We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed or damps our efforts.

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

Some argue that now isn't the time to push the green agenda - that all efforts should be on preventing a serious recession. That is a false choice. It fails to recognise that climate change and our carbon reliance is part of problem - high fuel prices and food shortages due to poor crop yields compound today's financial difficulties.

As a mom I know it is my responsibility and no one else's to raise my kids. But we have to ask ourselves what does it mean when so many parents are finding their best efforts undermined by an avalanche of advertisements aimed at our kids.

For so long as the Jew has even one ally he will be convinced - in his smallness of mind - that his salvation came from that ally. It is only when he is alone - against all of his own efforts and frantic attempts - that he will through no choice be compelled to turn to G-d.

Discrimination due to age is one of the great tragedies of modern life. The desire to work and be useful is what makes life worth living and to be told your efforts are not needed because you are the wrong age is a crime.