Sunday, February 8, 2009

You know, the מעשה helps as well

Today in shul, a young fellow inquired about my family status. After finding out that I've been married for over two years, and don't have kids yet, the guy stated:

"You know, the most important thing [in the business of having kids] is the tefilla (prayer)"

to which I answered

"Yes, but the מעשה (the deed) helps as well"

Reminds me of the Russian joke about the tomato juice that I heard from a rabbi. Here's how it goes:

A professor was asked: what is the best contraceptive? He answered: Tomato Juice. The audience was puzzled. Finally, a student asks: "Before or After (До или После)?". The professor answers: "Instead (Вместо)."


3 comments:

Istavnit said...

(as usual) I don't see a big chiddush. This is a common construct in most theistic religions.

"You know, the most important thing in the business of [insert any religion-compatible goal here] is the prayer.

It is more important in Orthodox Judaism and hardcore Christianity that recognize the constant need to reinforce one's standing by making public proclamations like this.

Critically Observant Jew said...

FYI, you know that none other than RAMBAM states the fact that not everything happens just because you prayed for it. He says that some things happen because they do, in general. Like the fact that for a lot of couples (though not all exclusively) kids "happen" due to normal circumstances and not because someone prayed or sent a check to Western Wall prayers.

Just found this: http://yediah.blogspot.com/2007/01/miracles-ramban-and-rambam-two-opposing.html for the reference to what I'm saying.

therapydoc said...

Critical, start blogging again!