from you. Todah Rabah, Andreah in Las Vegas

(9) Anonymous, December 23, 2009 7:51 AM

Lori, you are wonderful. Really. Hashem does hear. It is easy to forget that sometimes. I just returned from a trip to visit grandchildren. I left my Palm Tree of Devorah book in the seat. I had a connecting flight and realized an hour into waiting for my next flight, the book was still in the plane. I rushed over and the plane had just reloaded to take the next group to where ever it was going and I asked the woman who checks boarding passes if she could please look. I gave her the seat I was in and waited for nearly 10 min. It was not there. She asked everyone. I found out that the stewards/stewardesses go through the plane and either immediately throw out or keep what is left behind. A good friend of my daughter in law works for the airline so she knows what happens to those things. She has been the receiver of some nice things.The Reb I was working with, kindly sent me another book. (thank you!) So, in praying for my book to be there, another came in it's place.

(8) Anonymous, December 22, 2009 11:47 PM

a tip for you lori

dear rebbetzen Lori try this www.gethuman.com a database for thousands of companies, free how to speak to a human immediatley!!

(7) Anonymous, December 22, 2009 7:54 PM

Sorry to be cynical, but what kind of answer did you receive?

(6) Keren, December 22, 2009 6:30 PM

We're listening Lori!!

Keep talking Lori - you're always an encouraging voice. HaShem always loves you, as Rabbi Noah z"l constantly reminded, and we love you too.

(5) Judy, December 22, 2009 5:59 PM

This is so powerful and so true. Thank you

(4) ruth, December 22, 2009 4:03 PM

is there anybody out there?

Is there anybody out there? is a line from Pink Floyd's The Wall, a popular piece of music, with many songs and parts, that was made into a movie some years ago. We all do face the WALL in absolute frustration at times like this, when we need that personal touch, the sureness of pressing buttons, under press sure, that a real live person will come to the rescue or at least, answer our questions and find a solution. Sometimes I feel, and often, that we are experiencing all these events in order to do just what Lori did, in her most beautiful story, and that is, to open the Prayer Book and feel that direct link to the Almighty. I am glad for the "sure" in her insurance that provided a copy of the lost item. But I am also, quite sure, that this story was meant to be told, for the lessons contained within. A beautiful story and a most beautiful and true, conclusion.

(3) Rosen, December 21, 2009 5:29 AM

Great story!

That was a great story of all's well that ends well. As for the awful customer service you get on the phone by merely talking to a machine without a live human being sure can be frustrating - and I would imagine it is especially frustrating for those who are either elderly and/or hard of hearing. I don't think my grandfather bothers calling a customer service line because he doesn't understand the technicalities when it comes to his computer, therefore, I often do it for him thereby speaking on behalf of him as his grandson. When I'm on a customer service line, it's frustrating when I'm not listened to or understood right the first time, every time. As for Hashem, I'm sure He has the best plan in store for me when I pray to him, even if I don't always get what I want out of my prayers right away. It's all a matter of effort in order to get what he/she truly wants in life.

(2) Gavin-Chaim, December 21, 2009 1:25 AM

Hitbodedut-Personal Prayer

Rabbi Nachman of Breslev wrote that personal prayer,speaking to Hashem in your own words is one of the best ways to get close to Hashem and achieve spiritual greatness.Rabbi Shalom Arush in his book 'In Forest Fields' writes 'Hitbodedut is a prime indication of emunah.One who believes in Hashem will speak to Hashem and vice versa.'(Pg 30)Indeed Lori,Hashem is ALWAYS listening!

(1) archie, December 21, 2009 12:34 AM

right on target

G-d always listens ALWAYS ! ! !

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About the Author

Mrs. Lori Palatnik

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Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio, and is the author of "Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience Step-By-Step," "Remember My Soul - What to do in Memory of a Loved One," and co-author of "Gossip: 10 Pathways to Eliminate It From Your Life and Transform Your Soul." She is a much sought-after international speaker, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including featured talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington D.C. area, with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik. Lori is the Founder of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings over 1,000 women to Israel each year from ten different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage. She is the busy mother of five children, ages 24 to 14; and her son, Zev, just finished serving as a sharpshooter in the IDF. Her weekly video blog, "Lori Almost Live" is a popular feature on aish.com, viewed by over 50,000 people each month.

Follow Lori on Twitter, @LoriAlmostLive

Anyone Listening?

Getting the runaround? There's always one direct line available.

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