Added Value

On Niflaos HaBorei by Tova Younger

Hashem has granted us an amazing body, and placed us in an amazing world. In our generation, we are fortunate beneficiaries of so many books and articles that have been written on the wide range of perspectives. 

And as science progresses, we learn more and more about how “nature” works, and can better appreciate the miracles. Simultaneously, as inventors come up with more and more innovations, we have more to appreciate, and more time to devote to appreciating! ​

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Look for the fine points that make a world of difference

One way to begin working on all of this without drowning in information is to pick a different aspect to contemplate each day or week. Consider the details, and look for new seemingly fine points that make a world of difference.

Let's consider a few of these ideas: obvious, relatively minor, adding value, and yet… often overlooked.

• Our memory. Yes, everyone is so forgetful, that is true. But on the other hand, our brain makes incredible matches, often when we least expect it to. Adina was at the Kosel one Chol HaMoed, right after Bircas Cohanim. It was packed. She looked around to see if there was anyone she recognized as she headed towards the Old City, with no luck. But conversations were taking place all around, and suddenly she recognized a voice. Adina was stunned to see an elementary school classmate whom she had not spoken to in years. "Malka! Is that you?" Yes it was.
• Did you know that your brain stores music and songs differently than other information? Moshe had studied French in high school and retained a bit of it as he moved on. However, when he moved to a community with many Spanish speakers, he realized that as he picked up some Spanish, he could no longer recall any French, except the songs that his teacher had taught. "I thought he was wasting class time when we sang French songs, but to my great surprise, that is all I now remember."
• Isn't it amazing to be able to read a book, yet monitor your surroundings at the same time, without giving it a moment's thought? It's our peripheral vision. Bracha, a busy mother, counts on this fascinating enhancement to our sense of vision. "I take a break and sit down, getting quickly engrossed in a book while my little ones play. Although not foolproof, I thrill to notice a bug crawling on the floor, or one of my children trying to sneak by.”
• Do you know how to touch-type? As I write this, I am amazed at how my fingers fly across the keyboard seemingly their own accord, writing all the words I am thinking of. I will admit that I keep the spellcheck function pretty busy, but it is still a wonder to behold. Although I am not a very fast typist, my flying fingers function without my specific thought for each stroke and they do a very fine job.