A Message from Martians

At this week’s Shabbat Assembly I talked to the students about listening to people. There are times when people - our parents, teachers or even our friends - attempt to tell us something and we don't listen. Either we think we know better, or we wonder who they think they are that they believe they can tell us what to do. But as this cute story about a trip to Mars illustrates, others may be trying to tell us a very important message. 

Two astronauts land on Mars. Their mission: to check whether there is oxygen on the planet.

 "Give me the box of matches,” says one. "Either it burns and there is oxygen, or nothing happens."He takes the box, and is ready to strike a match, when out of the blue, a little green Martian appears waving all six of his arms and yelling..."No, no, don't!"The two guys look at each other, worried. Could there be an unknown explosive gas on Mars?Still, he takes another match...and… A crowd of hysterical green Martians is coming to them, all waving their arms. "No, no, don't do that!" One of the astronauts says, "This looks serious. What are they afraid of? Nonetheless we're here for Science, to know if man can breathe on Mars." So he strikes a match--which flames up, burns down, and NOTHING HAPPENS. So he turns to the Martians and asks, "Why did you want to prevent us from striking a match?" The leader of the Martians says, "It's Shabbos."

So when your friends, teachers, or parents are trying to tell you something, take the time to hear them out and then make your decision. These people are looking out for you and trying to help you. After hearing their comments you can make a more informed decision.