BH
This week’s Torah portion is called Shemini. Shemini - which means “the eighth” - discusses the day following Aaron and his sons’ seven days of inauguration as Kohanim, priests.
While on the subject of Shemini, the eighth, I’d like to discuss a different occurrence that happens on the eighth day. The Brit Millah, a Bris.
This past Sunday was the holiday of Purim. Purim at Chabad McGill is always known as the best Purim party in town! However, nothing could match up to this year. The Bris of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s first born was held on Purim.
In front of a packed house, the Mohel performed the bris and the child was named Tzvi Hirsh, after his great-grandfather, the grandfather of his mother (and myself).
Hundreds of people graced Chabad House over the Purim weekend, and Sunday at the Bris was no different. Though, I’d like to focus on another eight - eight guests that inspired me most.
Being the Chabad representatives at McGill, Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss have met hundreds - or more accurately, thousands - of students. They have created friendship and relationship with many of them.
Testament to this came in the form of eight McGill Alumni who’s presence displayed the unique relationship and deep friendship that was created.
After we read Shemini this week, we add an additional reading, that of Parshat Parah. Parah discusses the actions of the Red Heifer. The portion begins “Zos Chukas Hatorah.” The root of the word Chukas - chok literally means ‘engraved.’
Chabad Houses have sprouted all over the world. Relationships, friendships, and more have been created. But something special stood out about this.
Eight people, all former McGill students travelled to Montreal to attend the Bris. They didn't come from 30 miles away. The closest were from Boston and Toronto. Others travelled overseas, from Paris, London, Vienna and one even attended from Mexico City.
Keeping in mind the word “Chok” I think its safe to say, the Chabad House at McGill has engraved a love for Judaism in these people. And I believe its even safer to say that the friendship Rashi and Shmuly have created with these folks is engraved in their hearts. Forever.
Eight students, from far and farther came to celebrate with their Rabbi and Rebbetzin.
But more importantly, they came to celebrate with two of their best friends.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Joy in the Face of Evil!
BH
During this past week I’ve had a lot on my mind.
As Shabbat ended last week I was shocked to hear of the terrorist attack claiming the lives of five of our brothers and sisters. Murdered. In their home in middle of the night. For one reason. Simply, because they were Jewish.
Sunday morning I celebrated as my cousins, whom I work with at Chabad of McGill, gave birth to their first, a beautiful baby boy.
As this Shabbat comes in I prepare to rejoice ahead of a wild kind weekend. A busy and fulfilling, tiring yet inspiring weekend.
Beginning tonight, with Shabbat dinner, where Chabad is expecting the largest crowd of the semester. Why you ask? Well, after the birth of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s baby boy, were having a Shalom Zachor - a party to welcome him.
Tomorrow night, at Purim, were expecting hundreds of students to join in for the pinnacle of Jewish joy. Sunday, we’ll G-d willing be having a bris at Chabad House.
Wow. Just writing about it all causes me to lose my breath!
All this together has had me thinking. What is the purpose? And Specifically, I have been thinking about what the holiday of Purim actually means to me and the Jewish people today.
This Shabbat, at the synagogue, we will be reading a supplementary Torah reading called Parshat Zachor - the Parsha of remembrance. Within Zachor we are told to wipe out the name of Amalek. We are to remember the atrocities caused by his nation, and obliterate his name.
We are told to wipe out his name, and we are told not to forget.
Confusing? Only slightly. I have my view on what that means - and what the holiday of Purim means today.
Purim is our most joyous holiday. We celebrate. Some of us drink. We eat. We dance... pure partying! Why? What is it all about?
The easy answer is that we are remembering the miracle that happened when Haman attempted to wipe out the Jewish people. We were saved, in miraculous fashion and thus celebrate.
This past week five of us were murdered for being Jewish. Have you seen Jewish people bowing to the violence? Are the Israeli people backing down? Will they retreat and give up our Holy Land?? NO!
We must obliterate the name of Amalek by bringing an end to evil in the world! We must not stop there. We need to implement the remembrance part!
By obliterating alone, we move on, satisfied that we have conquered the obligation. But by remembering, we not only eradicate evil, we infuse new light. New joy!
We remember what Amalek did to us - and continues to do - and march forward. We reflect in the loss of innocent lives at the hands of a modern day Amalekite, then we turn to the world and show them who we really are!
This will NOT deter us! We will proceed to add joy to the world!
We WILL celebrate Purim!
During this past week I’ve had a lot on my mind.
As Shabbat ended last week I was shocked to hear of the terrorist attack claiming the lives of five of our brothers and sisters. Murdered. In their home in middle of the night. For one reason. Simply, because they were Jewish.
Sunday morning I celebrated as my cousins, whom I work with at Chabad of McGill, gave birth to their first, a beautiful baby boy.
As this Shabbat comes in I prepare to rejoice ahead of a wild kind weekend. A busy and fulfilling, tiring yet inspiring weekend.
Beginning tonight, with Shabbat dinner, where Chabad is expecting the largest crowd of the semester. Why you ask? Well, after the birth of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s baby boy, were having a Shalom Zachor - a party to welcome him.
Tomorrow night, at Purim, were expecting hundreds of students to join in for the pinnacle of Jewish joy. Sunday, we’ll G-d willing be having a bris at Chabad House.
Wow. Just writing about it all causes me to lose my breath!
All this together has had me thinking. What is the purpose? And Specifically, I have been thinking about what the holiday of Purim actually means to me and the Jewish people today.
This Shabbat, at the synagogue, we will be reading a supplementary Torah reading called Parshat Zachor - the Parsha of remembrance. Within Zachor we are told to wipe out the name of Amalek. We are to remember the atrocities caused by his nation, and obliterate his name.
We are told to wipe out his name, and we are told not to forget.
Confusing? Only slightly. I have my view on what that means - and what the holiday of Purim means today.
Purim is our most joyous holiday. We celebrate. Some of us drink. We eat. We dance... pure partying! Why? What is it all about?
The easy answer is that we are remembering the miracle that happened when Haman attempted to wipe out the Jewish people. We were saved, in miraculous fashion and thus celebrate.
This past week five of us were murdered for being Jewish. Have you seen Jewish people bowing to the violence? Are the Israeli people backing down? Will they retreat and give up our Holy Land?? NO!
We must obliterate the name of Amalek by bringing an end to evil in the world! We must not stop there. We need to implement the remembrance part!
By obliterating alone, we move on, satisfied that we have conquered the obligation. But by remembering, we not only eradicate evil, we infuse new light. New joy!
We remember what Amalek did to us - and continues to do - and march forward. We reflect in the loss of innocent lives at the hands of a modern day Amalekite, then we turn to the world and show them who we really are!
This will NOT deter us! We will proceed to add joy to the world!
We WILL celebrate Purim!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Humbled on the Slopes
BH
As you probably know, I have spent the last six months in Montreal, Canada devoting my time to working with the Jewish communities of McGill and Concordia Universities. What you may not know, is what I like to do with some of my free time.
Living in Quebec, with dozens and dozens of ski slopes within a two hour radius, it was something I felt I needed to try. Gave skiing a couple shots then took the leap to the snowboard... and haven’t turn back.
While riding up the lift, the cool breeze wafting along my face, I always watch the people below zipping down the run. However, I particularly enjoy watching the energy and enthusiasm young children have while riding along. I always think to myself, “That kid cant be more than eight years old! If he can do that so easily, then hey, so can I!”
Well, as I disembark from the lift, the image of that child coasting down the Black Diamond with such ease disappears. I am now tasked with trying to ride down on my own, something that just five minutes ago I was so certain I could do. I now reevaluate.
“No way!” I yell at my teacher as he tries to encourage me to link a few turns on the hill that now seems to drop all the way to Eastern Europe. Sorry folks, but the inspiration of that child is gone. I am now a grown man, with fear of tumbling to the bottom of mountain.
I am now at the top, viewing it with a different perspective. My certainty and [over]confidence has retreated. Humbling. Very humbling in fact.
_ _ _ _
In this weeks Parsha, Vayikra, G-d instructs Moshe (Moses) in the ways of the different Korbanot (sacrifices). However one of the most important lessons learned in this weeks portion is not about that at all.
The word Vayikra, the name of this weeks reading and in fact the name of the third book of the Torah, means “and He called out.” G-d called moses to discuss the sacrifices.
The word Vayikra is written with five Hebrew letters, the last being the letter aleph. The aleph is written in a much smaller size than any other letter found in the Torah.
This mini aleph teaches us that Moshe - whom was the one being called with the word Vayikra - was the humblest of men. Ever. He always shrunk his pride - just like the shrunken aleph - and never allowed himself to be caught up in how great he was.
Moshe no doubt knew that he was as great as he was. He knew he dealt with G-d face-to-face. He knew he was the one selected to write the Torah. He even wrote about how great he was in the Torah! But nothing. Moshe never thought of himself as great.
Moshe knew, with all his heart that the greatness he possessed had absolutely nothing to do with him! It was the creation of G-d. It was G-d’s choice to make him great so how could he take any pride from that?
_ _ _ _
I am no Moshe, that's for sure. But that aleph taught me something this week. As I’m riding up the lift at Bromont Ski Resort in the Eastern Townships outside of Montreal, I boasted myself as this great snowboarder. I got to the top and was quickly humbled.
What that aleph stood to teach me - and can serve as a lesson to all of us always - was not that I shouldn’t have given myself that false confidence to ride down, but rather, whether I can ride down at all is because of G-d.
Moshe attained his title of “greatest ever” because he attributed everything to G-d. Nothing was because of him. This is the lesson learned.
So while riding up the lift, G-d willing, this coming Sunday, my thoughts will wander elsewhere. I will be focusing on the G-d given talent the advanced snowboarders were gifted with and ability to snowboard altogether that G-d has bestowed on me.
Baruch Hashem!
As you probably know, I have spent the last six months in Montreal, Canada devoting my time to working with the Jewish communities of McGill and Concordia Universities. What you may not know, is what I like to do with some of my free time.
Living in Quebec, with dozens and dozens of ski slopes within a two hour radius, it was something I felt I needed to try. Gave skiing a couple shots then took the leap to the snowboard... and haven’t turn back.
While riding up the lift, the cool breeze wafting along my face, I always watch the people below zipping down the run. However, I particularly enjoy watching the energy and enthusiasm young children have while riding along. I always think to myself, “That kid cant be more than eight years old! If he can do that so easily, then hey, so can I!”
Well, as I disembark from the lift, the image of that child coasting down the Black Diamond with such ease disappears. I am now tasked with trying to ride down on my own, something that just five minutes ago I was so certain I could do. I now reevaluate.
“No way!” I yell at my teacher as he tries to encourage me to link a few turns on the hill that now seems to drop all the way to Eastern Europe. Sorry folks, but the inspiration of that child is gone. I am now a grown man, with fear of tumbling to the bottom of mountain.
I am now at the top, viewing it with a different perspective. My certainty and [over]confidence has retreated. Humbling. Very humbling in fact.
_ _ _ _
In this weeks Parsha, Vayikra, G-d instructs Moshe (Moses) in the ways of the different Korbanot (sacrifices). However one of the most important lessons learned in this weeks portion is not about that at all.
The word Vayikra, the name of this weeks reading and in fact the name of the third book of the Torah, means “and He called out.” G-d called moses to discuss the sacrifices.
The word Vayikra is written with five Hebrew letters, the last being the letter aleph. The aleph is written in a much smaller size than any other letter found in the Torah.
This mini aleph teaches us that Moshe - whom was the one being called with the word Vayikra - was the humblest of men. Ever. He always shrunk his pride - just like the shrunken aleph - and never allowed himself to be caught up in how great he was.
Moshe no doubt knew that he was as great as he was. He knew he dealt with G-d face-to-face. He knew he was the one selected to write the Torah. He even wrote about how great he was in the Torah! But nothing. Moshe never thought of himself as great.
Moshe knew, with all his heart that the greatness he possessed had absolutely nothing to do with him! It was the creation of G-d. It was G-d’s choice to make him great so how could he take any pride from that?
_ _ _ _
I am no Moshe, that's for sure. But that aleph taught me something this week. As I’m riding up the lift at Bromont Ski Resort in the Eastern Townships outside of Montreal, I boasted myself as this great snowboarder. I got to the top and was quickly humbled.
What that aleph stood to teach me - and can serve as a lesson to all of us always - was not that I shouldn’t have given myself that false confidence to ride down, but rather, whether I can ride down at all is because of G-d.
Moshe attained his title of “greatest ever” because he attributed everything to G-d. Nothing was because of him. This is the lesson learned.
So while riding up the lift, G-d willing, this coming Sunday, my thoughts will wander elsewhere. I will be focusing on the G-d given talent the advanced snowboarders were gifted with and ability to snowboard altogether that G-d has bestowed on me.
Baruch Hashem!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Adding to the Cause!
BH
Anyone who has encountered a “Chabadnik” has no doubt heard the famous, “Did you put on Teffilin today?” The Teffilin campaign was launched by the Lubavitcher Rebbe just before the outbreak of the Six-Day War in 1967. Everyone, not just Shluchim (emissaries) and Yeshiva students, were encouraged to be involved.
My uncle, an international businessman is always equipped with a pair of Teffilin, ready to fulfill the Rebbe’s wish.
Several weeks ago, while visiting one of his factories in Kowloon, China, my uncle encountered an Israeli fellow and, naturally, asked the man to don Teffilin. He agreed and said that at age 53, he may have never done so before. Possibly at his bar-mitzvah, but he did not remember.
Several days later my uncle was at the now re-opened Chabad House of Mumbai, India with a group of Chabadniks. One made mention of a story he heard that week. “An Israeli guy in Kowloon told me someone put on Teffilin with him, possibly for the first time in his life! He wouldn't say who, but said he was touched so deeply, that he now wants his own pair!”
My uncle, surprised at hearing this, filled out the rest of the story, and the men gathered were all in awe. A simple act of putting on Teffilin with a person in Kowloon, something my uncle does with people quite often, had lit up this man’s world.
_ _ _ _ _
In this weeks Parsha, Pekudei, Moshe (Moses) takes an accounting of all the material donated by the people for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each person gave his contribution, and together, they formed a dwelling place for G-d within.
As Torah is not a history book, but rather a lifetime guide, we know that its lessons are timeless. The teachings of charity, of course, need no introduction. However lessons can certainly be derived from each individual contribution then becoming a part of the greater collection.
At that time, there was no “big donor” that was making the difference. ALL were involved in making it happen. In fact, in this weeks supplementary Torah reading, Parshat Shekalim (the first of four special supplements between now and Passover) we read that each person gave a half shekel. Nothing to big at all. But each person gave it. Together it developed into something great!
_ _ _ _ _
Each of us has an opportunity to add that one small contribution to society that will add up to something great. We never know when or where it will happen, but we must know that we can make a difference. We can make a difference to one person or to the entire world.
For my uncle, it has become simple routine. Jewish people he encounters in business are asked to put on Teffilin. Some accept. Some decline. Usually, that's it. This time, his contribution to another Jew, made a world of a difference. It wasn’t a lot, but it added up to great things.
As the Lubavitcher Rebbe once said, “The very fact you know about someone who is in trouble means that in some way you are able to help. - - Otherwise, why would this knowledge have entered your world?
The Rebbe is telling us that there is always something we can do it. It may not be huge, but it will make a difference.
Never underestimate the effect of a good deed.
Anyone who has encountered a “Chabadnik” has no doubt heard the famous, “Did you put on Teffilin today?” The Teffilin campaign was launched by the Lubavitcher Rebbe just before the outbreak of the Six-Day War in 1967. Everyone, not just Shluchim (emissaries) and Yeshiva students, were encouraged to be involved.
My uncle, an international businessman is always equipped with a pair of Teffilin, ready to fulfill the Rebbe’s wish.
Several weeks ago, while visiting one of his factories in Kowloon, China, my uncle encountered an Israeli fellow and, naturally, asked the man to don Teffilin. He agreed and said that at age 53, he may have never done so before. Possibly at his bar-mitzvah, but he did not remember.
Several days later my uncle was at the now re-opened Chabad House of Mumbai, India with a group of Chabadniks. One made mention of a story he heard that week. “An Israeli guy in Kowloon told me someone put on Teffilin with him, possibly for the first time in his life! He wouldn't say who, but said he was touched so deeply, that he now wants his own pair!”
My uncle, surprised at hearing this, filled out the rest of the story, and the men gathered were all in awe. A simple act of putting on Teffilin with a person in Kowloon, something my uncle does with people quite often, had lit up this man’s world.
_ _ _ _ _
In this weeks Parsha, Pekudei, Moshe (Moses) takes an accounting of all the material donated by the people for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each person gave his contribution, and together, they formed a dwelling place for G-d within.
As Torah is not a history book, but rather a lifetime guide, we know that its lessons are timeless. The teachings of charity, of course, need no introduction. However lessons can certainly be derived from each individual contribution then becoming a part of the greater collection.
At that time, there was no “big donor” that was making the difference. ALL were involved in making it happen. In fact, in this weeks supplementary Torah reading, Parshat Shekalim (the first of four special supplements between now and Passover) we read that each person gave a half shekel. Nothing to big at all. But each person gave it. Together it developed into something great!
_ _ _ _ _
Each of us has an opportunity to add that one small contribution to society that will add up to something great. We never know when or where it will happen, but we must know that we can make a difference. We can make a difference to one person or to the entire world.
For my uncle, it has become simple routine. Jewish people he encounters in business are asked to put on Teffilin. Some accept. Some decline. Usually, that's it. This time, his contribution to another Jew, made a world of a difference. It wasn’t a lot, but it added up to great things.
As the Lubavitcher Rebbe once said, “The very fact you know about someone who is in trouble means that in some way you are able to help. - - Otherwise, why would this knowledge have entered your world?
The Rebbe is telling us that there is always something we can do it. It may not be huge, but it will make a difference.
Never underestimate the effect of a good deed.
Friday, February 18, 2011
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!”
Friday, February 11, 2011
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.”
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.”
Friday, February 4, 2011
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.
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.
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