Thursday, August 17, 2006
Ben-Torah Mobile
I drive an Acura.
I admit it, but I'm not proud of it. Truthfully, I've only had it for 2 weeks, since I moved to New Jersey, but I miss my Altima.
Now don't get me wrong, I like all of the whistles and bells that came with this car, and I appreciate all of the fine craftsmanship that went into making it. But it just isn't me. I just don't feel like it matches who I am.
I am an adherent of the philosophy that every decision in life, from life altering to minute, has a Torah approach. Even after Halacha is taken into consideration, Judaism must influence how we approach every choice we face. Unlike halacha, there is no one right way, but if we think that Judaism is a way of life, then it has something to say about how we live our lives between prayers. There is no standard, defined way (in most communities, at least), but that isn't to say that we aren't each responsible for assessing what decision will lead us down the path of growth. This applies to where we live, how we act, what we wear, and, yes, even what we drive.
And something rubs me wrong with the Acura. Does Judaism really encourage the one-upmanship of American consumerism? Does a brand name, fast car, or slick interior make us a better person? Could my money be spent better elsewhere and could I drive around in a more low-key and equally qualitative set of wheels?
Sure, I try to drive like I don't own the road and obey driving norms. Sure, I use my car to get to shul, do chessed, and contribute to society. But I could probably do it in a more modest way.
What would Moshe Rabbeinu do?
No, my car is not for sale. But you're more than welcome to pay for my premium fuel.
I admit it, but I'm not proud of it. Truthfully, I've only had it for 2 weeks, since I moved to New Jersey, but I miss my Altima.
Now don't get me wrong, I like all of the whistles and bells that came with this car, and I appreciate all of the fine craftsmanship that went into making it. But it just isn't me. I just don't feel like it matches who I am.
I am an adherent of the philosophy that every decision in life, from life altering to minute, has a Torah approach. Even after Halacha is taken into consideration, Judaism must influence how we approach every choice we face. Unlike halacha, there is no one right way, but if we think that Judaism is a way of life, then it has something to say about how we live our lives between prayers. There is no standard, defined way (in most communities, at least), but that isn't to say that we aren't each responsible for assessing what decision will lead us down the path of growth. This applies to where we live, how we act, what we wear, and, yes, even what we drive.
And something rubs me wrong with the Acura. Does Judaism really encourage the one-upmanship of American consumerism? Does a brand name, fast car, or slick interior make us a better person? Could my money be spent better elsewhere and could I drive around in a more low-key and equally qualitative set of wheels?
Sure, I try to drive like I don't own the road and obey driving norms. Sure, I use my car to get to shul, do chessed, and contribute to society. But I could probably do it in a more modest way.
What would Moshe Rabbeinu do?
No, my car is not for sale. But you're more than welcome to pay for my premium fuel.
# posted by Josh : Thursday, August 17, 2006
Comments:
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If you don't like it, why'd you get it (sorry, you didn't explain why you have it in the first place)
# posted by 
: August 17, 2006 7:43 PM
: August 17, 2006 7:43 PM
Premium fuel! Oy.
Contrary to popular belief, you car does not define you. It doesn't have to be you, it just has to get you from point A to point B. This really isn't like picking out a spouse.
Ideally, Judaism/Torah should influence our every decision. In this case some of the questions are about the way the business was conducted. And can you afford this car, and all the expenses entailed and if not, will the actions you choose be appropriate?
Contrary to popular belief, you car does not define you. It doesn't have to be you, it just has to get you from point A to point B. This really isn't like picking out a spouse.
Ideally, Judaism/Torah should influence our every decision. In this case some of the questions are about the way the business was conducted. And can you afford this car, and all the expenses entailed and if not, will the actions you choose be appropriate?
I think it's funny how for each of us different problems are weighed differently. Like, having a car that isn't really the car I want, would be a problem that was pretty low on my list of problems. But I'm sure that the top 3 problems on my list (not that I actually have a list, but you get what I'm trying to say) would be on the bottom of someone elses list. I don't really know what my point was... oh yeah! The last two comments to this post seemed to be making a problem that you felt worthy of writing a post about seem to be so much smaller than it actually is. I've had that happen many-a-times to me and... uh... I suck at ending comments. Have a nice day!
I think Moshe, alev hasholem, would take the bus.
Possibly hitchhike.
Or throw on his rattiest sandals and walk.
Possibly hitchhike.
Or throw on his rattiest sandals and walk.
Josh, I think you should change the title of your blog to "Why Josh Can't Answer Comments Anymore" -- you used to be so speedy with your comments... now you just seem to ignore the comments and just go straight to writing a new post. :-(
Whatever happened to your work blog? I'd think (and hope) with a new location you'd be furiously scribbling.
For all your information, Josh's Acura is a late 90's early 00's 3.5 RL with over 100,000 miles on it (if I'm not mistaken). Not to Josh: leaving it as "Acura" with no details was very misleading.
It's in good condition, but far from new. It's not like he's driving a brand new, expensive car.
I say this as someone who likes cars. I will never have a first car, my first will be an Acura, and Infiniti, even a BMW, b/c I won't get one for at least 2 years. If it's something you enjoy, as long as it's not more than you can afford without taking away from savings, meiser and expenses (alotted in that order, contact me for financial advice) then do it. If it's theatre tickets or fancy dinners then that's what you should spend on. But making your Acura seem like a major expense (even a NEW Acura) is like comparing a movie rental to 5th row Broadway tickets.
Sometimes I think you just write for the reactions Josh...tsk.
For all your information, Josh's Acura is a late 90's early 00's 3.5 RL with over 100,000 miles on it (if I'm not mistaken). Not to Josh: leaving it as "Acura" with no details was very misleading.
It's in good condition, but far from new. It's not like he's driving a brand new, expensive car.
I say this as someone who likes cars. I will never have a first car, my first will be an Acura, and Infiniti, even a BMW, b/c I won't get one for at least 2 years. If it's something you enjoy, as long as it's not more than you can afford without taking away from savings, meiser and expenses (alotted in that order, contact me for financial advice) then do it. If it's theatre tickets or fancy dinners then that's what you should spend on. But making your Acura seem like a major expense (even a NEW Acura) is like comparing a movie rental to 5th row Broadway tickets.
Sometimes I think you just write for the reactions Josh...tsk.
yeah you're right - i'd say driving an acura is at least as bad as buying a coach pocketbook, which some people (i'm not saying who) have determined to be "evil". so why do it?
Um, remember me? I'm almost over the hump, and will be able to adopt a regular schedule, whatever that may be.
Sh- You thought as practically as I did - a solid ride, with some added perks thrown in. It's not vain to care about being perceived as un-vain. (Unless, of course, you view unvanity as some sort of superficial characteristic.) While my goal is partially be recognized as the non-material being that I am, I'm more concerned about adding more (premium!) fuel to the materialistic one-upsmansip so pervasive even in frum society. I may have found a practical bargain, but that's not to say that my neighbor won't forgo his MDX to keep up instead of donating to charity.
C - Um, yeah, minor oversight. I was looking for a Nissan, Toyota, or Honda to buy. Searching online, I decided to check out what an upgrade would cost me. It happens that I found an Acura bargain for just a little bit more. And it had GPS, which is so very clutch when you move out of state. But I was hardly looking for anything "fancy." I never thought of an Acura like a Mercedes, Lexus, or BMW. Just a nice car. Then as people started looking impressed when I told them I bought an Acura, I realized there was a lot more attached to my car than I realized.
T - I'm just praying I keep up the resale value.
I - Your belongings certainly shouldn't define you. But I don't want anyone to think that I would like to be judged by what i own. I can certainly get a different car in a few years, which certainly makes living with my choice much easier than a spouse. But I do think you have a great grasp of the eferyday details that can be viewed from a frum perspective.
N - I wouldn't be surprised if we all face the same dilemma, albeit in different contexts. Think about the clothes yo buy!
Timmie - we all face our own issues every day, and when we blog about them, they usually find a broader appeal than we might think. So much of human experience is based off of similar themes. I guess that's why I love learning from everybody.
El - Ha! No, I bought it in NY.
Eri - I think you've found it. If a Gadol Hador would take the bus, why aren't I? We have the same Torah don't we?
Timmie - I'm struggling with my lack of time. It's either write new posts, respond to comments, or comment on other people's blogs. I barely have time for one of those now, and I decided to keep my own writing, as a way of keeping sane while I settle down.
Sh - yeah, my car is my new best friend. She even talks to me.
Timmie - *cough* sarcasm...
FG - Wanna come along for the ride? Oh wait, I guess that is what my blog is all about...
Dud - Um, wanna just give out my license plate number? The point of my post wasn't that I have a million dollar car. It was that I have a car that others perceive as being expensive. I guess I could append the label "100,000 mile plus" every time I tell somebody about the Acura. I just don't know what girls I date are going to think ("hey, look at the odometer...see, I told you I got this cheap!")
MH - Actually, I do think they are similar. The only difference is that I am actually getting something extra for my money. What I'm really against is spending extra just for a "name" brand.
El - Elster? Writing sarcastically? Of course it's true.
Sh- You thought as practically as I did - a solid ride, with some added perks thrown in. It's not vain to care about being perceived as un-vain. (Unless, of course, you view unvanity as some sort of superficial characteristic.) While my goal is partially be recognized as the non-material being that I am, I'm more concerned about adding more (premium!) fuel to the materialistic one-upsmansip so pervasive even in frum society. I may have found a practical bargain, but that's not to say that my neighbor won't forgo his MDX to keep up instead of donating to charity.
C - Um, yeah, minor oversight. I was looking for a Nissan, Toyota, or Honda to buy. Searching online, I decided to check out what an upgrade would cost me. It happens that I found an Acura bargain for just a little bit more. And it had GPS, which is so very clutch when you move out of state. But I was hardly looking for anything "fancy." I never thought of an Acura like a Mercedes, Lexus, or BMW. Just a nice car. Then as people started looking impressed when I told them I bought an Acura, I realized there was a lot more attached to my car than I realized.
T - I'm just praying I keep up the resale value.
I - Your belongings certainly shouldn't define you. But I don't want anyone to think that I would like to be judged by what i own. I can certainly get a different car in a few years, which certainly makes living with my choice much easier than a spouse. But I do think you have a great grasp of the eferyday details that can be viewed from a frum perspective.
N - I wouldn't be surprised if we all face the same dilemma, albeit in different contexts. Think about the clothes yo buy!
Timmie - we all face our own issues every day, and when we blog about them, they usually find a broader appeal than we might think. So much of human experience is based off of similar themes. I guess that's why I love learning from everybody.
El - Ha! No, I bought it in NY.
Eri - I think you've found it. If a Gadol Hador would take the bus, why aren't I? We have the same Torah don't we?
Timmie - I'm struggling with my lack of time. It's either write new posts, respond to comments, or comment on other people's blogs. I barely have time for one of those now, and I decided to keep my own writing, as a way of keeping sane while I settle down.
Sh - yeah, my car is my new best friend. She even talks to me.
Timmie - *cough* sarcasm...
FG - Wanna come along for the ride? Oh wait, I guess that is what my blog is all about...
Dud - Um, wanna just give out my license plate number? The point of my post wasn't that I have a million dollar car. It was that I have a car that others perceive as being expensive. I guess I could append the label "100,000 mile plus" every time I tell somebody about the Acura. I just don't know what girls I date are going to think ("hey, look at the odometer...see, I told you I got this cheap!")
MH - Actually, I do think they are similar. The only difference is that I am actually getting something extra for my money. What I'm really against is spending extra just for a "name" brand.
El - Elster? Writing sarcastically? Of course it's true.
I was actually going to give out your car's unique GPS code which allows anyone with a little computer knowhow to track your car's movements.
Sound like a plan?
Sound like a plan?
Damn you Josh for being one of those people who is actually able to stick to a schedule and make their real life a priority over the fake universe of blogging!
i was going to upgrade my car from a honda accord coupe to an acura tsx sedan. even though i nearly drooled (in public over the acura), i didn't get it for the following reasons: the salesman was a jerk, the premium fuel (it states it must be premium) and maintenance costs. i'm sucking it up with my accord for another 3-5 years. by then, a hybrid car should be truly affordable.
The commandment is Thou Shalt Not Covet, right? Not thou shalt not enjoy expensive nice stuff.
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# posted by : October 09, 2006 1:31 PM
: October 09, 2006 1:31 PM<< Home
