COURAGE AND CONSCIENCE

   Tonight on the 19th of Teves, is the Yahrzeit of my beloved Mother, 

Rae Mehlman,ריבה בת יחיאל ע׳ה

  I worshipped the ground she stood on, for the way she dedicated herself to our family, especially for her devotion to our father and her love of her children and grandchildren. She was truly the spiritual and physical glue that kept our family together and inspired all of us to greater heights of 

G-Dliness and Menshlikeit. As I remember her, this week's Parsha comes to mind, as we are introduced to the leaders of עם ישראל, while they were in Mitzrayim. In addition to Moshe the מנהיג של ישראל, we are introduced to a group of outstanding women, who were the true saviors of Israel, during a very difficult time in Galut.

    For me there were six heroines, all courageous women. This chapter in our history began with יוכבד, the wife of Amram, and mother of Miriam, Aaron, and Moshe.  At the height of Egyptian persecution she feared no one and continued to have children.  She gave birth to Moshe, even after being threatened by the King, that all future children would be killed at birth. 

        The second is Miriam, who kept watch over baby Moshe as the ark floated down the river, until Basya, the daughter of Pharaoh retrieved the basket.  While holding the baby, Miriam suggested that he be nursed by a Jewess. With this act she exhibited fearlessness and presence of mind. 

  With these righteous women, we must include the two midwives, Shifrah and Puah, who frustrated Pharaoh’s attempt at genocide. However, their fear of G-D, did not permit them to kill the male Jewish children at birth, and with great courage and G-Dlinesss they disobeyed the King's order, placing their lives in jeopardy. 

  My final Hall of Fame woman, is Tziporah, a daughter of a Midianite Priest, who was willing to accompany Moshe on an arduous trip and task to bring the Geulah for the Jewish slaves in Egypt, despite the fact that she had no reason to risk her life. In fact, later, she saved Moshe from death, when, courageously, seeing her son was not circumcised, did so on her own. 

  We must, always,, remember the daughter of Pharaoh, Batyah, who was willing to go against her own fathers orders, and rescued a Jewish child, and brought up Moshe as her own, thereby, saving his life. 

  These are women, who were truly,נשי חיל, women to whom we owe our very existence, women who must become our emulating examples, by which to follow, for with them at our side, our future success as עם קדוש, is assured.

  These are our Women of Courage, and more so our Women of Conscience, who refused to be defeated when it came for them to rise to the ethical occasion of bringing about the glorious future of עם ישראל.

        We are always to be reminded of an insightfulYalkut Shimoni, "אין הדורות נגאלין אלא בשכר נשים צדקניות שיש בדור, A generation is only redeemed by grace of the Righteous women". 

      The question I pose, “Are we ready to stand as courageous as they were, to fend off the assimilation that seems to be engulfing our Jewish Society and their mores that are threatening especially our youth throughout our country?”  

      These are difficult times for K’llal Yisrael, and for Eretz Yisrael.  Now is the time to lift our voices in prayer, 

   “ וגאלנו במהרה למען שמך  Redeem us speedily for the sake of Your Name!!”

   At the same time, as we pay homage to our mothers, let us not take them for granted and continue to use their lives as our emulating examples of kindness and benevolence for ourselves and for our family. 

 

 

          

 

      

 

 

 

TRIBUTE OF BLESSINGS

   There is a tendency to search for many avenues to receive the Brachot of Hashem, for ourselves and for our families. Too often our search, will encourage us to travel to distant countries to receive these Blessings, while all the time, our most generous Segulot and Brachot, are available on a daily basis, and all it takes is that we live as Erlichin Yiden,Upstanding Jews. This is easily achieved, when we recognize, with love and with reverence, that our Torah and our Yiddishkeit, in general, are our true "Chiyus", our Main Lifeline. With an act of humbleness we beseech G-D, that His infinite Brachot will be evinced and given full expression. 

   These ideas regarding Brachot, are more evident from this Week's Parsha  of  Vayache, wherein Yaakov, resting on his death bed, brings together his family and presents his last will and testament bestowing his Blessings on each and every child, in a most meaningful way. These Blessings were not only for the present moment, but, more so, they will be a Tribute of Blessings for everlasting time. 

    In this context, I am reminded of the words of our beloved Rav, Rabbi  Soloveitchik,זצ״ל, explaining that a Bracha always comes at the end- after the act is completed. The Rav said, "We see this when Hashem created the world, and with the building of the Beit Hamikdash, where the Bracha was only given upon its completion." The reason for this is that a Bracha expresses the desire, "That what I strove to produce should continue." 

  The Ramban, reflecting upon the creation of the world where it states, “וירא אלוקים כי טוב.After every creation by Hashem, He saw that it was good, therefore worthy of קיום, of being permanently established.” This was Hashem’s Bracha after creation, a Blessing that what was created should continue.

    The same applies to people. The greatest Bracha, is to know, that whatever a person worked for in life will not simply disappear, but rather continue on for future generations. 

  In fact, the Medrash states that Yaakov placed his grandchildren אפרים and מנשה, on his lap, like a true grandfather would and  hugged them and Blessed them. At that moment Hashem revealed to him, with רוח הקודש, that they will indeed follow in Yoseph’s footsteps and fill his place in life. There is certainly no greater Bracha for a father to hear that his future is intact through the next generation. When Yoseph witnessed that amazing relationship with his Father Yaakov, his natural response was to bow in gratitude. We see how beautiful it is and how great it is to give thanks when one experiences and receives good tidings about the future generation. 

   As we search for ways to achieve Brachot, we need to look at what might be a disturbing factor in achieving that goal. To begin with, my immediate thoughts reflect a severe dilemma that exists in our modern technological society. We seem to be suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. I believe that it is a result of our total dependence on our tech devices.  We are plugged in constantly to our smartphones, our PCs and our I Pads.  Our machines are taking over for our human communication, and when we are in need, we have no one to lean on and this can be devastating, denying the Brachot of life. Without the family and community communicating with each other, loneliness takes over and life becomes depressing. This was Yaakov’s greatest fear going down to Egypt.  

   Brachot are present when we get to see our dreams fulfilled, especially, when it comes to children and grandchildren. 

  Our Avot and Imahot, are our inspiration. Through them, we pray that our Brachot will be fulfilled.  As Jews we will travel the spiritual road that they have set forth for עם ישראל, and thus guaranteeing that our future will be a glorious one, bringing our ישועהvery quickly. 

    

ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE?

   An employer, interviewing an applicant for a position, said to the candidate, “For this job I want a responsible man.” The man responded, “Then you want me. For everywhere I worked, whenever anything went wrong, they said I was responsible.” 

   How comedic this story is, it is so true. When we say the word responsibility we mean the ability to respond as one human being to the needs of another human being. 

  It is with this idea in mind we can reflect, on this week’s Parsha, Vayigash, upon the actions of Yehudah as he faces up to Yoseph.  

  The Torah states ויגש יהודה, Judah came forward. Herein, we see that Judah took his life in his hands, by facing up to Joseph, a man who, as we learned, held life and death in his hands. 

   This was an amazing show of courage by Yehudah, as he challenged the Ruler on behalf of his brother, Benjamin.  It was a true show of a man acting with great responsibility. After all, he promised his father that he would bring Binyaminback home, safely, and as Binyamin was seized, he could not stand idly by, at the thought of loosing another brother.

   As I walked through the Museum of Jewish Heritage, this past week, seeing how the Jewishpeople lived gloriously prior to the Holocaust, and how they were, ultimately, decimated in Europe, my inner being cried out , “Where were all the good people? Why weren't they accepting responsibilityfor the lives of others? Where were the Yehudahs’ of that generation?” 

  The lesson is for all of us, “Do we take back our streets or do we close our eyes from taking responsibility and let the vicious and immoral behavior continue to threaten our very existence?”  

  Permit to share a fascinating story that I read recently - In the early part of the twentieth century, there was a Rabbi whose name was Rabbi Henry Cohen. He was from Galveston, Texas, a port of entry for many ships, bringing immigrants to this country. Among those immigrants was a Russian who was arrested when he landed. There was an extradition order waiting for him. The Czarist government wanted him back because of some crime he was accused of committing. After visiting the prison and talking to him, the Rabbi was convinced he was entitled to political asylum. 

The Rabbi went all over and spoke to the “powers to be” to convince them to let this Russian immigrant in. Rabbi Cohen, even, went to the Supreme Court.  He, finally, appealed to the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. After much pleading, the President denied his request, saying to Rabbi Cohen, "Much as I admire the way you Jews stick up for each other and try to help one another, I can't see any reason for intervening".

   "Jew?” said the Rabbi.  “Who said that this man was a Jew? He is not Jewish, and in fact, he is a Christian.” 

 “A Christian?” said the President in surprise. “Why then are you concerning yourself with him?”

   “Because he is a Human Being,” answered the Rabbi. 

  Theodore Roosevelt was so impressed that he gave the order of extradition to be canceled at once. 

  Rabbi Cohen was a spiritual descendent of Abraham and, especially, of Yehudah, stepping forward to save another at all costs. 

   Our world is beckoning us to step forward when injustice and killings are ravaging our country, especially, our Brothers and Sisters in Israel. It is a time for Tefillah on behalf of the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Arzeinu Hakidosha.

  Remember the words of our Sages,"במקום שאין איש השתדל  להיות איש". 

 Let us continue to meet the needs of the Jewish People, as our Biblical Heroes did, and to always find the ways and the wherewithal to work for the betterment of Jews throughout the world. 

   May we live in such a way that our Ancestors will continue to be proud of us and may  Hashem continue to shower His Blessings upon us. 

      

LIGHTS OF LIFE

   How wonderful it is when family gets together to light the Chanukah Menorah and sing the song הנרות הללו, whereby recognizing the miraculous intervention of Hashem in our lives. Singing and glaring at the flickering tapers of light emanating from the menorah, the message is clear, “We have the power to bring light to the world and to our own families, if we but make sure that our lights are קודש הם, that they are holy by the way we live, and encourage others to do so as well.” 

   At the same time, I begin to realize that darkness is not simply the absence of light, but a creation in of itself, as we say in the Brachos of Krias Shma,” יוצר אור ובורא חושך, He creates light and creates the darkness.” 

  It seems, as we observe the world around us, we realize more than ever our struggle to build fortresses of light, and at the same time to remove the ugliness of darkness that man seems to be engulfed in. At that moment we become aware that Chanukah must become our inspirational time to envelope ourselves in the light of Torah, in a way that Yiddishkeit brings light, harmony, and especially greater love into our hearts. 

  I am reminded of an insightful question that the

 Ger Rebbe asked, reflecting on the miracle of Chanukah, “We know that when the Chashmonaim dedicated the Temple they, immediately, went to light the Menorah. Not having the Gold Menorah, they took their wooden spears and shaped them into receptacles for the oil. We all know that there was no pure oil to be found, until a small cruise of oil was found and this small amount of oil lasted for eight days until they were able to make more oil, and thus a miracle occurred. Just as Hashem, miraculously, intervened for the oil to burn, why could He not, at the outset,  perform a more obvious Miracle by creating a Golden Menorah to be used rather than the wooden ones provided by the Chashmonaim?”

   The  Ger  went on to explain, “There are two aspects of the Jewish personality, there is the Chesonious, the outer part of the person, and there is the P’nemius, the inner part - one’s inner being. Hashem, purposely, did not make the miracle with providing a Menorah, for that is the outer part, the Chesonious of the Mitzvah, and for that any material could be used, but when it comes to the P’ninious which is represented by the פך שמן,  then Hashem will bring it about in a miraculous way, to emphasize the importance of the P’enimious of our actions. 

  The lesson is quite simple;  For a Jew, the Ekar is the  P’nimious, the inner being, and this must be, at all times, pure,  even if it takes a miracle to bring it about, while the outer garment of a Jew is secondary, not that important.” 

   Our aim is to invest our lives in our Penimious to have a לב טהור, a pure and understanding heart encouraging us to perform in a way that will bring about a dedicated and sincere life. 

     Yosef in this week’s Parsha, was continuously convinced, that even though his brothers did wrong to him, it was always seen as an Intervention by Hashem, and it was a fulfillment of the wishes of G-D. Yosef speaks with the purity of a heartfelt person, he speaks to his P’nimious and acts with the pure Shemen of his life, which brings a glow of light to an episode in his life that was full of darkness. We see the true personality of Yosef and his true P’nimious.  

  When we live a life which is dedicated by our P'nimious , then we begin to understand why we act according to the sage Hillel, who instructs us to light the  Menorah by beginning with one candle and increasing it with one candle every night of the eight nights of Chanukah. He does so to teach us that, מעלין בקודש

    “That our aim in life is to always strive daily to reach a higher degree of  Kedusha, and this can only be achieved by constantly being touch with our PENIMIOUS! 

   May our lives always be aglow with lights of Bracha emanating from Hashem, our true Miracle Worker. 

 

             

CHANUKAH REVISITED

   As we prepare for the holiday of Chanukah, I would share with you an interesting experience I had with a mother I met in Best Buy. She seemed to be bewildered and somewhat in a turmoil. I asked, “What are you so troubled about?” To which she replied, “Rabbi, I am sure you realize that next week is Chanukah, and I still have not purchased any gifts for the children.” As I walked away from her I began to realize what a change of events has taken hold of our Holidays. The essence of Chanukahseems to have been lost - It's all about presents. I am not denying the importance of the exchange of gifts. I am bewildered when that becomes the Eikar, and the true meaning of Chanukah becomes the Tofel. 

    I remember telling a father when he asked, “What would be a good gift for my son.”  I replied, knowing his way of life, “How about a gift of "time" to be spent with your son on a daily basis.” That is, truly, a Chanukahcelebration.

     Chanukah fascinates me from different points of view. It all started when I began to study the Gemorah Shabbos,and when it speaks of Chanukah.  The Gemorah begins with the question,   חנוכה מאי What is Chanukah and why is it celebrated?” This seems to be an obvious question and interesting, is it not, that such a question is not posed for any other holiday. I wonder why?. 

      Chanukah celebration always seems to bring to mind the words of Harav Kook, with reverence - words that are so important for our day and age and need to be repeated for all to hear, "If you desire, as a human being, look at the light of G-D's Presence in everything. Look at the Eden of Spiritual Life - how it blazes into each corner and crevice of life in this world, right before your eyes of flesh and your eyes of soul.” 

     Gaze at the wonders of creation, at their divine life, not like some dim phenomenon that is placed before your eyes from afar - but know the reality in which you live. 

  “Know yourself and your world. 

  Know the thoughts of your heart and of all who speak and think. 

  Find the source of life inside you, higher than you, around you.

  Find the love within you, lift it up for all to gaze upon and spread it for all to enjoy". 

    What magnificent words. Only Rav Kook can bring them into reality for a message of inspiration for our times, especially as we prepare to light the glowing flickers of Chanukah for all to see and for all to be inspired. 

    We still suffer, emotionally, as an after affect of the terrible tragedy that took place in the synagogue in Pittsburgh.  Our hearts are pained as we realize more and more, that we live in a difficult and often frightening world where hatred and anti-semitism seems to be more prevalent than any other time of our existence. 

   It is with these thoughts in mind I am reminded of a Mishna in Midos which speaks of our הר הבית. 

  The Mishna states, "Within the walls of the Temple Mount there was a partition the "Soreg". The Greek army, when they entered, destroyed this fence in 13 places. When the Chashmonaim rededicated the Temple, they restored this "Soreg", this partition, to its original form and offered 13 prayers of thanksgiving to Hashem.” 

   Please understand that this "Soreg" was not a massive stone wall, it was merely a picket fence made of wood and interwoven fiber. You may ask, "Why was it so important for the Greeks to intentionally seek to destroy it?"

   Let us review the history of yesteryear; During the years when there was peace in Israel many visitors used to come to Yerushalayim from many different countries.  They were especially attracted to the בית המקדשincluding the Syrians and the Greeks. The further they went into the Temple Mount the more their curiosity was aroused and when they reached the "Soreg" they were told that they were not allowed to go beyond this point due to their anti-Jewish and anti Torah oriented way of life.

   When Antiochus and his hordes invaded, and defamed the Holy Temple, the first thing they did was to destroy the "Soreg", the wall of separation between Judaism and Hedonism. They smashed it with a great sense of anger and wrath to tell the Jew he is no different than who they were and no longer will they be allowed to lead lives different then everyone else. 

  When, at last, the miracle of all miracles took place and the Maccabbees won their victory and gained their religious freedom. Once again, they rededicated the Mikdash, but specifically restored the "Soreg" and decreed a special service of 13 expressions of Thanksgiving to Hashem.  In doing so, they restored the line of demarcation between Judaism and Hedonism.

  This is our lesson of Chanukah. We must, once again, erect a "Soreg", a life that emphasis that Judaism is not like others. We will fight with all of our spiritual energy, to live a life of Halacha and Mitzvos and not to succumb to those who want us to assimilate into the world of the majority. 

   Yes, in many ways, we may be the same as others, but when it comes to our Judaic Way of Life we will not permit ourselves and our families to forfeit our heritage, merely to be accepted by others. 

   The place to begin is in our homes.  That is why the true observance of Chanukah is to light the Menorah in our homes נר איש וביתו. A light of Torah, a light of love and a light of spiritual warmth that comes from greater family involvement.

    When we begin the holiday of Chanukah we ask, "מאי חנוכה, What is this Holiday all about?"

   When experiencing the great miraculous intervention of G-D and lighting the Menorah we can conclude the holiday with זאת חנוכה. This is what Chanukah is. It is fighting any force that wishes to upset our traditional way of life.  Let these forces of assimilation recognize the immense pride that we feel as Observant Jews and the Blessing that comes with living a true Jewish way of life.  

    Let the world recognize that we are אור לגוים. A light among the nations of the world.

    Today more than ever we must live the words of  Zechariah, the Navi:

לא בחיל ולא בכוח כי אם ברוחי אמר ה'

 

  A "Freilichin Chanukah" to all.

              

STOP RUNING

  While watching the New York marathon last week I realize, more than ever, that there is a running  boom in this country. After the marathon I read an editorial which stated : "Inside every one of us is a distant runner."
 This made me think that there are many runners who do so, to make them more physically fit to face life. However, I sense there are many that are running in an effort to evade life,  to escape from its burdens, to get away from it all. So many run from unpleasant duties, and from life's complexities and confusions. They would rather run, then face up to their responsibilities and to meet the challenges of life head on.  For them, life is never a fulfillment of effecting changes within themselves. For many a change of scenery is preferred over a change of soul.  
 As we study these Parshiot about our Patriach Yaakov, we read that the  word ויברח and ברח , are used, constantly, describing his way of life. He seems to be  always running  away from someone or something. 
  This comes to the fore, especially, when Yaakov wrestles with an unnamed adversary, alone, at night. Many question with whom was he wrestling, a man or a Malach? Whoever it was, the main point of the story seems to take place, at the end of the incident. There, the Torah relates, how the Angel could not get the best  of Yaakov and to prevent  him from escaping , ויגע בכף ירכו, he grabbed his side causing a displacement of his hip, preventing him from running away. 
 As I contemplated this entire episode in the life of Yaakov, I began to think, in a more symbolic way, and I realized that the whole incident was an important message for Yaakov to contemplate. The Angel was, in essence, saying to Yaakov, "You are running away too much from your responsibilities as the patriarch of the Jewish People, and now is the time to stand your ground as you face your brother Esau." To emphasize this to Jacob, the Angel grabbed and dislocated his hip, and by this action was in essence saying, "Since you are not stopping to run on your own, I will take the initiative and  cause you to stop running and this will be your lesson of life for you and future generations."
  As Jews, we have been running for generations.  It is time to stop running away from our responsibilities, and not to permit others with their venom and hatred for the Jew and the State of Israel, to dictate how we are to live. Our survival, today, must be returned into our hands and not to live by the will of others. These are times to stop running and to gloriously bask in the sunshine of our Judaic way of life, where decisions are ours to make. 
  Dag Hammarekjold, said it well, "Life demands from you only the strength you posses and only one feat is possible- not to have run away."
 This is our lesson for the day and more so must be the directive for our children and for all future generations. 
  We are to tell the world that we will not to be the "Jonahs of Life," continuously running. As we  abide by the edict - not to  eat the גיד הנשה, it will be our  constant reminder that our life is not a marathon, but a life of commitment and a dedication to the perpetuation that עם ישראל חי.  With  Hashem's guidance and with our acceptance of Yaakov's new name ,לא יעקב יאמר עוד שמך כי אם ישראל כי שרית עם אלוקים ועם אנשים ותוכל will be fulfilled when we stop running, and stand our ground, proudly, thereby shining resplendent in the eyes of the world. 
May this day come quickly to all of us. 

      

THE LADDER OF LIFE

 Our Torah is not always a Sefer of peace and serenity. It is a book that holds up a mirror to life, reflecting its pains, its passions and very often family conflicts. One such family conflict took place between, Yaakov and Esau, resulting in the need for Yaakov to leave his Mother and Father behind and to flee to a foreign country. 

  Conflicts are abounding in our very society. There is so much pain as a result of the hatred and jealousy, that exists between people, bringing about much suffering, and anguish.  "What a strange and dangerous time we live in!"

  We are so fragmented and dualistic, vacillating between extremes and severely shaken by the ongoing conflicts, here in America, and very costly conflicts in our State of Israel. 

  I remember reading about a teenager who asked the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Why did G-D create us in such a complicated fashion?"  

   The Rebbe, in turn, asked the teenager, "Did you ever consider the difference between a photograph and a painting?"

  The Rebbe continued to elucidate, "A photo captures any given scene far more accurately than a painting can ever hope to do. Yet while a photo will cost a few dollars, the inaccurate painting of the identical scene may sometimes go for millions of dollars. Why?" The Rebbe went on to explain, "Most photographs are inanimate items, lacking the input of a human soul. A painting, on the other hand, contains the richness of the human imagination, the depth of human emotion, and the esthetics of human creativity. That is what gives a painting its tremendous value." The Rebbe's analogy was right on target.  "Angels are G-D's photos, while human beings are G-d's pieces of art."

  This idea made me think of the problems that Yaakov experienced and the problems which we are, painfully, experiencing, as well. The fluctuating drama of human upheaval, and our search for some meaning to it all, is a recognition that our life is really a piece of art that enjoins everyone to paint with greater goodness and spirituality that needs to emerge from this human struggle. 

 These are times when we need to bestow upon humanity a dignity and splendor that the highest of angels can never attain. 

  Yes, we read of Yaakov's dream, of סולם מוצב ארצה וראשו מגיע השמימה "A ladder set up on the ground, and it's top reached to Heaven", which means; If we are going to clean up the debasing life on earth, we need to bring heaven, and G-Dliness, down to our earthly existence. 

   There is no doubt that Yaakov was experiencing much fear as the night began to overpower him, and it was this Ladder Dream that gave him the great sense of serenity, security and peace.  In the same vein, we are to use our Ladder of Life, a Spiritual Ladder that will bring us, the same great sense of serenity, security and peace, bringing the G-Dly influence into our world. 

   Remember, "To live an idea means to treat the seemingly impossible as though it were possible."

   Equally, let us remember, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." 

   Few of us are ever asked to do great things, but we are always given the opportunity to do little things in a great way. 

  The great French writer, Edmund Fleg, came from a totally assimilated family and knew little aboutJudaism until one day he was at the trial of Alfred Dreyfus, the Jew who was charged with treason. That traumatic experience brought about a turn in the life of Fleg and he began to search his religion. 

  Fleg than wrote the following essay and as I share it with you, hopefully, it will put things into a better perspective. 

  "I am a Jew because wherever there is suffering, the Jew weeps.”

  “I am a Jew because whenever there is despair, the Jew hopes.” 

  “I am a Jew because the message of our faith is the oldest and the newest."

 

  I would add, "Be a Jew and consequently you will achieve the highest form of Humanity."

 

        

  

 

PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY

 Now that the elections are over, what does it really mean for all of us in our daily lives? I remember that after an election, there were many in Shul speaking about the outcome. Someone approached me and asked , "I need to know, after all is said and done, is it good for the Jews?"

   I realize the question seems, to many, to be  the somewhat exclusive and individualistic. 

   My answer is simplistic and yet profound, "It is not the person, but rather, what he represents, and how he portrays himself to his constituents and to mankind. Remember well, as Jews we need to realize that we do not live in a bubble, and we need, at all times, to be concerned for others."

  I recall hearing Rabbi Aaron Soloveitchik ז׳ל sharing his insights regarding our patriarchs, specifically Avraham and Yitzchak. He studied both personalities and how they related to others and how we can emulate them in our way of life. 

    He said, "Avraham Avinu represents the attribute of Chesed, and was dedicated to righteousness and justice, which, in essence, when combined forms the attribute of Chesed. In Yahadut, Chesed is the Summa Bonum of Judaism.  It is the highest level of moral and spiritual dimensions, as Dovid Hamelech exclaimed, "עולם חסד יבנה "The world is built upon the attribute of Chesed". 

    Yitzchak, however, is symbolic of Gevurah, and this personality of Gevurah does not refer to his physical strength as some might think, but rather to a life of Perseverance and unlimited Patience. 

      Rabbenu Bachaye, reflected on Yitzchak reopening the wells of Avraham that were sealed by the Philistines did not allow himself to become frustrated by the obstacles that were thrown in his way. With this action, Yitzchak demonstrated the essence of Gevurah, a firm determination to not allow himself to be swayed by frustration and he continued to act with Perseverance, and unlimited Patience. 

  Elections come and go. New and old politicians will come on the scene, but we must be determined that our lives are not controlled by others.  Our lives are a direct emulation of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs, always portraying themselves with great Chesed, perseverance and patience. 

   With these thoughts in mind and in our pursuit of forming better relationships with one another,  I was truly dismayed and disappointed that in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh tragedy, a Rabbi, had the audacity to promote a hateful speech claiming that these innocent Holy Jews, our Kedoshim, who were murdered in a Synagogue, died as a punishment for their sinful behavior. I am  ashamed to include such a dastardly and hateful remark in my blog,spoken by a Rabbi, or any Jew against another Jew. Such an act of Chilul Hashem cannot and must not go unmentioned and must be condemned. 

  Out motto must be, "ועשית הישר והטוב בעיני ה׳ , You shall do that which is right and good in the eyes of G-D". 

  This is our overall principle of Holiness.One that will guide all of our decisions and suffuse all our actions with that which is right and good in the eyes of man and G-D.    A poignant story comes to mind that I would like to share with you, "An elephant fell in love with a butterfly. Not knowing how to handle the situation, he went and asked advice from the owl. The owl suggested that the elephant become a butterfly. The elephant went home and tried to become a butterfly. After struggling with the idea, he went back to the owl, and told him it was a good idea but how do I accomplish this task? "

   The owl replied,"I am sorry. I only formulate the idea, you have to implement it."

   In a like manner, I can only make an assessment of the ills of society.  We can ameliorate the problems that we are faced with, but each and every one  of us must do our share to bring about a better world for man, under the influence of Hashem's Torah and Mitzvot to live a true life of Chesed and Patience towards others. 

    All our efforts to make our world a better place to live successfully, can only be achieved when we make the מצוה of ואהבת לרעך כמוך our priority in life. 

    

                               

     

   

TREE OF LIFE

These past few days, after the horrific scenes that were projected to all of us from Pittsburgh, made every Jew and every free person, more cognizant of the hate that exists in our society. 

   I began to realize, more than ever, that grief is a terrible inferno and yet despite the emotional upheaval that it brings in its wake, sorrow can possesses great potential to expand our lives, to enlarge our vision, and to deepen our understanding of the true essence of the value of life. It also awakens in us greater empathy and understanding of the suffering of others.  We need to begin to purge ourselves of the pettiness and selfishness that engulfs so many. These are times that awaken, in us, the powers of fortitude and patience in our dealings with one another. 

 

  These are times when the following Psalm comes to life; 

"עוברי בעמק הבכה מעין ישיתוהו גם ברכות יעטה מורה"

"They pass through a valley of tears and convert it into a life giving fountain".

 

   I read, recently, that, in Israel, there is a rare cactus plant on which grows an exquisitely lovely flower. The flower is called "Queen of the Night", because it has the strange characteristic of blooming only in the darkest part of the night. When the blackness is deepest the Queen of the Night blossoms forth. 

   We can learn from this. that in our suffering and in our state of mournfulness, we will and we must shine forth in our entire Judaic and human splendor, and never to let hate and bigotry, overpower us, and to remember we are all bedecked in the garment of G-D'S Glory.

 

    Robert Browning said it magnificently:

        I walked a mile with Sorrow,

        And never a word said she,

        But, oh, the things I learned from her

        When Sorrow walked with me. 

 

   How we attend to our catastrophe and our bereavement will depend on our attitude and our perception of sorrow and how it can help us grow in spirit and in our relationship to each other and especially in our greater dedication and commitment to Torah. All this can help assuage, somewhat, the pain that we are  experiencing at this horrific moment. 

    Our Torah reading this Shabbat speaks of the death of Sarah and how Avraham came to mourn and cry for her at the funeral. We, then, read that after the Hesped was delivered,” ויקם אברהם מעל פני מתו, And Avraham arose from before his dead.”

   The Rav, commenting on the expression ויקם that Avraham arose, reflected on Avraham’s deep mourning after the burial of his beloved Sarah and how he was able to "lift himself up" out of his state of bereavement.  He did so by realizing that though Sarah died, her spirit would live on as the Mother of K’lall Yisrael.  She will always be alive in those she left behind and in those that she influenced in her lifetime. Truth be told, we are privileged that Sarah Imenu our Matriarchcontinues to inspire Klal Yisrael even today. 

    In a similar way, the martyrs who were murdered in Congregation Etz Chaim, will live on in our hearts and minds. They will always be remembered and continue to be The Tree of Life, inspiring us to be proud Jews. 

   We pray for their Neshamot.  We pray that all evil should be eradicated from this world.  Let us pray that we will experience the coming of the Mashiach in our time B’mheira B’yameinu.

      

    

CHESED AND KEDUSHA

The lines were out the store as everyone was caught up in the lottery fever.  They were all anticipating winning billions of dollars and for two dollars everyone bought a dream. And then I saw an interesting e-mail that said "I always wanted to win the lottery, but tonight I looked around my beautiful family and realized I already have!"

    I often wonder, “Do we really appreciate and enjoy the Blessings that  Hashem bestows upon us , or are we so involved in our daily activities that we are  indifferent to the Bràchot of life?” 

  "Life is one 'now' after another, and the now waits for no one"

  One of the most important and at the same time one of the most difficult episodes to truly comprehend in Avraham’s life is the Akedah - when he was instructed to bring his son up as a sacrifice to G-D. Avraham listened to Hashem and Yitzchaksurvived.  There are still many unanswered questions, but for now I would like to pursue one avenue of thought, that I heard from the Rav.

  The Rav said, “Although Avraham did not actually slay Yitzchak at the Akedah, he felt that the sacrifice took place, and a new Yitzchak emerged. 

  Kabbalah explains that Avraham personified the attribute of Chesed, of Loving Kindness, which suggests the idea of Hispashtut, of expansion. This idea relates that we are to take in many people, sharing with others, reaching out to others and thereby being Mekarev them to our way of thinking.  This is what Avraham continuously did.

  Yitzchak, on the other hand, personified Gevurah,Power, which implies Tzimtzum, Self Contractionand Self Limitation, which manifested itself in, Perishuth, separating oneself from the community, so that he could devote himself, exclusively to the Almighty. For Yitzchak it was an aspect of Kedusha.That is why he was not permitted to leave the Land of Israel. Yitzchak personified Kedusha,metaphorically speaking, for he was the sacrifice at the Akedah, and there is no greater form of Kedusha than being a Korban, A Sacrifice.

   I sense that not much is divulged about Yitzchak, primarily, for this reason.  For Kedusha is to be covered up and Hashem wanted, like all aspects of Kedusha should   remain a Mysterium, separated from the world. 

  From then on the Jewish People have enveloped themselves in both personality traits, Chesed and Kedusha.

  In fact, it is for this reason that there is a Parochet on the Aron, and we cover the Sefer Torahwith a Mantel -for that which is holy loses its’ special standing in our eyes through casualness, ready access and over familiarity. 

    This is our Goal in Judaism, to act with a great sense of Chesed, and never forsake the goal to achieve greater Kedusha by acting with more Anivut, and with more selflessness, and less selfishness. 

  With these thoughts, in mind I would like to share with you an interesting and fascinating story that  has a long lasting lesson for all to learn. 

  The story is entitled "A Glass of Milk".

   One day a poor boy was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school.  He found that he had only one dime left and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. 

  However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry, so she brought him a large glass of milk. 

   He drank it slowly and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

  “You don't owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother taught me never to accept money for kindness.” 

   He answered, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” 

  As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger, physically, but his faith in G-D and man was strengthened too. He had been ready to give up and quit. 

  Years later that young woman was critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. 

  Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. 

  When he heard the name of the town where she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. 

  Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his Doctors gown, he went into see her. He recognized her at once. 

  He went back to the consultation room, determined to do his best to save her life. 

  From that day on he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle the battle was won. 

    Dr. Kelly requested that the hospital's office pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it and wrote something on the edge of the bill. 

   When the bill arrived in her room she feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay it. She opened it slowly but something caught her attention on the side of the bill. 

She read these words, "Paid in full with one glass of milk!"

And it was signed "Dr. Howard Kelly.” 

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed, "Thank You, G-D, that Your love has reached abroad, through human hearts and hands"

This a true story. 

  Remember what goes around comes around, that of the Chesed of Avraham, and the Kedusha of Yitzchak. 

  May we learn to live a life of righteousness from our forefathers and from a Doctor with a Heart.