{"id":1076,"date":"2013-12-02T07:30:41","date_gmt":"2013-12-02T12:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/truthsyoucanuse\/?p=1076"},"modified":"2015-11-30T16:43:17","modified_gmt":"2015-11-30T21:43:17","slug":"shop-for-your-spirit-on-cyber-monday-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/truthsyoucanuse\/2013\/12\/shop-for-your-spirit-on-cyber-monday-2.html","title":{"rendered":"Shop for Your Spirit on Cyber Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"shpping\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A<\/strong>\u00a0seeming paradox defines Thanksgiving weekend. On Thursday evening we express gratitude for everything we have. The follow days we rush out to buy what we do not yet have!<\/p>\n

Be that as it may, some things we can buy can also nourish the spirit. Here are a few:<\/p>\n

1. Books:<\/strong>\u00a0Jews have been called \u201cThe People of the Book.\u201d We believe that books reveal sacred truths that connect us with God and enhance the holiness of everyday life.<\/p>\n

A couple of books to consider if you do not own them:\u00a0God in Search of Man<\/em>, \u00a0by Abraham Joshua Heschel, explores the experiences of awe and amazement by which God reaches out to human beings. \u201cIndifference to the sublime wonders of living,\u201d Heschel wrote, \u201cis the root of sin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another more recent book is\u00a0The Great Partnership<\/em>, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Sacks, an Orthodox Rabbi, challenges the idea that science and religion inevitably clash and contradict each other.<\/p>\n

He argues that the insights of each discipline can enrich the other.<\/p>\n

2. Travel:<\/strong>\u00a0Experiencing a different culture and landscape enhances our spiritual awareness. We see the way others relate to God and the universe, and begin to understand both the remarkable diversity and similarity between different faiths.<\/p>\n

3. Experiences with friends and family:<\/strong>\u00a0A focus on acquiring things\u2013even the newest iPad or sports car\u2013does not bring happiness. Rather, as numerous studies have illustrated, such a focus creates greater unhappiness. It constantly reminds us of what we do not yet have.<\/p>\n

A focus on doing things with family and friends\u2013a meal out or a visit to the beach\u2013can create lasting happiness. They remind of us what we have rather than what we desire. They focus on what we share rather than what we lack.<\/p>\n

4. Gifts for others:<\/strong>\u00a0Paradoxically, when we spend money on others, we gain. Giving deepens relationships in a way that makes us happier in the long run.<\/p>\n

Point in fact: As a rabbi I\u2019ve noticed that students at my temple derive enormous satisfaction from the community service we ask them to do. They see how lucky they are, and find meaning in helping fellow human beings.<\/p>\n

While getting presents is great, giving them away is even better.<\/p>\n

To Inspire Yourself and Discover More, check out Rabbi Moffic\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0free weekly digest of spiritual wisdom<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A\u00a0seeming paradox defines Thanksgiving weekend. On Thursday evening we express gratitude for everything we have. The follow days we rush out to buy what we do not yet have! Be that as it may, some things we can buy can also nourish the spirit. Here are a few: 1. Books:\u00a0Jews have been called \u201cThe People…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":507,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nShop for Your Spirit on Cyber Monday - Truths You Can Use<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/Love-Family\/Galleries\/Shop-for-Your-Spirit-on-Cyber-Monday.aspx\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shop for Your Spirit on Cyber Monday - Truths You Can Use\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A\u00a0seeming paradox defines Thanksgiving weekend. 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