BH
“If you follow my statutes and observe my commandments...” begins this week’s Parsha, Bechukotai, then we will merit to a whole slew of rewards.
Much can be said about the topic itself and many hours of discussion have gone into the “reward-and-punishment” concept (especially that of “earthly reward for heavenly deeds.”).
However, I’d like to focus on one reward specifically at what that can mean to us today, with the situation surrounding our Holy Land.
The Parsha states that one of the many rewards the people would merit is the luxury of
וִישַׁבְתֶּם לָבֶטַח בְּאַרְצְכֶם - Living peacefully within the Land.
In 1967, just two days before the outbreak of the Six Day War, the Lubavitcher Rebbe launched the Teffilin Campaign which now lines the streets of Manhattan and other major cities worldwide. Yeshiva students visit offices and homes donning Teffilin with thousands of people each week.
In launching this campaign, the Rebbe stated the connection it had to the land of Israel. The Rebbe, told the world boldly, that in the merit of the people now donning Teffilin, the enemy’s of Israel would retreat. How accurate he was.
Today, Israel finds itself at a crossroad of uncertainty. While war may not be immediately pending, the borders of the Holy Land are at risk. While I will not get into the specifics of the situation, I will focus on what WE can do to make a difference!
You guessed it! Teffilin! But not only that. Shabbat Candles. Going to the synagogue. Celebrating Shabbat. Studying Torah. Eating Kosher... and many more things!
Its a guarantee, the more we do, the better off we are. While I’m not in any way implying to drop everything and adopt it all at once, I am encouraging everyone to do one more thing! Consider the Land of Israel, our brothers and sister living within and the brave young men and women that stand guard on a daily basis!
Think about them and do another good deed. And when we do, its a guarantee, we will live peacefully in our Land!
Just last Thursday i returned from leading a Mayanot Birthright Israel trip. The land is as beautiful as ever! I know that the 40 American young professional that joined me came back inspired!
We scurried across the land in quick ten days seeing the sites and feeling the spirit! Many of us donned Teffilin for the first time and one of us lit Shabbat candles for the first time - in the Old City, just steps away from the Kotel!
We were all there for the same reason! Because we are Jewish. Because we are Jewish and its our land!
We need to remember that, we need to be proud of that and we need to implement that through doing another Mitzvah - and effecting the Land we just visited.
So, in closing, I would like to make mention of my upcoming Jewish birthday which will be on Monday of next week. Our sages have taught that on a birthday one has powers to bless others.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer you a blessing. A blessing that you should merit to fulfill the Mitzvot and practices which you deem fit for yourself at this time. I encourage you to take a step and explore something new! Through our efforts, and our unified climb towards the same goal, we should all merit to see the Land of Israel - in peace and prosperity!
May G-d continue to watch over the young men and women that stand guard over our land, willingly sacrificing of themselves to defend our freedoms as Jewish people!
Shabbat Shalom from the Chabad Center at McGill University in Downtown Montreal, Canada (Finally back!).
~L
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Exodus '11!
BH
"In every generation, we are reqired to see ourselves as if we left Egypt"
It is from these words, uttered during the Passover Seder, that many questions have been derived.
Countless questions.
- "What is this meant to teach us?"
- "How can I see myself leaving Egypt? I've never even been to modern day Egypt!?"
- "How do I implement this to the seder night?"
- "Is this only true the night of the Seder?"
The list goes on.
Chassidic lore has much to say about these words. The Tanya speaks about it and countless Chassidic discourses mention this phrase, in part or in it's entirety.
So, as the Holiday of Pesach settles upon us, the Chametz out the door and Matzah populating the shelves, I would like to share a thought.
The answer to all the above questions is "Yes!" Yes or look within. Within yourself for the real answer to any question this phrase leads you to.
"Is this meant only for Seder night?" "Yes!" In a way, this idea meets its pinnacle on Seder night. The actions we do on Seder night to see ourselves "leaving Egypt" are specific to that night only!
"Is this meant for all year round?" Also, "Yes!" Every day we are to remember that we as Jews merited the Exodus.
Now, how can this same idea be specific for year round and one night alone?
Again, lets look inside ourselves. In each of us there is a sort of "Egypt." When the Jewish people left Egypt they left a land that made it difficult for them to live as Jews and practice their faith.
In each of us that exists on a daily basis! We each have that Egypt that we need to overcome. All year we need to work on bursting out of our element ("Egypt") and marching onward.
On Seder night specifically we are given a Haggadah, a guide book for the process. We again remember the phrase of seeing ourselves leaving Egypt. However this time, the actual story of the Exodus accompanies our revisiting.
So on Passover night, while we actually re-live the process step-by-step, we should also be working on the present.
We should pray and hope that due to our actions at the seder, the true meaning of "seeing ourselves as if we left Egypt" comes to fruition.
I would like to leave you with wishes for a wonderful Happy Pesach in which you see a personal exile from the trials and tribulations that may affect you.
As a nation, may this Holiday bring forth the true Exodus, with the coming of Moshiach!
Happy Pesach and warmest regards from the Chabad Center in Downtown Montreal, Canada!
"In every generation, we are reqired to see ourselves as if we left Egypt"
It is from these words, uttered during the Passover Seder, that many questions have been derived.
Countless questions.
- "What is this meant to teach us?"
- "How can I see myself leaving Egypt? I've never even been to modern day Egypt!?"
- "How do I implement this to the seder night?"
- "Is this only true the night of the Seder?"
The list goes on.
Chassidic lore has much to say about these words. The Tanya speaks about it and countless Chassidic discourses mention this phrase, in part or in it's entirety.
So, as the Holiday of Pesach settles upon us, the Chametz out the door and Matzah populating the shelves, I would like to share a thought.
The answer to all the above questions is "Yes!" Yes or look within. Within yourself for the real answer to any question this phrase leads you to.
"Is this meant only for Seder night?" "Yes!" In a way, this idea meets its pinnacle on Seder night. The actions we do on Seder night to see ourselves "leaving Egypt" are specific to that night only!
"Is this meant for all year round?" Also, "Yes!" Every day we are to remember that we as Jews merited the Exodus.
Now, how can this same idea be specific for year round and one night alone?
Again, lets look inside ourselves. In each of us there is a sort of "Egypt." When the Jewish people left Egypt they left a land that made it difficult for them to live as Jews and practice their faith.
In each of us that exists on a daily basis! We each have that Egypt that we need to overcome. All year we need to work on bursting out of our element ("Egypt") and marching onward.
On Seder night specifically we are given a Haggadah, a guide book for the process. We again remember the phrase of seeing ourselves leaving Egypt. However this time, the actual story of the Exodus accompanies our revisiting.
So on Passover night, while we actually re-live the process step-by-step, we should also be working on the present.
We should pray and hope that due to our actions at the seder, the true meaning of "seeing ourselves as if we left Egypt" comes to fruition.
I would like to leave you with wishes for a wonderful Happy Pesach in which you see a personal exile from the trials and tribulations that may affect you.
As a nation, may this Holiday bring forth the true Exodus, with the coming of Moshiach!
Happy Pesach and warmest regards from the Chabad Center in Downtown Montreal, Canada!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Engraved. Forever.
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.
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 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!”
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