Every week is bad, but this week's Friday's staff meeting was particularly brutal. But, as always, I kept my mouth closed and didn't say a word.
Even though I have been with the company for less than a year, I knew very well that you were not allowed to disagree with the CEO, even in private. If you try to lay out a case for position that does not agree with his, the response is inevitably, “You're wrong,” or “If you think that you can convince me of that, you must think I'm stupid.”
Today, when I told him why we didn't get a particular piece of business, he berated me in front of my staff.
My new job started out with so much promise. The company has a great product. Before I came, results weren't what they should be. Half the staff was never on board, the rest were completely unmotivated. I was out of work for over a year, but I had won awards running a sales organization for one of their competitors, so they hired me to get the sales team into shape.
Even before I started, I knew that this company operated a little different. They relished being just a little crazy. The company was successful even though the level of support services they provided their employees were less than adequate. But I had worked at places like that before. To make it work you need to pull together as a team, and be proud of the fact that you were successful with smoke and mirrors. I looked forward to the challenge. Besides it was a chance to get off the unemployment line.
Senior management can sometimes seem to take pride in being nasty.
Soon after I started, I began to sense that this was not an environment that I was used to working in. Everyone looked nervous; people walked around scared that any minute they were going to get fired. They had good reason to worry. It seemed like everyday someone else was let go and given the usual excuses: “We have eliminated your position,” or “We're reorganizing.”
In reality, people were terminated because they had fallen out of political favor and replaced. One person was hired away from a successful position, and let go to find a new job two weeks later. I recruited a friend of mine to be an assistant to one of the executives. She was hired ― and fired ― two weeks later. Management decided to fire someone with three kids, four days before Christmas. To make it worse, I was forced to do the deed even though I didn't agree with the decision or the timing. This father was there for a few years and was familiar with turnover of the place. He took it very well, much better than me ― I couldn't sleep for days.
Senior management seems to take pride in being nasty. They brag about making people cry, or slipping something into a contract at the last minute, hoping that the customer won't catch it until it was signed.
If someone is too successful, management changes his or her compensation package retroactively. And if you voice something contrary to the CEO's opinion, you become on the “outs,” basically ignored and down the slippery slope to dismissal.
Despite the atmosphere, my team began to perform like they never had before. Sales are up 40% over a year ago ― unheard of in an industry that was down 2% overall. Yet at least once a week at our regular Friday staff meetings, I was being told that my team was under performing, even though all the numbers proved otherwise. Any confidence I had built up during my 20-year career was quickly dissipating.
After three months, I became depressed to the point of wondering whether I'd seriously lose it.
I began to realize that I made a major career mistake. Compounding the mistake was the absolutely lousy job market. It took me a year and a half to find this job; can I just go find another?
I felt trapped. After three months at the job, I got seriously depressed. The scary kind, when you wonder if you are going to seriously lose it.
There were days when I would come home from work and just crawl into a fetal position in my room, spending hours feeling sorry for myself, wondering what I did wrong, why was I being punished.
At a friend's 40th birthday party, I had a panic attack and made my wife go home even though the party had just started. She told me that if the job was making me sick I should quit. But I was always taught you don't quit a job until you find another one, so I couldn't do that.
At first I tried to hide my depression from my friends and family. For a year and a half they heard me complain about not having a job. How could I tell people that I was miserable in my new job? That it was making me sick?
I finally unloaded to a friend. Two years ago, I told him, I was on top of my industry. Since then, I got laid off, spent 18 months out of work and now I'm stuck in a horrible position. I felt as if I was being punished for doing some serious wrong. Maybe I was too sure of myself and needed to be taken down a couple of notches. I just wish I knew so I could correct it.
My friend told me that it was kind of silly to think I was being punished. Every life experience, he said, was for learning. “What are you learning from this experience?"
I joked that the only thing I am learning from this job was to really appreciate Shabbat.
Then it hit me. Maybe that was it! They could take away the pride in my work; they could fire me and take away my source of income. But the one thing that they could never take away from me was Shabbat. Shabbat was about God and family. No, they couldn't touch that! That was the way to get through it.
I felt like Rocky Balboa when he realized that he couldn't win the fight. All he cared about was being able to withstand the punches and be on his feet at the end. I knew I couldn't win against management, but I needed to keep on standing as long as I could or at least until I found another job, and Shabbat became the key.
With every mean-spirited word or sarcastic comment, every time they ignored the record and told me that I was doing a lousy job, I began to count the days to Shabbat. That was the bell for the end of the round. If I could only make it till Shabbat, I would be out of their world of cruelty and into God's world surrounded by the warmth and comfort of my family and friends.
When I pick up the Kiddush cup, the weight of a horrible day at work is lifted off my shoulders.
The funny thing is that it's been only the last few months that we have begun to celebrate a traditional Shabbat dinner at home. Before that, we just lit candles and went to shul. Now when I come home from those horrific Friday staff meetings, my table is decorated with candles, challah, a Kiddush cup and a heavenly Shabbat meal is served. It's almost as if God put the solution for my malaise into my wife's head.
Now, no matter how bad that Friday meeting is, when I pick up the Kiddush cup and begin to recite the prayer, the weight of the horrible day at work is suddenly lifted off my shoulders. The pit in my stomach goes away, and I begin to feel truly happy, sitting at the table with my family, feeling the warmth of their love.
The Sages give lots of different reasons why we have Shabbat. Some say it is to recognize God as the creator of the world. For me, Shabbat is a life raft, thrown to us once a week. It's a time to rid ourselves of some of the weight dragging us under, to look over the bright light of two flickering candles, to see our family and realize what is really important in the world.
(45) , January 20, 2011 7:07 PM
!!!!
(44) Anonymous, May 1, 2007 11:42 AM
don't know your financial situation but keep far from an evil companion seems to apply
i understand after being out of work so long the need to compromise, but now you must actively seek another job .It's always easier when employed as you are in a better position and perceived as desirable in the market. Explain that you are looking atother options after a short time because while able to succeed the corporate culture there is not a place where you are proud to be a part. It is great you merit observing and appreciating Shabbos. That is worth more than words can tell. Good luck re job search.don't delaty
(43) Sam, May 1, 2007 12:19 AM
I hate my job!
This is my life! I have been in my job for 3 years and desparately trying to change jobs. The environment, schedule, and lack of work and inspiration is killing me spiritually and emotionally. Not to mention, everyone I work around is disgruntled. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why I deserve this punishment, although, I have been able to extract goodness like a grad degree from this job but its time to move on and I keep hitting a brick wall. I often contemplate using my saved up funds to just quit and hope I find a job before the finances dry up. Its such a big risk that could potentially wreak havoc on my financial future but my emotional state is suffering. Which is more important? I truely believe that our situations in life are divinely organized for our spiritual benefit. If god didn't want me in this state than why can't I just get an offer letter from one of the numerous jobs I have interviewed for? Why is this dragging out? I continuously thank god for a sound mind because I seriously worry about losing my sanity. I am having a hard enough time fending off depression. I constantly have to remind myself to stay active, pray, eat right, sleep, and be gracious for what I do have...its just so hard when you dealing with such a toxic situation that consumes your life!
(42) Anonymous, April 30, 2007 6:43 PM
Well said ....
Dear Mr. Dunetz,
I was surprised, in a way, when I read your article, The Light at the End of the Week. Surprised because I am in a similar situation. I started with a company, after being out of a permanent job for several months. I worked for the company on a temporary basis for about 8 months. Everyone loved me. The department was finally working right. People were happy and lots of work was getting accomplished, things were really coming together for everybody. I finally accepted the position. After 6 months, I received an unexpected promotion. Then the you-know-what hit the fan. Mostly due to a jealousy factor by a co-worker. Now life is miserable and the company actually seems to support the devious employee. Things are going back to what I heard they used to be like. I feel like I work for some kind of communist organization. Truth is relative, especially here. I believe that Honesty holds hands with Truth. But I see that here truth as perceived by the company is not Truth and Honesty. My consolation is the Word of God. Holy Scripture holds me up, keeps me going, and gives me courage to persevere. I'm learning to be a better person through this trial as I weigh it against God's Word. I pray He'll help me find a better place to work.
Shabbat Shalom.
(41) A. Sherman, April 30, 2007 11:54 AM
Some tough questions beg to be answwered...
My condolences to Jeff for the stress & emotional agony he has experienced. Evidently he (plus his office colleagues) are under the heel of a corporate psychopath--the type that kill people psychologically, as opposed to the better-known type that kill people physically. But now to get to the point, here is a question for Jeff--& for us all. Since Jeff is without doubt a VERY marketable (no pun intended) expert in his field, who'd be an asset to so many firms, why has he received no job offers from Jewish CEOs in his community? Look at his long record of involvement in Jewish organizations; surely Jeff has a great potential job-hunt network already in place. Is it not written in the Talmud that a Jew is responsible for the well-being of fellow Jews? Sorry, folks, sure Shabbat is good but it is not enough. Jeff deserves (& requires) a more concrete reward for his decades of commitment to his family & to the larger Jewish community.
(40) Peter Dieckmann, April 30, 2007 9:02 AM
Every day Shabbat!
What about 'very day' strategical shabbatical retreats and thankful communion with G-D? Not only when things are depressing?
Practicing this, works wonders to keep the mind focused on what is really important in life.
(39) Stacy Diamond, April 30, 2007 6:15 AM
refreshing
I thank you for opening up a new perspective. A time each week when Hashem not only meets with us but liberates us from the grueling tasks of life.
(38) Ya'akov Scholl, April 29, 2007 8:15 PM
Excellent story of faith
Your story is an inspiration. HaShem is truly great. I have learned from reading your story.
(37) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 4:16 PM
Indeed, Shabbat is a palace in time.
(36) Celia Leal, April 29, 2007 3:36 PM
Shabbat Nachamu
Jeffrey,
I was deeply interested in your story. I can truly understand that Shabbat is a source of strength, of joy and happiness, a close time with Our God, Hashem. But I havee been reading from several US coaches that when a job, a relationship or an environment is damaging and impairing our life, especially if it or them make us depressive and suck our life, we need to quit them immediately. I can feel that all opportunities of excelling in your career, reach the top of your performance are being undermined by this job, where you are abused in your dignity, in your capacity, and through the many examples towards your co-workers which you have been seeing. God bless you and your family. Your wife is right and your all deserve peace of mind and happiness. Shalom!
(35) virginia mccorkle, April 29, 2007 2:08 PM
seeing things differently
has Jeff considered that the CEO is a powerful teacher of how not to be? and, if he follows his heart & divine guidance [which I sense is active via his increased connection w/Shabbat], I have no doubt that his new work will appear--he'll be led to it as soon as makes the commitment to let G-d choose for him where he needs to be, how best he can be used. This sort of workplace "classroom" is classic for offering re-direction in our lives when we're open to seeing it via G-d's eyes & seek-out the gift it brings.
(34) Mindy, August 5, 2005 12:00 AM
good article
nice reading.. mindy
(33) Anonymous, July 31, 2005 12:00 AM
Serving Hashem with Simchah
B"H
Dear Jeffrey,
when I read your article I was deeply touched because I had also gone through a depression and panic attacks.
I feel very happy for you that you have overcome that by observing the Shabbos and enjoying the Oneg Shabbos.
But I can't find any reason in that why you should have to suffer the entire week.
I don't know if you still work under those terrible conditions for those terrible people. But if you do, I feel obligated to tell you that the best thing for you is to
QUIT THIS JOB IMMEDIATELY.
What you were suffering from where serious symptoms showing that something went extremely wrong. If this reason is not extinguished and you still feel bad sometimes the severe depression could return, G-d forbid.The reason was your job obviously.
In my opinion you shouldn't see this as Hashem's sign to keep on suffering but to understand that this job is holding you back from true service of Hashem because sadness is the opposite of this true service. Our sages taught that Hashem wants you to serve Him with Simchah!
I haven't learned very much but I think you could also take the story of Jakob who worked for Lavan as an example. One day, Jakob had to leave Lavan who wasn't very much a zaddik and had treated him badly and when he left he had the courage to tell Lavan everything that Lavan had done to him.
If you want to serve Hashem properly you should avoid being with people who reject His will but look for being with those who fear Him.
All the best and Shalom!
(32) Saf Stern, March 12, 2003 12:00 AM
How applicable
I too went through this experience when I started keeping Shabbat. It seems this is God's way of testing a person whether he is serious about Shabbat. After 2 years of torture with all the symptoms that you mention, a friend of mine convinced me to leave the position and trust in Hashem, despite failing so many interviews along the way. I took his advice, and couldn't believe my eyes - the week I finally left, not only was I offered an amazing position that payed about 25% more, but also went out on a shidduch that I eventually married! So we see here that Hashem was just testing me (like many others) to see whether I trust in him. Once I trusted him, he opened the gates to amazing opportunities and happiness. I haven't looked back since then. I wish you all the best in learning about Shabbat, Hashem and Emunah.
safstern@yahoo.com
(31) Carol Druckman, March 9, 2003 12:00 AM
Shabbat is great; Torah observance even better
When I became Torah-observant, suddenly I was aware that a new foundation was undergirding each new day. My yo-yo life leveled out, peace came, things no longer upset me so; I was living on the side of blessings instead of curses, just as Father promised.
(30) Anonymous, March 6, 2003 12:00 AM
How true !!!
I was away from Judaism for a very long time. Now I live in Europe and drive for and hour and a half to nearest synagogue every Friday. It does keep me alive, it allows me to meet more Jews and find a real meaning for life. The drive is long but so well worth it.
(29) Rodrigo Sacca, March 6, 2003 12:00 AM
Shabbat Testimony That HaShem Created The World
Besides the pleasure and enjoyment Shabbat brings us, its observance is the recognition that HaShem created the world. As the confusion of this world is partly removed, we experience a little of the pleasures that await the shomrei mitzvot. Although I still have a long way to go before coming fully observant, Shabbat is one mitzva I keep jealously. As a bachelor living in a strange country, with no relatives or friends around, I am deeply grateful to the wonferful Mexican kehilla, which has opened wide its arms for me. Thanks are also to be conveyed to this article's author for sharing their experience with us. Kol Tuv, R.
(28) Anonymous, March 6, 2003 12:00 AM
Something To Think About
I don't know whether this article takes the prize for attracting the most comments, but 26 comments seems like quite a bit. Obviously, this story has touched the hearts of a lot of people, and I was wondering . . . why? Maybe, many of us -- too many -- empathize with Sam because we too are trapped in a similar type of servitude from which we can not easily escape. I wonder why we put ourselves in the situation in the first place. I'm not a Rabbi, but as I recall, the commentators to the Exodus story tell us that at first, the ancient Hebrews were freemen. Indeed, it was only after they voluntarily agreed to serve Pharoh that they became enslaved to him. I guess my point is this ... do we suffer this much pain because we too have volunteered to service our own modern day Pharohs. I'll leave it to you readers to "connect up the dots" and draw the proper conclusions. Anyway ...just something to think about. Best of luck Sam!!
(27) Ed Menser, March 6, 2003 12:00 AM
hit the nail on the head!
The secret of life is to live above this world and Shabbat is the only way to accomplish that.
Good luck on your job search.
(26) Michael, March 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Reading your article, I felt as if I was reading about myself. Although my company is not as extreme in the way you have described yours, it is a job that gets me down on a regular basis. I also feel trapped, unable to leave, exactly how you described it. Shabbat is my solace too, the day I too look forward to all week. Thank you for letting me know that I am not the only one.
(25) Carol Vail, March 5, 2003 12:00 AM
What a real-life, timely and blessed depiction of the gift of Shabbat and it's importance in our lives. Thank you.
(24) Anonymous, March 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Like you, I have been racing home on Friday night ... not running away from, but like you, running TOWARDS........
(23) Paolo Pandolfi, March 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Hey...that's me too.....
Hey...that's me for the last....12 years....more than I kept Shabbat...Shabbat kept me.....
(22) Kenneth R. Handschuh, March 4, 2003 12:00 AM
Your frustration with work, though not unheard of, is indeed extreme. This article, though, is a solid reminder or what our faith is all about. Thanks for the reminder.
(21) betti miner, March 4, 2003 12:00 AM
relief is on the way!!
What a wonderful way to get away from a mean boss!!! Get into G-d's world. No matter how rough our week is, when Shabbat comes, it is rest and relaxation and battery-charging time for Monday morning. Thanks Sam for a great solution for a terrible job!! Shabbat for my husband and I are very special times and quality time together.
(20) Jeff Silverstein, March 4, 2003 12:00 AM
Shabbat is a gift.
My family also considers Shabbat a gift that no one can take away from us. We always take one big deep meditative breath before lighting the candles. When we exhale, all of our problems fall away for the moment. Shabbat Shalom!
(19) Anonymous, March 4, 2003 12:00 AM
truly wonderful
How many of us are stuck or have been stuck in these sorts of awful job situations? Sometimes I believe that G-d sends them to us to point us back in His direction. I am only half- Jewish and my husband doesn't celebrate Shabbat with me. But I do. This was beautifully written. I will share this wonderful article with as many people as I can! My deepest gratitude and appreciation "Sam."
(18) Tanya, March 4, 2003 12:00 AM
You're article couldn't have come at a better time!
Thanks Sam for a terrific article. I, too, am going through a really tough time at work - although I've been with my company for 3 1/2 years. Working with a boss that undermines you and strips you of your self-esteem on a regular basis can be a really tough thing to deal with week afer week, month after month. Still - I try really hard to maintain a strong sense of self-worth and regularly remind myself that it's not ME! I too, find Shabbat to be a "life raft". It serves as a reminder that life is so much bigger than the petty bosses of this world! Shabbat is a wonderful gift from G-d indeed!
(17) Anonymous, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
i agree...
Shabat is very uplifting... it has saved my soul many a time...Shabat is G-D"S formula on how to revitalise in a chaotic world...
(16) Yochannah, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
...for anyone who has forgotten...start it up
Shabbat has become a focal point for our family as well. My husband and I both work & have 2 little boys; so you can imagine, the Shabbat is definatly a personal and loving celebration--every week. And for anyone who has forgotten just how refreshing it is, we challenge you to start it up again..or even if its your first time. Just do it and see if your soul won't drink it up and see if , indeed, the angels won't visit your home...
(15) Don Mercer, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
A Heartless Work Environment, "No Weapon Forged Against Me Can Prosper"
Though my situation is different, I am Christian not Jewish, God drove me to my knees for years in a hostile work place where I often feared for my job, my sanity, and my future. Solution, I finally resigned after nearly 10 years of working for them, started over at 45 and am now in Graduate School all of which God made possible at age 61. Yes, I had some lean years, and never made the money I made at that first job, but my life became an adventure and God took me places and let me experience things that I always dreamed of doing! There is always hope and hope is based on a renewed faith brought about by the necessity of being humbled and driven to our knees in submission to His Will for our Lives! God Bless You Sir for your renewal of faith! Out of the darkest night comes the morning and there is joy in the morning! Love to All Your Readers!
(14) Anonymous, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
What a wonderful silver lining - but do get another job!
What a beautiful way to learn to appreciate more the power of Shabbat! It's wonderful to create a haven of peace and holiness in your own home each week. It ennobles you, and does grant strength and peace for the rest of the week....
Now that you've learned this lesson, though, please try to move on! It's tough in a bad economy to contemplate leaving a job - any job. But as I was reading this piece, I thought of a similar job I once had. It was awful - everyone who worked in my office was miserable, and some were even sick. The environment was just as you describe - unbelievably nasty.
The amazing thing is, once I left, I found I was able to grow spiritually (and enjoy life and my family again!) even more! I hadn't realized how much my terrible job was dragging me down until I left it. It's great that you've learned to savor Shabbat, but for further spiritual growth, you'll probably find the road easier if you're not overwhelmingly miserable most of the time!
My colleagues and I all moved on evenually from our terrible workplace. (Many of us were fired!) Everyone I've kept in touch with noticed a big improvement in their lives - and their health - once they left. Even the ones who had a hard time finding a new job felt there was some improvement in their lives not being tied to that office any more. I'd council anyone in this terrible a work situation to think VERY strongly about leaving. You might be surprised at how other aspects of your life - family relations, health, self-esteem - improve.
It's true that we can achieve spiritual growth through harship. But Judaism does NOT call on anyone to let themselves be abused! Please try to find a new job, and good luck in your search. And may G-d grant that the economy and job market improve soon.
(13) Manuel, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
It is simple
Well as a saying says "It is the Shabbat that keep the Jews (integrity) not the Jews that keep the Shabbat"
(12) Noadyah, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
YESYESYES
It´s a miracle, but Shabbat works...
It´s almost impossble to explain that to people who never experienced Shabbat. But as a matter of a fact, this they, observed carefully, is the most refreshing thing I know.
(11) Lynn Provencio, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Shabbat, another dimension
I am a middle aged working woman now, a third husband, no kids, living a pretty regular life, working hard, trying to make sure and do good for people, becoming active at my Shul and those sorts of things. I am happy, and I think I'm on the right path finally, after years of problems and being a problem. But for quite awhile it has bothered me that I haven't been observing Shabbat, only lighting the candles sometimes, and usually my husband and I end up using Saturday as a catch up day for work and household chores, or maybe go for a drive in the country. Sometimes I would light the candles by myself, but that didn't really cut it. I didn't know if my husband would really want to celebrate Shabbat, and hesitated to bring it up to him. Finally, this Friday afternoon I took off from work early, and I went out and bought wine, candles and challah. When I got home from work, once it was almost dark, I put them all on the table and called my husband in to the kitchen. Do you want to celebrate Shabbat with me? He did. So I lit the candles and said the blessing, pretty awkwardly. He poured the wine and said Kiddush pretty awkwardly. And we both said Hamotzi and ate the challah and the rather unspecial meal. But we felt closer to each other than usual. There was no complaining or squabbling, or wishing we were somewhere else. We didn't go any farther than that this time. But still, there was Shabbat in our house, and it was like there was another dimension to our house, like we had opened a door to heaven and there was something new there that wasn't usually there--something like holiness.
(10) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
I can relate
Dear Ben;
I just love your article. You are so very fortunate. I live with people of a different religious tradition, and so Shabbat is not available to me. Wish I were in your position.
Sincerely.
(9) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Keep Plugging
Sam -- I too find Shabbat a time to decompress and refocus my thoughts and energy into the spiritual realm. I think Shabbat is good for the mind and body, as well as the soul. From what you describe, your office is a pretty disfunctional place to work. I sincerely hope you'll be able to find a different and better job, where people are better respected. I don't think life has to be that tough. Try asking G-d for help too. Good luck!
(8) Michele Nations, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Yom Shekilo Shabbat
I agree with this author. In the early 90's, I was very sick and almost died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Shabbat kept me alive. I would rest on Shabbat and do the best I could the rest of the days. At first, I was able to work hard at home on Sunday and then at work on Monday. From Tuesday through Friday, I would be at work, but I could tell that I was coasting. Shabbat was a day of total rest - sleep, eat, study Torah. Gradually, I've built up strength to where I'm back to giving a good day's work at work and at home. I am so grateful for HaShem to have given us day where we don't have to prove anything to anyone and we can truly rest. Baruch HaShem!
(7) cynthia toby savell, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
A light and a lifesaver
After reading the article I realized that it was true for me also. However, I live alone and 25 miles from a synagogue and have found far too many excuses not to go. I will make those excuses to my no longer.
(6) Irvin, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Awesome
Many of us have been feeling down lately. This is one picker upper. Thank You!
(5) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
I know the feeling
Dear Sam, you speak for a lot of us, for one reason or another in a job from azazel. Shabbat is a refuge, the rock of our salvation. Erev Shabbat is how my observation started....gradually I have given myself over to more of Shabbat menuchah, ceasing from as much of the rest of the week's activities as possible. Do as much as you can to spend the time with friends, family, reading, sleeping, whatever....Monday morning will take care of itself when it comes soon enough.
(4) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
"Sam", you have all my sympathy
Sam, I have been in that position - anxiety attacks before work, unable to eat etc. I also had no choice but to stick it out, being the sole breadwinner.
It took a long time but eventually I learnt the job and now it's like second nature to me and the flexible hours suit my lifestyle. The boss who persecuted me, who strutted round the office as vain as a peacock, is a broken man. His marriage fell apart, he doesn't have access to his kids and he has few true friends. I ended up buying him coffee as I felt so bad for him.
Hashem looks out for his own. This has now happened to me so many times in this company that I am scared to even think bad thoughts of any of the colleagues I don't like.
I have learnt that people eventually leave, get fired or get their just desserts.
(3) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
How true!
Every week I look forward to Shabbos. Shabbos is like a peaceful island in the middle of the storms of life. No matter what is going on elsewhere, Shabbos is a time of refreshing. Shabbos has kept my sanity when there is so much meshugas in the world.
(2) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Wonderful Story
Thank you for your encouraging story. Until 7 months ago I didn't even know I was half Jewish but I have always felt drawn to the Jewish people. And thought I don't know anyone at the Temple I go to every Friday, I feel at peace there. And though I light the Shabbat candles every week alone, I feel part of a world wide family that I know is also observing God's instruction. There is comfort in that.
(1) Anonymous, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Deja vu!
I couldn't believe what I was reading...it was like a page ripped off from my husbands diary! (if he had had one). My husband went through this very same experience about four years ago... and we too recognized it was Shabbat that saved both of us from going insane. Since then we have grown to love and cherish not only Shabbat but all of Judaism and we are now planning to make aliyah. All the frustrations, humiliations and pain was the best thing that ever happened to us. Baruch Hashem.