Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D
I am, however, noticing some changes in my daily life:
2.
I
like my routine. There an element of security there. I walk everyday. I use the
gym twice a week. But I am afraid to fall.
3.
My
memory is falling. I don’t remember too many names or locations. As a Bible
scholar with a Ph.D in Bible and Cuneiform studies, I used to know all the
Assyrian kings by name and in the correct order. Now, as president of our
residents’ association at the Willows in Westborough, MA, where we live, I
don’t even bother memorizing names. For this, I rely on my wife who is much
younger.
4.
During
my professional life, I have published 11 books and chaired many national committees,
but these days, I live reservedly, enjoying each breath I take. Even though,
last year I co-authored a new book, A God We Can Believe In and my blog
has reached almost 800,000 viewers around the world, I am slowing down and do
not have the energy I had before.
5.
Recently,
my daughter asked me for my happiest moment in my life? In the past, I had many
such occurrences: when I came to the USA, when I got married, when our children
and grandchildren were born, when one of my articles or books was published,
but now the best I can say is that I am content with what I have and am. In
comparison to many of my neighbors, I still have it, and my mind is still
working.
6.
More
and more I am irritated at the narrow mindedness of many of the younger people
I encounter or read about, who still believe in “miracles” –it is only a metaphor, they say-; who follow what I call a primitive theology that is based on false
hopes instead of dealing with issues with reason and rationality. But I keep my
mouth shut. I will not change the world. People who are interested in my views
can read my books or my blog.
7.
After
I die, I am sure, someone will say, there was a man by the name Rifat Sonsino,
who used to say…..but I will never hear it myself, because I do not believe in
resurrection!!!