On the Threshold by Chaya Grodner

On the Threshold

Today we stand on the threshold of Yom Kippur. We vigilantly pray for Hashem to inscribe us in the Book of Life. We have uttered hours of Selichot prayers. We have gathered together to hear the sound of the shofar as it too calls out to Hashem to inscribe us in the Book of Life. In just a few more days, we enter into the most profound day of prayer and beg for Hashem to have heard our prayers, our requests for His mercy and to inscribe us and seal us for another year in the Book of Life.

With Hashem's blessings that we are inscribed and sealed, comes our responsibility. In the Torah, in Parshat Nitzavim, we are commanded to Choose Life. How can we Choose Life if after all, Hashem is the One Who chose if we are inscribed or not?

It is not the choice to live or die, but how we live our lives. We must live our lives to the fullest, to live everyday with meaning and purpose, to share with each other and make each day count.

A little over a year ago, I left the world of hi-tech. I was fortunate enough to become involved with Tishkofet. Life's Door-Tishkofet, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2002 to transform the experience of facing serious illness from one of anguish, confusion and denial to one that encourages collaboration, growth and healing for patients, families and professionals. It is dedicated to creating a sincere, dynamic and robust dialogue that addresses the value of openly exploring serious illness and end of life issues. Life's Door-Tishkofet strives to instill purposefulness in the lives of its participants.

During the month of September, Tishkofet presented a most powerful exhibit based on the personal journey of Ilan Dimant. Ilan, 24, was born and raised in Jerusalem, served in the IDF and was a law school student. A little over a year ago, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Ilan dropped out of law school and chose to live his life by sharing with us his creativity and inspiration. This experiential exhibit carries universal messages that enable the visitor to gain deeper insight into the world of facing serious illness. There is no one today that does not know someone in this position, be it family, friend, neighbor or colleague. It is Ilan's dream that by sharing his journey he will provide a meaningful and transformative response to this experience and contribute to the place of hope and understanding of others. Room by room the visitor is exposed to Ilan's life since his diagnosis. Each guest will carry away a different message, but all will leave with a greater empathy and ability to support those with illness. The exhibition was featured in every major Israeli newspaper, the radio and TV. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Ilan has chosen life. He is my hero. He lives everyday to the fullest. And, this is my message to all of us –Leave work at work. Take part in living a healthy life. Eat well. Exercise. Study. Volunteer. Be with your family. Tour our beautiful country. Enjoy all that Hashem has given you. Choose Life!

May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life!