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DECEMBER 3, 2020 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Life C ach
Color Me Consumer Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS
W
hy Black Friday? Why not red? Do you really save or do you overspend on bargains and wind up in the red? Or what about calling it Blue Friday? Because as you watch your spouse, your child, yourself spend more than you need, that’s really the color you might feel: blue. Is it really a bargain if you were
not going to buy it either way? Suddenly, just because it’s cheaper, you reach out and buy it. Couldn’t you have left it sitting on the shelf and wound up with a Green Friday? Now, it’s true, Chanukah gelt is a Jewish concept. But, correct me if I’m wrong. Doesn’t that mean we are supposed to give money to our families, not our department stores? Wait, in all honesty, I’m just
presenting one side of the case. Of course, there’s always another side.... There are some historical references that say that Chanukah is a time for gift giving, as well. After all, you cannot give money on Shabbos! And there is always at least one Shabbos during Chanukah. Therefore, we have to spring for some presents. And, admittedly, it’s a fact that many people wait patiently for some items that they really do need. They’re not just going on a shopping spree. Then again, even if we purchase some things we don’t actually need on Black Friday, don’t we do that during the year, anyway? So isn’t it more rewarding getting it at a better price?! You know that many people actually wait months for great deals and
hand-washing or “recycling bachelor style”? You know, revisiting the soiled pile! Listen, some people also use this day for bonding. They’ll go shopping, mother-daughter, father-son, sister-sister – you name the duo – for that bonding experience. Any excuse for connection is great. Unless, of course, you’re always the one footing the bill. Then maybe a walk in the park or a conversation on your collapsing cushion might be better. However, if your teen is willing to hang out with you for the day, go ahead and spend – and consider it a bargain. These moments are often priceless! Either way, it’s definitely a real relief to have a day to get things for a
Are they hand-washing or “recycling bachelor style”?
strive to make do with what they have till then. They will use simple folding tables and chairs while anticipating the gorgeous dining room set they’ll find on sale. Some even sit on popping springs, collapsing cushions, even the floor, just biding their time – and bruising their bottoms – until some great sofa presents with an appealing price. And I can only speculate on how people are handling their dirty laundry while they wait to replace their broken washer and dryer. Are they
more attractive price. Because people work hard for their money and they want to be “treated right.” And Black Friday makes the attempt to do just that. So, now, tell me, when you look at it this way, ORANGE you glad a day like this exists?!
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.
