Word Prompt – Z’MAN – Asher Yablok

We just read in Koheles that there is a time for everything and it is our yearly reminder to be present and mindful during the full range of experiences we have throughout the year.

However, the question is really if there is enough time for everything. With this question, I’m reminded of the student who approached his mentor asking if he only had 20 minutes to learn what should he study? His rabbi replied: “Study mussar and you’ll realize you have a lot more time.” I have reflected on this story quite often. One of my rebbeim used to encourage us to set aside large portions of time for a proper iyun seder and I took his words to heart. Naturally, it made it difficult for me to appreciate smaller moments of learning and inspiration.

For much of our adult life, there really isn’t a lot of time. One takeaway from the story above, however, is to appreciate how much we can accomplish in the minutes that we do have available.