A man was on his way to a concert in New York City. Being from out of town and somewhat disorientated, he stopped another person on the street and asked: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” The other person looked him in the eyes, and with a wry smile said: “Practice.”

In just a few days, here in the United States, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.

This week, people around the world are commemorating World Ocean Week—a time to recognize the Ocean that sustains life on our planet. It is a worthy celebration. But as Jews, perhaps we are called to think a little differently.