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.