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September 27, 2001 - The Chosen Few
Welcome to Guy Week on 2TheHeart!
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
~~Dale Carnegie~~
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
^^I am working on a special editing project for the new God Allows U-Turns book, and will not be able to review story submissions for
2theheart until next week. If you have submitted a story, I thank you for your patience and will be creating a new list just for writers, so watch for it soon!
^^I have run out of my supply of "Angel's Legacy" and will be
ordering more books within the next week. If you would like a copy, email me at Editor@2theheart.com.
http://www.2theheart.com/angel_s_legacy/
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Inspiration Peak is our newest "Make A Difference" award winner! Ron Atchison has created a stunning plethora of inspiration! Visit now for motivational books, artwork, quotes, poetry, stories and more! www.inspirationpeak.com
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Gifts for our soldiers that show you care! Care Packages offer thoughtful gift with themes for the military in several different packages! This unique and caring gift will lift the spirits of our soldiers and share a smile - truly gifts 2TheHeart! http://www.qksrv.net/click-404250-1514405
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Welcome to our many new members from around the world! We hope you find 2theheart's online family a haven of peace and hope. This week is "Guy Week" on 2theheart --- all stories, quotes, poems and award-winning web sites, all by men! Today's story is by 2theheart fave Michael Segal, and is a loving tribute to his great father.
"The Chosen Few"
by Michael Segal
The signs were posted at a small synagogue in Brooklyn, New York --- "Try-outs for the Choir."
My father at eight years of age would be the youngest member,
provided he would be one of the "chosen few." He loved to sing and truly believed this was his special calling.
My dad, Jackie as he was known to his friends and family, looked
closely at the sign which said that try-outs would be next Thursday at 4:00 p.m. "Great," he thought, "a whole week to practice."
Finally, the big day arrived. Thirteen boys and young men were at the try-outs. Jackie was very nervous, but also quite confident.
As he listened to the two before him, he thought, "They have nice
voices, but definitely not as good as mine."
At last, it was my dad's turn to sing. He proudly stood before the
Cantor (music leader) and began singing. The Cantor, after listening for a few seconds, said, "Thank you Jackie." With those words my father was positive that he was one of the "chosen few."
After all the boys and men auditioned, the Cantor stepped forward and said with a smile, "I have some good news and some bad news for all of you. The good news is that you're going to make an excellent choir. But the bad news is that we're only going to have twelve in the choir." And he quickly turned toward my father and angrily cried out, "Jackie, your number is thirteen. YOU ARE OUT!"
My father was devastated and went home completely depressed.
Throughout the years, even though in reality he could not sing very well, Dad never gave up on his positive attitude, always believing that where there was a will there was a way. He never allowed rejection to knock him down.
For many years he succeeded in accomplishing much in his life, even earning seven college degrees.
But I was equally proud of him when in August, 1996, he retired as
Rabbi of the largest Conservative Synagogue in the southwest,
Congregation Beth Yeshurun. His title changed from "Rabbi Jack Segal, Senior Rabbi" to "Rabbi Jack Segal, Rabbi Emeritus."
Throughout his 42 years as a rabbi he touched thousands of lives in so many ways. Perhaps the cantor of that small synagogue did my father a favor by labeling him "number thirteen."
Yes, my father was not made one of the "chosen few" of the choir, but in my eyes, and in the eyes of those he so dramatically touched, he truly was one of the "chosen few."
©2000 Michael Segal, all rights reserved
msegalhope@aol.com
Michael Segal is a social worker in Houston, Texas, an author, and a sought-after speaker. He has been on national television as well as having articles on his "comeback" featured in national magazines. Mike's story, "My Miraculous Family," was published in "Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul", and his autobiography entitled "Never Say Quit-The Bullet That Changed My Life" is ready for publshing! Visit Mike web site: http://www.fruatia.net/segal/
Mike's father, Rabbi Jack Segal, recently wrote an inspirational book entitled, "When Man Closes Doors, God Opens Windows". The hard cover edition may be purchased for $25(which includes shipping and handling) by writing to:
Rabbi Jack Segal
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
4525 Beechnut
Houston, TX 77096
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2TheHeart Birthday Club!
Happy Birthday to:
Frances Horne libhorne@ulm.edu
BELATED Happy Birthday to:
Joyce Flowers on the 22nd! bojoflo22@utah-inter.net
Send them an email or ecard! www.2theheart.com/free_ecards_/
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Make a difference in the life of a child with Save the Children. Please sponsor a child online for only $24 a month. Please do it today! http://www.qksrv.net/click-404250-1194232
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The Letter Box:
2theheart,
I'm really enjoying Guy Week! 2theheart is so unique and outstanding!
~Karen Clark
Susan,
Your Guy Week idea is fantastic - it's been really neat to see all
the different contributions from guys! David Sims' story about the
Specail Olympics was very touching. You're right - he needs to write more! Keep them coming David!
~Geena
I just wanted to say how much I love 2theheart and what fun your "Guy Week" theme is! It's interesting to see the different writing styles of each of our 2theheart men! I also wanted to say what a source of comfort 2theheart has been throughout the crisis. Even in tragedy you make a difference!
Love,
Joan
Dear 2theheart,
What special children Special Olympics kids are. I've worked with
them three years now and have grown to love them dearly. I don't
think I could have written as beautifully as David Sims did about his experience, but the memories are cherished just the same. God bless David for this touching story and for teaching his children such a valuable lesson!
Karrie Jones
Georgia
David,
That was a special story. It is so important that we recoginze
people with disabilities are people with feelings too. They struggle
to do some of the most simplest things that we take for granted.
You have a great heart and it shows through your writing. I enjoyed reading it.
Sincerely,
Misty Freeman
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