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Parsha
Essays on the weekly Torah portion, the holidays and Jewish thought.
Essays
E-Lights Noach – Noach and the Bar Mitzvah Why did Noach, a tzadik, fail to influence even one person in 120 years? From obedience to empathy: the spiritual maturation of the soul. E-Lights Bereishis – Touching Perfection Why did Eve add a prohibition against touching the Tree of Knowledge? The etrog tree, means and ends, and the Messianic vision. E-Lights V'zot Haberachah – The Torah’s Final Words Who wrote the last eight verses of the Torah, and why do they have a different status? Moses, Joshua, tears, and the light of Moshiach. E-Lights Ha'azinu – The Blessing of Torah Why does the Talmud say the First Temple was destroyed because the people “did not recite the blessing over the Torah”? Recognizing the Divine source of Torah. E-Lights Nitzavim-Vayeilech – The Rocket of the Tzadik Why yearn for a Messianic world without the struggle against evil? From the struggle against evil to the challenge of good. E-Lights Ki Tavo – Two Paths to Victory: Confronting Evil and Causing It to Flee Our enemies “will come out against you in one direction and flee from you in seven directions.” Two forms of victory, and the seven rabbinical commandments. E-Lights Ki Teitzei – The “Skeletons” in King David’s Lineage At first glance, there appears to be no thematic connection between the Torah’s prohibition against marrying an Ammonite or Moabite and King David’s declaration of gratitude to G-d for having afflicted him and ultimately saving him. E-Lights Shoftim – The Two Dimensions of Jewish Kingship One of the Biblical commandments mentioned in this week’s parsha is the appointment of a king. E-Lights Re'eh – The Broken Rung of the Ladder Rav Papa slipped from a rung of a ladder and nearly fell to his death. How did Chiya bar Rav know that the cause was withholding tzedakah? E-Lights Ekev – The Illness of Exile and the Joy of Redemption When G-d promises to “remove from you all illness,” He is promising far more than physical healing: the removal of the very essence of exile. E-Lights Vo’eschanan – The Wisdom of Moses Why should Moses' wisdom preclude him from entering the Land? A puzzling Midrash, and Joseph's essence that Moses carried through the wilderness. Parsha Bereishis – The War Against Evil We are all shaken up and in a state of profound sorrow at the barbaric, murderous attack against thousands of our brothers and… Parsha Chaya Sara – The Fall of Yishmael The week’s parsha concludes with a list of Yishmael’s progeny and where they resided. In the very last verse, the Torah states:… Parsha Lech Lecha – Israel the People and Israel the Land The Jewish nation is presently in a state of war. It is not only the Jews living in Israel that have been attacked and are… Parsha Miketz – Provisions, Breaking and Hope As Joseph’s prediction of a famine that would devastate the residents of Egypt and Canaan came true, Jacob sent his sons to… Parsha Noach – A Hamas-Less World By Divine providence, we are going to read the parsha of Noah at a time the Jewish people are engaged in a war against the evil… Parsha Toldos – The Third Bais Hamikdash The Patriarch Isaac engaged in digging wells. The Torah, in this week’s parsha, recounts how the first two wells he dug were… Parsha Vayeira – Don’t Forget the Low When You Go High Abraham had just undergone circumcision at the age of 99 and was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. Our… Parsha Vayeitzei – Numerical Superiority In this week’s parsha, Jacob flees from his brother Esau’s wrath. On his way, he falls asleep and has an unusual dream in which he… Parsha Vayishlach – Learning from Evil Jacob fled the wrath of his brother Esau and stayed with his uncle Laban for 20 years. Our parsha this week relates that Jacob is… Parsha Haazinu – Receptivity to Torah The Torah portion Ha’azinu is a song in which Moses first rebukes the people and then showers them with words of consolation. One… Parsha Nitzavim Vayeilech – Moses’ Paradigm Shift The second of the two sections of the Torah that we will read this Shabbos begins with the words: “Vayeilech Moseh-Moses went, and… Parsha Ki Savo – The Missing Letter vov Parshas Ki Savo is known for the blessings and curses that were promised to the Jewish people for compliance or non-compliance… Parsha Ki Seitzei – Corrupting the Power of Speech Ki Seitzei is the richest parsha in terms of its number of commandments. One of those commandments relates to the two nations of… Parsha Ekev – The Cure for Infertility As a reward for our commitment to the commandments G-d promises us many things, among them we read the following in this week’s… Parsha R’ei – Infinite Blessings and Finite Curses This week’s parsha opens with the words: “See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse.” The Hebrew word for “I” used in… Parsha Vo'eschanan – Double Consolation The haftarah for this week is taken from Isaiah, who declares: “Nachamu, nachamu Ami-Comfort, comfort My people, says your G-d.”… Parsha Devarim – Snow White In his final soliloquy, Moses recounts the events since the exodus from Egypt. He describes the defeat of the two Emorite kings… Parsha Matos-Masei – Fighting the Wars of Midian and Amalek Anashim-Righteous Men After the Midianite leadership corrupted many of the Jewish men, causing a major plague that killed 24,000… Parsha Pinchas – The Road to Redemption The end of last week’s parsha describes how Pinchas zealous killing of the consorting Jewish prince, Zimri with the Midianite… Parsha Chukas Balak – Mezuzah Power The Jewish nation stood on the cusp of their conquest of Canaan, situated in close proximity to the Moabite Kingdom. Balak, the… Parsha Korach – Talis Versus Tzitzis Korach, Moses’ cousin, started a rebellion, directed against Moses and Aaron. Korach argued that Moses had arrogated to himself… Parsha Beshalach – Ahead of the Angels Angels are spiritual beings that are totally devoted to G-d. Because they have no free choice they are in a constant state of devotion to Him. Obviously, humans who have inclinations for evil are spiritually inferior to angels. However, when G-d shows His love for the Israelites—as He did at the tim Parsha Beshalach – All the King’s Horse When G-d created the world, Kabbalah teaches us, He did so by using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which are actually divine instruments, or the DNA of creation. These “letters” are forever vested within creation. And if G-d would withdraw them, the world would revert to its original state of n Parsha Beshalach – Be Silent! There are times when we are preoccupied with lofty matters such as prayer, literally or figuratively. G-d then says to us, “Be silent, stop praying, get up and help another person split their sea.” BESHALLACH BESHALLACH Parsha Beshalach – Double Praise In the future Redemption, after living through thousands of years of exile, we, as a people, did not and will not lose our faith and trust that G-d would redeem us and bring Moshiach. Even in the Death Camps, thousands of Jews went to their deaths singing, yes singing, the melody to the words “I bel Parsha Beshalach – Fear of Philistines We are now standing on the threshold of a new age, the Age of Redemption, which parallels the Exodus from Egypt. We must be mindful of the threat that comes from the modern day Philistines; from those who deride and mock all attempts at our liberating ourselves from the shackles of exile. BESHALLACH Parsha Beshalach – Leaders and Heroes Moses’ greatness is not measured by what he was, i.e., his knowledge, piety etc., but by what he was not. Moses was so close to G-d that he was totally self-effacing. He had completely surrendered his ego, not by falsely denying his own qualities, but by recognizing how everything he possessed was f Parsha Beshalach – Move-On! The entire process of the Jewish people being in Egypt and then leaving with its wealth was intended to “liberate” the sparks of holiness embedded in Egypt. The principal goal of liberating these sparks was to set the stage for the ultimate giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which enables us to tra Parsha Beshalach – Perish the Thought! For close to 2,000 years, the Jewish people collectively have not forgotten that their real home is in G-d’s home; in the Land of Israel, in Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. We have never—as a people—even harbored a fleeting thought that we belong anywhere other than in His home. For close to two thou Parsha Beshalach – Raising Moses’ and Moshiach’s Hands Moses’ role in the war against Amalek was no longer going to be channeling a Divine revelation as he did for the Exodus. Now, Moses had to ignite the spark of Moses within each and every Jew. No Divine staff could do this. Moses had to inspire the Jews to change and direct their hearts heavenward by Parsha Beshalach – Sea and Land (Copied and slightly adapted from an essay by Yanky Tauber based on a talk of the Rebbe.) The Exodus set them free from the paganism of Egypt. It removed the shackles of "landism" from their souls, exposing them to the all-consuming spiritual truth of the sea. The Exodus liberated them from the pris Parsha Beshalach – Sea Transformed Into Dry Land or Dry Land Becoming Sea According to Rambam, there will be no fundamental changes to the nature of the world in the initial stage of the Messianic Age. However, with the advent of the Resurrection of the Dead, a period of radical change to nature, there will be changes in the way we relate to Torah knowledge as well. In th Parsha Beshalach – Sing Along Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the founder of the Chabad- Lubavitch movement, known as the Alter Rebbe) once remarked: “Speech is the pen of the heart, song is the pen of the soul.” This means that while one can express one’s ideas and even feelings by way of speech, one cannot express one’s inner s Parsha Beshalach – Ten Plague Therapy (3) The “eye” represents the way we look at things. There are two general perspectives to everything. One is the view that is the natural outgrowth of the “land,” i.e., the day to day exigencies of life. And then there is the perspective that comes from wisdom; specifically Divine wisdom that is embodie Parsha Beshalach – The Essence of Joseph Moses, knowing that ultimately the Jewish people will be going through a long and arduous exile—symbolized by their journey through the desert —prepares them for the journey by taking Joseph’s essence (literally: bones) with him. No matter how far and how long the exile, no matter how far a Jew may Parsha Beshalach – The Respectful Sea and the Nature of Nature One approach to miracles is that when a person devoted to G-d wants to realize his divine mission, the general rule is that nature itself will accommodate that effort. This is so not because nature will change, but rather because nature itself was so programmed at the very time of creation. And whil Parsha Beshalach – The Song of the Future Shaloh quotes the Midrash that says: “In the future, Israel will sing praise in the future.” As soon as the news of the Redemption is announced, they will sing praise for the future miracles even before they will happen. Just by hearing that the Redemption with its attendant miracles are imminent wi Parsha Beshalach – The Three Pronged Attack Torah study is the antidote to the aspect of Amalek that sows doubt and confusion in our lives. Torah gives us clear direction. Indeed, the word Torah itself means guidance. Torah is always associated with light because it shines the light of truth and exposes the true meaning and purpose of everyon Parsha Beshalach – The Twelve Tunnels It is axiomatic in Judaism that a community is considerably more than the sum total of its components. There is a special holiness that is introduced into a community that is infinitely greater than the any of its parts. For example, a minyan, is much more than just a collection of ten people in one Parsha Beshalach – Transforming the Irrational Hatred The Rebbe often referred to the phenomenon in recent times whereby hidden forms of good and evil have surfaced in the world at large and within individuals. This phenomenon, the Rebbe stated, was a symptom of the Messianic Era. Hidden evils are now surfacing, but, at the same time, hidden levels of Parsha Beshalach – Two Right Hands A wedding today is a combination of two features: It is a reenactment of the first union of Adam and Eve that miraculously brought together two opposites, just as in the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. It is also a portent, a sample and a taste of the wedding of the future, where the unity Parsha BESHALACH – VIVE LA DIFFERENCE The lesson from the narrative of the Jews going into the sea is that in times of crises there is no time to stand on ceremony. True, in times of peace there must be a system of priority, who goes first and who follows. Each tribe is entitled to vie for the responsibility and honor of being first. When it comes to times of crises, even Benjamin, the youngest of the tribes can override the system and jump into the s Parsha Beshalach – What’s in It for Me? When one receives pleasure or derives a benefit from the one mitzvah, and no benefit from another, the latter mitzvah takes precedence. The rationale for this is that one of the functions of the mitzvah is to refine us. The more a mitzvah “imposes” itself on us and demands of us to “bend” (Iskafia i Parsha Bo – All Dressed Up and Ready to Go All the reasons that were given for our stay in exile have all since expired. Why has G-d kept us here anyhow? One answer: G-d wants us to enter into the Messianic period “fully and ornately dressed.” Rather than just thrust us into a new world of unadulterated goodness and holiness, unprepared, He Parsha Bo – Entering the Crocodiles Den Moses was expected to not only enter in to Pharaoh's palace, but to penetrate his inner sanctum, where he was in his most secure, physically and psychologically, space and taunt him by his very presence, thereby destroying his power. Moses found this to be daunting. For this new task, he was in need Parsha Bo – Don’t Let Your Mitzvos Become Sour Guarding the Matzah represents maintaining humility and not letting our egos gain control over us. When we are not careful about our Matzah, and our egos swell, it is likely that we will postpone the execution of a Mitzvah; we will wait to first convince ourselves about the importance of the Mitzvah Parsha Bo – Finally Free According to one authority we will always have to express our gratitude to G-d for the Exodus from Egypt even in the Messianic Age, despite the fact that the miracle of the Redemption will dwarf the miracle of the Exodus. Without freedom we acquired at the Exodus we could never have attained anythin Parsha Bo – Free and Rich A Jew, from the time of the Exodus onward, says the Maharal (the great 16th century Talmudist, Kabbalist and leader), became an inherently free person. A Jew cannot be truly subservient to others. It goes against his or her very nature and essence. For a Jew to thrust himself into slavery once the d Parsha Bo – From Moses to Moses… The Jewish people were blessed with a leader of monumental proportions. His name was Moses. In the more recent past we were blessed with another Moses , Moses Maimonides, known in his day as Rabeinu Moshe and for all of eternity as Rambam (An acrostic for Rabeinu Moshe Ben Maimon). Indeed, the paral Parsha Bo – Getting Out of the Black Hole! The plague of darkness was not just the absence of light but a substantive and palpable form of darkness. There are times in our lives that we may be missing some light; it is a temporary condition that can be remedied by the study of a little bit of Torah, a small gesture of kindness, participation Parsha Bo – Hardened Hearts We have a Divine soul. We have received the Torah at Mount Sinai at which time G-d said to each and every one of us, “I am G-d your G-d,” in the singular, to indicate that G-d is the life-force and the essence of each individual. We have thousands of years of cumulative holiness which was generated Parsha Bo – Moses the Matchmaker Moses and Moshiach are the matchmakers between G-d and Israel. A matchmaker does not separate between the two parties. Rather he or she brings them together. Moses and Moshiach are the ultimate unifiers. Parsha Bo – Open the Door Freedom is not a right; it is an obligation. Although there are times when we must surrender our freedom for an overriding purpose, we must never allow ourselves to become career servants. The concept of servitude is only desirable when it is service to G-d. Parsha Bo – No More Barking All the earlier plagues were designed primarily to punish the Egyptians, prove that there is an all-powerful G-d, repudiate the Egyptian deities and magicians, and establish the unique status of the Jewish people. The final plague of the First-Born introduced a new dimension: that G-d’s relationship Parsha Bo – Seeing the Light As a preparation for the revelation of the Exodus and the Sinai experience, G-d gave the Jews a foretaste of the Divine light that they would experience on the last night in Egypt and beyond. But this light was so powerful that it overwhelmed the depraved Egyptians and temporarily blinded them. The Parsha Bo – The Essential, Rebellious Jew Shabbos is a reminder of G-d as our Creator. Shabbos also possesses a secondary theme of liberation; a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. What does liberation add to a person who already lives a blissful Shabbos life of serenity? As peaceful and blissful as living in a private domain can be, we c Parsha Bo – The Angels Were Baffled G-d was not threatening Adam with death; He was telling him that a human being has essentially two options: “You can exercise your G-d given ability to transcend your own nature, but to maintain that level of transcendence you must keep your mind attuned to the Torah. Because it is the Torah mentali Parsha Bo – The Explosion In the Messianic Age, the Rebbe explains, we will not just be the beneficiaries of the conventional kindness and compassion that are associated with Abraham and Jacob. Rather the full force of Divine beneficence will break through all the obstructions that are the product of our shortcomings and the Parsha Bo – The First Mitzvah Judaism is not about religion. It is about transforming the world; making every year, month, week, day, hour, minute and second count. Today is not just today. It is the accumulation of sanctified segments of time that represent a powerful surge of unprecedented energy. The weekdays that we sanctify Parsha Bo – The Last Three Plagues There are two tiers of growth in our spiritual lives. We begin with lessons that touch us on the surface and have a limited impact. These temporary measures must be followed by more powerful influences that are all pervasive. We must see to it that the message of liberation consumes us, penetrates t Parsha Bo – The Two Pronged Approach Freedom can be experienced on many levels. To the extent that we follow the dictates of the G-dly soul over the desires of the animal soul we determine the degree to which we are free. If we do the right thing for ulterior motives our state of freedom is imperfect. When we are not totally free, we c Parsha Bo – Top Priority Whenever we succeed in extricating one Jew from the state of alienation from G-d, and bring him closer to Judaism, we have, in effect, liberated an entire world. Our sages tell us that “one who saves but one person is as if he had saved an entire universe.” Parsha Bo – Windows 5778 The model of true freedom is the Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites were not liberated to be free. They were liberated to become a nation that would stand at Mount Sinai and receive G-d’s constitution—the Torah with all of its commandments. Parsha Voeira – A Line on the Wall In the days of old, there were those people whose lives were devoted to one area of Jewish expression. Today, as we prepare for the dynamic period of the future Messianic Age, we must all become eclectic. While we must resist dilettantism, we must learn to combine the best of all the worlds of goodn Parsha Voeira – A Tale of Two Cities The introduction of the counter intuitive perception of G-d’s role in everything—began with Abraham and culminated with Sinai. At Sinai the world was temporarily given a flash of lightning view of the reality of G-d’s presence. But even after that flash dissipated, it left us with the potential to r Parsha Voeira – Acknowledgment First Step to Freedom The instrument we need for Moshiach is acknowledging what goes on in our lives. Acknowledging leads to appreciation. This is what preparing for Moshiach entails. Opening our eyes to see the cataclysmic events that have occurred, as well as the more subtle changes that are happening. To become sensit Parsha Voeira – Divine Micromanagement The entire future of the world, the ultimate age of Redemption, is not necessarily dependent on some earth shattering gesture on our part. One minor act of kindness and goodness, one more Mezuzah on our door posts, one more dollar to tzedakah, can be the one act that will transform the entire world. Parsha Voeira – Four Redemptions Plus One One can be freed from torture, but can still be plagued by inner turmoil and anguish. One can be freed as a slave, but still have others who act like one’s masters. One can be free from a given country, but still have no country to call their own. One can have Torah which provides us with inner free Parsha Voeira – Four to the Fourth Power The number four, in conjunction with the Seder (which is full of fours, such as the Four Questions, the Four Sons, etc.), has been associated with the four letters of the Divine name, known as the Tetragrammaton. This name of G-d contains the force responsible for creation in general and the human c Parsha Voeira – Hot and Cold There is a time when indifference can be a virtue: When we remain cool and collected in the presence of people whose passions are misplaced. Parsha Voeira – Miracles: Escaping the Galus Fumes! Jewish law never included imprisonment as a standard punishment. If the sanction doesn’t bring the criminal to atonement then it is simply punishment for the sake of punishment. Punishment that actually causes one to degenerate further and fall deeper into the moral abyss and denies the prisoner the Parsha Voeira – Seventh Generation Sensitivity We are living in the most refined generation of history! Thousands of years of collective observance of the Mitzvos, and Torah study practiced with incredible self-sacrifice, have rendered the spiritual air far more pure and holy. By this reckoning, we are the most suitable generation in history to Parsha Voeira – Synthesis, Not Sin-Thesis Moses, who is known to us as the Giver of the Torah, represented the ultimate intellect. His role was to think, probe and understand. If Moses would have dismissed G-d’s mysterious actions as being above the capacity of the human mind to grasp, he would have been remiss. G-d expected of him to quest Parsha Voeira – Staff Eats Staff For education to be worthy of its name the teacher, mentor, parent et al. must employ tough love on occasion. However, the way we administer this love can make the difference between success and failure. It can determine whether the student will have a future or will his or her potential forever rem Parsha Voeira – Ten, Forty or Fifty Plagues R. Eliezer’s “four level” approach to getting rid of evil means that we must work on all conscious levels of our soul, making sure they are not paralyzed. This means that we must get our actions, attitudes, intellect and will-power, to not be contaminated with negative influences and to not stagnate Parsha Voeira – Ten Plague Therapy One of the greatest obstacles to growth is the desire to make great strides, so that one can realize their goal quickly. If one cannot rise to the top one is disappointed and frustrated. In Judaism, however, the belief is that every little, incremental, action has cosmic value. Once one has eliminat Parsha Voeira – The Eighth Step: Arbeh-Locust – Covering the Eye of the Land Locust was the most devastating plague to date because it destroyed all of Egypt’s food supply, portending a famine of historic… Parsha Voeira – The Bird of Knowledge Galus is punctuated with pain, suffering, discord, strife and concealment of G-d’s presence. On the other hand, Galus has provided us with the greatest opportunity to accomplish what we could not when we lived in the Land of Israel beside our Beis Hamikdash. The suffering in Galus has exposed and re Parsha Voeira – The Fifth Step: Dever-Pestilence – The Holy Animal The plague of dever-pestilence was the first to actually do more than just serve as a nuisance or a source of fright, but it… Parsha Voeira – The First Step: Blood – Destroying Icons The first impediment to emotional and spiritual health is our belief in false icons. The first plague that turned the Nile River… Parsha Voeira – The Five Expressions of Redemption By not changing their names, the Jewish people in Egypt never lost their identity as Jews. Corresponding to this virtue, the Torah states that G-d took them out of the burden of Egypt. The greatest burden is when you lose your identity because it is subsumed within the identity of your tormentor. Th Parsha Voeira – The Fourth Step: Arov-Mixture of Wild Animals – Don’t Undersell Yourself The fourth plague known as arov involved a mixture of wild animals coming together to terrorize the Egyptian populace. It was more… Parsha Voeira – The Frog If we would trace everything in this world to its source, we would realize that there is but one, absolutely one, source to everything. Any appearance of plurality in our source of life is but an illusion created by our doing. Parsha Voeira – The Nameless, Ubiquitous Pharaoh The face expresses one’s inner feelings. When a person shows you their face they are inviting you into their inner space. In Hebrew the word for face-panim is synonymous with the word pnimiyus-which denotes inwardness. When we show someone our face, we are communicating with them. Parsha Voeira – The Ninth Step: Choshech-Darkness – The Last Prerequisite The plague of darkness is by far the most enigmatic plague. It appears not be in order, for it did not cause more harm than the… Parsha Voeira – The Seven Plagues In our attempt to get out of the current exile, we must apply the following lessons that emerge from the first seven plagues: We have to abandon all the false idols that society has given us (plagues one and two); preplace it with truth (plague three); recognize that we are loved by G-d (plagues fou Parsha Voeira – The Seventh Step: Barad-Hail – Bringing It All Inside The plagues are getting more destructive. This seventh plague of hail put an even greater dent in the economy of Egypt as it… Parsha Voeira – The Tenth Step: Makkat Bechorot-The Death of – The Firstborn Preserving Our Elite Faculties The death of the firstborn was obviously the most devastating plague, because it actually killed at least one family member in… Parsha Voeira – The Third Step: Lice – Small Is Big After the first two plagues they were treated to a plague— the plague of lice—that proved impossible for them to replicate unlike… Parsha Voeira – The Sixth Step: Shechin-Boils Tough Love The plague of Boils was the first of the second half of plagues, and it was the first plague to actually afflict their bodies. One… Parsha Voeira – The Three Guarantees How could a loving G-d allow Galus to continue? This question is really a statement. This “question” does not demand a philosophical answer. It wants nothing less than G-d taking us, His children, into His warm embrace. We feel it in our gut that our loving Father will not tolerate any more sufferin Parsha Voeira – Uncircumcised Lips When Moses saw how he was not getting through to the Children of Israel, he attributed this to his own spiritual deficiency. Moses was convinced that it was his fault—due to his “uncircumcised lips;” or a lack of sincerity. G-d, however, assured Moses that he would succeed. Parsha Voeira – The Tomorrow Syndrome “Tomorrow” is the lexicon of exile. The word “tomorrow” should not appear in our vocabulary when it comes to the end of pain and suffering or the end of exile. When we hear someone saying “things will get better, but I don’t want, care, or expect it to happen today” they’ve been infected with Pharao Parsha Voeira – Who Will Be the Aaron’s of Our Generation? As long as the Jewish people believed that Moses was sent by G-d to liberate them, there was no need to perform miracles for Pharaoh. Their faith was so powerful that it could “infect” everybody. The key to Moses’ success in touching Pharaoh’s cruel heart was the faith of the people. When G-d told h Parsha Shmos – Born a Leader G-d’s first encounter with Moses at the burning bush occurred when he was grazing the sheep of his father-in- law Jethro. According to the Midrash, this was G-d’s final test to determine Moses qualification for the job of leader. By showing how he was concerned with every little lamb, giving it what Parsha Shmos – Don’t Forget Your Name When a person or a nation degenerates, but, nevertheless remembers their G-dly essence and are aware of their unique role in G-d’s plan, there is much to salvage. There is hope. Parsha Shmos – A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Tamper with As Jews we must remember that exile conditions, no matter how good – nay, especially when they are good – should never lull us into thinking that we can feel secure living a non-Jewish lifestyle in exile. The longer we delude ourselves that we are just like everyone else and we can prosper indefinit Parsha Shmos – Exodus or Names? One cannot be liberated from bondage, without a sense of self-hood. A person who is not secure with his/her own identity is susceptible to virtually every other influence that imposes itself on the individual. This is not true freedom. We cannot surrender ourselves to G-d’s authority and accept the Parsha Shmos – Give Credit Where Credit Is Due It is impossible to fathom the suffering of good people. We dare not look for rationalizations for their pain and suffering. This will change in the future Messianic Age. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed of the Messianic Age: “You will say on that day, ‘I thank you, G-d, for you were angry with me, and Parsha Shmos – Hijacked! Pharaoh’s diabolical plan was to enlist women to serve as agents in continuing and deepening the exile. Redemption is the power to rebel against any and every power that tells us what to do. It is an inner fortitude that is impervious to all outside influences. Pharaoh therefore enlisted the two mos Parsha Shmos – Hitting Bottom We are living in times that parallel the generation of the Exodus. Many Jews have descended so low, in terms of their Jewish identities and affiliation, that we might think that their situation is hopeless. Are we a hopeless bunch of people who are beyond rehabilitation and spiritual growth? Or are Parsha Shmos – It Depends on the Name Yehudah, which means gratitude, is a name that is associated with Redemption. Only a person who is free from the pressures that come from the outside can truly express sincere gratitude to, and full acceptance, of G-d. Parsha Shmos – Left, Right and Center The lesson for us here in the last generation of Galus and first generation of Geulah-Redemption is that we must bury the exile constraints in the sand, i.e., recognize that Torah, unlike other disciplines, is not a “man.” Torah is Divine. When we internalize and live by the Moses-model of humility Parsha Shmos – Names, Language, Slander and Chastity The virtue of not changing their names suggests that their identities were intact. The worst part of slavery is arguably the loss of identity. A slave is just chattel; the property of his master no different from his house or his animal. Even the most benign form of slavery, is still slavery, wherei Parsha Shmos – No Denial in the Nile Dealing with the pain and suffering of others is a most difficult matter. Many grown people develop a coping mechanism, whereby they desensitize themselves to the pain of others or they are in denial that such suffering is real. This coping mechanism, while it might be necessary to prevent one from Parsha Shmos – No Rest Moses, the paragon of truth could not countenance the idea that his actions would be a “temporary fix.” It was so contrary to his nature and ideal. Therefore, Moses asked G-d to let a more consistent leader begin the process that will end in ultimate and permanent success. Parsha Shmos – Obsession for Life Whether it is praying for children, nurturing life, saving lives, showing contempt for those who take the lives of others lightly, women were always in the forefront of the Jewish nation, when it came to the quest for and promotion and preservation of life. Parsha Shmos – Reach Out and “Touch” Someone In Kabbalah we are taught that the bodily functions derive from their spiritual counterpart. Each part of our body is a reflection of G-d’s attributes, that He uses to relate to His creation. The most important and most dominant Divine attribute is kindness (chessed); G-d’s way of reaching out. Our Parsha Shmos – Remove Your Shoes In truth, every Jew was charged with the responsibility to be a leader. Being a leader is a delicate tightrope act, maintaining a healthy and productive balance between feeling the pain of others and not falling apart in despair. Parsha Shmos – Seeds of Liberation The Rebbe explained the reason for celebrating our birthdays is because it is the anniversary of G-d’s declaration to us: “You are needed and special! “Your soul is unique and its contribution to the world cannot be matched by anyone else. “If I had another soul identical to yours, it would not have Parsha Shmos – Stand Far and Close We can compare our situation to reading a mystery novel. Even if we read the first and last pages and know the outcome, we still have to read the book to discover how the events unfolded and lead to that climax. We are now in middle of the novel, closer to the end to be sure, but we still are in the Parsha Shmos – The Princes of Egypt The Rebbe has suggested that the Final Redemption will be ushered in by our dedication to the teachings of Maimonides—the second Moses—who has illuminated the world with the light of the entire Torah. Moreover, more than any other Jewish scholar, Maimonides has taught us about—thereby preparing us f Parsha Shmos – Take Off the Mask! There are restrictions that have been placed on the study of the mystical teachings of the Torah. These restrictions were not intended as red lights. They were merely stop signs to prepare us for the entry into these very powerful areas of study. Don’t go to areas that are beyond your level; find a Parsha Shmos – Were You Invited to the Inauguration? The capacity to detach oneself from the exalted palace life, literally or figuratively, in order to see another’s plight is the first criterion for a liberator. The second criterion is to never look down at the person one goes out to. And the third criterion is the ability to go into the other perso Parsha Shmos – Whose Who in Exile? In these times of freedom and prosperity we can comfortably say: “You have satisfied us with Your goodness”! So now we can truly appreciate the second part of the prayer: “Gladden our hearts with Your salvation.” G-d for Your own sake bring Moshiach and an end to exile in all of its incarnations and Parsha Shmos – Workaholics and Egyptian Bondage There are people who are so dedicated to their profession or business that they have no sense of time; they are workaholics. Frequently their obsession with constant work will cause them to neglect their families, their religious and Jewish educational responsibilities. For all intents and purposes, Parsha Shmos – Y6k Shabbos is the ultimate expression of freedom. When a Jew liberates himself from work on the day that G-d sanctified, the individual experiences an unparalleled sense of freedom. All the demands made on us from the outside world are suddenly removed. We no longer feel subservient to our employer, th Parsha Haazinu – As an Eagle In the future we will gracefully fly like eagles over the waters. This means that we will have the ability to fathom the most esoteric and elusive G-dly knowledge with relative ease. The most profound and heretofore unfathomable levels of Torah knowledge will be available to us. SHUVAH SHUVAH Parsha Haazinu – A Tale of Two Humilities There are two types of leaders. The first sees the outer trappings of power and becomes intoxicated and blinded by this newly found power. The second acquire a greater awareness of G-d in Whose presence they feel their own insignificance. SHUVAH SHUVAH Parsha Haazinu – Closer to Heaven Because we are in many ways feeling the rays of light of the future in the present, we are that much more likely to experience the closeness to heaven that is unique to Moses and is manifest in these Ten Days of Teshuvah than in the past. Today, everybody with relatively minimal effort can access th Parsha Haazinu – Don’t Sell Ourselves Short We have to be brutally honest, and not try to gloss over our faults and transgressions. Finding mitigating circumstances is commendable when judging others. It is the wrong approach when engaging in self-examination and repentance. We must not say to G-d, “I transgressed, but…” We must take full res Parsha Haazinu – Four Ingredients of Teshuvah The most basic requirement for Teshuvah is a resolution for the future. A thief who wishes to repent, must resolve to never steal again. But that resolve is unlikely to endure without the thief truly experiencing remorse and regret for the past, the second component of Teshuvah. SHUVAH SHUVAH Parsha Haazinu – Living in the Present On Yom Kippur we are given a respite from the obsession with the past and the anxiety over the future. We can live fully in the here and now, if only for a 24 hour period. To show how much we savor these precious moments, we sound the shofar at the end of the day and declare “Next year in Jerusalem! Parsha Haazinu – Rain or Sukkah The Sukkah conveys an overarching message of faith and trust in G-d exclusively. The Sukkah reorients our egocentric way of thinking into a G-d centric manner of thinking. The Sukkah reminds us of the way our own understanding and our own initiatives are inherently limited. The Sukkah is the antidot Parsha Haazinu – Return to Returning In the Age of Moshiach we will fully experience all of the qualities and all of the accomplishments of the past. The difference between the past and the future, however, is that in the past the world’s qualities were incompatible with progress. In the future, we will recapture the innocence of the p Parsha Haazinu – Repent Ye Non Sinners There are two levels of Teshuvah The lower level of Teshuvah with its focus on the remorse that we must feel for our past invariably evokes feelings of sadness and discontent. The higher level, by contrast, with its focus on our soul re- connecting with G-d, is punctuated with joy. It is akin to the Parsha Haazinu – The Last Commandment We are situated between the last moments of Galus-exile and the beginning of the Final Redemption. Because we are the “bridge” generation, we may experience conflicting and often diametrically opposing emotions. We can view the unfolding of events through the shaded glasses of Galus which make every Parsha Haazinu – Three Generations-Three Dimensions All areas of Torah knowledge are Divine. They nevertheless differ in the way they reflect the Divine. When one studies criminal law the mind is engaged with criminal behavior. We need to be reminded periodically that we are studying G-d’s wisdom. Chassidic thought, which describes the relationship b Parsha Haazinu – Tikkun Olam? In the literature of Kabbalah, Tikkun refers to the spiritual and G-dly sparks that are imprisoned in the physical world. All physical objects contain powerful sparks of holiness but are incapable of expressing themselves. By performing a Mitzvah, which invariably involves a physical object, we libe Parsha Vayechi – All of Jacob: Not Just Memories As we stand on the threshold of the “Messianic Age” we must be aware of our role as “Josephs” whose destiny it is to forge ahead into a new world. To accomplish this, we must be rooted in the past traditions of Judaism. We must also remember that nice memories of the past do not suffice to guarantee Parsha Vayechi – Creative Blessings Whenever possible we should make an attempt to bless one another, because the mere exercise of blessing has the capacity to actualize latent positive qualities. Our wanting behavior may belie the true positive motivation behind our actions. All that we have to do is remove the negative crust that di Parsha Vayechi – Did You Bring a Gift for Moshiach? Moshiach is the ultimate synthesis of the greatest power of leadership and the ultimate level of goodness and holiness. Moshiach is called Peretz because, as the word suggests, he can break through all barriers. He can therefore penetrate even the toughest personality and excavate that individual’s Parsha Vayechi – Don’t Inhibit It is crucial that our diverse talents and competing approaches do not lead to disharmony. It is imperative that there is a sense that all these different roads roads must lead to one goal: making the world a place where G-d’s presence is revealed, which is Judaism’s view of the Messianic Age. To fa Parsha Vayechi – Fish on Dry Land There are hidden realms of our personality that we may never discover that they exist. While Freud spoke of how the subconscious affects our conscious minds, there are hidden parts of our psyche and soul that will forever defy exposure. The greatest blessing we can give someone is that they realize Parsha Vayechi – Haste Does Not (Always) Make Waste In these last moments of exile, every Mitzvah carries far more weight than at any other time in our history. Even one seemingly “insignificant” gesture—consistent with G-d’s will conveyed to us through the Torah—can forever alter the nature of existence. One Mitzvah, the Talmud writes, can transport Parsha Vayechi – Jacob and Joseph For the Jews to have the spiritual capacity to be liberated from Egypt, they needed an "outside" force. Jacob, in his rightful place - the Holy Land of Israel - served as the reservoir of strength, hope and inspiration for his children. For the Jews to have the spiritual capacity to cope while they Parsha Vayechi – Jacob Never Died! The definition of truth is not simply the opposite of a lie. The “true” meaning of truth is that it is consistent. If something ceases at a certain point then it is not pure and unadulterated truth. Parsha Vayechi – Messianic Beauty and Harmony Jacob’s trait of tiferes, translated as beauty or harmony could not degenerate into evil. When a trait is so nuanced and balanced it leaves no room for degeneration. Gevurah-judgment limits the excessive potential of chesed- kindness and, conversely, chesed suppresses the explosive potential of gevu Parsha Vayechi – Miracles and Nature The fact that we survived our difficult exile can be attributed to two causes: miraculous or natural. It was a miracle that “one lamb surrounded by seventy wolves” survived, as the Midrash puts it. There is also a “natural” explanation for this phenomenon. The dedication of the Jewish people to the Parsha Vayechi – No Evil Eye! Optimism brings positive results. This does not mean that optimistic people cannot be harmed. Joseph is a perfect refutation of this notion. He was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and tossed into prison. What optimism does help is to deflect the negative energy—not negative actions—generated b Parsha Vayechi – Open Eyes and Hearts When we look around us, we might imagine that the world is in state of spiritual decline and that we are so far from the state of Redemption. Despite all the negative phenomena of recent times we must realize that, on the contrary, the world has changed for the good. Parsha Vayechi – Probing the Inner Recesses of the Soul Joseph’s crying was a cathartic process that enabled him to search his own soul for any trace of revenge that he might have possessed in his subconscious. Parsha Vayechi – Right and Left No matter how great, glorious and spiritual it was when we had the Holy Temple in Jerusalem; we have now reached even greater heights in exile. We have thrived and been fruitful in spite of all the obstacles and tribulations that we encountered throughout the last 2,000 years of exile. Particularly, Parsha Vayechi – Spread the Inspiration Jacob went beyond the platitudinous well-wishing of many a loving parent. He blessed his sons Shimon and Levi with the ability to transform their energy into a positive force. Moreover, he gave them the ultimate blessing that they share this heightened energy with all the other tribes. This indeed i Parsha Vayechi – Swords and Arrows Three times a day, even the most spiritually unskilled person, with minimal preparation and emotion, can accomplish much in procuring from G-d the needs for which we pray. We should never underestimate the power of our daily prayers, even if they appear routine and perfunctory. Parsha Vayechi – Swords and Bows Of all the requests that a Jew makes in his daily prayers — specifically, in the Amidah, or the Shemoneh Esrei as it is also known — the most significant one is the request for Moshiach and Redemption. This is true not only because Redemption is the most important request, but also because all our o Parsha Vayechi – The Moral Family Morality defines the way we behave vis-à-vis G-d. When a person engages in forbidden relationships it may not be a direct crime against humanity but it is considered to be a moral abomination and an affront to G-d. The second form of morality involves one’s relationship with others. Adultery and abu Parsha Vayechi – The Ultimate Blessing Our Sages tell us that when truly righteous people pursue a certain goal, it will inevitably be reached. Jacob’s efforts to instill true brotherly love in the DNA of the souls of his children finally paid off in the next generation with Ephraim and Menasheh. These two symbolize the ideal of King Dav Parsha Vayechi – True Life-Dual Goodness There are those who feel a very close relationship with G-d; while others feel a sense of affinity and responsibility for others. Any good one does in either of these two directions stands on its own, but falls short of its goal if it is not combined with the other. It is not simply that two is bett Parsha Vayechi – You Have Reached Your Destination Chassidic sources, based on the teachings of the Zohar, there is some indication that Moshiach ben Yoseph and Moshiach ben Dovid may actually be one and the same person. The different titles he is given represent different phases in the process of the Redemption. The Moshiach ben Yoseph phase is the Parsha Vayechi – Where’s the Blessing? “Water,” in general, and the “sea” in particular are metaphors for Torah. More specifically, the Messianic Age is characterized as an age in which Divine knowledge will deluge the world. In the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the seabed is covered Parsha Vayigash – Child’s Play? Our task as Jews is to be a “light unto the nations,” to preserve and regenerate the purity and holiness that existed before people began to soil and despoil the world. There is no time where this mission can be realized as much as it can during Chanukah, where light is not just a metaphor, but a ta Parsha Vayigash – Distress but No Fear There is no reason to fear exile, because G-d gives us all the resources we need to cope with it and to prevail over all the obstacles life in exile poses The exile experience was even instrumental in our development as the great and holy nation we are. On the other hand, we should never make peace Parsha Vayigash – Double Power When Shabbos ends we recite Havdalah to acknowledge the separation between Shabbos and weekdays. The goal of Havdalah is to provide us with a way station, a moment of repose during the transition from Shabbos into the weekdays. Those precious moments connect Shabbos to the weekdays. It can be daunti Parsha Vayigash – Bar Mitzvah Beyond Forty! Chassidic Masters taught us that Joseph and Judah, in addition to being real historical figures, allegorically represent the two worlds of action and study. Joseph is study and Judah is action. When the Torah says that “Judah approached Joseph,” it teaches us the need for us to fuse action with know Parsha Vayigash – “I Am Joseph; Is My Father Still Alive,” Synthesis Joseph had managed to successfully synthesize the modern world (Joseph) with the tradition (“my father”). He also realized that he was capable of losing that connection. In order not to risk that synthesis unraveling, Joseph immediately asks for his father's coming to Egypt. Parsha Vayigash – Five Garments of the Future Because of Judah’s unique quality, Jacob sends him ahead of all the others to Goshen. Judah was to serve as a bulwark for the Jewish people enabling them to withstand the pressures of assimilation. Judah was not only guaranteeing their survival and prosperity in Egypt, but was also sowing the seeds Parsha Vayigash – It’s Time to Make Havdalah Havdalah is an affirmation of the importance of the Shabbos. It is also the recognition that we must appreciate the need for separation and division in our lives. During Shabbos, we are uplifted and do not need to be reminded of the boundaries between the holy and the profane that must be respected. Parsha Vayigash – Learning on the Way When we travel into Galus, it is imperative that we do not cease Torah study. Torah empowers us to overcome the darkness of exile. Indeed, our Sages state: “There is no free person other than one who is engaged in Torah study.” One of Moshiach’s qualifications is: “he will meditate on Torah.” Notwit Parsha Vayigash – One Father Ten Children Notwithstanding all the positive changes in the world, G-d’s presence is still eclipsed. G-d’s Temple has still not been rebuilt, which implies that G-d has not yet found a “home” in our world. G-d, our Father, is still suffering in exile, even as we are prospering materially and even spiritually. O Parsha Vayigash – Surviving Is Not Enough A Jew is a survivor. For a Jew it does not suffice to be just as survivor; a Jew must become an “opportunist” in the most positive sense of the word. A Jew must harness the exile conditions to serve as a catalyst for greater growth. Parsha Vayigash – Sitting in the Driver’s Seat The path to Redemption includes our mastery over all aspects of Egypt (read: exile, environment, dominant culture, fads). Rather than allowing it to influence the way we think and act, we harness the “wagons,” the vehicles that move us from one place to another in our lives, to follow in our directi Parsha Vayigash – Old Wine for Old Men The Messianic Age will not be a throwback to ancient times. On the contrary, we will experience the greatest advances and strides in science and medicine. But the spirit will be one that is timeless. At that time we will be reunited with our ancestors and we will all be delighted. Our forebears will Parsha Vayigash – No More Mediation The entire contentious relationship between Joseph and his brothers foretold deep divisions within the Jewish people. From the split of Israel into two kingdoms after King Solomon’s passing, to the many conflicts that have sadly punctuated Jewish life throughout history, division has become a staple Parsha Vayigash – The Joys of Monotheism When we realize that we have one G-d who is our Creator and Provider, we feel a kinship that makes us feel that we are part of one family. And even though family members often feud and can be just as fractious as total strangers, there is obviously a natural propensity to feel connected to a close r Parsha Vayigash – The Joseph and Judah Mindset Jacob knew the challenge that lie ahead for the Jewish people in the land of Egypt. To insure that the Jewish people would withstand the pressures of Egyptian life he needed to send someone who exhibited the power to confront royalty; the forces that were in control of the exile. It was Judah’s atti Parsha Vayigash – The Royal Yeshivah Torah is the “blueprint of creation” and has the power to affect the natural order of the world Any contradiction we find between Torah and our lives is not real. And any appearance of a conflict is a mirage. Torah is what dictates reality. Parsha Vayigash – The Shema Reunion We are presently living in an era that the prophets referred to as the "end of days." The process that began with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his twelve sons, under the supervision of Joseph, is coming to an end. We are now on the threshold of the Messianic Age when not only Jacob, but all of his twel Parsha Vayigash – Traveling Tips When we are home or when we reach our destination we are not as vulnerable as we can be when we travel. Many of the problems the Jewish people encountered occurred especially when they were on the road. Amalek, Israel’s most implacable foe, the Torah stresses, attacked us “on the way.” We experience Parsha Vayigash – True Leadership 1 The Torah’s approach is that a human is essentially an intellectual being who has the capacity to control his/her emotions. When we exercise this human prerogative we are referred to as kings. The Hebrew word for king—Melech—is actually an acronym for: moach-brain lev-heart and kaved-liver. To the e Parsha Vayigash – True Leadership Ii Throughout Jewish history, true Jewish leaders, followed in Judah’s footsteps and were prepared to give everything they possessed, both physical and spiritual, in the interests of every Jew. Parsha Vayigash – What Makes Us Human? The mode of speech that distinguishes us from other creatures’ communication is the form of speech that has the capacity to reveal our inner being; our very soul. This mode of speech is what makes us eminently human. And the ultimate expression of the human capacity for genuine and unmitigated self- Parsha Vayigash – When to Weep Moshiach is not just about restoring the world to its original state; it goes beyond that. Moshiach will introduce a dimension of G-dliness that transcends the order of creation; even the state of affairs that existed in Gan-Eden-the Garden of Eden. Parsha Miketz – A Dream Come True The aspiration that Jews had — and continue to have — for thousands of years, to realize the final and complete Redemption at the hands of Moshiach, fits into the category of a genuine dream that will be realized. This dream possesses all the characteristics of a realistic dream: It is about usherin Parsha Miketz – Are You Prepared? We must constantly be thinking of the goal, of preparing ourselves for the future Redemption. On the other hand, we must not let our yearning for the future impede our ability to do our job while we are still here in the last moments of exile. Every day must be filled with the study of Torah and ful Parsha Miketz – Chanukah in Egypt? We must yearn for the future when G-d’s light, the infinite G-dly light created on the first day of creation that enables us to see from one end of the world to the other, will be revealed. This primordial light is recaptured with the Chanukah lights that we light at present, but which will be fully Parsha Miketz – Dream or Reality? The goal of Chanukah lights is to so inundate the “outside” with G-dly light that the perfunctory nature of our spiritual lives ceases to be so and we begin to thrive and savor every bit of our Mitzvos. We take nothing for granted and we do not get bored with the repetition of our mitzvah activities Parsha Miketz – Drive Carefully When Jacob heard the conviction and certainty in Yehudah’s voice, he detected the spirit of Moshiach and knew that Yehudah would succeed in the immediate task of bringing Benjamin back safely and, in so doing, ensure the final Redemption. Parsha Miketz – Free at Last and the Last Day of Chanukah Joseph’s name implies three dimensions of increasing:: The first is not staying in one place. The second is that one must create a process that has the potential to give birth to something new, ad infinitum. The third represents the capacity to transform an “outsider” into an “insider.” Parsha Miketz – Geulah Within Galus We have been told that we are on the very threshold of Geulah. And yet, we have seen examples of the process seemingly placed on hold. We should not be discouraged because it is only a test and we will imminently see how it will turn out to be a mirage and the Geulah will unfold in its full glory. Parsha Miketz – “I Have a Dream” Lest we think that the process of Redemption will negate everything we stood for in the days of exile, this week’s Torah portion informs us that the contrary is true. The dream/exile itself contains the solution. Within the chaotic state of affairs that characterize a dream and the period of exile, Parsha Miketz – Pharaoh’s Menorah The main objection of the Syrian Greeks to Judaism was not its culture and literature, but the underlying premise that it all stemmed from one G-d. And while they defiled other parts of the Temple, the greatest emphasis was placed on preventing the use of the Menorah, which symbolizes unity within t Parsha Miketz – Sing Along with Israel Jewish music in general, and the melodies that are associated with prayer and the praises of G-d, in particular, possess an uncanny ability to get us out of our internal exile, that in the aggregate is what prevents the world at large from experiencing the collective Redemption it so eagerly awaits. Parsha Miketz – Judah and Judah The name Jew derives from the word Judah. This implies that every one of us has the responsibility to demonstrate awareness of their uniqueness, their G-d given potential to illuminate the world with light. Every Jew possesses a spark of Moshiach, which may lie dormant. As we kindle the Chanukah lig Parsha Miketz – Sensitivity and Behavior Even when we must employ harsh measures in disciplining the other, we cannot let that cloud our feelings. A judge must walk a tight-rope in rendering justice. On the one hand, he cannot allow his feelings to cloud the need for justice, for he would then be corrupting justice. On the other hand, the Parsha Miketz – Spin Your Dreams The way one interprets the dream is the way it materializes. By Joseph giving a positive “spin” to the butler’s dream, it actually became a positive reality. Hence Joseph was actually the one who reinstated the butler by providing him with a positive interpretation of his dream. Parsha Miketz – Standing on the River Joseph exposed the truth about many of the world’s isms that claim altruism and purport to raise us to higher levels. In truth the people behind these isms stand on their own gods and use them as a means to serve their own selfish interests. Joseph’s entry onto the scene of leadership—that eventuall Parsha Miketz – Ten to Discover the One On the surface there is nothing more reprehensible than exile. But when we dig deeper and excavate until we reach its inner core, there is a hidden energy that can only be accessed in exile. It is the very force that empowers us to thrive in exile and ultimately be liberated from it. The way we brin Parsha Miketz – The Distant Closeness of the Threshold Era Joseph, after careful thought, decides to control his emotions and act the way he was convinced G-d wanted him to. He would use “tough love” and be harsh to them but not with any feeling of anger or hatred. Joseph was walking an emotional tightrope, but was able to balance himself by using the intel Parsha Miketz – The End (2) Our Sages also inform us that even after the “End of Days,” in the Messianic Age, when all other Holidays will no longer be significant, Chanukah will still stand out as a great Holiday. Parsha Miketz – The End By Joseph rising to power and providing for the needs of the world, Joseph endeavored to sow the spiritual seeds that would give the entire world its ability to rise above all constraints and obstacles and remove all traces of spiritual hunger. Parsha Miketz – The Twelve Seven Sons of Jacob and the Seven Branches of the Menorah Joseph was attempting to light the souls of his brothers. y exposing them to their ordeal he was removing the crust that dimmed the spark of goodness and holiness that they all possessed in ample measure. Parsha Miketz – Two Dreams Are Better Than One When we review the behavior of the Maccabees we see how their action was brazen. There was no logical basis for them to start a rebellion against overwhelming odds. It made no sense for them to defy the Syrian-Greek government that exercised total sovereignty over little Israel. It was unmitigated c Parsha Miketz – Wake Up and Open Your Eyes! We are living in the most opportune time for the Jewish people. The Jewish people enjoy as much freedom as they have today in virtually every country in the world. Even the “Evil Empire,” the former Soviet Union, has disappeared. We have witnessed unprecedented miracles of Biblical proportions in th Parsha Vayeishev – A Chain Reaction One cannot commit a private immoral act. Our entire universe is an organic whole, where each and every action, word and even thought reverberates throughout the universe in a chain reaction. Parsha Vayeishev – A Tale of Two Compromises Some compromises are necessary. We must do whatever can forestall a Jew’s spiritual demise. However, there is never a point when we allow the compromise to be “institutionalized.” Parsha Vayeishev – A Joseph Moment When we have a Joseph moment, subjected to pressures that take us away from our past, present and future—we should view it as an incredible opportunity to grow to unimaginable heights. Not only do we not sever the link in the chain, we become the strongest link; we add dignity, holiness and strength Parsha Vayeishev – Both Sides Are Holy Every decent person realizes that, although the results might be the same, they should always choose a positive and regal means of achieving a good end. The ends do not justify the means. Parsha Vayeishev – Early Retirement When we tackle the obstacles that surround us we liberate the sparks of holiness that is hidden within every physical object and experience. This will then lead us to the Final Redemption and eternal peace. Parsha Vayeishev – Chanukah and the Monarchy A true Jewish leader—contrary to most political and religious leaders of our time—has to put the interests of his people—even of one individual—ahead of his own personal interest and prestige. This was the hallmark of Jewish leadership throughout the ages. And this is one of the signs that we will u Parsha Vayeishev – Empty Pits and Chanukah Menoros Placed Too High Those who think that Moshiach is not real have adopted the Galus, which is likened to snakes and scorpions. And those who think Moshiach is too sublime for us have place their Chanukah Menorah beyond twenty cubits. Moshiach is sublime but he is also down-to-earth and part of our reality. We just hav Parsha Vayeishev – Go See How Your Brothers Are Doing “Don’t judge a person until you are in his place.” And don’t underestimate the value and contribution of others who appear to us to be on a much lower level. Parsha Vayeishev – Having Your Sublime Light and Eating It Too By blessing Jacob, Isaac paved the way for the forging of a Jewish nation that would receive the Divine Master Plan— the Torah—at Mount Sinai. Ultimately, it would lead to reconciliation with Esau in the Messianic Age. Parsha Vayeishev – Joseph’s Brothers The potential for negative energy is also the potential for the power to combat and neutralize that negative energy. When we see someone who seems to be a rebel, we should not fight that spirit of rebelliousness. We should rather channel it into the force of opposition to rebelliousness. Parsha Vayeishev – Keeping Our Chanukah Lights in Our Eye’s Sight Moshiach will succeed in achieving the goal of transforming the outside. Moshiach is a warrior against the influences that threaten the integrity of the Torah, Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Moshiach is more than that. He will influence every Jew to follow in the ways of G-d and indeed, he wi Parsha Vayeishev – Living in the Future The 12 tribes had an identity crisis. Were they simply a continuation of the tradition that began with Noah of making the world a civilized one, laying the ground work for the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people? Or were they actually the first generation and nucleus of the Jewish nation? Were Parsha Vayeishev – Light and More Light! This Chanukah, we ought to proclaim with every fiber of our being: No more darkness! We want light! Pure unadulterated light! We want Moshiach now! Parsha Vayeishev – Signet Ring, Cloak and Staff The soul when it descends into our physical world to inhabit a body is no longer “attached” to its heavenly source. The soul, detached though it may be down here, possesses a superior strength that it receives from the soul’s very essence. When in its heavenly abode, the soul does not need that powe Parsha Vayeishev – Sit Down and Eat a Meal Before we decide to do something drastic that may distance another Jew from us, we must be deliberate in our judgment. This action can either get us more ensconced in exile or get us closer to Redemption/ We must sit down and “eat bread”, i.e. thoroughly learn and digest all of what the Torah says a Parsha Vayeishev – Superficial Supernatural Reuben “suffered” from a syndrome from which we all suffer: we are often content with our good intentions and a minimal amount of effort to make these good intentions materialize. We often lack the determination and preparation to facilitate complete success in our endeavors. The Chanukah message is Parsha Vayeishev – Tarmodian Feet One cannot fight rebelliousness using conventional means of education and persuasion. There was no rational basis for the handful of ill-trained priests to start a rebellion against the Syrian Greek Empire. But, a rebel does not necessarily limit himself to logic. It takes chutzpah to do what the Ma Parsha Vayeishev – The Soul’s Metaphor According to the Ba’al Shem Tov all of our material ambitions should never be construed as being no more than just a desire for more material wealth. When we crave physical “things” it is actually the soul using figurative language. It says one thing, but it really means something entirely different Parsha Vayeishev – The Two Components of the Messianic Age Torah is called “Torah Or”-the Torah of Light, because Torah, as G-d’s wisdom, does not “suffer” from the same opaqueness that characterizes nature. Parsha Vayeishev – Upward and Onward Joseph and Chanukah are intertwined concepts. The word Joseph implies increasing in one’s spiritual life. Similarly, Chanukah captures the ideal of “continually increasing” and “rising in matters of holiness” as we add another candle each night Parsha Vayishlach – Being Alone and the Lone Jug of Oil When you are all alone in your struggle for good, you are not truly alone. There is a G-dly flame that burns in the heart of every Jew that accompanies us in all of our positive efforts. We are never alone. Parsha Vayishlach – Don’t Lose Your Staff When we start to strengthen our trust, the forces of evil and negativity look for our vulnerable spaces hoping to drag us down even more. They find that vulnerability in loneliness. Esau’s guardian angel waited for Jacob to be alone and at that moment he attacked him. As soon as we remove ourselves Parsha Vayishlach – Humility When a person is exposed to something so much greater than himself, it engenders a natural sense of insignificance and humility. When a relatively tall person stands next to a much taller person, he will somehow feel short. And the more good we experience then, the more humble we become, and the mor Parsha Vayishlach – In Transit During the brief “intermission” between levels and worlds, the souls of the righteous become disoriented. In the words of Kabbalah, they then are characterized as being in a state of “katnus-lowness.” True, their state of “lowness” is higher than their former state of “highness,” nevertheless, becau Parsha Vayishlach – In Unity There Is No Fear Instead of understanding the division of Jacob’s entourage into two camps as a consequence of fear, the Chassidic translation reverses it. Jacob’s fear was actually a consequence of the division of his entourage. Jacob was well aware of the fact that when the Jewish people are united they are invinc Parsha Vayishlach – Is This How We Celebrate a Bar Mitzvah?! The lesson for a Bar and Bas Mitzvah, the day a Jewish boy or girl is initiated into the Jewish community, is that a Jew has to feel an intense sense of connection to every other Jew. This feeling must also be accompanied with readiness to sacrifice one’s own comfort and convenience. Parsha Vayishlach – Moshiach for Dummies and Beyond It is axiomatic in Judaism that a Jew must not only believe in Moshiach’s coming but he or she must also yearn for and eagerly anticipate it. We must want, pray and even “demand” Moshiach’s arrival. The importance of desiring Moshiach and Redemption is dramatically expressed in our daily prayer, the Parsha Vayishlach – Name Dropping The preference Jacob had for the name Benjamin-Son of the South (Israel) over Rachel's’ choice, Ben Oni-the Son of My Pain, for their last son, reflects the way Jacob viewed life in general. Never forgetful of the travail that he lived through, he was committed to the “Land of Israel” mentality of o Parsha Vayishlach – Preparations for Moshiach We cannot allow the temptations and compromises of Galus to gain mastery over us. This is a continuing struggle and we cannot go into it with our eyes closed. But, even as we prepare to do battle with the forces of Galus, we must base that preparedness on the confidence that we will be victorious. W Parsha Vayishlach – Reprogramming Sometimes the threat to our existence comes from the right; sometimes from the left. Sometimes it comes from secularists and sometimes from religious fanatics. Frequently the assault is directed against our bodies and sometimes the attack is geared to undermine our soul. Be prepared for all forms of Parsha Vayishlach – Returning with Light and Joy The ultimate goal of Teshuvah, of return to G-d is “good deeds.” The process of Teshuvah should not engender a desire to escape reality and responsibility but rather it should serve as a force of positive energy that will lead to more and more good deeds; more and more positive engagement with the p Parsha Vayishlach – Self Respect We are witness to unprecedented, almost universal, opposition to our rights to the Land of Israel, coming not only from our most implacable enemies in the far-right or far-left, but even from the most “sophisticated” leaders in the academic world. Many of those, who we felt were the most tolerant an Parsha Vayishlach – The Three Instruments of Perfection Contrary to the popular myth that Jews are pacifists and do not believe in self-defense, Jewish law, as stated in the Talmud, makes it clear, “One who comes to kill you, wake up early to kill him.” This is enshrined in Jewish law regarding individuals who find themselves threatened by others and it Parsha Vayishlach – The World of Otherness Perhaps, Jacob’s fear of fighting with Esau was that if he acquired some negative traits as a consequence of his need to engage in violence it would scar his spiritual genetic makeup. And as a result, the “otherness” of his progeny would be lost. His descendants would be made ordinary and incapable Parsha Vayishlach – Trust in Trust There is a famous adage stated by the third Chabad Rebbe; known as the Tzemach Tzedek that echoes this idea: “Think positive and it will be positive.” Parsha Vayishlach – We Envy You! The Alter Rebbe referred to Moses’ vaunted praise as the most humble man on the face of the earth and asked: How could Moses be so humble when he knew his towering greatness? Moses was given a preview of all future generations of Jews. When he saw the final generation before the coming of Moshiach a Parsha Vayishlach – The Wrestlers We have instruments that G-d put at our disposal, such as the internet, fax machines, computers etc. Some view these technological marvels as the “angel of Esau” that must be fought because of their negative influence. It makes more sense to view the tools of modern technology as positive instrument Parsha Vayishlach – Torah Power When a person is alive, even if it is a day old, it has the capacity to instill fear in the animal. When a person loses his or her appreciation for life, he or she becomes vulnerable to the attack from all directions. There is something mystical about life that threatens the most formidable foe. Parsha Vayishlach – When Was the Last Time You Rode Your Donkey? Most material acquisitions are made by people who subordinate themselves to their material possessions; they crave them, they cherish them, they live for them. Jacob, conversely, makes sure that his material possessions are subordinated to him; they are only used to serve Jacob’s true and intrinsic Parsha Vayishlach – Wholly, Wholly, Wholly One might have reached the erroneous conclusion that there is some good in suffering because of the heroic responses that it elicits. The Torah, by telling us that Jacob returned whole in terms of his body, wishes to impress upon us that suffering is not a permanent fixture in G-d’s plan for the wor Parsha Vayishlach – Wrestling There are times in our lives that we stand alone; we feel isolated and lonely. This is not all bad. When we do not have others to look at and interact with, we become introspective. We begin to think more seriously about who we are and what is our purpose in life. These periods of introspection can Parsha Vayeitzei – A Thousand-Fold Blessing The purpose G-d had intended for all the nations of the world is to bring perfection to the natural order of the world. By virtue of their observance of the Seven Noahide commandments that are geared to preserve the civility of the world, they ensure that the world is a perfectly natural one. The Je Parsha Vayeitzei – Charan or Rina: Anger or Joy? There are two ways a person can go through life’s difficulties. One can be to see in all of the hardships G-d’s wrath— charan. And there are those who make an effort, or are naturally inclined, to see the positive in everything. They see rina/joy as opposed to charan/wrath. Parsha Vayeitzei – Dream but Don’t Sleep A dream is the bridge between reality and fantasy. A prophetic dream is the bridge between an other-worldly experience and our human mind. To make the prophecy accessible to the world of human reality, it comes through the medium of a dream. When we sleep our souls withdraw from our physical existen Parsha Vayeitzei – From B’er Sheva to Charan Charan was a place that aroused anger; where the wily and devious Laban lived and idolatry was rampant. There was no respect for G-d or for others. No wonder our Sages state that Charan was a place where G-d’s wrath was aroused. And yet it was in Charan that Jacob married Rachel and Leah; and it was Parsha Vayeitzei – Going Up or Down? One can thrive amidst adversity in golus, yet that same person will fervently ask G-d repeatedly in his prayers to bring Moshiach. We must make sure that we never make peace with the golus and work incessantly and tirelessly to bring it to an end. As a people and as individuals we have become so acc Parsha Vayeitzei – Holy or Lowly? Jacob states that “whoever stole the idols will not live.” This was not intended as a curse. Jacob was merely stating a fact that a Jew cannot possibly survive with the worshipping of Laban’s gods. Parsha Vayeitzei – Don’t Runt From, Run to Before Jacob fled to Charan he stopped in the Academy of Shem and Ever to study Torah for fourteen years. This “short” diversion was intended to reorient Jacob towards a positive focus on his journey rather than just escaping his brother Esau’s anger. Jacob was totally focused on the positive nature Parsha Vayeitzei – Joy and More Joy Rabbi Nochum of Chernobyl, the famous Chassidic Master, remarked: “Rachel and Leah both desired the same thing—Jacob. However, what Leah received through crying Rachel achieved with joy.” Parsha Vayeitzei – Lo and Behold A Jew cannot bear to see the suffering of others and will speak out. When he or she sees injustice or lack of care for one of G-d’s creatures, the Jew cannot remain silent. A Jew cannot sit idle, period. Every moment counts, and every second of life was given to us as a resource intended for us to d Parsha Vayeitzei – Name Your Price! For Jacob marriage was a Mitzvah par excellence. His love and passion for Rachel was not simply of a romantic nature. Rather it was motivated by his passion to be the one to forge another link in the chain that started with Abraham and Isaac, and would end with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai Parsha Vayeitzei – Nineteen: The Incorruptible Core The Talmud states Jacob never died. Jacob represents immortality more than any other righteous person because he had the exclusive responsibility of establishing the Jewish nation. He had to insure that the Jewish nation would acquire the power of immortality, so as their progenitor he too had to po Parsha Vayeitzei – Priorities There are times when we may be tempted to undertake projects that are new and exciting, at the expense of older and less glamorous, but, more important, responsibilities. This attitude is rooted in selfishness, looking for projects that will satisfy our egos, rather than fulfilling that which is imp Parsha Vayeitzei – Remove the Rock When G-d gives us a mission He also gives us the energy and wherewithal to fulfill it. Parsha Vayeitzei – Removing the Rocks In every generation, G-d has blessed the Jewish people with great spiritual mentors, whose lives are dedicated to the well-being of their flock. Their primary method of nurturing the Jewish people is by serving as the fountainhead of Torah knowledge and inspiration. Parsha Vayeitzei – Seeing and Hearing There are two ways that we deal with each other’s needs. There are times that we see another person’s plight; a simple recognition that something is wrong. We must take this to the next step, by listening to his or her story. What might seem to be just petty details or minutiae are not to the person Parsha Vayeitzei – Running from or Running to Our Sages state that a guest must listen to everything the host tells him except if he tells him to leave. The Rebbe would apply this to our going into exile. We must listen to everything we are told by G-d but we cannot be compelled to leave His presence. If we are forced out of the Holy Land we le Parsha Vayeitzei – Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is first and foremost a Jewish concept. Moreover, it is a fundamental aspect of Jewish tradition and theology. Our day begins with Modeh Ani — I give thanks, in which we express gratitude for having been given back our souls in the morning. Gratitude has been engrained in us from the be Parsha Vayeitzei – The Guarantee Jacob had no doubt that G-d would keep His promise to bless him with all the material goods. Jacob was doubtful about his own response and reaction to G-d’s bountiful blessings. Jacob feared that the more G-d would bless him, the more self-centered he might become. He was concerned that the material Parsha Vayeitzei – The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself Everything around us compels us to realize that we have “bumped into the place,” that we are living in unprecedented times and are poised to enter into a very special era of closeness to G-d. We can see how we have been “thrust” into this new “location” and time. What should our response be? We shou Parsha Vayeitzei – The Prayer to Be a Mother and the Mother of Prayer! There is one need and request that stands out among all the others. When it comes to a person asking for a child one does not need a formalized, structured prayer. The desire for a child for a childless couple; or the desire for nachas (fulfillment, satisfaction in English, but basically untranslata Parsha Vayeitzei – The Three Musketeers Charan is thus identified with the angry and hostile world that Jacob entered into. It was in Charan that Jacob had to struggle with his uncle Laban, and was ultimately victorious. This experience imbued Jacob’s future descendants with the strength to confront adverse and trying situations and overc Parsha Vayeitzei – Unconventional Prayers for Unconventional Results Rachel’s child was no ordinary child even in comparison to the other sons of Jacob. Her first son, Joseph, would carry the legacy of the Patriarchs to future generations. Whatever spiritual energy and light Jacob and his forebears had introduced into the world depended on Joseph to transmit it. It r Parsha Toldos – A Clean Slate The Messianic Age will represent a total departure from Roman culture and values. Moshiach will inaugurate a world wiped clean of the Roman’s imprimatur. Moshiach will write the story of life on a clean slate. Parsha Toldos – All for the Children In our mystical tradition, the shared experiences of our forefathers and us are more than just a fortuitous coincidence. It is even more than just an omen. When these events occurred with the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, they actually generated the spiritual energy that enabled us, their children, to Parsha Toldos – Bringing the Future Into the Present The Tanya, citing the Zohar, states that even the Satan truly wants us to deny his blandishments and resist the temptation to sin. However, the Satan cannot show that desire because it would undermine the test and sabotage the mission for which he was chosen. Esau is the symbol of the Satan. He is i Parsha Toldos – Esau in 3d Esau is the symbol of the world around us that can be viewed in 3d. One can be impressed by its veneer of glitter, or cynically view it from within as a rotten world. But the 3rd dimensional way of viewing the world – the Chassidic perspective – is that it possesses a powerful spiritual dimension th Parsha Toldos – Can’t Change Your Language A Jew can and in some cases may, figuratively speaking, put on the clothing of other cultures. A Jew can engage the outside world, interact with it and be a part of it, insofar as the external aspects of the world are concerned. But when it comes to our essence, A Jew will discover that try as he mi Parsha Toldos – It’s Okay to Have a Split Personality Every one of us possesses two distinct personalities. We are in possession of an animal soul and a G-dly soul. Every act of goodness is another victory for the G-dly soul in us. Our struggle is made easier when we realize that, ultimately, we will win the war against evil. Parsha Toldos – Digging Deep In the Messianic Age, when the light of G-d will pervade the world and the attribute of kindness will extend to all, we will then be able to focus all of our energies to the Isaac modality of gevurah, digging deep to ensure that the purist and holiest energies are exposed. Even the “outsiders” will Parsha Toldos – Mother of Jacob and Esau: “I Don’t Know” Is the Lesson! If we understood the dynamic of exile we would make peace with it and would not demand of G-d and of ourselves to bring an end to the struggle. We would be blinded by all the positive forces we generate because of the struggle. Parsha Toldos – Mother of Jacob and Esau: What’s the Lesson? There are only two acceptable methods of dealing with recalcitrant children: Either shower and smother them with love and warmth, or in extreme situations employ tough love. To do neither is unacceptable in virtually all situations. Parsha Toldos – Multiple Births Jacob was so named because he held on to the heels of Esau as he was being born. But, the word heel associated with Jacob also symbolizes the trait of humility. In addition, the yud, the first letter of Jacob’s name, the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, reinforces the .theme of humility posse Parsha Toldos – Out of Sight Isaac was spiritually sensitive to any form of evil. His sensitivity derived from his being offered as a sacrifice and hi eyesight was affected by the “tears” of the angels, symbolic of the angelic purity that was instilled in him from that time onward. As he matured, his spiritual sensitivity and i Parsha Toldos – Reflections 2 The two periods of exile and Redemption are expressive of the two modes of G-d’s relationship with us. In exile G-d appears distant and it instills a feeling of G-d having abandoned us. In the days of the Holy Temple old as well as when Moshiach will come, we will experience G-d’s love and closeness Parsha Toldos – Receptive to Blessings Of all the sacrifices we can make to make us worthy of the Messianic blessing it is the sacrifice that involves changing our habits for the purpose of helping another or going against our nature in the fulfillment of any Mitzvah. Parsha Toldos – Reflections Even when we are justified in our anger against another, we must never allow that anger to seethe in us. The anger should be directed into a course of action how to correct the mistakes of the other, but never should the anger be allowed to remain in our conscious and even subconscious mind. By expu Parsha Toldos – Reversing the Reversal Torah to us is more than just a powerful teaching; it is the most intimate aspect of our lives; we are married to it. This intimate relationship with Torah is based on its Divine nature, which connects to the Divine aspect of our souls. Denying the Divine dimension of Torah is tantamount to violatin Parsha Toldos – The Birthright in Three Stages Our mission now therefore is to “buy the birthright” from Esau in a figurative sense. This means that we should live our lives now as we imagine we will live our lives in the imminent Age of Redemption. We should recognize that the Jacob aspects of our lives are the dominant ones. In the Rebbe’s wor Parsha Toldos – The Hands of Esau We are currently living in an age where most countries in the world are supportive to one degree or another of Jewish life and observance. Even the former Soviet Empire that sought to extinguish every trace of the light of Judaism has been transformed into a society that warmly supports Jewish life Parsha Toldos – The Twin Bar Mitzvah The myth is that a Messianic Age will bring about a reduction of responsibility and will serve essentially as a universal “senior citizen” retirement experience as a reward for all of our good work. When Moshiach will take us out of exile, we will all celebrate our collective Bar and Bas Mitzvah, wh Parsha Toldos – The Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esau A Jew cannot be passive. Judaism is not a spectator sport. One must be actively engaged in one’s Jewish life. Parsha Toldos – Vive La Old Age The energy and verve with which youth is associated is more than just commendable, it is indispensable. It is the catalyst for the future Redemption. However, it does not negate the virtue of advanced age and its potential for advanced maturity and spirituality. Parsha Toldos – We Are All Firstborn! Eisav disenfranchised himself from G-d’s community. Can a Jew can do the same today. If that were the case, G-d forbid, millions of assimilated Jews, who do not identify with the claim of being G-d’s firstborn, will not be redeemed by Moshiach. The answer has already been provided by the Rebbe: “No Parsha Chayei Sarah – A Chain Reaction Ii In this week’s parsha, Eliezer, the servant of the Patriarch Abraham, is sent on a mission to Charan to find a suitable wife for… Parsha Chayei Sarah – A Taste of Infinity Whereas in the present day and age we experience intermittent spurts of growth and a taste of infinity, in the future Messianic Age infinite growth will become an integral part of our lives. Parsha Chayei Sarah – Always Ready Mincha takes place smack in middle of the work day. We have neither the luxury of the preparation of Shacharis nor the detachment of Ma’ariv. Our minds are racing with thoughts about what has transpired and what will happen in the next few minutes. One has to be on a much higher spiritual plane to b Parsha Chayei Sarah – Get a Life Judaism – for all of its great thinkers and theoreticians – would have gotten nowhere without the Sarah’s of the Jewish community who devoted their lives to making these noble concepts a tangible reality. Indeed, this is the main purpose G-d created the world; to take heaven and introduce it to the Parsha Chayei Sarah – Chain Reaction I The Torah’s seemingly prosaic term “And he said” was part of the most important chain of events. It linked the beginning of civilization to its end; the highest and most sublime spiritual energies with the lowest physical entities. It united opposite ends of the spectrum that will finally link the b Parsha Chayei Sarah – Geulah and Women While the men think and talk about the imminence of Geulah, women will make it happen. For men, Moshiach and Geulah are real concepts and real ideas. For women, Moshiach and Geulah are reality, not just theories, concepts and ideas. Without the concretization of the Geulah, women cannot be satisfied Parsha Chayei Sarah – Go East In recent decades, many Jews have returned to Judaism, ironically, through exposure to Eastern mysticism. Many Jews who have lost their appreciation for Jewish values and teachings and who were turned on by Eastern mysticism have subsequently discovered that they could find these mystical teachings Parsha Chayei Sarah – Instant Gratification Our prayers are replete with requests for G-d to bring an end to suffering and misery; and end to the exile. These prayers are punctuated with an urgency. The word “speedily” appears in many of these requests. When we deal with a mission that will affect the entire world, there is not luxury to dela Parsha Chayei Sarah – Opportunism When you see someone who is filled with a passion for something, instead of knocking it and trying to suppress it, be an opportunist and use that love for something positive. Parsha Chayei Sarah – Purim in Cheshvan? Our Sages declare, “Moses is the first redeemer and Moses will be the final redeemer.” This does not mean that Moses and Moshiach are the same person. Rather, Moshiach’s power and ability to redeem the Jewish nation, is derived from Moses. Moshiach internalizes the soul of Moses and all the ideals w Parsha Chayei Sarah – Reversing Roles: Two Eulogies Sarah’s inability to digest the loss of Isaac was more than just a motherly instinct. It was also a product of her utter devotion to the future of the Jewish nation. She could not tolerate the notion that Isaac would disappear, not only because of her love for her only child born to her at the age o Parsha Chayei Sarah – Speak Little and Finish the Job We are now standing on the cusp of the Final Redemption. It behoove us to remember that what is most important now is finishing the task and bringing G-d’s Master Plan to its conclusion. Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Cosmic Marriage A marriage is not merely a contract between two parties. Besides all the legalities that a marriage involves—financial support, etc.—it is the act by which two half souls commit themselves to one another unconditionally, in ways that transcend logic and reason. Marriage is not a quid-pro-quo contrac Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Fountain of Youth & a Tale of Two Horses Sarah’s passing is reported briefly in the beginning of this week’s parsha in the following manner: “And these were the days of… Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Search and Discovery of Marriage Marriage, according to the Zohar, is the reunion of two half souls which were separated at birth. Marriage thus is discovery of another person, a total stranger up till now, who is actually your other half. Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Same Old New Stories Our unparalleled history of devotion and sacrifice is testimony to the greatness of our fathers and mothers. Every time we perform a Mitzvah it not only attests to our own loyalty to G-d, it testifies to the devotion of our ancestors as well. Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Test Pro-active compassion is where one cannot bear to keep the resources they possess for themselves. A truly kind and compassionate person’s need to give, prompts him to become a pro-active giver who seeks out others who are in need. It is not his own pain that he is trying to assuage, but he is in pai Parsha Chayei Sarah – The Veil To ensure that the Shabbos is hermetically sealed off from the rest of the week, the woman who lights the Shabbos candles hides behind a veil of sorts. This, in turn, preserves the peaceful aura of Shabbos. Since peace is the greatest receptacle for all of G-d’s blessings, the veil is appropriately Parsha Chayei Sarah – Torah: The Link to the Past and Future When we appreciate the stories of the Torah, particularly the miracles of the Patriarchs that are highlighted in the narrative of Eliezer the servant of Abraham, it prepares us for the miracles of the future. When we study Torah by searching for new ideas and continually seeing its intricacies and n Parsha Chayei Sarah – Vision, Mastery and Perception The power of Sarah and of all women is to concretize the ideals of Abraham. Abraham’s bequeathing everything he owned to Isaac was a result of Sarah’s insight and foresight that Abraham’s legacy would go through Isaac exclusively. Sarah planted the seed in her lifetime and it finally took root after Parsha Chayei Sarah – Welcome Back Abraham’s influence did not go to waste. His father Terach and his son Yishmael did return to Abraham’s ways. Hagar too did eventually return to Abraham a righteous woman. Parsha Chayei Sarah – Women's Role in Judaism Judaism is multifaceted. If we would want to reduce all of Judaism’s goals into just a few categories, it can be said that its objective is threefold. Judaism is about bringing light, holiness and purity, into our own lives, our homes and to the entire world. These three ideals are the three traits Parsha Nitzavim – Bringing Light Into the Darkness and Removing Darkness from the Light There are three approaches to darkness and light: The first focuses on the way we must look for light even as we sit in the darkness of exile. The second is to see the light of the future and live with it. The third approach is to not allow darkness to intrude in times of light. LIGHT FORM THE FUTUR Parsha Nitzavim – Beyond E Pluribus Unum The challenge of life is to strike a balance between two aspects of humanity; our external and internal personas: “External” refers to our relationships with others, our clothing, our bodies, and even the more manifest and conscious levels of our soul. Our internal persona involves the way we relate Parsha Nitzavim – Digging for the Roots with the Shofar There is a unique characteristic associated with thought: While thought is merely a “garment” of the soul, it is nevertheless a garment that can’t be shed unlike speech and action. It is an autonomous process and it points to the way the thoughts of a person are more intimately connected to the pers Parsha Nitzavim – Hearing the Sounds of Sinai There are times, however, when the echoes of Sinai are muted. The combined effect of our physical bodies, animal souls, materialistic pursuits and indulgences, transgressions and the very phenomenon of being in a stifling exile can so stifle and mute the sounds of Sinai that we don’t even entertain Parsha Nitzavim – It's Not in Heaven Had G-d given us the Torah the way the angels would have wanted it, we would have had to become like angels. Our Torah would be a strictly cerebral exercise. It would have been geared to the soul and would not have anything to do with the body. If this is what G-d wanted of us we would have to do it Parsha Nitzavim – No More Secrets We are standing poised to enter into a new era of goodness and holiness. We must do our part to make it happen as well as to prepare ourselves and the entire world for it. W e don’t have the luxury to be humble because that one additional Mitzvah that our influence will generate might be the one las Parsha Nitzavim – No Secrets When leading a Torah life leads to a good physical life, it is a demonstration that there is no dissonance between the spiritual and the physical. To bring about harmony between the physical and spiritual is indeed the very goal and objective of creation. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAY Parsha Nitzavim – No Standing! One must be prepared to yield and move aside when someone else’s interests are at stake. The parsha of Nitzavim underscores the virtue of stubbornness and firmness when it comes to principles. Vayeilech teaches that when it comes to personal matters one must be flexible and forgo our interests in th Parsha Nitzavim – Rise Up! The worst form of decline is when one imagines that his or her decline is actually an improvement and a form of ascent. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH Parsha Nitzavim – Standing Firm and Climbing Even Higher Shabbos is a day of rest also in the sense that the normal resistance we experience to spiritual matters is neutralized. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH Parsha Nitzavim – The Last Mitzvah-The Seal of Judaism Rabbi Meir stated: A document is not complete unless it is signed. The Mitzvah of writing a Torah scroll is only considered a written Torah when it is completed and sealed. Moreover, the very concept of the Written Torah is one that is interwoven with the idea of a “seal;” G-d’s seal of truth. LIGHT Parsha Nitzavim – The Power of Preparation Rabbi Chananyah ben Akashya says: “G-d wanted to provide the Jewish people with merit so he increased for them the Torah and its commandments” We should not think of a Mitzvah as an onerous burden; rather, it is an incredible opportunity to find one more exquisite piece of treasure. Second, the more Parsha Nitzavim – The Seven Steps of Closeness The Alter Rebbe took the core ideas of the Ba’al Shem Tov and transposed them into a systematic philosophical system that fused mysticism with rationalism. This synthesis enables the average person to access the heretofore esoteric domain of Jewish mysticism. If we had to find one word that would de Parsha Nitzavim – The Song That Never Ends Aa song touches a part of our soul that words cannot reach. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi stated: “Speech is the pen of the heart, melody is the pen of the soul.” Torah, likewise, has the capacity to speak to the very soul of a Jew, not just his mind and heart. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAV Parsha Nitzavim – The Year of Teshuah- Salvation As the national election season heats up, we have to remember that our salvation does not come from an elected official, no matter how human, noble and charismatic he may be. We should not rely on a king or others in power who themselves are merely pawns in the hands of G-d. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – Parsha Nitzavim – United We Stand By accepting every Jew, regardless of their lowly status, we demonstrate that our love for our fellow is not just predicated on the logical premise that we should accept and love those who are good role models. Even those, who do not possess any overt qualities, we still accept and love, simply beca Parsha Nitzavim – Ultimate Life and Goodness We live in a paradoxical age. We stand on the cusp of the Messianic Age, which will usher in a new dimension of and appreciation for life. A t the same time, the very institution of life has never before been more simultaneously pronounced, challenged and undermined. While medical technology has mad Parsha Nitzavim – Who Blesses the New Year? The divine energies that are generated on any given Holiday are dependent on our actions to make them more revealed and pronounced. When there is no prior announcement on our part on the Sabbath before Rosh Hashanah, the spiritual energies that are in effect on Rosh Hashanah remain so subtle, that t Parsha Nitzavim – Why?! While the forces of unmitigated evil have wreaked havoc on the bodies and buildings of thousands of Americans, evil cannot and will not destroy the spirit of our nation and the souls of its victims. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH Parsha Korach – Attachment Korach began as a righteous and learned individual who did not, however, see the need to subordinate himself to Moses and be a part of the organic unit of the Jewish people. By doing that he severed his ties from the very source of his G-dly energy. Once he was deprived of the Divine energy his “oxy Parsha Korach – Bittersweet or Sweet Bitter? Defeat of your enemy is sweet and gets the adrenaline flowing. But in the end, the quarrel turns ugly, and it destroys the lives of so many. What starts sweet turns very bitter. Pursuit of peace, by contrast, can be disconcerting and unpleasant. The very thought of not prevailing in what one thinks Parsha Korach – Connecting Through Our Leaders In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe stands out as the “Moses” of our generation in the way he led/leads the Jewish people and the direction he charted for us. The Rebbe rebuilt the spirit of the Jewish people in the Post-Holocaust era. With optimism, love for everyone and selfless devotion to l Parsha Korach – Connecting to Moses and Aaron Torah is not just wisdom; it is an otherworldly wisdom. Torah is not a product of human intelligence. Torah is G-d’s wisdom. It is impossible to separate G-d from His wisdom, How does a mortal being master the infinite Divine wisdom of Torah? When we are person is self-effacing we can become recepti Parsha Korach – Go See Your Ophthalmologist, Now! T’cheiles, the blued dyed wool, related to the word that means to be consumed, we are taught in Kabbalah and Chassidic literature, represents the height of spiritual ambition, where one is totally consumed in his pursuit of spirituality. Parsha Korach – He Saw a Cow G-d not only transcends rationality; He also transcends going beyond rationality. G-d could make something trans-rational accessible to the mind of Moses or anyone else if He so chooses. Parsha Korach – Inferiority/superiority Complex The Talmud states that the entrance to Gehinnom is in the desert. The desert is the symbol of emptiness and desolation. When one loses self-respect, overwhelmed by the perception that he or she is insignificant, it can cause the Jew to degenerate and descend to the abyss—the entrance to Gehinnom. Parsha Korach – Korach’s Mistake Absolutely, we must treat each and every Jew as being equal in the eyes of G-d. The correct conclusion to draw from this realization is that no Jew has a right to look down at another just because he or she has less knowledge, observance, or occupies a “lower” position in the hierarchy of the Jewish Parsha Korach – Life in the Fast Track There are two modalities for G-d’s light to reach us. The first is the “slow-track” as the light gets filtered through every “world through which it passes. The second is the “fast-track.” The Priestly Blessing is an example of the “fast-track.” Parsha Korach – Moses Is True and His Torah Is True The Chasam Sofer was puzzled by the negative sentiment of one of his community members towards him. “I don’t know why he resents me so,” the Chasam Sofer asked rhetorically. “I never did him any favors…” Taking a gift can cloud your judgment, but sometimes it might actually turn you against your ben Parsha Korach – No Separation Not only is the core of Judaism derived from G-d and revealed at Sinai, but every minute detail of the Torah— from the basic laws to the most minute nuances—were given by G-d at Sinai. Moses was endowed with the ability to touch the core of the Torah and G-d’s essence. G-d also empowered him to tran Parsha Korach – Moses, King David and Moshiach Maimonides writes that it is the obligation of every Jew to participate in its construction of the Bais Hamikdash. Yet he also writes that Moshiach will build it. Both are true. While we, as a people, execute the actions necessary for its construction, it is Moshiach that will make it possible for o Parsha Korach – Preserving the Integrity of Our Marriage to the Torah Moshiach will gather all Jews from all parts of the world and bring them together both geographically and spiritually. Moshiach’s will also bring perfection and integrity to Torah. When we are unified under the banner of Moshiach our Torah learning will be free of any of the Galus tainted subtleties Parsha Korach – Riding Your Donkey! When Moses was sent to redeem the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage he also used the donkey that symbolizes the gross physical veneer that eclipses the Divine light. By using his donkey, Moses was underscoring the nature of exile as a cover that belies the true nature of existence. This served as Parsha Korach – Rich and Poor Months One of the richest months of the year is arguably the month of Sivan and one of the poorest months is Tammuz. How do we cope with the adversity of Tammuz? The answer is, by drawing inspiration from the month of Sivan and introducing it into the month of Tammuz. Sivan will neutralize the negative cha Parsha Korach – Take It Home! Instead of a negative reaction, the tribal leaders realized that their individual staff may not be so glamorous, but it was theirs. It was their G-d given role that was intended for them specifically, and it was through this individual path that one fulfills one’s purpose and life’s mission. Parsha Korach – Sleep on It Think about the “morning;” reflect on the future and how your entire perspective about yourself and your ambitions will change. We must saturate our minds with “futuristic knowledge; to the study of Torah; specifically the parts of Torah that deal with the future Messianic Age. Our minds will emerge Parsha Korach – The Future Is Now Convention requires looking at the past and learning from the good of our forebears, as well as from their mistakes. Korach, however, introduced a novel approach to our pursuit of truth and righteousness. We should behave today in ways that are consistent with the future. While we must reject Korach Parsha Korach – The Unbroken Chain The Messianic Age is when the experience of Sinai will become a permanent aspect of our lives. It will ensure a world of peace and heightened spiritual awareness by all. However all the intervening links are crucial for creating the connection between Sinai and the Age of Redemption. Each and every Parsha Korach – Truth Truth in Hebrew is Emes, which possesses a much deeper meaning than just the negation of a lie. Emes, the Jerusalem Talmud informs us, contains the first, middle and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Emes is more than just being truthful, but total consistency. Moses was unique because his subordi Parsha Korach – Ufos There is nothing wrong with the belief that there may be other forms of life in other parts of the universe. There is even a Talmudic statement that suggests the existence of life on other planets. Only when the belief in aliens assumes a religious character, or when it becomes one’s obsession, dist Parsha Korach – Workers of the World Unite! Moshiach is the leader who brings out the best in us and enables us to realize our G-d given potential. Only during this Messianic Age, ushered in by Moshiach, will the world experience true peace and unity. Parsha Korach – Where Do Moses and Aaron Belong? We are the generation charged with the responsibility of putting the finishing touches on the magnificent Messianic edifice—a world of peace, unity and holiness. Millennia of cumulative good, self-sacrificing dedication to the observance of the Mitzvos have brought this world to the point where it i Parsha Tzav – A Jewel and a Cow On the most basic level we honor our parents, because we are grateful to them for what they’ve given us: life, sustenance, education, love and concern. It is our way of saying thank you for all that they have done for us. Parsha Tzav – Eating Out Eating more than any other physical experience brings about, very literally, the unity between body and soul. Sacrifices – “G-d’s food” – had the effect of unifying G-d, the soul of the world, with the body of the world; the entire universe. Eating is also an internalizing process, to the extent tha Parsha Tzav – Egyptian Civil War The former Soviet Union, since its collapse, has provided buildings and financial assistance to the Jewish community for the purpose of Jewish education! All this began Shabbos Hagadol, when the Egyptian first born fought to liberate the Jews from Egypt. Parsha Tzav – Emptying Our Heart’s Pocket When we ask for Moshiach we are actually asking from the two layers of our heart external and internal. The desire for the satisfaction of our individual needs that Moshiach will bring derives from the external part of our emotions. The desire to be as one with G-d and connect to the entirety of the Parsha Tzav – Illuminating Garments One of the goals of our spiritual journey is to humble ourselves before G-d. However, breaking our egos and the resultant feelings of lowliness can degenerate into depression, which, ironically, can also be a product of our egos. Parsha Tzav – Judaism & Our Pocketbooks No one would suspect people of high spiritual attainments of consciously making crucial decisions based on financial considerations. There is, however, the possibility of a subconscious effect. Parsha Tzav – Messianic Maturity and Childlike Innocence An educator must recognize that he or she is dealing with a child, he or she must also view the child as a potential adult. Indeed, a child possesses far more adult characteristics than we usually give him or her credit for. Just as an adult retains a latent spark of childhood innocence and purity, Parsha Tzav – Korban Substitutes Chassidus explains that the unwitting commission of a sin is a sign that one’s animal nature is still untamed, causing one to gravitate towards transgression without even realizing it. If our Animal Souls were refined and receptive to our G-dly souls, with whom they share “occupancy” of our bodies, Parsha Tzav – Take Aaron, Please… The word for life in the Holy Tongue is "Chaim." The word is written in the plural form the Rebbe explained, because life is only worthy of its name if it is a life that acknowledges, appreciates, and is shared with others. True life is defined by the nature and quality of our relationships. And sin Parsha Tzav – The Command of Passover When one views Passover as only a cultural or even spiritual experience, they are able to capture much of the overt significance of the observance. However, as with the proverbial iceberg, most of the Mitzvah’s power is beneath the surface. We cannot just revel in the beautiful wrapping paper. We mu Parsha Tzav – The Shabbos of Maturity The “immature” view of freedom is to see it as an end. The more mature view is to view it as an opportunity to rise to a higher spiritual level. In its simple formulation, freedom is the removal of external constraints. In a more mature and advanced understanding of freedom it represents the removal Parsha Tzav – The Liberation of Thought Thought is the most intimate of “instruments” of our soul. Improper thoughts can therefore cause more damage to the soul than improper speech or action. Improper thoughts may also be a symptom of a diseased soul that is in dire need of refinement. Thought is like a soul in the search of a body. Posi Parsha Tzav – The Ultimate Symphony Moshiach is the embodiment of Moses and more. Moshiach, as Moses, embodies the balance between right and left, and he too has the “single” hand that can guide the exquisite symphonic music that will accompany the “new song” we will sing imminently, in the days of Redemption. Parsha Tzav – Touched We have been guaranteed by our sages that when engaged in the process of helping our fellow Jew — materially or spiritually — that… Parsha Tzav – Use Both Hands! In Judaism, the preparation for a Mitzvah—while less dramatic, romantic and exciting than the actual Mitzvah— is no less G-d’s will. The same G-d that asked us to celebrate Passover wants us to prepare for it. And while the preparations are more tedious and appear to lack the sense of fulfillment an Parsha Tzav – When the Torah Rises It does not suffice for us to study Torah. We must instill it with fire so that the Torah itself rises and you rise with it. This will surely help Moshiach lead us to a higher world— a world of freedom, peace and goodness. Parsha Ki Savo – ...and the Pursuit of Happiness The pursuit of happiness is synonymous with the search for our inner soul. As long as we forget that search, genuine happiness remains an elusive goal. Parsha Ki Savo – Be Happy! There are two dimensions of happiness: Being happy and making others happy. These two dimensions are paralleled by external and internal joy. Parsha Ki Savo – Copper and Iron Copper and Iron are metaphors for substances that express an inferior spiritual state. But they also represent the ideal of yearning for higher goals and total transformation. Parsha Ki Savo – First Fruits True joy is determined not by how you feel but by how you make another feel. Complete joy is determined by how you make everyone feel! Parsha Ki Savo – Get Out of Galus and Be Your Own Baker! A liberated mindset is to ignore the marketplace of ideas and search within one’s own soul and Torah teachings for guidance and inspiration. Parsha Ki Savo – Gratitude Ii Humans are capable of saying thank you without even thinking what it means. Indeed, humans suffer from cognitive dissonance. The cure is to think what thank you” really means. Parsha Ki Savo – Gratitude A phrase, simultaneously, simple and profound is, “thank you.” It acknowledges that the world doesn’t revolve around you. Parsha Ki Savo – Healthy Insanity Insanity is not a pejorative if we transcend our intellect rather than go beneath it. Some of the most successful people who changed the face of the earth were regarded as crazy. We applaud that craziness when it gets us ready for Moshiach! Parsha Ki Savo – In the Field and in the City Serving G-d with formality is a positive thing. But G-d wants us to serve Him in informal ways and informal contexts as well. Parsha Ki Savo – Jewish Domination There are many forms of domination. One can exercise control over others or exercise control over oneself. Parsha Ki Savo – Keeping Our Heads Above A mind/head is a terrible thing to waste. It is equally objectionable to keep our head immersed in things that are “down,” beneath us. Parsha Ki Savo – L’chaim-To Life! Life begins when our egos diminish and we unite with others. Great Jewish leaders unify us because they instill the true inner life of Torah into our lives. Parsha Ki Savo – Only Blessings Criticism helps to eradicate negative traits. Positive reinforcement helps to reveal and actualize our positive traits. We live in the age where we need the latter rather than the former. Parsha Ki Savo – Stand Up! Mitzvos come in many varieties and are all good. However, a Mitzvah stands out when it is done with excellence; both objective and subjective. We should acknowledge those whose Mitzvah observances express that excellence. Parsha Ki Savo – Serving with Your Enemy The most meaningful blessing is when we know that our erstwhile enemy has become our friend. All of the material aspects of life including our bodies may seem to be our adversaries. Our mission is to harness them to work for the common cause together. Parsha Ki Savo – Thanks, Hashem! The depth of happiness in our lives is in direct proportion with the depth of giving to others. The Messianic Age will feature the purist and most intense form of joy. Parsha Ki Savo – The Individual and the Covenantal Today is the most important day of your life. Today is the day we receive the Torah as it was given the first day. There is an individual “today” and a communal “today.” Parsha Ki Savo – The Joy of Removing Doubts A wise man once said, “the greatest joy comes from the resolution of doubts. The difference between an exile and Redemption mindset is the degree to which we harbor no doubts about our role in this world. Parsha Ki Savo – The Seven Blessed Illnesses Even a Jew estranged from his or her Judaism possesses a hidden love for G-d embedded deeply in his or her soul. To arouse this love, one must reflect on G-d’s greatness and His presence in our lives, among other meditations. Parsha Ki Savo – Totality! If we had to find one word that describes Judaism it could be the word “totality.” While the Torah values every single detail of a Mitzvah, its goal is to realize total involvement with every nuance of life snf every Mitzvah. Parsha Ki Savo – Walk in His Ways! Art is imitation of the physical world, which is itself an imitation of the spiritual worlds. When we imitate G-d we experience the ultimate art-form because we are imitating something real. Parsha Ki Savo – “When Father Reads There Are No Curses” Curses are not real. Our default position is our blessed relationship with G-d as our Father. The definition of a curse is the hiding of that natural relationship. Parsha Ki Seitzei – 3 X 13: Its Simple Arithmetic! Punishment for the sake of punishment is cruel and unusual from the Torah’s vantage point. Punishment is education and rehabilitation. Parsha Ki Seitzei – An “I” for an “I” G-d wants to meet us on our turf. G-d cherishes our initiatives. The ultimate G-dly achievement is Moshiach and it depends on us. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Double Your Money Life is a duality. We are both recipients and donors. At the very least, what we give should match what we receive. In the Messianic Age we will realize this duality at its maximum. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Going Out Our souls are in exile and yearn to be liberated. Personal redemption is the catalyst for collective redemption. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Going Overboard Doing a little bit more than required is not just an incremental addition. It transforms the act from selfness to otherness. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Holy Chutzpah It takes chutzpah to live as a moral and observant Jew in our immoral and amoral secularized society. It is this power of chutzpah that makes our generation unique and qualified for Redemption. Parsha Ki Seitzei – How Much Longer? Acting impulsively is not always a vice. When we respond, unprepared, to doing good, it is an indication that we have internalized goodness. Parsha Ki Seitzei – In Praise of Miriam The greatest praise for a person is his or her selflessness. The greatest measure of selflessness is to appear compromised so that others should benefit. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Invincible Our staying power comes from the most unsuspected sources. Acting moral when no one would know if we weren’t and valuing even small gestures and baby steps is the power behind our nation’s immortality. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Keep Our Word/G-d Keep Your Word Speech is G-d’s gift to humanity. Cherish it and guard it. G-d also uses speech to make promises. We ask Him to keep and cherish His promises for a better world. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Mitzvah Therapy Each Mitzvah has infinite value and power. A Mitzvah is enhanced by the quality of the act. Yet, the quantity of Mitzvah performances is even more significant. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Rebellious Child The greatest gift a parent can give his or her child is being a role model. Moral strength, mutual love and sensitivity of a parent constitute the ideal model. It is the best we can do to raise good children. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Send Us Moshiach and the Mother Bird! Three are the barriers to spiritual growth: External pressure, internal moral lapses and the gulf between mind and heart. The Messianic Age will tackle and remove these three challenges. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Stoned! Life is precarious. The Torah commands us to take precautions that we do not fall off a roof. Lest someone feels that falling and failing are inevitable, G- d promises us that He will take us into Hs secure embrace. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Take the High Road Our essence and default position is peace. War is a necessary evil. While fighting our battles we should never lose sight that we are above war. Parsha Ki Seitzei – The Five Mystical Dimensions of Marriage Marriage is society’s most challenged institution. If people would only know the true value and the mystical significance of marriage, divorce would become close to obsolete. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Two Strikes and You’re Out! Kindness and faith are twin, complementary virtues. Faith engenders kindness and kindness makes us receptive to faith. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Turn on the Lights Fighting evil is a positive and even noble cause. Generating light through positive action is a sublime and Divine endeavor. Parsha Ki Seitzei – What Can We Learn from a Thief? Evil is a façade. It is hidden good waiting to be revealed. Our challenge is to see the hidden good by both shunning evil, learning from it and then transforming it. Parsha Ki Seitzei – Who Schleps Us Out? The adage “G-d helps those who help themselves” is the foundation of our efforts to bring Moshiach. We were empowered to get ourselves out of exile. Let’s do it! Let’s do it! Parsha Ki Seitzei – Windows How do we combat the alienation of the youth? By teaching them how to open windows between their hearts and their minds. Parsha Shoftim – Be Deliberate in Judgment We cannot escape being judgmental. We must therefore also judge ourselves, judge the totality of others and judge fairly. Parsha Shoftim – Chanukah in the Summer Rebellion against authority is embedded in our soul’s genes. Don’t try to stifle it. Channel it to tear down the walls of exile! Parsha Shoftim – Does the End Justify the Means? We can compromise our interests not our principles. A compromised justice is an injustice. Parsha Shoftim – Don’t Change the Subject! A story is told of a hapless bank robber who approaches the cashier and demands: “Give me $10,000 or else you’ll be geography!”… Parsha Shoftim – Dual Identity We have a public and private persona. Torah too has two parallel identities; its revealed and concealed teachings. To nurture both of our personas we must avail ourselves of both dimensions of Torah. Parsha Shoftim – Elul: A Month of Refuge and Joy Elul is the name of the last month of the year. Elul is the month that precedes the Jewish New Year and is therefore regarded as… Parsha Shoftim – Jewish Ecology There’s more to the world than the world we see. But the actions that we take in the world that we see enable us to see beyond our eye’s range. Parsha Shoftim – Justice of the Future There are two forms of justice: relative and ideal. Even in the time of exile, we must endeavor to anticipate and incorporate ultimate Messianic justice Parsha Shoftim – Officers or Advisors? Officers are needed to enforce the law. Counsellors are needed to make everyone receptive to the law. Parsha Shoftim – Retroactive If you want something enough, don’t just patiently wait for it; anticipate it, yearn for it, incorporate it and live it now! Parsha Shoftim – No Trees in Temple The question: Which comes first, truth or justice? He answer: It depends whose truth and whose justice. Parsha Shoftim – Separation of Powers Separation of powers is necessary as a prelude for their unification. Parsha Shoftim – Teshuvah Yes, Depression No! The perennial sport is wrestling with our Animal Soul. To win the match we must match our strength with positive energy. Parsha Shoftim – The Challenge of Intellectualism Intellect is a double-edged sword. It is true, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Even worse is to waste our minds on rationalizing our behavior. Parsha Shoftim – The Obsession with Royalty Someone once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government except all others that have been tried.” There is one form of government that is truly the best; the Messianic version of the monarchy. Parsha Shoftim – The Spiritual I.n.s. Many are worried about keeping out the negative influences. The Torah is just as concerned, if not more, with keeping in the positive influences. Parsha Shoftim – The Symbiotic Sanhedrin We live in a misaligned world. The Holy Temple was a model of a perfect world where all levels were in perfect alignment. In the Messianic Age the entire world will experience that measure of synchronicity. Parsha Shoftim – Three Arguments for Redemption When you want something good from G-d, don’t settle for measured and finite good. Ask G-d for His infinite goodness. Parsha Shoftim – Three Roads to Geulah In our own time, intellectuals formulated the twin evils of Nazism and communism, which unleased havoc on the world and caused the death of millions. By contrast, knowledge of Torah does not only edify its students. Torah study also refines them, by providing a refuge from the hostile influences of Parsha Shoftim – The Two Tiered Crown Jewish law is G-d’s crown. The crown serves two functions. It evokes greater respect for the king’s orders. It’s crown Jewel elicits admiration for the king himself. Parsha Shoftim – Two Witnesses The test of loyalty is when it manifests itself in two opposite ways. Parsha Shoftim – What Are Eyes and Ears For? If we would realize the power of our five senses (“gates”) we would posts guards to secure them all the time. Guarded human “gates” would cause all the world’s ills to disappear. Parsha Shoftim – What’s Jewish About Labor Day? Labor Day usually occurs at the beginning of the academic calendar. Labor Day also coincides with the beginning of the Jewish New… Parsha Devarim – Chatzeiros: The New Math! Division generates and multiplies negativity; while adding senseless love subtracts and eliminates our exile! Parsha Devarim – Cooking the Books Creative accounting is immoral, especially if it concerns our own self-assessment. We are guilty of “cooking the books” by underestimating our true value just as when we overstate it. Parsha Devarim – Don’t Exaggerate The more Divine and real an obstacle is, the greater the power we were given to overcome it! Parsha Devarim – Double Edged Sword When you see a person whose past leaves much to be desired and who needs guidance, rather than tell them simply what they did wrong, show them how they could use the same energies for good. Instead of focusing on their negative choices, emphasize how the very same circumstances that led to their deg Parsha Devarim – Gentle and Subtle A good leader commands. Sometimes he commands us to do something. Sometimes he commands us to be independent. Parsha Devarim – Go North! Not all evil was created equally. Some forms of evil must be destroyed. Some forms actually contain a spark of goodness. They are salvageable. Moshiach will rid the world of the former and empower us to convert the latter. Parsha Devarim – Grammatically Correct Who is he real realist? The pessimist or the optimist? Both, when combined! We believe that the future will be good, but we must act as if it wouldn’t happen without our efforts. Parsha Devarim – Moses Rebukes-Praises While Moses was berating his people for their worshipping of the Golden Calf, he was also attempting to invoke G-d’s love for His people, whose generosity knew no bounds. Parsha Devarim – Nine Steps Towards Perfection Waiting for an exciting event need not be a source of anxiety. Waiting for a future event requires internalizing features of that event now! Preparing for the ideal Messianic Age requires living that ideal life now! Parsha Devarim – Numbers in Deuteronomy True Life is two dimensional. If chai (18) is synonymous with life then the number 36 (lamed vav) represents life in its fullest, two dimensional sense. Are you a lamed vavnik? Parsha Devarim – Our Day in Court We demand equal representation and treatment of people. We must hear both sides of a dispute before deciding who is right. We too have two internal forces. We must not allow our natural instincts (derived from our “Animal Soul”) to voice their opinion before we listen to our conscience; our G-dly so Parsha Devarim – Revealing the Love Subtlety is an art form and should be used sparingly. Tough love is a necessary tool to help those with a hard crust; but open love is the goal Parsha Devarim – Speak Softly When we suffer, we cannot take harsh talk. In times like these, we need the warm embrace of our heavenly Father. Parsha Devarim – Stop Circling the Mountain! Some reach out to G-d scale and conquer mountains. Some believe in themselves for salvation. Torah teaches us to search for, discover and reveal our inner G-dly strength to surmount all obstacles. Parsha Devarim – Strings Attached and the Disengagement Process While life is mostly about engagement; there are times when we must disengage. Disengagement is positive when it is from a stifling atmosphere. Parsha Devarim – Tisha B’av-Loss of Sanity Mourning the destruction of the Temple is about grieving the loss of G-dly innocence and sanity in our world. Prayers for the Temple is about the restoration of G-d’s palpable presence in our physical existence. The rebuilt Temple will thus restore innocence and sanity to a terribly flawed world! Parsha Devarim – The Essence of Gold There are two ways of viewing wealth. We can either see it through a smokescreen or see its naked essence. Seen through the smokescreen of human nature it will corrupt. Removing the fog transforms wealth into a powerful vehicle to spiritual growth. Parsha Devarim – The Power of Mishnah A soul is a terrible thing to waste. It is equally tragic when we forget we possess it. Parsha Devarim – What Are We Mourning? An anniversary of an event is when the event come to life again. An anniversary of a tragedy is when we focus on what we lost and endeavor to restore it with even greater vigor. Parsha Devarim – When Enough Is Not Enough! We fail when we embrace and institutionalize our G-d given limits. Nothing is sweeter to G-d’s “ears” than the music created by going beyond our “enough-ness” mindset. Parsha Devarim – Wrong Way Do Not Enter “A journey begins with but one step,” is a popular adage. Our path to total and immediate Redemption needs one small, even imperceptible, redirection Parsha Devarim – Years of Royalty Kings wage war. Some wars are external others are internal. A Jewish monarch must know which battles to choose and when he should fight them. Parsha Matos-Masei – Aaron’s Passing Ahavas Chinam is loving someone not because they are endowed with great spiritual, intellectual or physical talents. This love is not even engendered by another's positive behavior towards you. It is love that is based on the fact that the other person is G-d's creation. There does not have to be a Parsha Matos-Masei – A Journey Without an End When the Torah lists the 42 journeys from Egypt, they are all characterized as journeys from Mitzraim. Each and every journey that took then further away from the geographic region known as Mitzraim, they were simultaneously breaking out of yet another level and layer of confinement and spiritual st Parsha Matos-Masei – An Arm or a Leg We have two choices how to cope with the harsh nature of the earth that will determine the outcome of our struggle: The poorer choice is to wait until we are jolted into submission to normalcy. The ideal choice is for us to divorce ourselves from its harshness and negativity by equipping ourselves w Parsha Matos-Masei – Annul Your Vows When we realize that our true desire is to be close to G-d by observing His commandments, we free ourselves from the compulsion to compromise. The wish to compromise is often a result of not being in touch with our true desire. Being out of touch with that reality, we erroneously think we cannot acc Parsha Matos-Masei – Be There! No Jew can rest until all of his or her brothers in sisters anywhere in the world, particularly in Israel, are at peace. Moreover, we should realize that, insofar as our feelings are concerned, there is no “there” and “here.” We are all there spiritually and emotionally. Parsha Matos-Masei – Be Vindicated! In the present pre-Final Redemption era the virtues and flaws that are deeply embedded in our soul are surfacing. Some people whom we thought of as mediocre have achieved phenomenal success in their lives and, conversely, people whom we regarded as great have exhibited uncharacteristically negative Parsha Matos-Masei – Cities of Sensitivity Collectively, the Jewish people have been subjected to the paradoxical phenomenon of being hounded by the other nations who threaten to exterminate us, and being provided by G-d throughout history with places of refuge that have guaranteed our survival. This phenomenon is what our Sages referred to Parsha Matos-Masei – How Sacred Is Your Word? When a person feels incapable of dealing with temptation the Torah provided a vow. The vow is not just a psychological boost to buttress one’s inner strength and character. It actually generates greater G-dly energy helping the person to combat his weak nature. Parsha Matos-Masei – Innocent When Proven Guilty Every Jew possesses some measure of good. There are differences, as to the degree to which this good is covered up and concealed. When the judges find merit in a criminal, this is a sign that they have found his inner good and is therefore “capable” of receiving punishment that will prove beneficial Parsha Matos-Masei – Journeys There are many challenges along the way in our journeys. The first rule is that we must know our destination. Reaching the destination, the Messianic Age, is an integral part of Judaism. In the earlier stages of the journey, knowledge of its destination and objective was not so crucial; the focus wa Parsha Matos-Masei – Long Live the King Rabbi Mendel of Kotzk: The nation Moab was needed to give the Jewish people the concept of kingship. The entire concept of people empowered to exercise authority over others is foreign to the Jewish ethos. The idea of leadership had to be ‘borrowed’ from Moab. Parsha Matos-Masei – Murder! The Cities of Refuge afforded the person who had displayed callous disregard for another human life — when his or her negligence caused the untimely death of another — to reflect on his or her crime and to be rehabilitated. Parsha Matos-Masei – Paradox of Judaism: Rigidity and Flexibility When it comes to exercising leadership, one must have rigid standards. One cannot bend because the people are asking for changes. One cannot follow the way the wind is blowing to determine what standards to establish for society. The same can be said for one’s internal “government” and leadership ro Parsha Matos-Masei – Peaceful Zealotry, or a Zealous Peace? A time will come when Pinchas will shed his zealous— albeit, for the sake of peace—veneer, and assume the role of the peacemaker Elijah, and will usher in the ultimate age of unmitigated peace and goodness—the Messianic Age. Parsha Matos-Masei – Perpetual War Even when we resoundingly defeat our internal enemy, we must be poised to fight yet another battle with evil. The battle against one’s internal evil is continuous. In the Messianic Age it will be the struggle to climb to greater heights. Parsha Matos-Masei – Provisions for the Journey In our generation it is the Lubavitcher Rebbe who has led and continues to lead the Jewish people in the effort to hasten the Redemption. This, we can do, the Rebbe taught, by increasing in all matters of goodness and kindness. Every good thought, word or deed, can be the proverbial gesture that wil Parsha Matos-Masei – Purged by Fire and Water Life is a constant struggle. We are always fighting a war against one obstacle or another. In the process of fighting against our enemy we may occasionally appropriate the “utensils” or instruments of our enemy. We may possibly absorb certain customs and mores that were never a part of our own cultu Parsha Matos-Masei – Purging Our Utensils Moses’ devotion to his people was so great that he was willing to sacrifice his own spiritual standing, by virtue of his anger, to teach them important lessons and to help rehabilitate them. The faithful leader of the Jewish people was willing to degrade himself for their sake. And indeed, his anger Parsha Matos-Masei – Synchronization While we are standing on the threshold of the Final Redemption we are not yet living in a perfect world. Frequently the spiritual and physical realms are not in sync with one another. A beautiful soul can be housed in a unattractive body and vice versa. The Beis Hamikdash, the Holy Temple, was an ex Parsha Matos-Masei – The Four Exiles The designation of the Jewish people as Israel was based on their transcendence of nature. The name Israel was given to the Patriarch Jacob because he “fought with G-d’s angel (a metaphor for the forces of nature as well) and people (other nations) and prevailed.” The name Israel denotes all that wa Parsha Matos-Masei – The Great Equalizer The daughters of Tzelaphechad were intellectually different but on the level of piety they were the same. That sameness transcended their differences. Parsha Matos-Masei – The Smell of Justice As we approach the final journey into the Messianic Age, we must orient ourselves towards a greater understanding of the needs of others. We should be able to judge others favorably by giving them the benefit of the doubt. To cultivate this positive trait, it is crucial that we also cultivate a deep Parsha Matos-Masei – The Wandering Jew The soul cannot be content with intermittent spurts of energy. The soul, however, wants truth and consistency and will stop at nothing until it has achieved its goal. Parsha Matos-Masei – Turning Shadows Into Light Life is a vacuous cycle that gets us nowhere unless we connect it with a Mitzvah G-d’s will. G-d does not exist for something else, so too a Mitzvah, which is an expression of His will, does not have to serve some other need. It is not jut a means to an end; it is an end! Parsha Matos-Masei – Vows and Tongs in the Twilight Zone During the twilight period which bridges the gap between the weekdays and Shabbos, G-d empowers us to make the transition from the “repair the world” mode into an “uplift the world” mode. It equips us with the tools to raise an already perfected world to an even more sublime level. Parsha Pinchas – Are You an Extremist? Most would agree that helping the poor is good. Devoting one’s life to helping them is even better. Helping people zealously and being extremely kind and compassionate to the extreme is obviously a virtue, not a vice. Parsha Pinchas – 7 for 70 The Jewish people were chosen to serve as a light to the nations of the world. Even when the Jewish people were situated on the Land of Israel, far from having direct contact with other nations except for occasional battles with their neighbors, they nevertheless had the power to generate spiritual Parsha Pinchas – Climbing Out of the Pit In this week’s parsha, Pinchas, the Torah recounts how G-d told Moses to take the census of the Jewish nation after they had… Parsha Pinchas – Close the Mem Torah is G-d’s knowledge and cannot be tainted. Torah, at its root and in its essence is Divine and pure. When it is introduced into the parameters of our physical existence and materialistic pursuits it can become corrupted. Study of the mystical teachings preserve the Torah’s integrity under all c Parsha Pinchas – Divine Bread The daily sacrifice in the Temple is described by the Torah as “G-d’s bread.” Bread—the staff of life—is what unites the soul and the body. What makes the shidduch-match between these two disparate entities? It is the food that we ingest. For G-d—the Soul of the universe—to be wed to our material ex Parsha Pinchas – Good Intentions Mere positive thoughts do not suffice to completely eradicate all the negative consequences of one’s evil behavior. As powerful as a sincere thought and of good intentions are, there is no substitute for acting in accordance with those thoughts. Particularly, when our actions are performed in public Parsha Pinchas – Hypocrisy A hypocrite is not one who may do an act at a later time that would contradict the spirit of the mitzvah he is about to fulfill. A hypocrite is one who tries to conceal evil in a veil of righteousness. What one ate for breakfast is quite irrelevant to fulfilling the request to put on Tefillin or do Parsha Pinchas – Infinity Liberation means we are empowered to break out of any box. Parsha Pinchas – Jewish Leader’s Resume A leader must have the capacity to deal with every individual on his or her level. A true leader must not only be concerned for the survival of the entire nation, but also with the petty needs of every individual. Indeed, for a genuine leader, an individual’s needs cannot be considered petty. Parsha Pinchas – Make Israel Here! The Land of Israel is the land that enables its inhabitants to gain mastery over all the natural forces in the world, that they conform with G-d’s original intent in creating the world. This intent, our sages declare, was for us to make the world into a dwelling place for G-d. We are to “conquer” th Parsha Pinchas – Leadership in Three Dimensions Many leaders today act as if they are leading the way, but when they come to a thorny or controversial matter, they turn around to determine which way the people want them to choose. The leaders thus become the quintessential followers. Moshiach will be a true leader. He will unlock the spiritual po Parsha Pinchas – Our Ties to the Land of Israel In this week's reading the Torah describes the procedure for the division of the Holy Land to the twelve tribes that were poised… Parsha Pinchas – Return to the Future When we are afforded a glimpse into the future world of holiness and peace, we do not want to act in a manner that is contrary to this new world. When we know that we will be promoted to a higher position, we will start acting and thinking in consonance with that new position even before we reach it Parsha Pinchas – Sun Rise and Sunset A leader is not a magician who with the wave of a magic wand can unite and lead the people. The leader needs the cooperation of his people. All of the people, despite their different interests and levels, must possess, at least, one cause that they share equally. Even if we cannot agree on anything Parsha Pinchas – The Down to Earth Zealot! The true zealot is one who is able to transcend his own nature. The true zealot must be able to control his passion for the spiritual, climb down from his celestial perch and deal with lowly affairs and even use tactics that are totally against his nature. Parsha Pinchas – The Instigators Moshiach is a human being. What makes him different is that he is the ultimate “instigator.” He will inspire and provoke us into realizing our own G-d given potential for good. Moshiach will unleash the hidden potential for good in the entire world. Parsha Pinchas – The Theory of Quantity Qualified Everyone possesses the potential for the highest quality. When we have the critical mass of positive energy, it represents the force that can fan the little flame into a blazing fire. Quantity generates quality. The ultimate force is the synthesis of the two. Parsha Pinchas – The Ultimate Tzedakah We were promised that Moshiach will redeem us regardless of our worthiness. But, who wants to be the undeserving recipient of a tzedakah hand out? We want Redemption to occur because of our efforts, not in spite of them. Parsha Pinchas – Tolerate or Follow? The ability of a leader to “follow the spirit of each individual” derives from the fact that he is endowed with the spirit of each individual. His ability to identify with each person is because he has a “piece” of each person in his own soul. Parsha Pinchas – Verbal Bribery The Lubavitcher Rebbe has constantly stressed, our role is to reverse the process of destruction by transforming the senseless hatred into “senseless love.” This means that we should become so favorably biased about each other that we can no longer harbor any feelings of negative judgment Parsha Pinchas – Will the Real Pinchas Stand Up!? The positive values of Judaism is what will eventually endure, while the fight against the negative will eventually cease with the advent of the Moshiach and the final redemption, at which time the “swords will be converted into plowshares.” Parsha Balak – Covert Operations There are two dimensions of good: The good that is overt and easily accessed and the dimension of good that is covert and is hard to access. G-d, in His infinite kindness, has allowed us to access both forms of good. We will fully experience that in the Messianic Age Parsha Balak – Curses and Blessings Transforming curses into blessings is the ultimate expression of G-d’s true unity because it proves that not even the evil has any power of its own, but to serve G-d’s purpose in creation. And therefore, ultimately, even the curses will be transformed into blessings. Parsha Balak – Honey or a Sting? The phenomenon of identifying with our enemies when we receive some measure of good from them is a well-known psychological phenomenon known as the “Stockholm Syndrome.” When a Jew identifies with and pays homage to exile forces (or in the language of this week’s parsha, “Bilam’s honey”), he digs hi Parsha Balak – Moshiach If one evil person was able to galvanize a nation of tens of millions to carry out the worst genocide in history, how much more so, is the same possible in the realm of goodness. One person can unleash the positive energy lying dormant in humanity. Parsha Balak – No Paragraphs We have become a society in which everything has to be analyzed. There are times when we should allow positive statements of people to remain the way they are on the surface without probing for some hidden agenda. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Frequently, the superficial begins to seep in an Parsha Balak – Just for Now Earth shattering events are indeed very appealing to us. But, even the most insignificant act can forever change the world. We cannot fathom the ripple and snowballing effect all the good that we do has on the world. Parsha Balak – Misplaced Spirituality Our quest for Moshiach—the descendent of Moab—is for the Moshiach who will, in Maimonides’ words, facilitate total Torah observance. To the extent that our messianic fervor takes us in that direction it is the fulfillment of Judaism’s directive that we “anticipate (and prepare for) Moshiach’s coming Parsha Balak – Removing the Bilam Curse of Galus Bilam suffered from two impediments. He was lame and partially blind. He lacked healthy spiritual legs i.e. faith. Bilams spirituality was based on his limited understanding of G-d’s existence. Bilam’s was also spiritually blind; blind to his own state of lowliness. We defeat the Bilams of the world Parsha Balak – Singular Blessing Prayer is complemented by Torah study. If prayer is the story of our relationship with G-d then Torah study is where G-d shares His most intimate thoughts with us. This expresses dramatically His love for us because He allows us to learn and absorb His most intimate knowledge. While prayer expresses Parsha Balak – Substance, Profit and Hope To counter the power of the modern day Bila’ams who attempt to distance us from the Messianic Age we must connect ourselves to the three elements: mamosh- substance, benefit and hope. We must realize that Moshiach and Redemption are reality. We must also recognize that our actions benefit the world. Parsha Balak – The Twelfth and Thirteenth of Tammuz It is incredible that the Previous Rebbe—as well as the Rebbe, his successor—in addition to their leadership of the Jewish people in all matters, have produced an unprecedented amount of scholarly literature as well as voluminous correspondence with tens of thousands of Jews. It is estimated that th Parsha Balak – The Visually Challenged Seer Moses and Moshiach’s commanding the respect of the entire world lies in their ability to see with “both” eyes. This clarity of vision is also what will characterize the entire world in the Messianic Era that will be ushered in by Moshiach. Parsha Balak – Torah, Gold and Silver Torah must be augmented by good deeds. However, the emphasis on Mitzvos over Torah study is not because Torah study is less significant than other ideals of Judaism. On the contrary, Torah study is the greatest Mitzvah of them all. Parsha Balak – Two Scenarios There are two distinct scenarios for the unfolding of the Messianic drama. If we are not worthy, Moshiach will still come, but his coming will be at the appointed time, rather than sooner, and will also occur in a natural and non-dramatic way. If we are meritorious and deserving, Moshiach’s coming w Parsha Balak – Two Tiered Conquest Jealousy will only be erased in the more advanced stages of the Messianic Age. Nevertheless there are ways of tempering it even now, in these last moments of exile. When a person is engaged in the higher form of conquest and seeks to spread the awareness of G-d to the entire world, that individual w Parsha Balak – Walk! The last generation of exile has been compared by our Sages as the “heels of Moshiach.” Our generation is paradoxically the lowest generation of history, being the farthest removed from the defining experience of Sinai. It is also the most powerful generation that can uplift and bring fulfillment to Parsha Balak – What Can We Accomplish in One Instant? In the current “bridge” to the Messianic Age we have the accumulated good of the past at our disposal. All it takes to finally cross the bridge and enter into the Age of Redemption is one seemingly insignificant mitzvah that takes perhaps one moment to do. That lone mitzvah can be the proverbial “st Parsha Chukas – A Play on Words Even the “third class copper” Jew who was bitten by the serpent, the symbol of the evil inclination within us, is not beyond hope. Just harness your weaknesses for something higher and more sublime, and even that copper snake will cure you from your spiritual malady. Parsha Chukas – Aaron and the Clouds of Glory How do we prevent assimilation? How can we remain impervious to all of the alien influences of the outside world? It is through genuine Jewish unity. When we recognize that we are essentially one people, because we share a common soul, background and destiny, we can withstand any physical or spiritu Parsha Chukas – Catching Up The Torah, which comes from one G-d, is the very source of unity in our lives. Nevertheless, the Torah itself recognizes the legitimate division that exists between holy and the ordinary. The world was designed to have times, places, personalities and experiences that are special and holier than oth Parsha Chukas – Keep Your Mouth Open! Misplaced humility that minimizes our ability to generate positive energy is a denial of G-d’s power. Never underestimate the power of positive speech and the power to correct the past when the power of speech was abused. Parsha Chukas – Love Peace and Pursue Peace Aaron taught us the true definition of love and unity. It is not just a means to an end; it is an end. We must be proactive in pursuing it. Love of the other is based on an understanding of the essential nature of the human being. Aaron also taught is that pursuing peace cannot be at the expense of Parsha Chukas – Moses’ Obsession with the Complete Geulah Moses’ life was dedicated to removing the scourge of death from the earth. His quest will not be complete until he fully succeeds in the Messianic Age. The final Red Heifer in the Messianic Age will epitomize the completion and fulfillment of Moses’ life-goal of making this world G-dly by removing t Parsha Chukas – Mr. Dichotomy We must seek to translate the highest and most spiritual ideals into action. This provides us with a taste of the World-to-Come, where eternal life will be the norm. By introducing an element of consistency and durability in our own lives, we reveal that part of our soul that connects to our body th Parsha Chukas – Positive Reinforcement When the Jewish people are exalted and seen in their true spiritual light nature “feels” comfortable and more than willing to acquiesce to their needs. In this way, nature facilitates their dedication to the ideals of Judaism they so strongly identify with and for which everything was created in the Parsha Chukas – Restoring Normalcy The word tamei can be understood as a mindset that alerts the person to the true nature of life and to the utter absurdity and enigma of death. It is a stark reminder that while G-d creates everything normal, we were given the capacity to either preserve the normal status of the world or corrupt it– Parsha Chukas – Speak to the Rock! Jews who seem to be as “hard as a rock” should not be helped by using the “striking” method. In the past, the hardness of Jews who grew up in an environment saturated with Jewish knowledge and warmth, derived from their rebellious spirits. Nowadays, the hardness is a result of generations of benign Parsha Chukas – The Confident Spies The Jewish people have been compared to the human body. A healthy human body is one where all of its organs and limbs work in concert because their connection to the brain is intact. Similarly, the Jewish nation is spiritually healthy when all of us are united under the direction of our head; its Mo Parsha Chukas – The Logical Mystery Logic cannot capture everything just as a cup cannot contain ideas or feelings. In the words of the Tanya: To state that G-d is unfathomable is the equivalent of saying that one cannot touch wisdom with hands. G-d is inherently beyond the realm of logic. Parsha Chukas – The Mother of All Existence When G-d gave us the Torah, He gave us the capacity to bring eternal life to the world. The physical dimension of life would exist in tandem with the spiritual. As a result of the sin of the golden calf failing we will not be able to restore eternal life until the Messianic Age when the world will b Parsha Chukas – The Rational Irrational Person Which is more rational? The belief that the Jewish People’s survival through thousands of years of persecution was a coincidence, or that it was due to the fact that they were chosen by G-d to carry out a special mission, and that it was our stubborn adherence to the Torah that gave us our strength Parsha Chukas – The Role of the Tzadik Chassidic thought teaches that true tzadikkim have risen above sin. Nevertheless they too are “human” in that G-d causes them to experience temporary lapses in order for them to advance spiritually. When one falters and experiences a setback they can then leap to an exponentially higher level. Parsha Chukas – The Torah’s Response to the Kkk The three letters kuf (equivalent to the English letter k) corresponds to the three words that we exclaim in our prayers in praise of G-d: “Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh-Holy, holy, holy.” According to the Zohar these three forms of holiness that are vested within each and every Jew is an inheritance from Parsha Chukas – Three Human Conditions: Three Perspectives As we stand ready to greet Moshiach and the final Redemption we sometimes second-guess ourselves and question our worthiness to be redeemed. We might think of ourselves as undeserving. We must realize that we have beautiful garments that are woven together from all of the positive thoughts, words an Parsha Chukas – Touched by Transcendence When G-d is consistent we are in touch with and touched by an aspect of G-d that conforms to our level. When, however, we encounter a paradox and accept it as G-d’s will, we then access a “higher” and more essential aspect of G-d that transcends human comprehension. Parsha Chukas – Washing the Dust Off Our Feet Idolatry is not merely the worshipping of pagan g-ds made of wood and stone. According to the Talmud there are other far more subtle forms of idolatry, such as an inflated ego or anger. Parsha Naso – An Uplifting Torah With the revelation of G-d at Mount Sinai, every commandment — whether prescriptive or proscriptive — is endowed with equal holiness, When a Jew thus desists from working on the Shabbos, it is nonetheless a mitzvah, which means both commandment as well as connection. Every time a Jew refrains from a Parsha Naso – Coming in Second Through Torah study one is empowered to leave the stifling atmosphere of our world and travel into an environment of spiritual “weightlessness,” where we are not weighted down by the gravitational pull of the material world. Parsha Naso – Consistent and Persistent Words A person who is careful to keep his or her word is a person whose speech carries much more weight and credibility in all areas of life. When a person is known for the integrity of his or her speech, he or she is trusted and respected. This pays off with immediate dividends with greater success in bu Parsha Naso – Dancing with Myrtles Irrational and destructive behavior can undermine our marriage (both the literal human union and the figurative marriage with G-d). We can also engage in supra-rational behavior to enhance our relationships and take it to an incredibly high level. Parsha Naso – Getting There Is Half the Fun! When one is focused on the goal, all the prepatory work acquires the status and stature of the final end. Parsha Naso – Infinite Blessings Even when our destination throughout our long journey in exile was not clear—“koh-so”—we knew that we will always be accompanied by G-d, and we will ultimately return whole. The blessings that we receive from G-d through the Kohain convey the message that even when our future appears uncertain, and Parsha Naso – Jump Now, Ask Questions Later When one approaches the service of G-d from a Nachshon perspective, there is no need to find meaning and symbolism in each detail of one’s mission. For a Nachshon personality it suffices to know that this is what G-d would want. Parsha Naso – Long Haired Men: A Jewish Perspective The inner strength it takes to resist temptation and to control one’s passion is far greater than the strength it takes to conquer a city. Parsha Naso – One Who Laughs Last Laughs Best To appreciate the value of the soul and its pre-eminence over the body and its needs, it takes a person who is future oriented and not concerned exclusively with the here and now; to accentuate the needs of the soul over the needs and wants of the body Parsha Naso – Repeat Performance G-d does not create anything that does not have a purpose. The fact that He created us with different personalities and potentials is an indication that our differences are important. Parsha Naso – Returning Home For close to 2,000 years we have been waiting for the coming of Moshiach when the soul will finally return home and no longer feel alienated. However, we must first acknowledge that the soul exists, that it feels out of place and that its resources have been squandered for the wrong purposes. Once w Parsha Naso – Spreading Out the Hand Moshiach transcends other souls because he is G-d’s messenger to inspire and activate all of the five levels of the soul including the one called Yechidah; the essence of the soul. When this level is revealed, there can be no obstacles or walls of separation between G-d and our world, or between one Parsha Naso – The Jewish Theory of Relativity One way of preparing for Moshiach and the ultimate Redemption, is to view others with the three approaches alluded to by the three Priestly Blessings: We ought to see the essential bond every Jew has with G-d. We must also seek the beautiful, intrinsic qualities the other possesses. At the very leas Parsha Naso – The New Math Psalm 119 contains 176 verses describing the beauty, grandeur, depth and joy of Torah. King David’s greatest love and passion was Torah study and conformance with its commandments. Every single one of the 176 verses is profound praise and gratitude to G-d for the gift of Torah. Parsha Naso – The Peace Process Torah can bring about peace between husband and wife, body and soul, one person and another, because Torah has the capacity to bring about peace between G-d and the world. Parsha Naso – Topsy-Turvy Priorities Torah is the primary and absolute reality. In order for us to exist as reality our being must be preceded, created and animated by the primary reality of Torah. Only after the primacy of Torah is established do we have any basis to exist and also enjoy the material world. Parsha Naso – Torah and Nature In addition to being G-d’s instructions how to live our lives, Torah is also the very blueprint of creation. Parsha Naso – Uplifting the Intellect Not only can the study of Torah inspire and uplift us, it can even raise up our head. Even our intellect, the most exalted part of our being, can rise to even greater heights. Parsha Naso – You Could Have Your Wine and Drink It Too The distinction between known as Kabbalah and Chassidus is that Chassidus mines and elicits the positive in ourselves and in others. Chassidus is the part of Torah that digs into the deepest recesses of our soul, where no negativity can exist. Chassidus relates to the Yechidah, the essence that is i Parsha Shlach – As You Said The word of a tzadik-a righteous and holy person, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak explains, is endowed by G-d with the power to make things happen. Parsha Shlach – Babylonian and Jerusalem Versions of Truth Living as we do in exile, we must appreciate even the modest attempts that one makes to be sincere about his or her Judaism. Once the light of truth shines through the darkness of exile, albeit even for the wrong reason, there is the hope that this light may eventually dispel that darkness. Parsha Shlach – Drawing an Imaginary Line in the Sand Exile and Redemption represent two mindsets. Exile mentality creates dichotomies. To be spiritual, the exile mindset requires separation from the world. The Redemption mindset is one of unity. The same G-d who is supernatural created the natural order as well. Parsha Shlach – G-d’s Ambivalence Is Also a Message A child needs to do things on its own, so that which they do is considered their own effort, not only something they received from someone else. In the words of the Jerusalem Talmud, food obtained unearned is “Shameful Bread.” Parsha Shlach – Having It All It does not suffice to reach perfection by devoting ourselves to exclusive Torah study. One can acquire total mastery of Torah knowledge—and yet not bring Moshiach. We must also recognize that all of the world must be integrated into our spiritual lives. Parsha Shlach – Healthy Milk and Honey Truth can be a formidable and destructive weapon when it is harnessed to untruths. Throughout Jewish history, the greatest threat to Jewish life came more from those who invoked Torah in their deviation from it than from those who renounced Torah and erased it from their lexicon completely. Parsha Shlach – Humble Spies We are living in an age obsessively preoccupied with self- esteem. Our problems will overwhelm us when we fail to grasp that self-esteem must be replaced with G-d esteem. We are the last generation of exile and the first generation of Redemption, chosen by G-d to lead the way into this miraculous Ag Parsha Shlach – Keep Your Eyes on the Ball Each and every one of us was chosen by G-d to perform a mission to refine and sanctify the world. Our talents notwithstanding, we were chosen to represent the interests of G-d, Moses and the people that we were chosen to serve, not our own personal ones. Parsha Shlach – Milk for Diamonds or Diamonds for Milk There are treasures that can be found in great abundance in our life’s experience. These are the moments spent in Torah study, performance of a Mitzvah or heartfelt prayer. Out of necessity we take time away from our precious pursuits to earn money, build a house, clothe our families, etc., just so Parsha Shlach – Minion or Minyan The minyan was not conceived of as an institution for saints, rather a medium for even deficient individuals to uplift themselves by joining a minyan, whose collective nature is far greater than the sum of its parts – it is a reflection of the collective Jewish community. Parsha Shlach – Prison and Chometz Prison is not a suitable punishment because it deprives the person of his or her ability to function as a full-fledged human being. The prisoner cannot express and actualize his or her full potential. Parsha Shlach – Seeing and Desiring We should follow our heart and eyes! Deep down inside, our heart is faithful and truly desires to get close to G-d. To make our heart’s latent good desires surface, we must follow our eyes. We must use our mind’s eye to see the true nature of G-dly energy in everything. Once we “open our eyes” to se Parsha Shlach – Starting on the Right Foot There is a spiritual principle that our success in a holy endeavor is usually determined by the direction we set forth for ourselves at the very outset. When our original thought is positive and holy it is likely that we will succeed in reaching our destination—the Promised Land. Parsha Shlach – Taking Shabbos Seriously Shabbos is the day that we cease from doing those innocuous things simply because G-d told us to. By surrendering our needs, desires and egos–as they are expressed through the actions we do throughout the week– to the will of G-d, we are able to appreciate the value, beauty and meaning in being able Parsha Shlach – Sincerely Wanting Moshiach G-d prefers and demands compliance with His will over courageous actions. Parsha Shlach – The Humble Tree If there would be one individual whose entire life was devoted to providing comfort and spiritual nourishment to others, then Moses knew that this nation will be difficult to defeat. If, however, there were many righteous individuals who kept to themselves and exercised no influence on their fellow Parsha Shlach – Three Forms of Gratitude Even a cursory overview of Jewish history will demonstrate how we owe our very existence to special Divine Providence. A more astute observer of Jewish history will see how every bit of sustenance is a direct blessing from G-d. But even when we act like spoiled children and demand the frivolous, G-d Parsha Shlach – Tourist or Torah-Ist? Our way of preparing for the imminent coming of Moshiach is understandably to strengthen our commitment to the teachings of the Torah. But more specifically, it involves the process of “opening our eyes,” to becoming “Torah tourists”—to see things through the prism of Torah. Parsha Shlach – Tolerance As long as we are in exile, punctuated with and characterized by its imperfection, can tolerance be both a blessing and a curse. The Messianic Age, however, is when all good will be unadulterated good, and our tolerance for others will only lead to the discovery of their inner goodness and holiness. Parsha Shlach – Tzitzis and the Tourism Industry When we take a tour of life, we must know what to look for and how to look for things. Aside from the obvious and literal understanding of not looking at things that G-d forbids us to gaze at, because it can lead us to temptation, the idea of knowing how “to tour” implies the need to see things in t Parsha Shlach – We Are All Giants Galus has imposed a certain measure of self-doubt in us. When we look around the world today we can become apprehensive over the prospects of our being able to “conquer” the land and enter the Messianic Age. While we must be realists and recognize our shortcomings we may not do so by underestimating Parsha Behalosecha – Are You an Elder? Depression, the Chassidic masters say, is not technically a sin, but it can lead the person down a slippery slope which can ultimately lead to the transgressing of all sins. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Celibacy and Judaism Marriage is the most powerful institution in Judaism, and making it holy, not shunning it, is the ideal. The Zohar teaches that marriage is the reunion of two half souls that were separated at birth. Marriage makes the soul complete and fully capable of taking on the challenge of changing the world. Parsha Behalosecha – Fifty and Still Counting Counsel is more than acquisition of knowledge in all of its forms (breadth, length and depth). It is also the ability to distill that knowledge, removing the undesirable ideas that can taint and distort the thinking of even one endowed with the greatest intellectual capacity. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE E Parsha Behalosecha – Complain, but Don’t Run Away A Jew can never run away from his or her connection to Mount Sinai. When we try to escape, our soul picks up a heavenly voice from Sinai that beckons us to return. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Free from Freedom The message of Judaism is that to reach a genuine spiritual high one must spend years, indeed a lifetime, in its pursuit. Spiritual gains require a life of devotion to G-d’s commandments, coupled with profound study and deep meditation. Jewish Messianism is nothing less than an insistent demand for Parsha Behalosecha – G-d, Moses and the Trumpets The Land of Israel is G-d’s special gift to the Jewish people. It is not ours to give away. Giving it away is not why we traveled this long, arduous journey. Being in Israel is also a mindset that encourages us to conform to G-d’s will. The phrase “Land of Israel” can be translated as “the land that Parsha Behalosecha – Heavyweight Champion Kabbalah teaches us that the specific details involved in the performance of a Mitzvah are not arbitrary. When we perform a physical act in the course of doing a Mitzvah, our physical movements parallel the spiritual effects of our Mitzvah. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Keep on Complaining The secret to our survival is our resistance to Galus-exile and to all forms of authority; even those that we may pledge allegiance to. Our essence only accepts G-d’s authority. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Lost and Found Department Our generation might be less spiritually sophisticated than preceding ones, but, our ability to remain faithful despite all odds makes us eminently qualified and deserving to witness and experience the last leg of the journey. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Our Efforts Count One of Judaism’s paradoxes is that while G-d is infinite He cares for every detail of our lives and our actions. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Loss Leader When we are unaware of our G-d-given talents that we could have used to make the world a better place—that is a major loss. When a person “kills” time, those lost moments are far more significant than the loss of material objects. When a Jew is unaware of his or her soul’s existence and its potentia Parsha Behalosecha – Passover in June! The Lubavitcher Rebbe cited the words of the Midrash: “The Time of your Redemption has arrived!” The Rebbe declared that we are on the threshold of the Redemption. What we need now is the desire and courage to cross over this threshold into the “Sanctuary courtyard”—the Final Redemption! LIGHT FROM Parsha Behalosecha – Realignment The irony of exile existence is that we tend to glorify and revere the very forces that withhold all of the kindness to which we are entitled. In the future Messianic Era we will again return to a state of complete alignment. The physical world will mirror the spiritual world and there will be no ne Parsha Behalosecha – Sam Sapozhnik Our generation is very special. We are a fiercely independent minded people. Yet, we nevertheless yield to G-d’s will and seek ways to follow every Mitzvah with precision and then more. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Sing a New Song When we grow in appreciation for and closeness to G-d, what seemed to be ideal in the past is severely wanting now. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – Stairs and Ramps The Menorah was not intended for the sinners. It was intended to illuminate the souls of the Jewish people. Their souls, which were already on fire, would now be inspired to climb higher and higher. The goal of the Menorah was to awaken deeper and deeper spiritual powers. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAY Parsha Behalosecha – The Uncompromised Leader Compromise, complacency and comfort are signs of immobility and stagnation. They derive from a distorted picture of one’s purpose and capabilities, as well as a jaundiced and jaded image of the world’s potential. To reverse that situation, one’s eyes must be opened to see the unblemished truth of ex Parsha Behalosecha – Transcending Emotions When doing a Mitzvah, we must ask ourselves, “what effect did the Mitzvah have on me?” LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Behalosecha – The “Make-Up” Holiday When a community of Jews is involved in a Mitzvah it introduces an element of holiness that is truly infinite. No matter how many excuses we may have for separating ourselves from the communal effort, it will not make up for the lost spiritual gain. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSE Parsha Behalosecha – True Humility Moses was overwhelmed, awe stricken and humbled when he was shown the Jews of the last generation of exile, who could remain steadfastly committed to the Torah, despite the suffering, hardships and temptation. LIGHT FROM THE FUTURE ESSAYS ON PARSHAS BEHA’ALOSECHA Parsha Bamidbar – Angel Flags The Jewish people are divided into four camps. These four camps reflect four aspects of our relationship with G-d: Torah study, prayer, performance of Mitzvos and serving G-d in all of our ways by doing everything with a higher motive and purpose. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Are You on Automatic Pilot? Life is about appreciating all the gifts that were given to us by our forebears. But true life requires that we do not rely on those gifts. We must roll up our own sleeves and forge ahead to bring Moshiach! BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Clarity G-d knows our needs better than we do. We need to pray to G-d so that we gain clarity as to what we really need and what we should want. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Counting in the Desert Humility is not denial of one’s virtues and accomplishments. True humility is realizing that all your talents are expressions of the Divine. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Counting Counting is a Jewish exercise. Much of Jewish practices require counting up to them. However, it is not just a means to an end. Counting is intrinsically a holy experience. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Do You Count? If we only knew how much we counted we would never be the same! BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Excuse Me, Do You Have a Second? It takes just one moment or movement—the Hebrew word for moment can also be translated as movement—to turn the whole world around and bring salvation and assistance to the entire world. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Judaism and Genealogy Respect for Elders is Central to Judaism. But, we are living in a time that the elders have much to gain from the youth. When the respect goes in both directions we have fertile environment for Moshiach. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Keep the Passion Under Wraps There is nothing more desirable than passion for G-d and His teachings. Yet that passion must be directed towards making our world a “dwelling place for G-d.” BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Learning and Yearning The Torah was given in a desert. It is a place where we thirst for much more than what we have. The desert dynamic of Torah reminds us to pay attention to our soul’s’ cry, “when will I enter the Promised Land where my soul’s thirst for G-dliness will be satisfied.“ BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – No Exchanges The bond between G-d and the Jewish people is innate and immutable. Torah, G-d’s wisdom, is the medium which illuminates and activates their relationship. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – Please, Force Me! Education is the art of revealing something ostensibly new but was always a part of the student’s consciousness. The revelation at Sinai “merely” revealed our innate connection to G-d and His teachings that was instilled in us by our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – The Census Triumvirate The Torah connects us to G-d and to each other in at least three ways. It is G-d’s communication with the Jewish people and our communication with Him. Torah also empowers us to find and cultivate our own individual niche. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – The Cover Up To see the good in everyone one must first see the person as part of a whole healthy and vibrant organism: the Jewish nation. One must also be involved in and dedicated to helping overcome that individual’s weaknesses. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – The Modern Day Levites The Jewish people have weathered all types of storms. Besides history’s worst physical threat to our existence, the Holocaust, Jews have been subjected to two existential challenges. The first is the challenge of secularism. The second, no less daunting, is the challenge to forge ahead towards the F Parsha Bamidbar – Transcendent Space While we inhabit the world of time and space, we can transcend it, when we take refuge in the Tent of Meeting—houses of Worship and Torah study. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – United Nation The Rebbe emphasized that our focus on unity should shift from repairing the past disunity to being prepared for the ultimate unity of the future. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Bamidbar – When Counting Really Counts Love is strongest when it is tested. Love is tested when we are most vulnerable, down in the dumps and distracted. G-d demonstrated His love for us precisely in these situations. BAMIDBAR BAMIDBAR Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – A Wall of Fire Humans are in need of walls that protect and preserve their spiritual integrity. The only solid wall is the invisible one; Torah study and the G-d given commandments. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Above and Within To live life to the fullest one must first rise above the limits of life and instill that heightened view into life itself. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Eating Your Fathers and Sons What makes us fundamentally human is not our intelligence and feelings. Rather it is the interplay between them. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Etched in Stone Torah study is the preeminent influence in our lives. Mitzvos are external; Torah is internal. While Mitzvos make us holy, Torah study defines us. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Ex/introverted Judaism Judaism is all-encompassing. Judaism demands that we have both a public and private involvement with Torah and Mitzvos. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Fair Fear BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Insulation Torah, among all of its other qualities, is also the best insulation from all the negative forces in the world. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – From Confession to Unmitigated Praise and Gratitude Confession of sins is a surgical process. It cannot be accompanied by excuses, even legitimate ones. One must be brutally honest in excising every trace of evil. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Ironclad There are two visions for the Third Beis Hamikdash. The first is that it will be man-made. This symbolizes how all our efforts now are the building blocks of the Temple. The second scenario is for it to descend from Heaven. This symbolizes how G-d will crown our efforts with His unparalleled holines Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – It’s Our Land! Our claim to the Land of Israel is not political, International law or even historical. It was given to us by G-d. Observing the agricultural Mitzvos regarding the Land is our way of highlighting and maintaining our connection to the land. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Let Freedom Ring! (2) Freedom is not defined by the license to do anything we want. Rather, it is the ability to live in accordance with our core beliefs of our soul. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Let Freedom Ring! True freedom is when no barriers remain; whether they are internal or external. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Light, Life and Holiness Judaism focuses on generating light, preserving life and sanctifying the world. These three objectives are fulfilled by women observing three special Mitzvos of lighting Shabbos and Yom Tov candles, family-purity and the separation of Challah. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – No More Victims Torah helps us look for the good in everyone and everything. Even adversity is seen as hidden good. The Messianic Age will change our focus to see all the hidden good fully revealed. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Proud Humility Humility is a virtue. Pride is a vice. Proud humility is perfection. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Reverse Order Judaism is two pronged: Torah and Mitzvos. While Mitzvos liberate our bodies; Torah liberates our mind. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – The Double Return of the Land There is only one land and one people who enjoy a symbiotic relationship. That is the people and the Land of Israel. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – The Gift of Life Helping the needy is only a complete Mitzvah when you also remove the stigma of poverty from the recipient. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – The Master Plan Contemporary society’s pendulum is swinging from one extreme to the other: On extreme tells us that the Earth is ours to plunder. It deifies man. The other extreme deifies the Earth. Torah insists that we glorify only the one G-d who is the Master of all. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – The Price of Fish and Mount Sinai Whatever it is we do, there is one question we should be asking: “What is the connection of anything and everything we do with Mount Sinai?” Everything we do should be evaluated in terms of its relationship to the ideal of Mount Sinai. The value of each and every experience should be measured by its Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – The Ultimate Paradox The ultimate challenge is to fuse heightened spirituality with everyday life. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Trees of the Future Moshiach will enable us to change the subtext of our lives by revealing the inner core of our souls. Moshiach will empower us to change the context of life by opening our eyes to see the whole picture. Moshiach will also change the nature of the text of our lives itself by instilling more soul and v Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Two Tiered Evaluation Self-Discovery is an exciting experience because it reveals a surprising subterranean dimension of our personality. However, the ideal is that we don’t give up our familiar, conscious, and external identities. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Unveil Your Eyes! Vanquishing evil takes four forms: First, doing Teshuvah with passion and love. Second, resisting evil. Third, study the teachings of Torah that deal with evil. The fourth level is to study the inner dimension of Torah which transcends evil. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – What Is the Question? Judaism loves the right questions. Questions that demoralize are to be rejected. Questions that inspire us to actin are commendable. Questions that get us excited and generate joy and enthusiasm are the most desirable. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Behar-Bechukosai – Whose Life Is It? Never before have we witnessed the incredible miracles of medicine to preserve and prolong life. Yet, never before have we seen such erosion of life’s intrinsic value. Our challenge today is to allow light and life to prevail over darkness. BECHUKOSAI BECHUKOSAI Parsha Emor – Anticipation Much, if not most, of life is spent waiting for something. Judaism wants us to utilize waiting for the right thing. Of all things the thing we should be eagerly anticipating is when the world will become sane and universal peace will reign. This is the belief in and anticipation for Moshiach and the Parsha Emor – Buy a Ticket Life in so many ways is like buying winning a lottery. The odds are totally against winning if you don’t buy a ticket… L Parsha Emor – Celebrating Giving Charity is both objective and subjective. It is objective because its main goal is to help the needy regardless of the donor’s attitude. It is subjective because it changes the donor as well. The degree to which giving affects the donor is commensurate with the degree of joy one invests in giving. Parsha Emor – “Before I Speak, I’d Like to Say a Few Words” We should never be hesitant to repeat our words. The second time we say something may be the first time it was heard and penetrated. Parsha Emor – Counting the Omer A mature way of living is to discern between things that are just a means to an end and those that represent the end. When we realize what the end during the period of preparation, it too assumes the glow of the end. Parsha Emor – Crossing the Bridge We see now, paradoxically, more selfishness and more selflessness. We are crossing the bridge into the Messianic Age that links Galus to Geulah. We therefore witness elements of both. Our challenge is to look forward. Parsha Emor – Every Day a Mitzvah Time is more than just something we pass through, it is a creation of G-d. The objective of Torah is to refine and elevate all of G-d’s creations including time. Parsha Emor – Double Talk People respect those who respect themselves. Much of anti-Jewish sentiment can be traced to the phenomenon of Jews trying to hide their identity. Parsha Emor – High Fiving There can be no greater way of getting something than by giving. It is the difference between acquiring something that is enduring as opposed to that which is transitory. Giving also bestows true ownership on what we possess. Parsha Emor – Jump Higher There is a myth that we have to jump over obstacles. In truth, we have to keep on skipping, jumping and dancing even when the obstacles have long been surmounted. Parsha Emor – How Old Are You? A 70 year old person is really only 18 if we subtract the time we are unproductive. We can remedy this lacuna if we harness all of our activities, even rest and sleep, towards a higher goal, of serving G-d and preparing for Moshiach. Parsha Emor – Lag B’omer-Removing Barriers Lag B’Omer is the Holiday of unity and love. Lag B’Omer is the Holiday that removes the barrier between the revealed and esoteric parts of Torah. When one achieves the latter it facilitates the former. Parsha Emor – Know Your Place According to the Talmud, a wise person is one who knows his place. We have to use our minds to the fullest even as we recognize the limits of our intellect. Parsha Emor – My Father Was a Kohain… Being a biological Kohain is mostly hereditary. Being a Kohain in the spiritual sense is in reach of every Jew. Parsha Emor – No Holds Barred Education Our youth is more receptive today to the message of Judaism, particularly its spiritual and mystical dimension. Our youth’s rebelliousness is an asset and a blessing if channeled into rebelling against the spiritual status-quo. Parsha Emor – Soul Bank and Trust Company Doing good does not always yield good results in the present day and age. All of our Mitzvos are stored in a bank. In the Messianic Age we will be able to cash in and fully enjoy on all the good that we do today. Parsha Emor – The Life Affirming Kohain The inevitability of death is grossly exaggerated. Judaism believes not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the eventual restoration of the body in the Messianic Age. The Kohain represents embracing life. Parsha Emor – The Significant Insignificant Omer Nothing in life is insignificant. Indeed, some of the most exciting discoveries are in those aspects of life that appear tangential and marginal. Parsha Emor – The Ultimate Synthesis Modern science claims that humans are really advanced animals. Torah maintains that we are G-dly beings cast in an animal body. Our goal is to tame and transform the animal within. Parsha Emor – Transcending Our Nature Judaism focuses on the need to change our negative traits. Chassidic thought goes a step further. We also need to change the nature of our positive character traits. Parsha Vayeira – 30 and 36 Tzadikim to Bring Moshiach Not all Tzadikkim are created equal. Some focus on the royal aspects of life in anticipation of the future Messianic Age. Others empower us to fight the darkness of exile. The ideal tzadik is to combine both approaches. Parsha Vayeira – A Rebel Without a Cause In Jewish thought, there is a strong bond that connects the pioneers with those who complete the task. The pioneers were the Patriarchs and we, the generation that will bring the Redemption, are the ones who make all the efforts of the past bear fruit. Parsha Vayeira – Dietary Laws Observed The saga of Abraham and the angels teaches us something about what makes humans unique and even superior to angels. That is why we received the Torah and not them. Parsha Vayeira – Happy for Someone Else’s Happiness for You There are many levels of happiness. The basic level is happiness for the good we receive from G-d. The next level is the happiness we feel for the good that others receive. A higher level is the happiness we feel for the happiness of others. The highest is the happiness we feel when others feel happ Parsha Vayeira – Home Sweet Home Of the three human necessities, food, clothing and shelter, the Torah places an even greater emphasis on shelter. Shortage of food makes us hungry. Lack of clothing renders us cold. Homelessness denies us our human dignity. Parsha Vayeira – In the Midst of the City A few Inspirational People can Change an Entire City. A few good deeds, nay, even one, can save the world and bring Moshiach! Parsha Vayeira – Laugh Last G-d has great expectations of His people. Particularly in our age as we stand on the cusp of the Final Redemption. Parsha Vayeira – Laughing Our Way to Redemption There are three ways we can view G-d’s role in our lives. The first is to see His role in nature. The second is to see his role in inspiring us with His wisdom. The third is to see His supernatural role. Parsha Vayeira – Mine Is Mine and Yours Is Yours—this Is the Way of Sodom Giving with the wrong intention is still a Mitzvah. However, even a Mitzvah can be tainted with Sodomite insensitivity. Our challenge is to remove the smallest residue of Sodomite blindness from our Mitzvos. Parsha Vayeira – Mamre’s Advice Accepting advice from others is virtuous on two counts. It gives you objective analysis and it also uplifts the advisor and allows him or her to enter into your world. Parsha Vayeira – Sealing Off the Two Open Sides of the Alley There are three sources of influence in our lives: Internal, Mentor and Community. Our generation is fortunate to have the best of all three. Parsha Vayeira – Slouching Towards Gemara Evil has to be fought on all fronts. We must focus on evil actions as well as evil ideas. Parsha Vayeira – The Desert, Land and Sea All of life’s challenges are best met when we approach them with the Abrahamic virtue of love and kindness. Parsha Vayeira – The Laugh of the Future Laughter comes in two forms; for the here and now and for the future. Laughter for the here in now is human; laughter for the future is Divine. Parsha Vayeira – The Natural Way Some religions glorify nature. Others shun the forces of nature. Judaism believes that the Torah was given to elevate nature. Parsha Vayeira – The Test After the Test The most important part of meeting a challenge is the follow up after meeting that challenge. Parsha Vayeira – Three Tiered Tarrying One of the challenges to our belief and anticipation for Moshiach is the fear of change. We can overcome that fear when we realize that all of the changes will seamlessly fit into our lives and unmitigated good will follow. Parsha Vayeira – Total Transparency The reason we revere Moses and Moses-like individuals is not because of their greatness but because they are so self-effacing and transparent that they channel G-d’s light without any filter. Parsha Vayeira – Walking Together Retirement is an invention of Western Civilization. Its underlying ethos is in direct opposition to the values of Judaism. no matter how great our early achievements, the Torah, Health permitting, wants us to “keep on trucking.” Parsha Vayeira – When Going Through the Motions Counts Many have wondered which is preferable: Good and sincere intentions without action or action without sincerity, The answer is action that impacts the world trumps sincerity without action. However, Judaism’s ideal is to combine the two. Parsha Vayeira – “Yes We Kain” There is a dichotomy between what is intended and what is actualized. G-d’s confirmation of His creation is what made the creation capable of fulfilling its mission. Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Be Holy Holiness is defined by our ability to live a G-dly existence in all aspects of life. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Don’t Let the Sodomite Salt Blind Our Open Eyes Blindness comes in many forms. The most challenging form is when our eyes our wide open with 20-20 vision, yet we fail to see the Divine in everything. This is the challenge of Galus-exile and will be remedied with Moshiach. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Exile Is Not a Curse?! It is axiomatic in Judaism, that when a person is given a challenge, he or she is also given the ability to meet that challenge. Ours is the challenge of Galus. We have the capacity to meet that challenge by bringing the Redemption! ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Honoring and Revering Parents Shabbos is our invitation to enter into G-d’s “space.” Honoring parents invites G-d to enter into our space. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Help the Blind Galus-exile is a time of disrupted Shalom Bayis- Domestic Peace. It is caused by spiritual blindness. Moshiach will open our eyes to see the G-dly and goodly in everything and everyone. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – I Don’t Need Your Gold, I Want Your Soul Gold is a metaphor for spiritual wealth. In conventional times and situations one must search for and offer our “gold” to G-d. In unconventional times, like Yom Kippur, we must transcend the “gold standard.” We must give our pure untainted and unadorned souls to G-d. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHI Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Judaism and the Occult One of Judaism’s many paradoxes is that it is simultaneously the most mystical and most rational belief system. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – L’chaim to Life – I There is an intrinsic quality to life. The greatest quality of life is the quality of life itself. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – L’chaim-To Life! Ii Life to be experienced in its fullest sense must be one of plurality dedicated to a singularity. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Loving Yourself Self-Esteem should be replaced with Soul-Esteem, the true self ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Live with Them The beauty of Judaism is that it allows us ot soar to the greatest spiritual heights but considers our transformation of the physical world its primary focus. Indeed, when we fuse the two movements together we get the Messianic symphony. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Odd Combination Although it sounds irrational, the highest and lowest realms can reside in the same person or situation. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – One Day Yom Kippur is much more than a Day of Atonement. It is a day of “At-one-ment” where we experience total unity with G-d. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Paradoxes of Judaism Judaism is replete with Paradoxes. Seven of its paradoxes are represented by the seven double Torah portions. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Reach for the Stars with Your Feet on the Ground Motivated by our selfish spiritual interests, spirituality and materiality are irreconcilable opposites. Motivated by G-d’s interests they are not only compatible; they complement each other. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Respect Your Parents and Be Holy Respecting parents is the equivalent of respecting G-d, their partner in our creation. Respecting the Shabbos is the equivalent of respecting G-d even as we indulge in the physical pleasures of life. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Responsible, Sweet and Intermingled We are commanded to rebuke our fellow. Yet we must not cause sue division amongst ourselves. Successful rebuking requires love and empathy. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Revenge Is Not Very Sweet The key to healing our divisions is to defuse conflicts. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Stand Up for Us Honest introspection demands that we don’t overlook our flaws. Honest introspection also demands that we don’t overlook our qualities and virtues. If this is true for every individual it is certainly true for our people as a whole. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Temporary Denial Asceticism has its place in Jewish thought and life. However, denial of the physical is at best a preparation for the time when we will “have our cake and eat it too” in the most holy fashion. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – The End of Deception Exile is a deception and it robs us of our soul’s nutrition. Anyone with a shred of integrity cannot tolerate staying in exile and with heartfelt passion pleads and indeed demands the Redemption. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – The Great Principle Love and Unity are the catalysts that bring us to the Final Redemption ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – The “I Love My Fellow” Virus The most difficult negative trait is envy. The antidote to envy is loving our fellow as ourselves, the “Great Principle of Torah. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – The Yom Kippur Lottery While nothing in life is arbitrary there are things that defy logic. Yom Kippur introduces us to that higher dynamic, which enables us to change. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Theft in the Singular and in the Plural Moral decisions have to involve the realization of what our actions cause collectively and individually. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Unity and Separation The ultimate goal is not unity but unity within diversity. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM – VIVE LA DIFFÉRENCE All of the different classes of non-Jew, Jew, Kohain, Levi, Yisroel will remain in the Messianic Age even as we will experience the greatest feeling of unity ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim – Which Way Shall We Go? Why is there so much juvenile crime and violence now? The answer lies in the exposing of powerful youthful energy before Moshiach. Parents and teachers have the responsibility to steer this energy in the right direction. They should not ignore it or suppress it. ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM Parsha Tazria-Metzora – A Tale of Two Birds There has always been tension between the forces of unity and the forces of separation. Unity with some separation is anarchy. Separation without unity is war. Judaism asserts the need for both. These complementary forces will be fused together through Moshiach. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Animals Before Humans? One of Judaism’s paradoxes is to be happy with every bit of progress yet never be satisfied with even colossal achievements. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Are You Truly Poor? Before claiming poverty we should reflect on the true nature of wealth and how we are so blessed. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Choose Life! One can fight negativity with negativity or with light. The Chassidic approaches prefers the latter. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Do Not Fear! Punishment is never meted out to take revenge. Punishment is ultimately for the good of society and for the good of the sinner because it helps to rehabilitate and procure atonement for the sinner. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Dr. Cohen the Dermatologist Stagnation is the source of many of our emotional and spiritual maladies. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Envy, Desire and Honor The three most destructive traits are envy, desire and pursuit of honor/power. The Torah teaches us that these three traits can also be positive when channeled properly. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Family Planning The periods of life in which we feel uncertainty and lack of clarity are the lulls that allow us to introspect and gather energy for the next direction in life. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Freedom of Speech Freedom is a concept and experience that exists on many levels. One that is highlighted by Passover is the freedom of speech METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Fusing Tohu and Tikkun: The Challenge of the Messianic Age The world of Tohu is a chaotic world. The world of Tikkun is a limited world. Our challenge is to unleash the power and passion of Tohu into the balanced and peaceful state of Tikkun. That is Moshiach. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Inside Out and Outside in In Chassidic tradition we always look beneath the surface of others to discover their hidden good. However, we must also appreciate the surface and superficial good others possess and praise them for it. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Guard Your Thoughts As important as it is to guard our tongue from negative and slanderous speech; it is even more important to alter our thought patterns. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Jewish Demolition Crew Discovers Treasure We all possess hidden treasures. People in crisis mode often discover their hidden potential. The goal is for people in non-crisis mode to discover the same. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Like a Lesion There are some who are not sensitive to subtle language when they should. There are others who are too careful even when their words can be misconstrued. Our verbal challenge is to know when to use pure language and when to use language purely. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Nega-Tive Relationships Relationships are challenging. Everyone needs a mentor who is imbued with sensitivity and humility to help us navigate the pathways of our relationships with G-d and other people. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Only Skin Deep Just like the body breaks out in hives or a rash when it cannot tolerate certain substances, so too the soul will have an allergic reaction to evil. Don’t suppress that feeling; excise the irritant! METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Peaks and Valleys The goal of reaching the peak requires that we know that we are now in a valley. Each peak becomes the next valley, so that we continue to grow. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Reciprocity Judaism believes in its leaders. The leaders inspire and ignite the spark in his followers. Their ignited spark then empowers the leader to lead. There is no end to this cycle. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Skin Care The myth in our society is that the exterior is either the most important thing or the least important. Materialists delight in the external; spiritualists shun it. Judaism realizes the infinite power that lies in every thought, word or deed. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Seven Paradigm Shifts The skin disorder, tzara’as is a metaphor for Galus/exile and, according to the Talmud is caused by seven sins Redemption happens when we channel these seven traits into positive actions and attitudes. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – The Five Books and Five Modes of Speech The power of speech is what makes us human. Compromising speech compromises our humanity. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – The Power of Speech Humans are called Midabrim-speakers. There is no more human quality and gift than the ability to communicate our ideas and feelings through speech. We should use it wisely. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – The Real You Counter intuitively, the state of the Jewish nation is good and strong. We are ready for Moshiach! METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – The Three Haircuts There are powerful forces swirling around us today as a prelude to the ultimate Redemption. Our challenge today is not a dearth of spirituality but our ability to safely and securely absorb these powerful forces. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – Uncovering the Treasures with Sensitivity While Moshiach will liberate us from exile, he will not free us from our obligations to G-d and others. To bring Moshiach we cannot compromise our dedication to every nuance of Torah. METZORA METZORA Parsha Tazria-Metzora – White Is Not Always Beautiful White symbolizes removing the façade to expose the underbelly of our personalities. This can be either a cathartic or embarrassing experience, or both. METZORA METZORA Parsha Shemini – 8x8 Moshiach is about going beyond one’s nature. Preparation for Moshiach requires a paradigm shift. Parsha Shemini – Double Duality Keeping kosher is good for the soul and the body. But, most importantly, it contributes to our sensitivity to spiritual matters. Parsha Shemini – Eight Is Not Seven! Numbers are a language. The number eight communicates the idea of transcendence. Parsha Shemini – Drink to Rectify the Drinking Keeping Kosher and Anti-Semitism have united Jews for opposite reasons. Parsha Shemini – Fix and Decorate Hypocrisy and inconsistency are not synonyms. The former is an intention to deceive; the latter is the natural fluctuations of life. We win some battles and lose some. Parsha Shemini – Idle Is Idol A person was created to be mobile. One must always strive to grow. To be a liberated person one must first be intolerant of the stifling stagnation of exile. Parsha Shemini – “He Could Have Said: Circumcision Is on the Eighth Day!?” G-d does not need or want us us to defend Him. G-d does want us to demand of Him to bring an end to pain and suffering. This is what our requests for Moshiach are all about! Parsha Shemini – Inquire Judaism has always advocated a spirit of inquiry. It is religious obligation to question, not doubt, the words of the Torah and uncover hidden meanings. The spirit of inquiry and investigative prowess also applies to searching for and discovering Moshiach; the internal as well as the external Moshia Parsha Shemini – Let It Be Known to All! Although one’s focus on publicity and fanfare is a sign of superficiality, it can enhance an already existing deep relationship. Parsha Shemini – Natural Wine Judaism tolerates and even supports clearly defined parameters for consumption of wine. However, the best way to get high is to imbibe the wine of Torah. Parsha Shemini – In the Spotlight The more spiritual we become the more light we generate. However, the increased spirituality also sheds more light on our imperfections. Higher spirituality is also a higher challenge. Parsha Shemini – Parity Imperfection was sewn into the fabric of our world. Our goal, however, is to reverse that process. This is what the Messianic Age is all about. Parsha Shemini – Suppressing and Expressing One of G-d’s gifts to us is that we can express deep emotion without artificial methods. Parsha Shemini – The Angel’s Angel Humans are both inferior and superior to angels. While angels were created before man; we were formed in G-d’s though before the angels. While angels contribute to the spiritual state of the world; we are the purpose for which the world exists in the first place. Parsha Shemini – Prohibition Judaism does not oppose drinking alcoholic beverages within certain prescribed parameters. The ideal form of imbibing, however, is the “wine of Torah.” Parsha Shemini – The Big Fish We were created as land creatures, but our goal is to be submerged in the refreshing waters of Divine knowledge. Parsha Shemini – The Eighth Day G-d’s plan for the world requires of us to choose freely to implement His Master Plan. The world had to go through ups and downs, before the plan was delivered to us. The world has also gone through vicissitudes to bring us to the threshold of the Messianic Age. Parsha Shemini – The Four Species: Getting Out of Four Exiles Keeping Kosher strengthens our past, present and future Parsha Shemini – The Paradox of Judaism Judaism is about fusion and synthesis. The goal is the fusion of Divine inspiration with human endeavor. Parsha Shemini – The Kabbalah of Food Eating kosher is an act of liberation. We liberate the hidden sparks of holiness embedded in the food. Parsha Shemini – We’re Still Waiting When doing good does not beget positive results; don’t give up. Just do more good. The results are guaranteed! Parsha Vayikra – A Joint Offering Men and women bring different strengths to their marriage. The woman’s need for marriage is to express her selfness devotion to another. This G-dly feminine trait characterizes the Messianic Age dynamic. Parsha Vayikra – Adam’s Sacrifice No matter our state of mind and the state of our environment which causes us to sin we can always turn a new leaf. Parsha Vayikra – And He Called, and He Called, and He Called G-d is constantly calling us with love. Our ears must be receptive to hear that call. Parsha Vayikra – Bring a Korban, Not a Sacrifice! Sacrifice entails losing something for a bigger gain. The ideal is to get close to G-d and in the process bring toher things closer as well. Parsha Vayikra – Have You Brought a Korban Recently? A sacrifice is a three pronged process: A paradigm shift, emotional attachment to G-d and living that way. Parsha Vayikra – Heads First! Leaders must first have the requisite Torah knowledge before they engage in leadership. The qualifications for Moshiach, the ultimate leader, is his mastery of Torah Parsha Vayikra – Intimate Communications The degree of closeness with another can be detected in the way one communicates. The Book of Vayikra is about G-d’s most intimate communication with Moses and Israel. Parsha Vayikra – Mastering the Mystery The mystery is exile. Moses’s existence is to solve the existential mystery of life. Moshiach will reveal this because he possesses Moses’ soul Parsha Vayikra – Moshiach Sensitivity There are three aspects of exile induced insensitivity that causes: A false superiority complex; a false inferiority complex and not being in touch with our G-dly soul. Moshiach will reverse all that. Parsha Vayikra – Not All Animals Were Created Equal Our animal traits may be kosher if they are used for higher purposes. Parsha Vayikra – Open the Doors of Your Sanctuary! It is axiomatic that when we are engaged in routine behavior we must look into our soul for guidance. The truth is that even when we are engaged in purely spiritual activity we must also probe beneath the surface to ensure that our spirituality is genuine. Parsha Vayikra – Seeing the Light in a World of Darkness One of the hallmarks of the Messianic Age is it will take us out of darkness; out of our insecurities. It will then enable us to see the other. Living with Moshiach is to see the hand of G-d and the clarity that brings. Parsha Vayikra – Selfless-Selfishness The myth is that altruism negates looking for reward. The truth is that seeking reward for the right reason is the most complete way of serving G-d. Parsha Vayikra – Syntax and Sin-Tax The idea of a sacrifice is to get close to G-d. Getting close to G-d requires taking all of us, including our “animals” with us. Parsha Vayikra – Sensitivity Being sensitive is always right. It is even more crucial when our goal is to acquire sensitivity. One must be sensitive in the pursuit of sensitivity! Parsha Vayikra – Testify! Our role is to testify about G-d. Not just about G-d as a Creator and sustainer of life. And not just as a Supernatural force. Those are bit G-d’s attributes. We are empowered through our Mitzvos to testify about G-d’s Essence. Parsha Vayikra – The Aleph Linchpin Sometimes one letter can transform a word from one extreme to the other. In the Holy Tongue, that letter is the Aleph. When inserted in a word it can turn coldness into love and exile into Redemption. Parsha Vayikra – The Child in Us Passover is about the children. This includes the child in us. That child is our inner state of purity. Moshiach is about revealing it. Parsha Vayikra – The Soul of the Poor Man A holy form of poverty is called humility. This is when a person who has wealth knows that he owes everything to the One Above. Parsha Vayikra – True Leadership There is a symbiotic relationship between a true leader and his followers. What affects one affects the other. When we act in a royal fashion, our leader too can reveal his true greatness. Parsha Vayikra – Who’s Going to Heaven? One of the salient negative features of exile is the lack of sensitivity to G-d and others. Passover, the Holiday of liberation bans Chometz the symbol of an inflated ego because the source of exile is insensitivity that is generated by an inflated ego. Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Betzalel’s Passion Frequently, we have to go back a generation or more to explain the source of our empowerment. Parents, grandparents and other ancestors bequeath to us a legacy of holiness. Betzalel inherited his obsession with holiness form his obscure grandfather, Chur. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Completing the Task PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – First “Doubleheader” The first two Torah portions reflect the two pronged thrust of Torah. We must see the community through the prism of the individual and the individual through the prism of the community. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – “Fossil Fuel” for the Sanctuary The Mishkan and subsequent Holy Temples correspond to the human body. The holiness from the three divisions of the Sanctuary would flow through the human body. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Gathering Within Gathering Construction of the Sanctuary does not override the Shabbos because one cannot build in the realm of holiness at the expense of compromising holiness. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Half to the Very End We are humbled when we are helpless. Our challenge is to be humble when we have achieved our goals. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Here We Go Again! Judaism fuses objective devotion with subjective feelings. These two expressions are reflected in the command to build a Sanctuary and the followup command for the Kohanim to wear Priestly garments. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Jewish Pyrotechnics There is an inner fire and an external fire. The external fire we use in the weekdays to destroy the resistant forces of nature and convert them into spiritual energy. The internal fire is serene and warm. It is the fire of our soul, of Torah. It is revealed particularly on Shabbos. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – In Your Face Judaism Judaism encourages us to become public figures so we can maximize our influence over others. Humility that leads to withdrawing from the public arena is a form of spiritual selfishness. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Moses the Cpa One of the ways of testing a person is through money. Along with anger and wine, money can bring out the best or the worst in people. Money is not the root of all evil; it can be used for evil and so can it be used for good. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Prime Suspect! PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Put Out the Fires! Shabbos is a day of rest, peace, tranquility and holiness. Our part in observing Shabbos and preserving its serenity is to avoid all conflict. The Shabbos itself will do the rest. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Self- Transcendence To construct a Mishkan-Sanctuary for G-d, we have to first discover within ourselves a Divine spirit of selflessness and unity. The Sanctuary, once constructed, would help us in our self-discovery PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – – Seven Telescope and Microscope Some see the forest but not the trees. Some see the trees but not the forest. Judaism is about seeing the trees and the forest. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Shabbos Shabbos There are times when we have to prevent people from expressing to much zeal. In some extreme situations excessive zeal can cause us to trample over other values. The Torah determines when, and how to channel our deepest soul powers. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Shabbos and the Mishkan: Patent Protected The Shabbos and the Mishkan are the two most dramatic representations of G-d’s vision for the Messianic Age. They were given as a gift to the Jewish people whose mission it is to create a Dwelling Place for G- d throughout the world. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Smoke Alarm Existence is a union between space, time and energy. The acronym for these three components is ashan-smoke. Mount Sinai was engulfed in smoke. The purpose of Torah was to clear away the smoke that obscures the Divinity within space, time and energy. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Sweet Light Judaism is multi-colored and sweet. Judaism is both rational and mystical. Judaism is warm and inviting as well as firm and demanding. All of this was radiated through the light of the Menorah that reflected the entire spectrum of Torah hues and lights and radiated that light to the entire world.. P Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Completed Bais Hamikdash PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Mishkan-Déjà Vu The construction of the Sanctuary is G-d’s way of expressing His love for us and that He wants to live with us. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Feminine Mystique The feminine spiritual dynamic is from a transcendent G-dly source. The future Messianic Age will be the age where the higher feminine energy will prevail. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Preeminence of Women Men and women both possess an inner fountain of faith. Women, however, were blessed with fewer obstructions to their inner faith and love for G-d. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Real Completion Most feel fulfillment when they complete a task; True fulfillment is when we realize that we are on an endless journey. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The Second Mishkan Everything exists on two planes; the earthly and the heavenly. This is especially true with the Mishkan, where the heavenly was openly reflected in and through the earthly. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Voluntary Commandments Some love volunteering. Others celebrate the opportunity to serve G-d unconditionally. To create a home for G-d in this world requires both a spirit of volunteerism and sense of obligation. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – The State of Our Union Is Strong! PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – When Counting Counts We count material items. But we deeply value spiritual experiences. The best of both worlds will be when we will have a spiritual experience even as we count our physical objects. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Vayakhel-Pikudei – Whose Building Is It? What is the test of true friendship? When small things that affect the other matter to you, even when they don’t matter very much when it comes to your own interests. PIKUDEI PIKUDEI Parsha Ki Sisa – 13 Your Lucky Number While the number one is not thirteen, there are 13 ways that point us to one. Parsha Ki Sisa – A Tale of Two Sets of Tablets It is almost an article of faith that natural is superior to man-made because it is G-d’s handiwork. Judaism disagrees with the premise that there is anything that is not a Divine product. Parsha Ki Sisa – Aaron's Role in the Golden Calf What we want the most is not necessarily what we need the most. The perfect person is one who truly knows what to want Parsha Ki Sisa – Don’t Confuse the Daled and the Reish The difference between good and evil may be a hairbreadth. One hairbreadth of a distortion can bring destruction. And one hairbreadth of good can bring salvation! Parsha Ki Sisa – Don’t Underestimate Your Power All it takes is one outsider to do one act to change the world for good. Parsha Ki Sisa – From Rosh Yeshivah to Rebbe Every Jew possesses and inner light The teachers of Torah possess an external light. Our Rebbes/leaders radiate their inner light on their faces. Parsha Ki Sisa – Half-Day Danger and Salvation Life, as good as it is, needs clarity for it to be truly good. Living in Galus-exile is to live without clarity. Geulah-Redemption is to find that clarity. Parsha Ki Sisa – Half-Day, Six Hours and Ten Commandments There are three dynamic forces in our lives that we must learn to channel in the right direction. They are our spirituality, our emotions and our G-dly nature. We can use these forces for both evil and good. Parsha Ki Sisa – Ink on Moses’ Face When our words are only skin deep, they are black ink. When our words contain many layers of meaning, these words are sources of light. Parsha Ki Sisa – Intoxicated with Love Everyone is intoxicated about something. The challenge is to know what, where, when and how to imbibe. Parsha Ki Sisa – Moses the Lawyer We are all teachers and transmitters of knowledge. We must take responsibility for their failures as well as for their successes. Parsha Ki Sisa – New and Improved Breaking something for the purpose of restoration is preferable to building something that stands to be destroyed. Parsha Ki Sisa – Our Defense Strategy It is easier to get out of Galus/exile than to get the Galus out of us. Our request for Moshiach is to achieve even that. Parsha Ki Sisa – Pleasure from Teshuvah When it comes to doing a Mitzvah take a hint. When it comes to bringing the Geulah- Redemption we should err on the side of action. Parsha Ki Sisa – Repairing the Shattered Tablets Moses shattered the Tablets at the nadir of Jewish history. That is precisely the time and place with which G-d identifies. We can find G-d and joy even in our moments of shattered Tablets. It is that feeling of joy that will make them whole again. Parsha Ki Sisa – The Cure for Insanity Einstein said insanity is when you repeat the same action and expect different results. Torah says that insanity is when you expect results that differ from your inner Divine reality. Parsha Ki Sisa – The Golden Calf To be sure, humility is a virtue. Following G-d’s command, even if not done egoless, is the ultimate virtue. Parsha Ki Sisa – The Not So New and Improved Covenant G-d has given us three keys to unlock His love for us and our love for Him. They are Torah-Mitzvos, Teshuvah and Prayer Parsha Ki Sisa – This Is Not Only a Test It is axiomatic that G-d’s knows everything about us. Why then does he test us? He already knows the results. The test is help us actualize our latent qualities. Parsha Ki Sisa – Twin Compassion G-d’s compassion extends to allowing us to get credit for the good we do with His help. While it is G-d who will bring Moshiach, He gives us all the credit for every Mitzvah we do. Parsha Ki Sisa – Where Are the Shattered Tablets? The Rebbe of Kotzk said: “There is nothing more whole than a broken heart.” Our Rebbe taught that the goal is for broken hearts becoming whole again with the “true and complete Redemption.” Parsha Rei – Accessing the Blessings for the New Year Unity and harmony in a relationship brings blessing. The path to unity is by making sure that our internal animal is tamed/kosher. Parsha Rei – Erasing for the Purpose of Writing Destroying a relationship is a terrible thing. Restoring a relationship is a wonderful thing. Creating a totally new and incomparably good relationship is Divine, Parsha Rei – Flying High Humans always dreamt about flying. Flying we can, but it should not be an escape from the earth, but to see the world from a higher perch. Parsha Rei – Coping with Tragedy Human nature impels us to ask why there is tragedy. Torah teaches us to ask what we should do to prevent tragedy and heal those who have suffered. Parsha Rei – Climbing the Ladder Two people are on a ladder; one is on the top rung and one is on the bottom rung. Which one is closer to the top? The answer depends on which direction they are going. Parsha Rei – Give Again and Again Doing good for selfish reasons is acceptable if one’s primary interest is the welfare of others. Parsha Rei – Give with Joy There is materialistic selfishness and selflessness. There is also a form of spiritual selfishness and selflessness. Assisting others even before we generate positive feelings in giving is spiritual selflessness. Parsha Rei – Intermingling Joy There are two types of joy: limited and unbounded. The joy of Simchas Torah is unlimited and enables us to break out of our constraining boundaries. Parsha Rei – Jewish Giving Tzedakah is the paradigm for all Mitzvos. Tzedakah is unique because it involves the totality of the person. Tzedekah liberates the world because it fulfills our very raison d'etre. Parsha Rei – Level Playing Field The myth is that evil is stronger than good. The truth is that while evil is in your face good has staying power. Parsha Rei – Living in Both Worlds Living in one world is easy. Straddling the fence between two worlds by compromising each is precarious. The ability to live fully in both worlds is Divine. Parsha Rei – Miracles of the Jordan Miracles are not intended for show. Miracles associated with Israel showcased the unique opportunities and empowerment it possesses. Parsha Rei – Open Your Hands and See Empathy is seeing into the inner sanctum of the other’s heart and soul. Parsha Rei – Peace and Kosher Birds Birds symbolize soaring high and peace. There are multiple ways of flying high, kosher and non-kosher. There is, however, only one definition of peace. Parsha Rei – Right or Left? There is a perennial debate: Which is greater the one who initiates a good project or the one who completes it? The best of both worlds is to link the beginning with the end. Parsha Rei – The Blessed Month Marriage, the theme of the month of Elul, requires following the laws and message of Kashrus to succeed and thrive. Parsha Rei – The Brother of a Poor Man There is no greater poverty than hoarding wealth. There is no greater wealth than sharing it with others. Parsha Rei – The Case Against Negativism Fighting evil even with violence may be a necessity in an imperfect world. The spirit of fighting should never be institutionalized. Good deeds and the spirit that inspires them are intrinsically positive and should become engrained within us. Parsha Rei – The Heel Revisited Elul, the “heel” of the year, is an extraordinary ordinary month. It reflects the extraordinary ordinary (“heel”) Jews of the last (“heel”) generation before the Redemption! Parsha Rei – The Triple Header Some people focus on G-d. Some concentrate on themselves. And some direct their attention to others. Our Sages say: “Reflect on [all] three things.” Parsha Rei – The Value of True Wealth The myth is that the more material goods we accumulate the wealthier we are. The truth is that the more we give away the wealthier we are. That kind of wealth can never be taken away from us. Parsha Rei – Word by Word From our vantage-point we see negativity and we have a need to rationalize it. From G-d’s “perch” there is only blessing. In the imminent Messianic Age we will all see things from His perspective. Parsha Rei – Where Is Jerusalem? Jerusalem is a city and a mindset. Jerusalem is a heightened state of awareness. Both dimensions are elusive and must be pursued. Parsha Tetzaveh – Chanukah in the Month of Adar A teacher or mentor must maintain high standards for himself or herself. But, when inspiring the students, he or she cannot demand purity. The main objective of mentoring is to find the lowest level of each individual and raise it up. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Chutzpah You can’t live with it and you can’t live without it. We must have genuine respect for others even as we remain adamantly committed, bordering on Chutzpah, to our ideals TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Father Knows Best Our future redemption is achieved by making our connection to the past vitally present. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Do You Hear? One major challenge of life is to know how to prepare for a momentous and inspirational occasion. A second challenge is to know how to follow up on it. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Get Some Oil on Your Clothes Nature and nurture are two sides of one coin. While we must always refine our nature, the goal is to ultimately transform it. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Hackers in the Temple Modern technology is a double edged sword. The positive is that Divine knowledge has become infinitely more accessible. It is a portent of the Final Redemption! TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Holy and Unholy Chutzpah Chutzpah is the most destructive force used by the arch-enemy of Israel—Amalek. To defeat Amalek we use a positive and holy form of Chutzpah. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Jewish Bell- Bottoms Judaism, paradoxically, demands both external behavior and internal depth of understanding and feeling. There are time when we have to sacrifice the latter to achieve the former TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Just One Drop of Oil Oil is a symbol of light and inner purity. When dealing with inner purity, quantity becomes immaterial. One drop suffices. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Mind Control The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Even worse is when the mind is not free but subject to the whims and caprices of our unbridled hearts and external pressures. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Moses and Pure Olive Oil For the integrity of knowledge, both the teacher and student have to possess pure souls. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Messianic Justice We are always judging others. We must learn to see beneath the surface. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Raise Your Hands Above Your Head It is axiomatic in Judaism that as important logic and reason are; one must be able to go beyond reason and logic in the pursuit of G- dly goals. That is the meaning of Holy Chutzpah. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – The Great Offensive Living in a world filled with negative influences dictates that we have the right defenses. There are seven aspects of the priestly cloak, which we can all use to circumnavigate the minefields of society and even change them. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – The Inner Jew Society deems one with success, power, wealth and fame to be on top of the proverbial ladder. Judaism, by contrast, views the simple, and modest Jew who serves G-d sincerely and in in anonymity to be infinitely higher than those on top of society’s hierarchical value system. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – The Mystery of the Missing Jewel When something goes missing in our lives, we must look for what is missing in our own behavior. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Two Forms of Communication Some people are great at receiving and absorbing inspiration from others. If you lack that talent, realize that G-d gave you the ability to discover your own inner jewel. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Nothing Personal Selfishness is not restricted to material matters. When we share our deepest and most personal emotions to inspire others, that is a noble expression of selflessness TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Tetzaveh – Where Is Moses? When someone’s name is not mentioned it can suggest a lack his or her presence. But it can also mean that the other is so present that his or her name need not be mentioned. TETZAVEH TETZAVEH Parsha Ekev – A Bar Mitzvah Speech Which came first the chicken or the egg? Another way of asking the question is which comes first the Bar Mitzvah or the party and… Parsha Ekev – A Tale of Two Scenarios Divine energy flows in two directions: From the source to us and from us to the source. Redemption is when the two flows meet in the middle. Parsha Ekev – Forgetting Forgetfulness Forgetfulness is caused by negative energy associated with exile. In the Messianic Age we will no longer need teachers and other memory devices to retain our knowledge. Teachers will then serve a higher purpose. Parsha Ekev – Fear G-d? Why Not Just Love? Even simple emotions contain elements of profundity. Fear of G-d and self-abnegation are two sides of the same coin. Parsha Ekev – Good Diseases? Our task is to do everything to remove suffering. We cannot understand the “why” of misery, but we can learn lessons from it. The only thing that compounds our suffering is our failure to find a silver lining by learning lessons from it. Parsha Ekev – Heels: The Lowest and the Highest Conventional wisdom teaches us that despite being on the ground you can still climb high. Chassidic wisdom believes that because you are so low you can climb high! Parsha Ekev – Getting Rid of the Monster We Created Some forms of fear can be paralyzing. However, some forms of fear can be positive. They can actually neutralize the negative forms of fear. Parsha Ekev – High Heels Reaching the 100 mark from 99 can be more dramatic than reaching from 1 to 99! Parsha Ekev – Jewish Pride . The immature always underestimate their potential. Maturity is appreciating your regal nature. A Bar Mitzvah begins wearing Tefillin, the symbol of Maturity and royalty. Parsha Ekev – Longevity Israel exists on two planes: Geographic and Spiritual. The Mezuzah affixed to our homes creates virtual Israel Parsha Ekev – Modernity You can follow all the most recent fads and be old-fashioned. And you can follow the ancient teachings of Torah and be truly modern. Parsha Ekev – No Fast Food Food is a metaphor for spiritual nourishment. However, food itself contains a spiritual dimension. It is just as important to insure that that which comes into our mouth is as pure as that which comes out of our mouth. Reciting the Grace after Meal insures that we capture the spirt of the food and t Parsha Ekev – No Sterile Blessings Life is defined by its ability to reproduce. Our future life as a people hinges on our ability to retain our identities in a sea of other cultures. Parsha Ekev – Now! Wow! Most people live in the past and the future. Torah wants us to live in the present. Teshuvah and Redemption are so powerful because they revolve around the word “now!” Parsha Ekev – Seeing Is Enjoying Light is the physical world’s most ethereal phenomenon. Yet light enhances our physical lives even as it is the ultimate metaphor for spirituality. Parsha Ekev – The Cure for Sterility A sterile mind is cannot produce proper emotions. It is a sign of exile. Parsha Ekev – The Kosher Compromise Compromise is not necessarily a good word because it takes away from truth. However, there are compromises that enable and empower us to reach that truth. The placement of the Mezuzah embodies that compromise. Parsha Ekev – The “Olive Jew” and the “Egg Jew” There is food for the body and foo for the soul. Chassidus teaches us that food for the body can also be food for the soul. Parsha Ekev – The Non-Blessing Blessing The word Jew derives from the word gratitude. Gratitude is not just saying thank-you. It’s about conceding the other’s importance. It is also acknowledging the other’s role in your good fortune. Gratitude is liberating and characterizes Moshiach and the Messianic Age. Parsha Ekev – The Soul of the Heel Relationships that are quid-pro-quo are fine. Relationships that are unconditional are Divine. Parsha Ekev – Torah Study: The Jewish Synthesizer One of the greatest challenges is confronting ecil. Another great challenge is finding the right balance between two good things. Torah is the ideal power of synthesis and balance. Parsha Ekev – What’s the Question? Jews are known to ask a lot of questions. Jews are also known to answer questions with other questions. Why are we so obsessed with questions? Because questions touch raw nerves and produce better results than mere statements! Parsha Ekev – With All Your Might Giving your life for a cause is not necessarily the highest level of devotion. It might actually be an expression of one’s ego. Parsha Lech Lecha – A Pure Mitzvah Doing good, for any reason, is preferable to inaction. We, nevertheless, must strive for perfection. The goal must be to serve G-d with purity of heart, without ulterior motives. The paradigm for this purity is the Mitzvah of circumcision. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – A Light to the Nations Sensitivity to others is a virtue. Judaism, while directed to the Jewish people, also requires of us to be a light to the nations. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Abraham My Lover Contrary to the identification of Abraham with love; he also possessed other traits when necessary. We cannot be monolithic beings. Mono-dimensional behavior is good for angels and animals. It is neither human or G-dly. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Abraham’s First Test Dying for a noble cause is not the highest form of sacrifice. Living with and for a higher purpose is the most noble sacrifice. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Driving Two Ways on a One Way Street Life seems to be taking us in so many, and often opposite directions. This can lead to confusion and despair. In truth, all directions that we travel revolve around and lead us to one overarching goal: We travel to Jerusalem to bring back its inspiration to our homes; to transform our lives into Jer Parsha Lech Lecha – Generation Gap Going against the grain and breaking out of one’s own cocoon is what made Abraham worthy of being the first Jew. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Go for Yourself There are two brands of reward. The first is given s motivation. The second is a consequence of one’s actions. Reward demonstrates that good, naturally, begets good. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Holy Shoe Laces Shoes are a protection from the earth. Shoelaces keep our shoes on. Some places are so corrupt that even the shoelaces are tainted and afford no protection. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Lech Lecha and Bar/bas Mitzvah The underlying joy of a Bar or Bas Mitzvah is he or she has graduated from volunteering Judaism to accepting full responsibility. There is a world of difference between these two thrusts, with assuming responsibility to be superior. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – How to Be W.e.a.l.t.h.y and Happy Wealth, like poverty, is neither a virtue nor a vice. Although, like poverty, it can be either. Wealth can make a person happy only if its possessor conforms to six rules. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Let Your Guard Down Entering into a space means more than a casual connection to it. When a child enters into the covenant it is life’s most powerful interaction with G-d. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Looking for the Light in the Darkness Life can be an adventure with its many twists and turns. The sense of excitement is magnified when one realizes that the detours are part of a Master Plan that will, in the end, be appreciated. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Pharoah Yes, Sodom No!? How do we know what is important? Frequently, it is measured by the degree of internal opposition we have to it. The more pressure we have to do something the more we have to consider whether it is positive. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Star and Dust There are people of great achievement who are likened to the stars. And there are lowly people likened to the dust of the earth. Both are flawed. The stars are whole and a source of blessing when they behave with the humility of the dust. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Staying in One Place Our lives require building solid foundations and then building magnificent structures on them. When we focus on the construction of the foundation, there is little movement; just singular concentration and focus. When we embark on erecting the edifice, we need to be creative, fluid and multifaceted, Parsha Lech Lecha – The First Jew Abraham = Self-Transcendence Jew must live a transcendent life in an ordinary and often corrupt world. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – The Inexorable Journey One of the tragedies of life is giving up on our life’s goals. Sometimes we give up right before realizing these goals. Abraham taught us to persevere. We are on the cusp of the Final Redemption. This is not a time to give up. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – The Last Laugh and the Laugh That Lasts The Messianic Age is an age of joy. Joy is serious business; it does not happen when we are passive. We must proactively engage in joy now as a way of preparing ourselves for the future. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – The Separation of Good and Evil “There is no evil without a little good in it.” This is true only until the Final Redemption, when evil will be totally separated from good, and eventually fade away. Our efforts at doing good since Adam and Eve have made that separation process occur. LECHA LECHA Parsha Lech Lecha – Two Levels of Change The most dramatic changes in our lives are the evolutionary, not the revolutionary changes. Revolutionary changes can be unsettling. The evolutionary changes are seamless and enable us to fully internalize them. LECHA LECHA Parsha Terumah – A House of Unity and Love The greatest challenge is not just unity and love. It is achieving unity within diversity. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – A Tale of Two Vessels The Menorah, the symbol of Torah, with all of its decorations, had to be made of one piece of gold. Likewise, the way we embellish the Torah by discovering new meanings, must be of one piece with the Torah. They must come from within the Torah itself. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Adar: The Month of Transformation Life with joy is a complete life. Joy with Purim is an extraordinary life. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Constructing a Temple in One’s Heart G-d works with the system of reciprocation. When we had the Bais Hamikdash in Jerusalem it inspired us to create a Sanctuary in our own hearts. Conversely, when we create the internal Sanctuary, it generates the cosmic energy that facilitates the building of the Third Temple TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Falsehood and Boards Everyone aspires for truth. Yet it is so elusive because of the obfuscating nature of our physical world. To break out of falsehood we must use the instruments of utter truth. These instruments are the G-dly commandments, which represent objective Divine truth. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Go South Although we have two directions in life, there are times when on need not go in both directions to get the benefits of both. Making the right turn can give us the benefits of both directions. . TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Half Measures (1) While one must toil in the study of Torah, it cannot be fathomed on its own. G-d gave us the Torah as a gift; indeed the greatest gift we have ever received. We are reminded of this Divine gift with the Torah’s description of the Ark TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Half Measures (2) Knowledge comes in three dimensions: Depth, breadth and Length. Our knowledge of Torah is incomplete in all three dimensions. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Impulsive There are two forms of impulsiveness. The first is negative folly. The second is holy folly. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Mitzvah TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Recapturing Our Innocence Our goal as adults is to return to and recapture our inner child. This is indispensable for proper Torah study. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – South or North Having direction in life is crucial for our fulfillment of our Divine mission here on Earth. Once we are on the right path, our next challenge is to take the journey itself and elevate it. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Take Me, Please… A relationship can go two ways. G-d, by giving us the Torah has also given Himself to us. Through Torah we take G-d. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Gift Moshiach Will Not Accept There are many contributing factors to the building of the future Temple. And while persecution unleashed hidden energies, the persecutors have no right to claim reward for their efforts. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Real Thing! Our world is a world of virtual reality. We strive for Moshiach who will restore reality. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Middle Bar Balance is not wishy-washy; indeed it is known as Tiferes-beauty. It is the ability to go to different extremes or to fuse them when appropriate . The ultimate balance we get is from Torah. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Shepherd, Guard and Father People who wish to travel on a spiritual journey must protect themselves from negative consequences, misguided spiritual detours, while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in their lives and homes. These three functions will be served in the third Bais Hamikdash. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Uplifting Gift Giving is more than the exchange of an item from one person to another. The word for giving in the Torah, Terumah, suggests the notion of sacrifice and uplifting. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – The Temple “Substitutes” Without our Bais Hamikdash today, we have three ways to recapture G-d’s presence in our own lives. Building Small Sanctuaries (Synagogues) Learning the laws of the construction of the future Bais Hamikdash Wearing Tefillin. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – “Today, I Am a Mishkan!” A Bar Mitzvah begins constructing his Sanctuary with the materials he accumulates in each of the preceding 13 years of his life. Jewish education in these formative years determine the quality of the Sanctuary. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Transplanting Cedars People have been compared to trees and righteous people to cedars in particular. True Jewish leaders in times of exile are like cedars. As cedars they stand proud and majestic even when in exile. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Terumah – Whose Table Is It? Judaism has placed great emphasis on our table. The table is not only the source of nourishment. It is also the symbol of gratitude to G-d, Torah discussions and acts of kindness and charity. TERUMAH TERUMAH Parsha Breishis – A New World One of the greatest miracles of nature is the birth of a child. Judaism wants us to procreate in intellectual and spiritual ways as well. This will prepare us for the “New Age” of Moshiach Parsha Breishis – Acquisitions G-d does not need our sacrifices. We need them. To offer a sacrifice and think that G-d owes us the world is a blemished offering. That was the difference between Cain and Abel. Parsha Breishis – Adam and the Sin of the Forbidden Fruit Death and evil are not natural phenomena. It was superimposed on us by Adam and Eve. Life and goodness are natural. The more good we do we separate the evil from the good and death from life. Parsha Breishis – Apple and Eve? A beautiful person is one who thinks out of the box, is consistent and for who the means are just as important as the end. This person lives a rich and full life every moment. This is the Esrog-Beautiful-fruit personality. Parsha Breishis – Adam Saw Two, Not Three There are three focuses which lead us in the right direction: G-d, us and the rest of the world. To lead a wholesome life we cannot leave any item out of the equation. Parsha Breishis – Ayekah-Where Are You?-Then and Now A question has the capacity to jolt us out of our reverie. The first question in the Torah is G-d asking: Ayekah-here are you? This is the question we must always ask ourselves. Parsha Breishis – Cain and Abel and Basic Human Nature Jealousy and rivalry are the most primitive forms of evil. They will be the last to be eliminated. Our mission, at the end of this phase of history, is to prepare for that age. Parsha Breishis – Cain and Abel: Ideological Differences It is axiomatic in Judaism that humans and animals are world apart. Animals are part of nature. Humans are the outsiders who were charged with the responsibility to uplift nature. Parsha Breishis – G-d’s Preference There are two approaches to disciplining others. One can use light tactics or dark tactics. The Messianic Era is an Age of light. Preparing for it prefers using the “light” approach. Parsha Breishis – Gathering the Sparks G-d destroyed worlds before creating ours. We emulate G-d by removing the limiting structures we impose on ourselves. Parsha Breishis – Is It “Where Are You”???!!! Or, Is It: “Where Are You?” There are two ways of posing a challenge to another. We can either shout the question angrily or ask it softly and lovingly. The latter approach is the more successful one. Parsha Breishis – It’s All in the Head The head/brain contains all of the energy of the entire body. The “head” or first word of the Torah, Bereishis, contains within it all of the Torah and its objective to lead us to the Messianic Age. Parsha Breishis – Need to Be Needed We would be living in a perfect world if we could demonstrate that we are needed at least as much as we need. The two accounts of Creation of Man reflect this balance. Parsha Breishis – Perfection4 We are conditioned to believe in imperfection. That is true for one who lives with an exile mindset. In the liberated world of the future we will enjoy: perfect faith, Torah, healing, and Redemption. The initials of these four entities form the word Esrog—the perfect fruit. Parsha Breishis – Striking a Perfect Balance Ideologies generally stake out a position and true followers keep to it faithfully and rigidly. In Judaism, the goal is to incorporate and balance opposite traits and directions, even while leaning in a certain direction. Parsha Breishis – Sweet Grapes Life is about making or missing opportunities. Even when doing something wrong, we should be bothered most by what we did not do right. Parsha Breishis – The End in the Beginning A most basic human instinct is the hope for a better world. This hope was implanted in us from the very beginning of creation. It is the underlying meaning of the first Torah verse: “In the beginning.” The goal of creation was to actualize the plan that was embedded in the world from the moment of c Parsha Breishis – The First Letter and Beginning on Page Two Unity is central to Judaism: One G-d, one Torah, One Jewish nation. Yet, the Torah begins with the letter beis, which is the number two. It’s G-d’s way of saying “I want a relationship with you.” It’s what makes the connection between G-d and His world. Parsha Breishis – The Fig Leaf The power to fight evil is contained within the evil itself. Parsha Breishis – The First Word Revisited Ours is a world of falsehood. Torah is the very essence of objective and absolute truth. By connecting to the Torah we can transform our falsehood into truth. Parsha Breishis – The First Word The very first letter of the Torah translates as “because.” The most powerful word, arguably, is “because.” Because it says that there is a cause and that Creation is purposeful and that we are not accidents of birth. Parsha Breishis – The Four Kinds Torah comes in four dimensions known as Pardes, a delightful orchard. While we must know when and how to approach indulge, we must be prepared to master all of them. Parsha Breishis – The Leather Jacket Clothing serves two functions: It removes our shame and lends dignity. Mitzvos are spiritual clothing. They remove the soul’s embarrassment in its state of nakedness. And they also royal robes that brings us dignity. Parsha Breishis – The Letter of Truth and Peace Truth and Peace are the two Most Elusive Traits. Yet, it is precisely these two traits that will be validated in the imminent period of Redemption. Parsha Breishis – The Smallest Gap Torah is a paradox. It is the height of our intellectual pursuits. And it is utterly unfathomable! Parsha Breishis – The Tree of Knowledge: Haman’s Tree Knowledge is not inherently evil. What’s evil is the glorification of knowledge above G-d and G-dly behavior. When knowledge is used to rationalize evil it too becomes sullied. Parsha Breishis – Whose Land Is It? Every nation is entitled to have a land for itself. Only one nation has an inseparable and qualitative bond with its land: The Land of Israel for the People of Israel. Parsha Mishpatim – A Job for a Nice Jewish Boy? Judaism and healing have always gone hand in hand. The challenge is to extend our physical and spiritual healing powers to places to which few would venture. Parsha Mishpatim – A Two Way Street The slogan, “Life is a two way street” can be understood to reflect the two directions of Judaism: from the top down and the bottom up. The Messianic Age will be a time of successfully merging the two movvements Parsha Mishpatim – An Eye for an Eye One of the worst injuries one can sustain is the loss of an eye. Our vision has been clouded, jaded and distorted in exile. G-d promises us that He will give us an eye that sees in place of our injured vision. Parsha Mishpatim – Heal a Heel Moshiach is the ultimate physician who will restore all of the innocence and holiness we have lost in exile. Parsha Mishpatim – Internal Medicine Science and modern technology have opened up new vistas. One is the ability to see the internal workings of our bodies and our world. There is a parallel spiritual power we now possess. We can, through prayer, penetrate to the core of our souls. Parsha Mishpatim – Judgment: Prelude to Moshiach The notion that there is a difference between man-to-G-d obligations is a myth. Indeed, the Final Redemption rests on our fidelity to the social commandments. Parsha Mishpatim – No Pain, Much Gain Having Our Cake and Eating It While adversity has a silver lining; G-d’s/our goal is to eliminate pain and adversity and discover growth exclusively through positive experiences. Essay written originally in memory of Susan Wehle a”h and all those who perished during the tragic crash of Continental Flight 3407 on February 12th 20 Parsha Mishpatim – Punishment or Rehabilitation The Torah is a Torah of Kindness. Even punishment has to benefit the one who is punished. Parsha Mishpatim – Liberating G-d G-d is simultaneously above and within our world. In His “within” mode He too suffers from exile. Our role is to “liberate” G-d as we liberate ourselves form the scourge of Galus. Parsha Mishpatim – Put Your Mouth Before Your Ears! Miracles are usually defined as changes of the natural order as the splitting of the Red Sea. At Sinai, the Jewish people performed their own miracle. They fused a transcendent G-d into their rational mind. This miraculous synthesis will be permanent in the Messianic Age Parsha Mishpatim – The Alpeh, Beis, Gimmel of Moshiach Youth is not just a prefatory stage for adulthood. Its presence must be felt throughout our lives. Moses’ demand that the children be allowed to leave was also a request for Pharaoh to allow adults to take their youth with them. Parsha Mishpatim – Talent on Loan from G-d We live in an age of credit. G-d too gives us His blessings on credit and expects payment. The sooner we make good on our repayment of our debts to G-d, the faster, smoother and more glorious the Redemption will be. Parsha Mishpatim – Out of Bounds Tikkun Olam, making the world a righteous world is just the first step. Righteousness is not the ideal. The ideal is to bring a higher form of devotion that goes beyond just doing that which is right. It is going out of our limits. That is the difference between Tzedakah and Gemillus Chasadim Parsha Mishpatim – The Angel’s Angle Humans and angels represent two ideals. From Sinai onward, the human ideal superseded the angel paradigm. Parsha Mishpatim – The Ox and the Lamb Humans possess the qualities and faults of animals. But we also possess a G-dly soul. Our goal is to reveal that G-dly soul, but we must also cultivate the positive attributes of our “ox” and lamb.” Parsha Mishpatim – Tripod Every culture has an ethical system. Torah provides us with a three pronged system. This three knotted system is guaranteed not to unravel. Parsha Mishpatim – Tunnel Vision Probing beneath the surface of our personalities can yield surprising and painful results. One can either stop digging or dig even deeper to find the treasures of goodness in the deepest recesses of our personalities. Parsha Mishpatim – Unity and Diversity Too often people have viewed faith and reason as enemies; unity and diversity as opposites. The Sinai experience demonstrated the fallacy of these perceptions Parsha Mishpatim – Who Do We Demand of to Redeem Us? We like to complain. But our complaints have to be directed to the right source. Our most potent prayer is for Moshiach. His petition needs to be directed to the right address. Parsha Mishpatim – Widows and Orphans Programmed into the Jew’s psyche is compassion for all of G- d’s creatures, especially the downtrodden; the widow and the orphan. Included in the widow and orphan is our internal widow and orphan. Have compassion for the internal, widow and orphan Parsha Mishpatim – When One Plus One Equals Three There is good and there is good. What is the test that our goodness is the more sophisticated and pure variety? Parsha Noach – A Logical Flood and a Flood of Logic We are accustomed to the two categories of rationality and irrationality. In truth, there is a third category of Supra- rationality. This dimension informs our rationality and guides it in the right direction. Parsha Noach – A Piece of Peace Is Not Enough Peace comes in various forms. True peace is when they stem from a single source. Parsha Noach – Are You a Raven or a Dove? Personalities are not etched in stone. People can and do change. Never give up on a human being! Parsha Noach – Be Fruitful and Multiply Humans are the problem and they are the solution. We contribute to the realization of the Divine plan for the world by just showing up. We actually transform the world through utilizing the world’s resources to serve G-d. Parsha Noach – Eyes on the Goal There are two approaches to life: The first is to have a singular focus. The second is to accumulate a multitude of experiences. Even when following the second approach, we must never lose sight of the goal. Parsha Noach – From Generation to Generation A generation can be understood as a segment of time within each individual’s life. When we change our personality, focus etc. we have lived in several generations. We were created to live life to the fullest in each of these changes/generations, Parsha Noach – G-d Loves Animals G-d created animals and that includes the animal in us. This does not imply that we should allow the animal in us to dominate. It suggests that we allow the animal do contribute its passion to our spiritual growth. Parsha Noach – From Minimalist to Maximalist Noah was a minimalist and Abraham a maximalist. Both have a place in our lives. The minimalists do the right thing; the maximalists focus on what more and better they can do. Parsha Noach – In Your Face Praise of others is always a positive exercise. Praise enhances their overt qualities while it helps them to actualize their hidden traits. But even praise has its limits. Parsha Noach – It’s How You Drink! Imbibing alcohol has always been a societal scourge. However, the metaphor of drinking wine to elicit Divine secrets has always been the deeper reason for the role of wine in our religious rituals. Parsha Noach – Le’chaim Some people drink to forget; some drink to remember. Some drink for life. It is far better to live for life than to drink for it. When we say le’chaim-to life, we should emphasize the spirit of life than the life of spirits. Parsha Noach – Noach and Menachem: Easing and Comforting All forms of life exist within the human being. What we do with and to ourselves affects these elements. When our own moral lives are improved it removes the curses that exist within nature. Parsha Noach – Noach and the Fur Industry Question: Why was Noah, a most righteous man, not the first Jew? Answer: He was a Tzadik in a fur coat… Parsha Noach – Noach’s Ark and Haman’s Gallows Where evil sees opportunity to destroy, the forces of goodness see opportunity to save. Where evil sees decline, G-dly forces see the seeds of rebuilding. Parsha Noach – Rain and Shine Jerusalem is the most hotly contested place in the world. Yet it has no natural resources. It’s resource is its unparalleled balance of rain and shine; The fusion between the material and the spiritual Parsha Noach – The Elusive Fourth Son Kabbalah teaches three primary personality traits. They are all in need of the fourth dimension to seal their continuity and integrity. Parsha Noach – The New World Order Our goal in life is to enter the “Ark” as did Noah. This ark, the symbol of utopia is within reach! Parsha Noach – The Three Tiers of Torah and Prayer In troubled times we seek refuge in entertainment. Torah and Tefilah (prayer) are the ultimate refuge because they can relate to us on every level. Parsha Noach – The Waters from Above and Below We are influenced by spiritual energy that comes from within and without. The ultimate goal is to internalize the external influences that they become an integral part of our consciousness. Parsha Noach – The Waters of Noach Empathy is a G-d given gift can prevent the world’s degeneration and a cure for societal ills. Noah lacked this gift. It was given to us in generous measure at Mount Sinai. Let’s use it! Parsha Noach – Two Beginnings The Torah begins with the story of Creation. But, the real beginning is the story of the flood. The flood represents a paradigm shift of the Messianic Age. The entire world will be deluged with positive G-dly energy. Parsha Noach – Who Eats First? We have a win-win situation when we our G- dly soul’s altruism and selfless attitude partners with our Animal soul’s selfish motives in doing good. Parsha Voeschanan – A City of Two Tales Much of life is spent on running away from pain and negativity. That is a formidable challenge. An even greater challenge is when we confront adversity precisely when we are ready to embrace unadulterated positivity. Today, on the cusp of the Messianic Age, we were entrusted with this greater challe Parsha Voeschanan – A Singular Find Singularity is a virtue in terms of a goal; but the way to reach our goals is best served by authentic diversity. Parsha Voeschanan – A Jewish Workout Barriers and obstacles were made to be transcended. Parsha Voeschanan – A Mitzvah to Appeal When G-d says no, it is not always no. When G-d says no to one person it is not necessarily no to others. G-d wants us to protest His will that we languish in exile and bring us Moshiach! Parsha Voeschanan – Body and Soul Some ideologies glorify the soul. Some cultures worship the body. Judaism believes in their synergetic nature. Parsha Voeschanan – Darkness and Light Judaism loves paradoxes because they highlight our ability to unite opposites. Expect to find light precisely where it is most dark! Parsha Voeschanan – Enough Is Enough Goodness and holiness always manifests itself in two modes. Goodness dispels the darkness of evil and suffering. Goodness also enables us to climb the mountains of Divine consciousness Parsha Voeschanan – Good, Good and Good Goodness can also be overwhelming. For us to access and fully appreciate goodness we must acquire the power of synthesis Parsha Voeschanan – Hold on to Both “Heads” of the Rope We have been conditioned to see the good even in adversity. Judaism wants us to use that recognition as a means to finally eliminate all adversity. Parsha Voeschanan – Judaism and Arithmetic: No Adding or Subtracting Egos are strange. Our ego can diminish us by ostensibly getting us to do more. Parsha Voeschanan – Kiss the Mezuzah and Wear Your Tefillin Proud To be respected one must do things that are intrinsically worthy of other’s admiration. Objective worth must also be complemented by subjective integrity and love. These two elements are reflected in the Mitzvah of Mezuzah and Tefillin. Parsha Voeschanan – Kosher Chutzpah Chutzpah is a negative trait when I is for selfish reasons. Chutzpah is kosher and even holy when it is for others. Parsha Voeschanan – No More Jealousy A human being is both a social creature and a lover of privacy. Our challenge is to know how to balance these two opposite traits of creating wall of separation and doors to get through the barrier Parsha Voeschanan – Moses’ Prayer Answered There are two leadership models we should emulate. The first is focused on the people of his time. The other is focused on the future as well. Parsha Voeschanan – Post Tisha B’av Therapy The worst part of alienation is that we become alienated from the realization that we are alienated. Parsha Voeschanan – Psalm 83 I'd like to share a snippet of a recent news item sent to me by a reader of our weekly essays that has particular relevance to… Parsha Voeschanan – The Echo-Less Sound of Torah Torah is unique because it is G-d’s only direct communication with every Jew. Nature, although G-d’s creation, can only pick up an echo of His original voice. Parsha Voeschanan – Shema Meditation Judaism’s most important affirmation sounds deceptively simple. There is one G-d. The Shema is just as much an affirmation of the uniqueness of the Jewish people. In truth, the two affirmations are intertwined. Parsha Voeschanan – The First Commandment The first commandment is G-d’s declaration to all individuals: “I am your very life. And I will ultimately make that reality manifestly clear to the entire world: Parsha Voeschanan – Thirteen from One Judaism is obsessed with G-d’s unity. Yet there are 13 Principles of Faith. In truth, all of these 13 emerge from one principle. Parsha Voeschanan – Three Prayers in One Prayer for a benefit is laudable. Prayer for self-expression is both soothing and exhilarating Prayer to converse with G-d is the most ideal form of prayer and breaks through all barriers! Parsha Yisro – A Stranger in a Foreign Land Torah is the one stop source for all the knowledge we need. While we can learn valuable lessons from “foreign” sources, the ideal is to get them straight from Torah. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – A Direct Line There are two ways to connect to G-d; direct and indirect. The converts approach is direct PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Climb the Mountain! A person must know their limits. Many a mountain climber has lost their balance because they did not now their limits. One must not then think that knowing our limits is a perpetual red light. It is only a pause to be followed by scaling much greater heights. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Delegate, but Don’t Adulterate Moses was the consummate lover of Israel. Moses wanted to personally give them an unadulterated version of Torah. Yisro recognized that G-d empowers each of us to deliver an authentic message. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Earth Shattering News What’s worse than the commission of a crime? When the person involves others in its performance. Especially, if the other is G-d. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – High and Low The higher we climb the greater the pressure to go down. Don’t let success deter you from continuing to climb and weather the winds that try to force you down. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Honor Your Parents: The Bridge Parents are G=d’s way of teaching us respect for higher authority. Two parents teach us that G-d relates to us in two distinct ways. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Judaism 101 The Ten Commandments are really Ten Statements, which provide us with a basic introduction to Judaism. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Judicial Reform Contrary to a popular myth, we are always judging others. The way we judge should be determined by objective criteria. Some matters require judgment by our internal spark of Moses. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Kidnapped Destroying a person’s potential is a form of murder. Diverting one’s G-d given talent away from serving Him is a form of kidnapping. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Live It! Inspiration is a terrible thing to waste. When it comes, we must harness it to actions without delay, otherwise it will dissipate. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Membership Ticket Moses accepted Yisro not only as a father-inlaw but as a respected member of the Jewish people. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Pursuit of Truth There are few who seek absolute truth. There are fewer who will be prepared to give up everything they stood for when the reality of absolute truth hits them. That was Yisro. When he arrived, G-d gave us the Torah; the embodiment of absolute objective truth. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Outsiders and Insiders The lesson we derive from Yisro the convert is not to rest on our laurels. Yisro had two names that connote adding on to one’s accomplishments. There are two ways of adding: one from the outside and the other from the inside. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Sensitivity Training Torah is about sensitivity to G-d and to others. Sensitivity to one entity should never cause us to be insensitive to the other. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – Stand or Sit The Ten Commandments stand out amongst all the other commandments. Yet there is controversy if one should stand while the Ten Commandments are read. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – The Conversion at Sinai Realizing our potential is the greatest thing we can aspire to. But can we aspire to experiencing new potentials? The revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai will provide us with an answer. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – The Elusive Pursuit of Emes Truth in Hebrew is a three letter word. Each letter stands for another characteristic of truth. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – The Ideal Human Being What makes us truly human? Our intellect? Our ability to speak? It is our ability to translate lofty ideals into deep emotions and concrete action. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – The Ten Commandments of the Future The Ten Commandments of the future will be on a more sublime level. Observance of these commandments today prepares us for their heightened observance in the future. PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO Parsha Yisro – The Ten Declarations That Will Change the World The Ten Commandments deal primarily with proper human behavior. They also declare how the world will operate in the future Messianic Era PARSHAS YISRO PARSHAS YISRO