CLUES:

1. In Kinko's he receives permission to eat.
   
2. Bar bill got Scrooge's remarks backwards.
   
3. To cheer is the essence of Judaism.

Allow me to quickly explain why I have begun my column in such an unusual way. One of my favorite hobbies is Cryptic Crossword Puzzles. These are not to be confused with Cryptograms, in which a letter substitution code needs to be discovered (e.g. BYCRILRQEPYC V'CQP XYODL = Congregation B'nai Moshe). They are also different from ordinary crosswords although the object is the same--to answer "across" and "down" clues and fill in the squares.

Cryptic Crosswords are initially more difficult than ordinary crosswords, but ultimately far easier. The key is to read the clue correctly. Cryptics rarely require the solver to possess a vocabulary worthy of an 800 Verbal score on the SAT. All that is needed is the ability to follow directions very carefully. In fact, the typical cryptic clue describes the answer in two different ways. The number in parentheses is the number of letters in the answer. After solving what appeared to be a complicated clue, I often look back and realize how easy the task was to begin with. All I needed to do was look at it correctly.

So much of Judaism is like Cryptic Crossword Puzzles. The problems seem complex--How to lead a Jewish life in a demanding secular world? How best to educate ourselves and our children in the Jewish tradition? How to bring meaning into our lives? How to find marriage partners and friends who share our values? How to "turn on" the unaffiliated or uninvolved Jews?

Many of us, professionals and lay leaders, spend countless hours brainstorming ideas to solve the endless problems we face. I think we are missing the point. Those individuals and families committed to a Jewish lifestyle already understand what that requires: lifelong practice and study of Judaism. It's that simple.

Recently a young couple spoke to me about their search for greater spirituality within Judaism. I suggested that they begin observing the Friday Night Shabbat rituals. They responded, "Oh Rabbi, we're not interested in doing more things." Sometimes I just don't get it.

There are no gimmicks to make Judaism more exciting or attractive. What the synagogue can do is teach "how to" and provide a community of like minded individuals and families. But only you can decide if you're interested in putting Judaism at the forefront of your life. Few who have done so regretted their decision.

ANSWERS:

1. KOSHER (In KinKO'S HE Received; "Kosher" means "permission to eat.”)
   
2. SHABBAT ("Bar bill"=TAB; "Scrooge's remarks"=BAHS; TABBAHS backwards.)
   
3. TORAH (To Rah=Cheer; Torah is the essence of Judaism.)

(This column originally appeared in the December 1993 bulletin.)