If I hear the word “choice” one more time, I’m going to punch someone in the nose… Don’t say it!! That’s “not a good choice” – I know that! But when I was growing up, the word “choice” was a vocabulary word, if even that.

Who got choices? Morning, wake up, get dressed, go to school. Nowadays, the kids are told things like, “Do you want to wear a sweater today, or catch a cold? The sweater? Wonderful choice!” And, “Do you want to drink your hot cocoa now, or in school? Should I sign your failed test, or should Daddy? Make good choices in school today… Don’t run so close to the schoolbus! That’s a bad choice!! Yes, driver, you’re right, that was a poor choice.”

When I was a student, the day went something like this: Sit in your seat, take out your books, pay attention to the teacher, play fairly at recess, take good notes in class, inhale lunch, give in your neat homework, thank the teacher, walk home from school.

Today, the kids have dozens of “choices”, daily. Which activity do you choose, which prize do you choose, which consequence do you feel is appropriate for your poor choice, and would you prefer detention or missing the class trip?

“Choose”, “choice”…the students learn that almost everything in life is optional, totally up to them to decide, or both. I guess I’m old-fashioned, but I think the choice thing has even corrupted the government. Pro-Choice?! Some things are not for random people to just “choose”!

As always, all that is wise and good is based in the Torah. U’vocharta Bo’chaim. That means Choose life, which means, choose the “set of choices” already outlined for you clearly by Hashem, over the “set of choices” clearly outlined to lead you down the wrong path.

We are given a choice to choose, but the correct choices are optional only to the point that we can choose to create reward or punishment for ourselves. The proper choices are taught, unapologetically. Choices that require input from others will still lead us ultimately towards a fulfilling life. Too many choices, though, lead to frayed Judaism – and all the other “isms” we know about.

So, choices, yes. Endless choices, no.

The only time I appreciate lots of choices is when shopping for a vacation rental for Lakewood Kosher Vacation Villas from LakewoodHosts.com.
Unlike shopping for toothpaste, which is almost stressful because of all the options, choosing a villa makes me happy. I feel like a woman of class, seeking just the right place to accommodate my signature good taste!

If I decide to travel alone, I will choose the most scenic location, and try to spend lots of time outdoors, close to nature.
If I travel with the family, I will focus on space, and play areas.
If I’m traveling for a Simcha, and several families will be staying together, I’ll be looking at the best set-up for private sleeping quarters, additional bathrooms, and of course, extra-large living and dining rooms. I guess a family reunion would involve similar criteria.
When browsing the choices for Lakewood Kosher Vacation Villas from LakewoodHosts.com,
I feel emboldened by the ability to choose from so many stunning mansions, accessible with a simple credit card! (Okay, and a good job. And the time to get away.)

Then, there’s choosing whom to invite along, of course.

Going alone is perfect for peace, quiet, serenity, and writing inspiration.

Going with a family member is perfect for bonding, and deep and meaningful conversations, late into the night, or over early-morning coffee.

Going away for a Simcha, with other relatives or close friends, provides a rare opportunity for getting acquainted with family members you barely get to see, otherwise.

Organizing a family reunion has obvious qualities, although arranging the program might require more than just a credit card.

Budget-wise, shopping for toothpaste is probably less expensive.

There are the tooth-whiteners, the breath-fresheners, the 30% more brands, the generic labels, and the all-time classics like Crest and Colgate. Aim has three colors, and kids’ toothpastes come in all sorts of flavors. Arguing about how to roll a tube of toothpaste? Just buy the pump! You get the idea.

Then again, if you’re the indecisive type who ends up buying one of each toothpaste to be safe, you may as well invest that money in a vacation at a Lakewood Kosher Vacation Villa from LakewoodHosts.com.

Just saying.