The Professor and the Jar of Golf Balls

The Professor and the Jar of Golf Balls —

A professor stood before his philosophy class.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions–and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else–the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first–the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked. The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.’

TSS Game Night – December 7th

JOIN US for TSS Game Night!
Inspired by David Vaida’s speed scrabble expertise and the new Mah Jong club of TSS, we decided to have a game night!

When: Sunday, 12/7

Where: The Belmont Game and Recreation Center

What Time: 5:30 PM

Food: Pot Luck Dinner – RSVP to Judy Belmont with your contribution

Something for everyone!

Whether you want to watch the Eagles game or play a game, we have it all!

Game ideas:

Mah Jong
Speed Scrabble
Cards
Shanghai Rummy
Bring any other favorite games

Open to TSS members and friends of TSS! All Ages Welcome!

No charge – Just a Pot Luck contribution.

RSVP with number of people and Pot Luck Contribution to: Judy Belmont at JABelmont3@gmail.com

Jewish Literacy and its Impact on our Identity

Attention Book Lovers and Lifelong Learners!
Jewish Book Month is celebrated annually during the month preceding Chanukah. This year we will celebrate November 16th-December 16th, Librarian Audrey Nolte will lead a discussion about Jewish literacy and its impact on our identity. Join us on Monday, December 1st @ 7:30 PM at the Nolte Center for Jewish Learning.

Please RSVP by Monday, November 24th so handouts can be prepared.

Warm Clothing Drive

TSS Social Action is holding a warm clothing and children’s clothing drive between now and Thanksgiving.
Clothing will be donated to the Clothing Closet at the Allentown School District Family Centers.

What they need:
Winter Coats
Sweaters
Hats
Scarves
Gloves and Mittens
Any Children’s clothing – pants, shirts, shoes, and kid’s winter clothes.

Drop off at any Shabbat worship for the few weeks, or you can call/email me (DJBelmont@gmail.com) and we can arrange for pick up/drop off.