June 2005 Vacation Mode By Rabbi Alvin Kass When June arrives, the minds of most of us shift to vacation mode. But what is a vacation? That may seem like a silly and superfluous question; however, it's not so easy to answer. The word "vacation" comes from the Latin root, vacare, which means to be free. The great joy of a vacation is certainly to be free of one's normal chores. No more meetings, appointments, phone calls, deadlines, or office hours to keep. Having been liberated from these responsibilities, however, what do you do with your time? For some, their vacation is a response to the following want ad: "Help wanted: Millions of people for 2 weeks of hard outdoor labor, 12 to 16 hours per day, 600 miles a day of driving. Experience helpful but not necessary. Crowded working conditions, intense sunshine, sweltering temperatures, rain, gales, etc. Many hazards involved. Little time for meals. No coffee breaks, chat. No wages or salary. Applicants must agree to pay all expenses. No others need apply." On the other hand, there is a story told about Thomas A. Edison who returned home one summer evening from his work to be greeted by his wife: "You've worked too long without a rest. You must take a vacation." "But where will I go?" he asked. She replied: "Decide where you'd rather be more than anywhere else on earth and go there." Mr. Edison promised: "Very well, I will go tomorrow." The next morning he returned to his laboratory. There is probably no single ideal vacation. One person's work is relaxation to another. A painter was once deeply involved in touching up a canvas when a friend came by and asked, "What are you doing?" "I am working" was the reply. The following day the painter was found in his garden pruning trees, and he was asked "What are you doing?" He responded, "I am relaxing." On the other hand, a gardener was seen tending his plants when a friend inquired, "What are you doing?" He declared, "I am working." On the morrow, the gardener was seen painting a landscape. When a friend asked: "What are you doing?" he answered, "I am relaxing." Just the chance to do something different can be very relaxing. It opens up new horizons and enables us to discover aspects of our personality we didn't even know were there. One's work acquires a new meaning and significance when placed within the perspective of special activities pursued in our leisure hours. For me, no vacation has any value or use unless I put aside some time for reading. It is not an accident that the word "leisure" comes from a Greek root meaning "to study." The opportunity to learn and to expand the horizons of the mind is a most precious potentiality of one's vacation. Moreover, you can read while waiting to do many other things. I rarely go anywhere without a book in my hand. You never know where or when you may be delayed. Instead of getting tense because of lost time, use the extra moments to absorb information you otherwise might have overlooked. Whatever your vacation plans are, I hope you are able to fulfill them and that they will bring you satisfaction. I trust they also include some time to read books of Jewish content. May we all return in the fall refreshed, rejuvenated, filled with new and vibrant ideas, and resolved to work with even greater vigor in behalf of our faith, our people, and our synagogue.