JEWISH BLOOD IS NOT CHEAP

The tears of our hearts continue to flow unabaitantly for the victims of the modern day Holocaust that took place in a synagogue in Har Nof.

 

    I searched for words of consolation and for Chizuk in this most devastating and demonizing hour for our brethren in Israel, but, I am sorry to say, the words were not forthcoming. Then I searched and found in this weeks Parsha, the words that Yitzchak said to Yaakov when Yaakov came to be blessed  הקול קול יעקב והידים ידי עשו. Yitzchak did not realize that he was foretelling the future, that at the moment when “Our Jacobs” were davening and uttering the words of Shemone Esray, the beast Esauv/Moslem murderers would come with their evil hands and murder innocent, pure and righteous Jews in a most demonic way.

 

   One of the murdered victims was Rabbi Moshe Twersky, the grandson of our Rebbe, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. A colleague reminded me of a statement the Rav wrote in the year 1960 in  “Kol Dodi Dofek”, which best sums up my feelings at this hour and needs to be read by world Jewry.

 "the fifth knock of the Beloved is perhaps the most important. For the first time in the annals of exile, Divine Providence has amazed our enemies with the astounding discovery that Jewish blood is not cheap. G-D did not seek honor and recognition. He wanted Pharoah, Moshe’s contemporary, to know that he must pay a high price for his edict that "Every male child born shall be cast into the river". His present desire is that the blood of the Jewish children who were slain, as they recited the

eighteen benedictions of the daily Amidah prayer, shall also be avenged. When G-D smote the Egyptians, He sought to demonstrate that there will always be accountability for the spilling of Jewish blood. At present, it is necessary not only to convince the dictator of Egypt, Nasser, but the self righteous Nehru, the Foreign Office in London, and the sanctimonious members of the United Nations that Jewish blood is not cheap. A people that cannot defend its freedom and tranquility is neither free nor independent".

 

It is frightening that the Rav said this many years ago and here we are today experiencing those self same feelings.

I will let the words of the Rav speak for themselves.

I pray that the injured should have a Refuah Sh’leymah.

May our Kedoshim find repose in Gan Eden.

May we herald the coming of the Meshiach, who will bring Peace and Tranqulity to the Jewish People and to the State of Israel.

WHO ARE WE? גר ותושב

As we continue to read Sefer Beraishis, one Medrash stands out in my mind as we strive to understand the entire story of creation and the ensuing lives of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

 

The Medrash states “Adam was created last by Hashem after all else was created, in order to prove to mankind that man was G-D's crowning glory at creation. ” By this act, Hashem proclaims to the world, that every person, whoever they may be, is most significant and important and precious in His eyes."

 

 The life of a Jew is unique and can best be understood when experienced.

 

I read recently, when Moshe Dayan was asked ‘What he was? he replied, “First I am Moshe and then I am General Dayan".

 

He was simply saying, ‘My first name Moshe is Hebrew and of historic origin and I belong to the Jewish People. Then I am Israeli, with a specific responsibility to the State of Israel."

 

The question for all to answer, ‘How do we identify ourselves?’

 

In this week’s Parsha, Chayeh Sarah, when Avraham was negotiating with  Bnei Cheis for Maarat Hamachpala as a burial place for Sarah he identifies himself in a fascinating way “גר ותושב אנכי עמכם” "I am a stranger and a resident among you." With these unique and strange combination of words, Avraham was reiterating how he saw himself vis a vis others in his generation and equally reflecting the historic destiny of the Jewish People.

 

The Rav, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik zt”l, suggests the following idea as Jews see themselves in our American society – He writes, ”It is true I am one of you, as I engage in business as you do , I speak your language, and I take full part in your social and economic institutions and in these aspects I am a resident in your community. However, at the same time I am a foreigner, a Geir.  I belong to a particular world - one that is completely foreign to you. It is a world where I am one with the Creator. We live within a tradition that you do not understand, with spiritual values that are strange to you. We live in a world of Torah, of loving kindness, of sanctity, and purity. You live differently, pray differently, and observe your Sabbath differently. In all these aspects, I am a Geir in your midst”.

 

Reflecting on the Rav’s remarks we, as Americans, will continue to dialogue with loyal citizens of our country and at all times maintain our strict observance of Torah and Mitzvot.

 

As Jews in the Diaspora the world does not understand our loyalty and dedication to the State of Israel.  But we will continue to muster all our efforts for the survival of our Jewish State.  We hope and pray that the world powers will recognize the importance of the State of Israel, not only for the Jewish People but for all persons throughout the universe. The world must know that the State of Israel will continue to grow and thrive, and we, the so called Geirim, in their midst, will continue to speak out on it’s behalf.

 

The expression of being a stranger and a citizen may seem antithetical, but it is our way of declaring who we are and with pride maintain that magnificent Jewish Identity.

 

Who are we?        גר ותושב !!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

Permit me to share with you a statement made by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, a great spiritual leader of the Jewish People and a profound Jewish Thinker.

 

"There is one who sings the songs of his own self and in himself finds everything. Then there is the one who sings the song of his people and cleaves with a tender love to Israel. And there is one whose spirit is in all worlds, and with all of them does he join in his song. The song of self, the song of One’s people, the song of man, the song of the world-they all merge within him continually. And this song, in its completeness and fullness, rises to become the song of Holiness."

 

These words of inspiration ring out to all humanity, with the simple question; “What song do we have in our lives that bespeaks the essence of our existence?”

 

More so, my quest is; “What song was in the hearts and minds of our patriarchs, especially in the heart and mind of our Father Avraham.”

 

I pose this question as we read in this week’s Parsha the story of the Akedah, when Avraham was asked by Hashem to bring his beloved son Yitzchak as an offering, attesting to his loyalty and unequivocal obedience to G-D'S behest.

 

I find the entire Akedah episode very difficult to comprehend because the Torah gives no description of Avraham’s state of mind or his feelings at this trying time. I do not see any conversation taking place, except when the Torah states "And Avraham rose early in the morning and went to the place of which G-D had told him".

 

One wonders ‘What were the inner thoughts, feelings and reactions of Avraham to such a severe Nisayon?’

 

A most enigmatic Medrash addresses Avraham’s dilemma as he walks with Yitzchak to fulfill the wishes of Hashem.

 

The Medrash relates; “The Satan appeared in different guises with the intention of dissuading Avraham from fulfilling his task. The Satan, in a very nefarious, way tries to show him the absurdity of such a venture.”

 

As I begin to think of the significance of this Medrash, I venture to say, that it may be a symbolic representation of an internal struggle that was taking place in the psychic of Avraham as he begins to realize more and more as he is rapidly approaches Mt. Moriah of the dire consequence of this mission.  However, his immense loyalty and dedication to Hashem energizes him to fend off all the efforts of the Satan and of his inner struggle and to forge ahead with his mission,  hoping, deep down in his heart and mind that the end result of such a Nisayon will be to his benefit.

 

Many of us face ‘Inner Struggle Forces’ which often deter us from our mission and our Tafkid in life.  We must, with all the energies we can muster, to fend off our ‘Inner Struggles’ that will take us off our path,  leading to success and to happiness.

 

Once again remembering the words of Rav Kook, “We all have a song of life that needs to be expressed and we must strive to sing that song that will continue to influence the way we live and to always be vigilant never to permit the Satans of negativity to block our road of achieving our spiritual goals for ourselves, for our families and for K'lal Yisrael.”

 

 

 

OUR TRAVELOGUE OF LIFE

 It is written, “Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced”.

 For Mimi and me the Yom Tov of Succot became the ultimate reality when, for the first time, we celebrated Succot in the Holy City of Yerushalayim. The experience was exhilarating and spiritually enriching as we Davened at the Kotel and was Menaaneiah, with our Lulav and Esrog as they must have done in the time of the Beit Hamikdash. This was the true highlight of our visit to our Jewish State.

We bring back, with us, this all embracing sense of Kedusha and pray that we will be continuously  inspired by this beautiful experience.

 How often do we travel in life and wonder “Where will our travels lead to?”

I remember reading a comical story of a group of Girl Scouts going on a hike and their leader was instructing them what to do if they got lost. “Remember, he said, always walk towards the light, and the glow will tell you where the nearest shopping mall is.”

Life indeed is our travelogue, where we have been, where we are now and where we are heading.

 Avraham, was, indeed, a traveler, as we read in this week’s Parsha.   Hashem tells Avraham“Lech Lecha". Leave your parents home and travel to a new and strange land that I will show you.”

That was the first time we read about Lech Lecha in the Torah.  Avraham was directed byHashem to leave the environment that would be detrimental to his family and hinder their spiritual progress.  However, as the Medrash states there was a second Lech Lecha – this was the directive Hashem gave to to  Avraham to go to Har Hamorea and "Kach Et Bincha"– you need to take your progenitors with you on this trek to achieve the greatest heights of spirituality.

I sense in life that we are all travelers. We need to follow the directives of Hashem to leave from a place that is detrimental to us and our families. At all times we need to know where we are going and what  our destination will be to assure a life of success and brachot.

Like Avraham, our travelogue needs to take us to Har Hamorea, to a place of 

G-Dliness and blessing.

This is our lesson in life : to leave behind us any obstacles that will hinder our religious and spiritual progress and to forge a goal that will bring our families with us as we ascend to more magnificent heights of Yiddishkeit and a Torah way of life.

   On a more Philosophical level, the expression Lech Lecha can be interpreted as, go unto yourself, search yourself for the answers of your life’s quest. Too often we are searching for the right Derech and to be motivated in the right way and all along the answers are within us, if only we would take the time and the effort to look within ourselves. We are so busy with so many things in life that we are ignoring the essence of life which is within us. Know my friends, “To do good in this world, first we must know who we are and what gives meaning in our life”. This is what Hashem is saying to everyone, Lech Lecha, go unto yourself and all the mysteries of life will be uncovered. This above all, ‘To thine own self be true’. We must use our lives to make the world a better place.

This is our journey in life, to be one with ourselves. Good character consists of knowing the good, desiring the good, and doing the good.

We must make the most of ourselves, for that is all there is of us.

Using Avraham as our emulating example, let us remember that to be a part of his life we must endeavor to live a life of Chesed,  of Tzedek,  of moral convictions that will lead us toHar Hamorea,  and to, eventually,  build the   Beit Hamikdash in our time, which will herald a time of Peace and Menucha for Am Yisrael.

 

עולה רגל

    I want to express a tremendous Hakoras Hatov to Hashem for the great Z'chut of celebrating the Yom Hakadosh of Yom Kippur and the forthcoming Yom Tov of Succot in עיר הקודש, our Holy Land of Israel.
    The awe inspiring feeling of reciting the Avodah and falling Korim in Yerushlayim gives one the opportunity of re-enacting the entire service as was experienced In the time of the Beit Hamikdash.
    It is difficult to describe my emotions in words as I became so engrossed in the performance of the Mitzvot of the day.  These feelings engulfed my whole being as I davened knowing that I was במקום קדוש. 
Then, to recite קידוש לבנה in Israel was very special.  It appeared to me that the moon in Jerusalem is a different moon, to be expierenced only in Hashem's selected place.
  I am now preparing for the holiday of Succot to fulfill the Mitzvah of Oleh Regel, with my Esrog and Lulav in hand as they did in the time of the Beit Hamikdash.  What greater Spiritual joy can there be?
  I am anticipating the  experience of sitting and eating in the Succah in Yerushlayim directly opposite Ir Dovid, the city where King David had his palace and conducted his affairs on behalf of the Jewish People, and recite the special Tefillah in the Bercaz Hamazon, הרחמן הוא יקים לנו את סוכת דוד הנופלת, "Beseech the Almighty to restore the fallen Succah of King David." We are praying that the monarchy of David be restored and that it will be the time for the Moshiach to herald a period of peace and prosperity and the building of Bayit S'hleishei - bringing about the fulfillment of Hashem returning to His Holy dwelling place once again. Awesome. Very Awesome!!!
     There is no place like Israel, which gives a Jew a true feeling of  connection to all that is Holy and inspirational. Israel is bringing many lost Neshamos back to Yiddishkeit and a Torah way of life, especially for the youth of today. True, we can observe our tradition and the laws of Torah in any part of the world , but there is no place like Yerushalyim to feel the presence of G-D, especially as we stand at the Kotel Hamaravi, glaring up at its top and searching for Hashem to rebuild His glorious house for all Jews to unite once again under the banner of Torah in brotherly love.
 May this year see the" Restoration of the fallen Succah of Dovid "and to herald the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkanu.


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DAYS OF INTROSPECTION

As we begin to recite Slichot this Sunday , my mind turns towards our preparations for the Yom Tov of Rosh Hashana.
Socrates, the Greek philosopher, was also celebrated as a teacher.  One day an arrogant young man came to him and said, "Great teacher, I wish to acquire learning."  The philosopher appraised the young man critically and said, "Follow me."
Together, they left the house and walked through the city until they came to a small river.  Socrates beckoned the would-be student to follow him into the water.  When they were in the middle of the river, the philosopher pushed the youth's head under water and held it down for some time.
When he released him Socrates asked, "When you were struggling in the water what did you desire most?"
"Learning, oh master," replied  the student.  Again Socrates pushed the young man's head under the water for a long time and again asked what his greatest desire was.
"Learning," panted the young man.  Again Socrates pushed him under the water and held him there until he ceased to struggle.  Then pulling him from the water, he asked,  "and now what was your greatest desire?"  The young man gasped, "air."

Socrates smiled and said, " when you desire learning as much as you desire air you shall have it."

As we experience this High Holy Day period, the holiest time of the year, we find ourselves in another spiritual climate as we stand in reverence before G-D.  Instead of feeling that religious observance as an afterthought, or that religion is an accessory of life, we desire, as did the drowning man, faith as the breath of life.

During this time of year, our blurred vision is properly focused and the main distractions and prejudices of the year disappear.  We see a new light of understanding and a light of the spirit.

Penitently, we pray to the Almighty, asking His help and guidance in transforming ourselves so that religion will become as important to us as it had ever been to our parents and our grandparents.

There is a spirituality electrifying mood in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah . If, during the year our heads are under the water of business and material gain, on Rosh Hashana we come up for spiritual air.

The call goes out from the Almighty to each one, "Oh, you  Jewish men and women, remember your responsibilities to your G-D, to your children and to your community.  Remember that you have an obligation to help build and to maintain the sanctuary that is your Jewish Home.

It is during these turbulent times that greater introspection into our personal lives is required and understandably greater D'Vekut Ba'shem.

As we approach these  days of awe, let us be mindful of this great opportunity that is presented to us , an opportunity to bring changes into our spiritual lives that will usher in a new era of peace and tranquility for ourselves and for  Klall Yisrael.
                                             לשנה טובה


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שמחת לב

 As we approach the Yom Tov of Rosh Hashanah my mantra is “Do what you love and love what you do."

 

Isaac Asimov, the prolific writer, during an interview with Barbara Walters was asked, “How many books did you write?”

He replied, “I don't remember the total, but it was some astronomic figure, but I am sure they were outdated within a short time.”

She was very impressed and asked him "Don't you ever want to do anything but write?" His answer was, "No."

She pressed him again, “Don't you ever want to go fishing, or hunting, or dancing, or hiking?

Again, his answer was, “No.”

Ms. Walters continued, “But what would you do if the doctor told you that you have only six months to live?"

Asimov replied, "Type faster".

That was a man who was happy doing what he was doing, and that is the secret of life.

 

The question I pose, “Are we happy in what we are doing?”

Remember well, Destiny is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice.

 

Our Torah portion this week is Ki Tavo, wherein we read 

״ושמחת בכל הטוב אשר נתן לך הי אלוקיך ולביתך ....״

"You shall rejoice in all the good that The Lord your G-D has granted you and your family"

 

Rav Kook defines Simcha as “Something that comes from the perception that someunexpected gift has befallen us. We feel joy in serving Hashem when we are aware of the tremendous privilege in being able to connect to G-D - a gift far beyond our true level. Awareness of this amazing gift, while at the same time feeling that our service is appropriate and suitable, allows us to feel both Simcha and Tov Lev.

This connection is a result of recognizing the divine source of our soul and it's inherent holiness, even though it may have become somewhat mundane through contact with the material world.

 

However, there are times when In the midst of Great Joy the world comes crumbling down upon us as a result of an evil that lurks in the dark that has resided in our midst. 

This was evident on September 11, 2001.  It is a day etched in our memory of horrors.

Who can ever forget that day of infamy when  our twin towers were taken down by ruthless murdering terrorists, who took innocent lives, only because they were Americans who lived by the sacred belief in the holiness and preservation of mankind.

 

In the midst of this mourning experience we continue to search for the true meaning of life. We search for happiness. We search for Simcha.

 

In our search we begin to realize that life is in the living. Life is in the tissue of every day and hour of our existence. With these thoughts in mind we begin to prioritize our goals and aspirations for ourselves and for our families.

 

Dovid Hamelech said it well, "Blessed be Hashem for everyday".

 

This idea is brought home in Thornton Wilders’ most poignant drama, Our Town. He relates how the main character of the book, Emily, is permitted to relive a day of her childhood, even after her death. When she does, she begins to realize how she failed to appreciate how beautiful her life was and then cries out, “Life goes so fast that we do not appreciate every moment.  We don't have time to look at one another, to see the beauty around us, to appreciate our Mama and Papa, our new ironed dresses and the delicious food that Mama prepared for us. Do any human beings even realize life while they live it? Every minute, every minute?."

 

 Indeed, at these times we begin to think of how to invest our time? We are encouraged that every dawn that ushers in a new day is an opportunity to live life in such a positive way that as we look back we have no regrets of what we didn't do - but rather feel great Simcha in what we did do, to make life more meaningful and more productive.

 

Simcha to me is what we bring to life that counts, not just what life throws at us.

Happiness is a state of mind and it lies within each one of us and sometimes we need to dig deeper into ourselves to find it, the result is truly, worthwhile.

 

Permit me to conclude with a story that emphasis this idea; A man once stood on a hill overlooking a valley and In the distance he saw a golden mountain. Overawed by what he saw he hiked to that impressive mountain. After climbing the mountain he discovered that the mountain from which he descended was now gleaming and that it was really the sun rays which made it glow.

 

Too often we see Simcha on the other mountain while all along it was within ourselves. 

 

We are all Blessed, for we possess the source of our Happiness. Blessed is the one who can find that Simcha.