Banter Bites

Don’t Passover These Stories

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the story of Passover.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red, the straight-A student, had the Bat Mitzvah while Black, the troublemaker, rarely went to synagogue – so any guess who knows more about Passover, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays?

Red learned most of what she knows about Passover from “The Ten Commandments,” a Hollywood “blockbuster” movie from 1956 (older than Black!) which she has seen countless times. (Check your local listings as it’s typically aired during the Passover/Easter season.) It’s the story of Moses, including him leading the Jews’ exodus from Egypt to escape slavery and the unforgettable parting of the Red Sea.It’s the story of matzoh (a cracker-like flatbread) because the Jews didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise. It’s the story of when G-d struck down every firstborn Egyptian male, the lamb’s blood over the doors of Jewish homes saved their children (the angel of death “passed over” those homes).

As a lover of movies (and popcorn), and a theater major in college, Red explains,

I know “epic” movies shouldn’t be where I learn about religious holidays, but this movie did provide an extremely entertaining and unforgettable explanation of the key aspects of Passover. Although I know the famous director, Cecil B DeMille, took artistic license when interpreting the Bible.

Then there’s Black, who knew what was covered by the movie but also knows the religious significance of Passover. And that it’s about the number four (who equates a religious holiday with a number?!) – four questions, four sons, four expressions of redemption, and four cups of wine. And she remembers some Passover seders (the traditional Passover feast) that felt as if they lasted four hours!

P.S. – This year, Passover, Good Friday, and Easter overlap, which makes all the holidays even more special.

holidays
Banter Bites

You Pick ... Blah-Blah-Blah Or Bullet Points?

Today’s technology may be very different from when we first ran this four years ago, but it makes communication skills even more critical, and Effective Communications Monthis the perfect time to acknowledge it’s a superpower …

Talking isn't the same as communicating. And hearing isn't the same as listening. Think about it.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Being an effective communicator, whether in our personal lives or at work, is a critical skill but one-size-doesn't-fit-all as we each use very different methods and styles … ranging from lots of words and talking stuffed animals (Red) to bullet points and racing flags (Black).

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communication
Unlisted Posts & Pages

Version 3 Not A Trick Question ... Can Charity Be Selfish?

Chapter 15: I Need A Warning System

It’s easy to forget that charity is a year-round event, not just for the holiday season or when natural disasters happen. Since today’s International Day of Charity – Red couldn’t help but remember when Black explained her long-time involvement with Make-A-Wish (see below) … and realizing that helping others might end up being one of the best things you can do. For others. For yourself.

Typically, when Red asked Black questions, she received questions in return. Or flippant comments. When Red asked her about charity, and specifically Make-A-Wish, she got straight answers, and that alone got Red’s attention. Before this conversation, Red thought her sister’s involvement with Make-A-Wish was very generous, both of her time and her money, but attributed much of it to the fact she had surpluses of both in her life. But once Black made her realize that her involvement went back to her corporate life, years when she might have had spare money but was working ridiculous hours, Red gained a new respect for Black’s commitment. But when Black said how it had become her “reality check” on life, Red began to understand that we all need something to help us remember what’s genuinely important.

P.S. – Charity and helping others remain an important part of our lives (and, much to the chagrin of our accountants and attorneys, drive much of our work in the education and criminal justice worlds). Black’s long-time commitment to Make-A-Wish set an example for Red’s daughters when they were growing up, and made them aware of how important it is to not only appreciate what you have but to think of others. And whether it’s an ongoing commitment to a single organization, helping various charities throughout the year, celebrating targeted donation days (such as #GivingTuesday or World Wish Day), or when specific natural disasters or humanitarian needs require immediate aid, charitable giving (whether money or time) – can make all the difference. Not only to the recipient, but as Black pointed out to Red all those years ago, for yourself.



red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

I’m curious about something, though. As children, we were never exposed to charity, so what got you involved with Make-A-Wish? Even Natasha has asked me about Make-A-Wish, because she has seen the kids’ artwork at your house and recognizes the logo from seeing it on your race car.
Keep Reading ...Show less
charity
Unlisted Posts & Pages

Version 2 Not A Trick Question ... Can Charity Be Selfish?

Chapter 15: I Need A Warning System

It’s easy to forget that charity is a year-round event, not just for the holiday season or when natural disasters happen. Since today’s International Day of Charity – Red couldn’t help but remember when Black explained her long-time involvement with Make-A-Wish (see below) … and realizing that helping others might end up being one of the best things you can do. For others. For yourself.

Typically, when Red asked Black questions, she received questions in return. Or flippant comments. When Red asked her about charity, and specifically Make-A-Wish, she got straight answers, and that alone got Red’s attention. Before this conversation, Red thought her sister’s involvement with Make-A-Wish was very generous, both of her time and her money, but attributed much of it to the fact she had surpluses of both in her life. But once Black made her realize that her involvement went back to her corporate life, years when she might have had spare money but was working ridiculous hours, Red gained a new respect for Black’s commitment. But when Black said how it had become her “reality check” on life, Red began to understand that we all need something to help us remember what’s genuinely important.

P.S. – Charity and helping others remain an important part of our lives (and, much to the chagrin of our accountants and attorneys, drive much of our work in the education and criminal justice worlds). Black’s long-time commitment to Make-A-Wish set an example for Red’s daughters when they were growing up, and made them aware of how important it is to not only appreciate what you have but to think of others. And whether it’s an ongoing commitment to a single organization, helping various charities throughout the year, celebrating targeted donation days (such as #GivingTuesday or World Wish Day), or when specific natural disasters or humanitarian needs require immediate aid, charitable giving (whether money or time) – can make all the difference. Not only to the recipient, but as Black pointed out to Red all those years ago, for yourself.



red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

I’m curious about something, though. As children, we were never exposed to charity, so what got you involved with Make-A-Wish? Even Natasha has asked me about Make-A-Wish, because she has seen the kids’ artwork at your house and recognizes the logo from seeing it on your race car.
Keep Reading ...Show less
charity