Friday, September 17, 2010

Distractions during services

So Rosh Hashana was last week.  It's a very important and meaningful holiday, and I ended up going to services at a pretty serious synagogue in West Rogers Park (in North Chicago.)  The rabbi leading services made it super meaningful, and I was really able to focus on the prayers and the meaning of the words and everything.  I was feeling really good about everything.

But, unfortunately, I kept getting distracted.  You see, in the chaos of getting ready for the holiday, I didn't really plan my wardrobe very well.  And so, my "suit" was sort of un-coordinated.  (Ok, it was completely un-coordinated.)  I ended up wearing:
  • A grey suit jacket
  • A white shirt
  • A red tie
  • Navy blue pants
  • A black belt
  • One blue sock and one black sock
  • Brown shoes
I know many of you are cringing right now (but probably not surprised by this.)  I think on some level, even I realized something was wrong.

But who cares?  This holiday is not about fashion.  It's about being focused.  My wardrobe shouldn't affect my praying, right?

Wrong.

Even though I was able to get focused and really concentrate for most of the services, every time I had to bow slightly, I would see my shoes and immediately think "Brown shoes?  Really?" and bam, all my focus would disappear.

Anyway, in some ways I hope God is color-blind, because I think that might be my only chance for salvation.

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