This post has nothing to do with Israel (other than the fact that I read the book in Israel). I just finished reading the book On the Beach by Neville Shute. The book was a great read and very thought provoking.

The book, originally published in 1957, is about the rest of the world post-nuclear war. Civilization has been wiped out and the story revolves around one of the last remaining cities that the radioactive fallout had not yet reached. They know they are about to die, as the radiation is moving closer to them and they only have a couple of months left to live. We follow the characters as they progress with their lives despite the knowledge that they are about to succumb to the same fate as the rest of the world and there is nothing they can do about it. We see how they prepare, or don't, for their upcoming fate. We see a momentary glimmer of hope that gets wiped away. We see them making decisions as if they were going to continue living for years.

What would you do knowing the end was near? Would you live as if nothing was going to happen? Would you keep your job rather than spend the rest of your days with your family and friends? Would you plant your garden that you will not be around to see grow? Would you marry and have children knowing it is pointless? Would you live in denial or acceptance?

Chaza"l tell us we should look at every day as our last and therefore be urged to repent our ways, never knowing when we will no longer have that chance.

What would you do?