Funerals

One of my coworkers lost her father. The intern lost her sister. And the former manager in my group passed away suddenly. It was all very weird. Work usually isn't an emotional place. But there was a certain communal mood. They passed around a condolence card for the woman who lost her father. It's tough, on one hand sharing in the pain, but on the other maintaining reserved professionalism.

More importantly, can I attend a non-Jewish funeral? Does it matter if it is in a church or a funeral home? Even if it is not in a Catholic church, what if they are holding a prayer service?

Holding out from joining in a funeral can seem a lot more callous and disengaging then just not eating non-kosher food with your coworkers.

Tefillin Check

Friday afternoon. I've worked a slow week, coming in late and leaving early almost every day. I was planning on a full day Friday, until I get a call from my boss that he forgot his Tefillin in his office. He asked me to take them home with me, and he'll pick them up before Shabbos. No problem. But he asks me to leave early, so he doesn't have to rush around right before Shabbos. Also no problem for me. But that means that my lazy week looks even lazier. I'm happy. I like messing with people's minds. Although, my goal should probably to leave a good impression even if I do sloppy work, not to do good work and leave a bad impression. Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name) is really about impressions to a large degree.