By David Amos
SAN DIEGO — Many of us make resolutions at the beginning of the secular New Year. My personal ones are of no particular interest to you, but may I humbly suggest a few “word” suggestions for you to consider.
We overuse some words to the point that they become ineffective, or at least, severely weakened. Two words which should be banned from use for a few years at least, are awesome and amazing. For starters, we could cut at least 60% of all bar-bat mitzvah speeches if we eliminate these words. The redundancy of them through exaggeration only weakens them in usage that begs for reduced repetitions.
Another overused word which loses its effectiveness when it really counts is genius. Yes, Albert Einstein was one, and we all can name a few other luminaries who deserve that title. But by using the word to describe people who are vastly talented and have made significant accomplishments, only dilutes the value of real geniuses. I admire and praise a plumber who is able to solve a complicated sewer problem, but I would not call him a genius. Ditto for the 5 year old who is given a baton which he waves with great energy and on rhythm. Let’s leave that title for very, very few people.
The same goes for the word hero. There are many deeds of bravery taking place in the combat field, and many good Samaritans and trained professionals who rescue humans and animals out of burning buildings deserve lavish praise, but again, spare me of the all-too-frequent repetitions.
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Our just-completed one week trip to Maui provided me with a few experiences worth sharing with you.
We flew from San Diego to Maui on Tuesday, December 23, on Alaska flight # 847. The reason that I mention this to you, is because halfway into the six hour flight, there was a serious medical emergency, only one seat in front of where I was. A female passenger, who apparently should have known better, ate the complimentary miniature pouch of nuts, knowing very well that she was seriously allergic to cashews; not surprisingly, she became violently ill. There was a call for available doctors. My daughter submitted her name, but on board there was an emergency room physician traveling with his two medic sons. The three took over the situation, providing comfort, i.v. solutions, oxygen, and other stabilizing procedures, in the midst of some fairly serious turbulence. Nevertheless, upon landing, the woman was too sick to even sit in a wheelchair, and had to be taken out in a type of hammock through the back door of the plane.
Much praise has to given to the flight crew. At least four of the flight attendants were fully involved, extremely well trained, and acted in an effective, professional manner. No amazing, awesome, heroes, or geniuses at work here, but a good example of excellent teamwork. Alaska Airlines should be proud.
We celebrated the last night of Hannukah and one Shabbat in Maui, together with our extended family. Thank you to my ever-prepared wife and daughter who brought the menorah, candles, and yes, matches. We could not find a place to buy a challah, but a round loaf of Hawaiian bread served us well.
We visited the artist town of Paia, together with a cousin who lives on the island. I was surprised to see that several of the stores had mezzuzot in their entrances.
My biggest challenge was to find what to do. Our extended family included 18 people with varied entertainment and recreational needs. So, we divided in groups. Some baked themselves at the swimming pools; others bathed in the ocean; others went fishing; others, snorkeling; and others stayed in their rooms studying orchestral scores. We all did get together at least once a day for dinners, picture taking, family quality time, gorgeous sunsets, and our in-law’s fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration.
Somehow, I could not get anyone interested in talking about Giuseppi Torelli’s Concerti Grossi and their influence in the middle-Baroque, around 1700.
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Amos is conductor of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and has guest conducted professional orchestras around the world. Your comment may be posted in the box below or you may send it directly to the author at david.amos@sdjewishworld.com