Offering Sacrifice

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Thursday October 30, 2025 in my corner of blog land.

This post, given the title, Sacrifice, after the song sharing the same title by singer, Elton John. Perhaps this topic will appeal to persons of faith but is presented in such a manner to cause us all to consider what we offer in life, and for what reason or sake do we offer time, talent or finances.

Each day in my email inbox, is a newsletter from My Jewish Learning presenting a page of reflection from the Talmud, which is a several-volume commentary by Jewish Rabbis on life and faith matters.

I wish to share an excerpt from a recent newsletter discussing how Temple sacrifices were to be conducted in the time when a physical temple actually existed in Jerusalem. My mind began to reflect on reasons I offer what is offered from my life after reading this excerpt shared with you. If the same results for you, and you care to comment, I invite you to do so!

This excerpt is pasted directly from the newsletter by My Jewish Learning.

Zevachim 46

 

By Rabbi Lexie Botzum

After devoting much of this chapter to the rules of piggul (sacrifice) and the ways incorrect intent can disqualify a sacrifice, the last mishnah of the chapter lists the intents that one should have with regard to an offering:

The slaughtered offering is slaughtered for the sake of six matters: For the sake of the particular type of offering; for the sake of the one who sacrifices; for the sake of God; for the sake of the fires; for the sake of the aroma; for the sake of the pleasing (of God); and, in the cases of a sin offering and a guilt offering, for the sake of the sin.

Me:  Today my offerings are given because: it may be more blessed to give than receive, I learned this is an expectation placed on humans, a ways and means to serve and please God, the cause or person is of interest, paying forward will result in receiving what is needed by me in time, etc.

Recent Happenings

I am continuing to read novels in the mystery genra. Ellery Queen is my current author read, and the late Patricia HighSmith is up next.

With writing, my forthcoming short story collection, From My Red Chair: A Short Story Collection, is about to undergo its final edit and revision. Plans are to publish this online in late January, 2026.

You may read one of the stories from this title at:

https://www.spillwords.com/author?davidcrussell

The story is titled, The Chronic Complainer.

My book will most likely be an EBook and audio from Apple Books.

It has been my pleasure to visit with you. I wish to thank one of you, whom I will call G.N., for your personal interest in my journey and writing journey.

Greetings and or comments are truly welcomed!

May HaShem (God) continue to bless and keep us always.

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell, Author

 

Don't Worry Be Happy (song, Bobby McFerrin, 1988)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Wednesday, October 15, 2025  in my corner of blog land.

  As you may know, one of my attributes is that of being a short story writer. With that, comes the need to create a general outline, and a general idea of the characters in a given story.

I found an article about this topic at Reedsy Editing, with which excerpts are presented below to more less examine oneself.

We spoke of mental health in our previous post, and this is a further add-it to that topic.

The title of the post is "The Proust Questionnaire."

Excerpt Below

6. What is your idea of happiness?

Is happiness something that your character feels every day, or something they strive for? What in this world brings them the most joy? (If you want to go one step further, think about what your character’s perfect day would look like.)

Notable answer: “Everybody around me is happy, my spirit is right, and just nothing but peace and tranquility in the building.” — Snoop Dogg, Vanity Fair

7. What is your idea of misery?

What does misery mean to your character? Is it something they see all around them, a state of being that can be eradicated with positive thinking, or do they believe their own misery to be unique? Consider a certain scenario or situation that they’d never want to find themselves in. What would it mean for them to hit rock bottom? (And if you want to go one step further like with the previous question, imagine how the worst day of your character’s life would go.)

Notable answer: “Picking up dog poop.” ― Rita Moreno, Vanity Fair

A dog running in a field

Picking up after one's dog rarely makes anyone's list of top pastimes. (Image: Joe Caione/Unsplash)

I like the thought that went into this post and this excerpt shared with you. Don't worry, no wrong answers, this is for you and I to contemplate on our own time.

In other things, I will be starting to read a book by the late Elmore Leonard later this month, a legal thriller of sorts. He is seen by one on Reddit, as one of the great authors of all time.

Until our next visit, may the Lord bless and keep us. Thanks for your visit!

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author