The Book of Life

There was a man who every so often showed up at a particular synagogue and made some nice acquaintances among the general membership. Though this was not his regular synagogue, there were occasions when his livelihood brought him to the area and it was convenient for him to attend.

On one of these visits, an interested member asked him, "What are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm writing a book" he causally responded.

On his next visit several months later he was asked "How's your book coming along?"

"Oh, just fine", he smiled.

Over the next several visits during the span of a year his synagogue acquaintances always inquired about the development of his book with genuine interest. Each time he assured them that the book was developing on schedule and as planned.

One day, one day after prayers, about a year and a half after he first divulged the news about his book in progress, he was asked by a curious congregant, "Where’s your book? I’m eager to read it?"

In response, he pointed his finger to heaven and quoted the Talmud, "All of our deeds are written in a book!"

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With our deeds we’re all “writing a book”. It’s published in heaven. Before we act, it’s a good idea to consider what kind of book we want to write. Eventually, we all get to read our own book. Hopefully, it will be a joyous reading.