Ever wonder how come you know so much about the people in a city you are not from originally?
Two words: politics and gossip.
There is so much to talk about in a community, the conversation is just endless. Sometimes it borderlines Loshon Hora but most of the times, no harm is intended. It's mostly and simply a way of keeping up to date with the people we once knew, know very well or might come to know one day.
So what is there to talk about if not about "the rabbi of the Shul who is doing a great job if only he could get rid of the board" or if not about so and so breaking up with so and so?
....
What might be some OTHER interesting topics of conversation to bring up at a Shabbos table??
I'm really glad that you brought this up; it's something that's been on my mind lately. It gets tiring how the same topics come up over and over again. There is so much to talk about...what happened at school/work, divrei Torah (obviously), share interesting things read (books, articles, etc.), family, what happened that week-just connect, share jokes...just to name a few. Why do people need to be told what to think and talk about? Get creative.
ReplyDeletewe started this thing at our house that at every meal we learn hilchot shabbat..and whenever we have guests they know they should come armed with at least one dvar torah..thats how we like to keep the shabbat table in check
ReplyDelete@aminspiration: its very smart and hopefully effective. I dont necessarily care for the whole learning at the table, sometimes as a guest it gets awkward but its a beautiful thing for a family
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, stuff such as books, arts and worldwide news can be better topics than your neighbor