Better Times Await!

BH

Today, the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar I marks an odd occurrence. Today is called Purim Katan - “Small Purim.”

In a standard year, the 14th of Adar would be the immensely popular holiday of Purim - the festival celebrating the miraculous survival of our people when up against the evil decree of Haman.

This year however is a large leap away from standard. Leap - yes, as in a Leap Year. Nope, that does not mean a 29th day. On the Jewish calendar it means adding an entire month to the cycle!

Why the month of Adar? Why not a different month? Or even perhaps an exclusive month, that only occurs during said leap year?

I bring you the age old saying: “Mi’shenichnas Adar Marbim B’simcha.” – “When Adar comes, we increase our joy!” - Who wouldn’t want an entire calendar frame of extra joy?!

What makes this month so joyous? Of course, the holiday of Purim. when Haman attempted to physically destroy the Jews. Unlike Chanukah, he didn’t aspire to change our ways - he chose to take our life. He did not - the Jews prevailed. (Like all Jewish holidays, they tried to kill us, we won, lets eat!)

Adar I is considered a prequel to the Broadway show. Purim Katan is a pre-season rehearsal for the Big Dance.

This year, Purim Katan falls out when we read Parshat Ki Tisa from the Torah. We read about G-d delivering to Moshe the second set of Tablets.

Moshe ascends Mount Sinai, returning with the first set of Tablets. Seeing the great sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe drops the tablets, breaking them.

Moshe returns to the summit of Sinai and pleads for his flock. 40-days later, G-d forgives, sending Moshe down with the second set of Tablets.

Fast forward to the Purim story: The Jewish people are granted permission to rebuild the Beit Hamikdash - the Holy Temple - in Jerusalem. Achashverosh ascends the throne and revokes the edict. He throws a feast, causing the Jewish people to sin.

Mordechai leads the people in prayer and G-d hears their cries. Their solace is granted in the form of “V’nahafoch Hu” - everything being flipped around!

Two similar stories; good times followed by sin, prayer and finally, even better times.

Purim Katan, a day with zero specific observance (less the omission of the confessional prayers during the daily services) yet lots of fanfare. What is the purpose, and why is it still relevant to us?

Annually, we are afforded the opportunity to celebrate Purim. During Jewish Leap Years we are lucky to receive the most joyous month in double dosage.

The lessons of the Parsha and of Purim Katan combine to teach us that G-d does not accept failure by his people or demise of his nation. Neither have rules and regulations in His playbook.

The inspiration behind the two events encourages us to remember that even whilst the times may be hard, good times were, and better times await.

We turn to our creator, he cannot deny us.

And it is my heartfelt prayer that as we celebrate Purim Katan, 5771, G-d will hear our outcry to bring the ultimate of better times, the times of Moshiach, when the words of this week’s Haftarah will be realized.

“וַיַּרְא, כָּל-הָעָם...וַיֹּאמְרו ה’ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים” - “And the nation saw... they said Hashem is the Creator!”

Is That Really Your Name?

BH

Isser Danielovich, world famous actor, known for his roles during the 50’s and 60’s. Surely, you don’t know him by this name. The “pseudonym” is a concept we have become familiar with.

What is the purpose of a pseudonym? Reasons can be many. Simple and complex.

An author, unsure if his first release will succeed, may prefer a penname rather than tarnishing his own. Should it succeed, he runs with the adopted calling.

An actor/actress in mid-20th-century America may wish to audition and their name could be reason for refusal. Jewish names for example. Isser Danielovich - star actor, and four-time Academy Award nominee, Kirk Douglas.

- - - -

Then we have Moshe - Moses, on the verge of becoming the most popular author to not have his true name listed on the book’s spine. Moshe “wrote” (transcribed) the Torah. Probably why we call them the "Five Books of Moses."

Torah was Moshe’s passion and love, his life and legacy. He is undoubtedly the face we attach to Torah. The most mentioned character. The one who recorded the words. The one who received it from G-d himself atop Sinai.

Moshe was willing however, to give it all up for something else. The Jewish people. Yes, the same people that argued with him, and in ways even blamed him for hardships along the way after the Exodus. Moshe still cared for them. These were his people and he was their shepherd.

Moshe created a fair balance between the three things that permeated his holy life - G-d, Torah and the Jewish People. Moshe in fact viewed them all as one and together. All needed the other to be as important as they were. Moshe loved and defended the trio.

However, Moshe, who is so entrenched in the Torah, once asked G-d to remove his name entirely. I take you to the happenings after the Golden Calf. G-d had made a decision to destroy the nation. Moshe begged G-d to forgive them. And were G-d not to forgive, Moshe requested “please erase my name from the book that You wrote!"

In reference to this display of devotion and humility, Moshe’s name is in fact not mentioned in the entire reading of this weeks Torah portion, Parshat Tetzaveh.

This teaches a powerful lesson. How to lead. How to stand up for a greater cause. To show humility and focus on whats right. Moshe was an expert cum laude in all of the above. But none of it was for him. Ironically, it was his quest for anonymity and his will to put himself forward for others that gave him his unsurpassed top spot in the line of Jewish history.

- - - -

On the topic of leadership, it seems much of the major news outlet’s headlines have been consumed by the under-fire presidency of Hosni Mubabarak, who just this morning stepped down as leader of Egypt.

I would like to bring your attention to a very powerful video produced by the talented staff of Jewish Educational Media (JEM) in Brooklyn, NY.

The video, from the popular video series, Faithful and Fortified, chronicles journalist, Yirsoel Katzover’s, relationship with the Rebbe and an interview he had with Mubarak. Katzover states his shock at hearing the Egyptian President ask “What does the Lubavitcher Rebbe want from me?”

Please take a moment to see the seven minute clip by clicking here.

With turmoil in the Middle East, and our Holy Land constantly standing at risk, lets offer a prayer as our Shabbat comes in that G-d watch over our land,and our brothers and sister within.

May the region experience only good and peaceful happenings and may merit to see the prophecies of Yechezkel - Ezekiel - as stated in this weeks Haftara come true.

”וכתוב לעיניהם וישמרו את כל צורתו ... ועשו אותם”

“Write all this for them to see, so that they may remember it (the Bait Hamikdash - the Holy Temple) in it’s whole form … and merit - in the future - to fulfill its service once again.”

LIFE - XLV!

BH

Super Bowl XXVIII, Sunday, January 30th, 1994. Tom and Beth are pushing to get to their seats at the 45 yard line, three rows from the Georgia Dome field. The Cowboys and Bills are ready for the coin toss.

They arrive at their place and see an empty seat right next to them. Marcus yells out, “what in the world? An empty seat at the Super Bowl?? Who would give up a seat to the biggest event in the country??”

Irving, an short old man sitting in the seat over shyly proclaims, “well, actually that seat belongs to me. I was supposed to be here with my wife. But she passed away. This is the first time since the Dolphins beat the ‘Skins in ‘73 that were not at the Big Game together.”

“Wow, I’m so sorry. That's amazing that you always went to the Super Bowl together. Sorry about your loss. But I must ask, could you not find someone else to take the empty seat? A friend? A relative? Even a neighbor?”

“No” replies Irving calmly, “they’re all at the funeral!”
_ _ _ _ _ _

Super Bowl XLV. Sunday, February 6th, 2011. Steelers and Packers. Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX. Will you be one of the more than 100 million projected viewers?

What exactly is this phenomenon surrounding the Super Bowl? Why the fanfare and celebration? How does this game effect us? Why do we care?

I think part of the popularity of the Super Bowl can be attributed to its “one-and-done” format. Win and You are crowned the “world champions.” The loser’s soonest chance at redemption is a year away.

The World Series is far less popular, with a viewership of a mere 20 million. Lose today, try again tomorrow. The Super Bowl is the ultimate, lets get it done now, in all of sports.

So, as the Baal Shem Tov always taught, it is important to derive a a lesson in “Avodas Hashem” - the service of G-d - from everything. What can we learn from the Super Bowl?

Many clichés of course like be the best you can be, work hard, be determined and more. Another lesson we can learn from the clash of the NFL’s greatest is this: View actions in life as the Big Game.

Oh, you don’t want to help your friend today? If this was the World Series, it wouldn’t matter, you can help tomorrow. But this being the Super Bowl, if you don’t help today, that chance is gone. Sure, another opportunity will arise, but that’s a whole new ball game. Today’s Championship, is the triumph of today, not tomorrow.
_ _ _ _ _ _

In this weeks Parsha, Terumah, the Jewish nation has just come from slavery in Egypt (where rumor has it they built pyramids. Memo to the Egyptian Rioters: Please do not destroy the pyramids, we will not return to rebuild. Thanks.), the splitting of the sea and the reception of the Torah at Sinai.

Now G-d command his people to build for him a sanctuary and He will dwell amongst them. The reference their was to the Tabernacle the Jewish people built in the dessert. G-d’s planned to dwell amongst the holiness of his people. Not specifically within the Tabernacle (hence the terminology “dwell amongst them” rather than “within it”)

As we know, the Torah is not a history book, and everything it says is meant to be a guide for life. While the commandment was to build the Tabernacle, the lesson derived still exists. We must continue to create holiness in this world, especially amongst the Jewish people, so G-d should remain comfortable dwelling amongst us.

Simple Spirituality!

I’ve been thinking, isn’t it just great to be Jewish? Now your thinking, in what regard do I say that? Allow me to explain.

So, last week, if you were in synagogue (or read my email ;) ) you would be familiar with the fact that G-d revealed himself to the Jewish people at Sinai. During that revelation, G-d delivered the Ten Commandments to his chosen people.

This week, we receive many laws from G-d, as the Parsha, Mishpatim, relates. These laws however seem very nonspiritual. Why would G-d, who had just finished the greatest spiritual act of all time, continue in a very mundane and simple way?

Well, that’s where my sentiment about the greatness of being Jewish sprouts from. Figure this... While most religions of the world give most of their focus to the ‘spiritual’ side of their faith, Judaism spends lots of time and practical observance and physical life.

G-d is telling us that through keeping these simple common sense and logical laws, we are indeed being as spiritual as it gets. By G-d telling us to pay up a pledge, he is making that simple act spiritual. When we do it because G-d commanded it, its different than simply doing it.

The name of the Parsha means “Laws.” But more than that, it means laws that are understandable. Don’t steal. Don’t murder. Repay a loan. Treat your workers properly. These laws make sense. Yet, the Torah is telling us that they too are as important as those that we need to work to or may never understand.

This is one of the most powerful messages this week’s Parsha delivers. If we are unable to derive spirituality from the mundane, simple, logical aspects of life, then of what benefit was G-d’s revelation?

Of course, we can always read inspiring words, hear an uplifting sermon or attend a masterful Rosh Hashana service. All good and encouraged.

However, drawing inspiration and spirituality from deeper wells is the trick.

Every action we do brings a “force” into the world. Negative or positive. Lets make sure that our next action uplifts the world and changes it for the better.

Shabbat shalom from the Chabad House at McGill University in Downtown Montreal, Canada.

This week I am serving as head chef at Chabad House as the Rebbetzin has traveled to Crown Heights to attend the International Conference of Chabad Shluchos. Annually, the Chabad Rebbetzins converge on New York to brainstorms and share ideas for the future.

The gathering always falls at the time of the Yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. “The Rebbetzin,” as she was known, was a role model and source of inspiration to thousands of women and girls around the globe.

What Can YOU Do?!

BH

Shalom. This week I experienced something new. And let me tell you, this experience froze me. Literally.

On Sunday morning, I awoke to catch my flight at Miami International Airport. Destination: John F. Kennedy International, Terminal eight in New York City’s borough of Queens.

The temperature in Miami was a robust 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty nice weather I’d say. Several hours after my arrival in the Big Apple, I boarded a bus. This time the destination was Montreal, Canada.

As we approached Montreal the temperature dropped and dropped. Then dropped some more. I was in Montreal about an hour when the temperature had bottomed out at a crisp -9 F. That’s a temperature change of nearly 80 degrees in less than 24 hours. Chilling if I may say so! How special that moment. True G-dliness in the world, for me to see (and feel!).

Anyways, speaking of JFK, yesterday actually marked 50 years since the former president’s 1961 inaugural address. I wasn’t around, so clearly I don’t remember it but research tells me that the address was delivered shortly after noon on a bitter cold Friday in the Nation’s capital.

During the 44th inaugural address, JFK delivered one of the most famous (and shall I say, overused) quotes in American history (and I will overuse it one more time): “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!”

JFK was calling on the people of his generation to not sit by idly waiting to be asked to do something good for the nation and the world at large. He was encouraging them to be proactive and take that first step on their own. Get up, get out, do some good!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Yitro (named for Moshe’s father-in-law), we are called upon in that fashion. We are taught through the actions of G-d (and the wording in the Torah) to get out and teach the world what we know. To contribute to society with our skills and talents. To help others that may even be afraid to approach for help!

The Torah tells us that G-d "descended" onto Mt. Sinai. Strange wording considering G-d more likely should have asked the nation to ‘elevate’ themselves?! (Not to mention, is not G-d already everywhere, leaving no reason to ‘descend’ or ‘climb’?)

Thereabout lies our lesson in everyday life! G-d Chose to come down to the Jewish Nation, to deliver them a strong message, a list of commandments, and a promise that they will always be his chosen nation. He didn't wait for the Jewish people to come to him. He wanted to share it right away!

Some people need food, others money, and still others just need a friend, or shoulder to lean on. If we have it, we are not to sit idly and wait to be asked! We need to get out there and bring these people what they need. And teach them to do the same! With whatever they have.

The Rebbe taught that if you only know the Hebrew letter aleph then go teach someone that doesn’t know about the aleph! Whatever you know, or whatever you can do, its important to share it. Together we can all make the world a better place.

We can make it the place G-d intended on the day He delivered the Ten Commandments.

Sent Away to Share With Others

BH

Shalom.

This Friday night and Shabbat mark the 10th day of the Jewish month of Shevat.

On the 10th day of Shevat 5710 (January 28, 1950), The previous leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn, passed away. One year later, on the 10th of Shevat, 5711 (January 17, 1951) his son-in-law, The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, assumed leadership of the movement.

This is the day that the Rebbe began his reformation of Judaism. Judaism has come a far way from what it was 60 years ago.

The Rebbe made it his personal mission to reestablish “Yiddishkeit” by adding joy and excitement to it's everyday practices. Thus began the Rebbe'sprocess of returning thousands of Jews to their roots.

In this week’s Parsha, BeShalach, we are taught that King Pharaoh chooses to pursue the Jewish people he just freed and bring them back as slaves once again.

Pharaoh was hard at it! He was determined. He enlisted volunteers and hit the sand! He found the Jews in an apparent state of paralysis, with the raging sea ahead of them.

G-d placed a protective pillar in front of Pharaoh, he didn’t care. G-d split the sea, again he didn't care. Until the last moment, when the Egyptians were engulfed by the waters, Pharaoh was unfazed. He was determined to get his slaves back!

The Kotzker Rebbe, of blessed memory, taught that we can all learn a lesson from Pharaoh. A lesson in defiance that is. To never give up on the goal. While Pharaoh’s goal was clearly evil, he never gave up. When it even seemed impossible, he still pushed forward. Into the raging waters.

Yes, he lost, but losing isn’t always the case.

When the Rebbe set out to give Yiddishkeit a new face he was presented with many a challenge. Challenge came from inside and out. It was an uphill battle to get people to put on Teffilin. Gaining popularity for lighting Shabbat candles was a tricky task! Winning approval for public menorahs wasn’t easy. The Rebbe continued to push forward however!

The meaning of the word “BeShalach,” the name of this week’s Parsha, is “sent away.” The Question is presented, “sent away, seems negative. How is that a Pasha with so much positive things happening to the Jewish people is called by a negative name?”

Well, we need to be sure to not look at it in a negative way, but rather positively as “sent away FOR others to gain from!”

When the Rebbe sent out Shluchim (emissaries) around the globe, he wasn't sending them away from him. He was sending them out to share with others. To spread what they have, not HERE (Brooklyn) but rather AWAY from here!

Shabbat Shalom from Miami Beach, FL where I am visiting family and enjoying the sunny 70 degree weather! (Go figure, its 70 degrees outside, there is visible grass, the bodies of water are not frozen solid, there is a beautifully pleasant breeze and the people here are wearing coats! Yea, again, go figure!)

Have Some Chutzpah!

BH

If you follow American politics at all, you’ll know that this week the 112 Congress convened. As the shift of power had changed hands, Mr. John Boehner, the new speaker of the house started out his tenure by having the United States Constitution read in the house. The purpose? To remind our elected officials that we are land built on a set of morals, not on the merit of self.

When the Jewish people are nearing Exodus from Egypt, G-d says “wait, I have something important to say! Moshe, G-d’s ‘speaker of the house’ would be delivering the message. The Hebrews awaited a sort of constitution, a set of rules and laws to live life by. Something up the alley of the Ten Commandments I’d imagine.

The message Moshe delivers is far from it. A commandement yes, but a rather confusing one, considering the time and place. Its the Mitzvah of setting up a Calendar. A special calendar that this new nation would live by.

What? A calendar? Shouldn't we first hear some important rules and daily requirements before setting up a calendar. G-d says, “yes, a calendar. A calendar based on the lunar cycle.”

Henceforth begins the Jewish relationship with the moon. The moon is very much like the Jewish nation with high moments (full moon) and low moments (right before the new moon). But its a fact that when the moon disappears, it will come back. Not only will it come back, but its even called a NEW moon.

New. And better than ever. A fresh start.

Jewish history is very much the same. Many low moments (Egypt, Ancient Greek Empire, Persian Empire, Holocaust and more) but they always have a fresh new start and a high moment to follow.

When the Jews were leaving Egypt they had already become comfortable. They had food and housing, and they didn’t have to worry about it. That's precisely why the moment was so low and they didn't really know it. They had become comfortable with a foreign culture and land.

G-d figured they needed to have a little Chutzpah to knock them into shape before they headed for the highest moment to date, the recption of the Torah. G-d commands them to take the sheep, a worshiped entity in Egypt, and slaughter it! What Chutzpah! They slaughtered Egypt’s holiness AND made it out alive!

The same continues to apply today. We must have a little chutzpah to society, not be a slave to it. We need to remember that Chutzpah everyday! When we have Chutzpah to our unholy surroundings, we are moving forward.

This week my brother Shmulie is celebrating his pre-wedding “ufruf” this Shabbat in Brooklyn. As the Rabbi of the Chabad House @ McGill had to leave town due to the passing of his grandmother, I was called into duty. The popular thing would’ve been to travel to NY to participate. Yet, I felt I needed to have some Chutzpah and stand up to the occasion.

I’m glad I did. So, Shabbat Shalom from the Chabad Center @ McGill University in snowy and icy (and freezing) Downtown Montreal, Canada!