Two young brothers were sitting at the dinner table enjoying some cake for dessert.  They both wanted seconds, but there was only one piece of cake left.  They began to argue over who should get the last piece…
The mother decided it was a good moment to teach them about chesed and offering a treat to the other person even if you want it.  She interrupted the boys’ argument and told them that a righteous person, a Tzadik, would offer the piece to the other person.
One of the boys turned to his brother and said, ‘David, I would like to offer for you to be the Tzadik first.’

I recently had a conversation with a group of young Israelis visiting Toronto for the first time. They will be staying in Canada for the High Holidays and we were having a discussion about how Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur are celebrated in Canada.

One of the most important differences I felt I should share with them is the difference in the climate. They needed to know that in all likelihood it is rather chilly over the High Holidays and they should be prepared. They asked me how people spend their time after synagogue and I mentioned large lunches, family time, time with friends and relaxation.

It was at that point that I heard about ‘Yom Ha-ophanayim’, or ‘Bicycle Day’ in Israel. During the High Holidays and particularly on Yom Kippur, most Israeli youth, whether religiously observant or not, refrain from driving and ride their bikes. The roads are filled with these young bike riders who gather at public squares to update each other on the events of the year and what they plan for the coming year. In my mind I pictured a dozen or so cyclists but I was quickly corrected. Apparently hundreds of them could gather together in larger communities.

What a wonderful way to commemorate the time of the Jewish year that commemorates the anniversary of the creation of nature!