I was driving down Erie Boulevard after last week's snow storm. A car passed and then turned in front of me. In a quick moment my windshield was covered over by the snow and slush which flew off the passing-car's roof. As the car completed the maneuver, I made it a point to check to see if there was a reason the passing car was completely covered with snow. The car did not have the logo for a physically disabled driver nor did the driver of the car seem to have any physical challenges which would have prevented clearing the car of snow. For the moments until I was able to get my windshield wipers going, I was driving blind and more than just a little perturbed. Aside from gritting my teeth, there wasn't much to do. New York State still does not have a law which mandates clearing a car of snow before driving.

     The driver of the snowy car seemed to be following two dictates: "I can see where I'm going" and "driving conditions notwithstanding, I'll be as aggressive as I wish." Those two sentences provide quite a bit of information about that driver. The aggressive driving style only increased the dangers of slick-road travel and the snow on the roof and trunk of the car - which left snow on the car to blow off on to another's vehicle - were two examples of a case of the driver's self-focused attitude. The message was clear, "I've got what I want, who cares about you?"  In some people, this could have started a road rage incident.

     Safe driving depends on all drivers recognizing that every driver has rights and responsibilities. For safety, there is no place for a totally self-centered attitude while driving. Driving is a micro example of life in a responsible society: each of us has a responsibility to others. Simply put, the driver should have cleared the snow off the top of the car. Even though it's not mandated by law, it is mandated by common sense and respect for other people.

     Jewish life properly lived requires more than observing the bare-basics of law. Each of us must have a respect for others as well. While there are those for whom life is totally self-centered, we are taught that the proper way to live is to show others healthy respect as we go through our days. The base-line is, as Hillel taught, "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow."

     As March is coming to an end, it's likely we won't have another big storm. It also means that Passover is nearly upon us ... it's time to  make reservations for the TAY second Seder.  This coming Shabbat morning, Ba'alat Tefillah Esa Jaffe will be teaching some Pesach melodies during Musical Shabbat.  Saturday evening at 8:15 pm, there will be a Movie in the Round to screen the documentary The Wandering Muse.   On Sunday morning, I'll be teaching about the Mishnah-basis of the Seder at  11:00 am in my office, and at 1:00 pm HAZAK presents Thomas Nguyen in Concert, performing piano selections by the classical composers.