This is an odd name for a blog and you may not remember it so just go ahead and mark it in your favorites and check it out frequently. I will try to post every Sunday.
The word comes from my favorite book “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck. I don’t have to tell you that he is a great writer and gets to the heart of human life. I have read this book every year for the last 20 years. Did I mention it was one of my favorites? Each year as my life changes, the book takes on new meaning for me.
Timshel is the Hebrew word for “mayest” – as in you have a choice, you may or may not…..you can choose.
In short one of the main characters, Sam Hamilton has a deep philosophical talk with a Chinese cook named Lee, who is actually a very educated man. They are discussing the bible story of Cain and Able. The Chinese cook, Lee, reminds us that we are all descendants of Cain, the one who murders his brother.
Lee becomes enchanted with the story and seeks out advise from wise Chinese elders, who eventually also seek out the advice and wisdom of wise rabbi elders. And this was their conclusion.
In The American standard bible they use the word “shall” “you shall triumph over sin.” This they decide is an order, you must obey it.
The King James version uses “will” “ you will triumph over sin” this is more of a promise that it will happen and gives hope that it will be done.
But in the Hebrew version the word is “timshel” which actually translates to “mayest” indicating that you “can” triumph over sin. That indicates that man has a choice. And the Chinese cook, Lee feels that this might be the most important word in the world, it says we have a way open. We can always choose.
This word throws life back in our hands. If you choose, you can also choose not to. That word makes man great, he can choose his course and fight through it. Choose your life, and if something bad happens to you, that you did not choose, you can choose your attitude toward it and choose to fight it or give in to it.
Maya Angelou once said: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can not change it or the circumstances, change your attitude.” The glory of choice makes man a man – cats have no choice; bees have no choice; man has a choice. Pick up this book, read it again, it will influence your life.
My Timshel by Tamara Gonzalez Oberbeck 
I’ve read though all your blog entries, Tammy…this one really resonates. I SOOO loved seeing you in Dayton. I wish for more time with you. Safe travels. Let’s keep connected.
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Judy,
Thanks for the great feedback. The best part of my day is opening my e mails in the morning when everyone in the states is asleep and hearing from friends back home.
The class reunions are never long enough. I realized after I returned home we never even had a chance to sit and talk. I was glad to have had a little time with Sue Fish and Miriam.
I am glad you took time to read the blog from the beginning -Timshel is an odd word so you have to read why I chose it.
I am in Dresden, Germany tonight waiting on an overnight bus to Amsterdam. My next volunteer job is there- cooking for a basket ball team- long story that I will blog about.
I am not sure how I would describe my travels- it is not really a vacation- more of a personnel pilgrimage to explore how I fit in this big world, volunteering, an adventure, a test of endurance …..maybe all of those wrapped up in one.
I will try to continue the blog on into Madagascar so follow and you will receive a notice when I post.
I do plan to try and get to Arizona in January to visit some friends and if that happens I will definitely plan on seeing you.
I want to know what you have been up to, where you have traveled, how your family is, what are some interest.
Let’s keep in touch.
Tammy
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