Dreamers and Doers
Parshat Vayeiyzei
Our weekly portion begins with our forefather Yakov's journey from Cana'an in search of a wife. He chances upon mount Moriah and has his well known dream of the angles going up and down a ladder.
Our sages tell us that the paradigm of this ladder and dream reflects the daily quest for us trying to ascend to the heavens. In the Talmud this ladder is the symbol of Teffila-prayer. We endeavor through our prayers, to reach lofty spiritual heights, though we are mere lowly humans.
What is is about this dream and story that seems to reverberate throughout our history and destiny?
The answer is, the world is comprised of dreamers and doers.
Dreams represent the untapped possibilities, the naivety of youth. The hope of a better and more prosperous future. The desire and yearning for a more spiritual self.
Doers represent the realm of action. Taking the idea or inspiration and converting that creative idea into real, tangible results. But, alas, it is not so easy. The realities of life, station, workplace, finances and spiritual condition, commonly overwhelm us and destroy any dreams we may have had.
The status quote rules.
Rarely do we encounter an individual who is both a dreamer and a doer. Of all our forefathers it is Yakov who is called the father of the Jewish people. Because he embodied the quality of not just dreaming but bringing that idea and creative energy to fruition and actuality.
So dream your dreams, but more importantly, bring them to actuality.
Shabbat Shalom
Friday, November 28, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
It's Not All Grey - Good & Evil
It's not all gray.
By Rabbi Yossi Marrus
Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av
July 28, 2014
As a child when I would rush to judgment I would be told by my teachers and elders don't rush to judgment. It's not that simple. It's not black and white. Even as an adult it's not always simple. Sometimes things really are not black and white. It's what we call the gray area- that leaves some room for discussion and a proper balance.
As a sophisticated and educated society we do not like childish solutions to complex issues. Dogmatic and rigid ideologies are just not 21st century.
So, since the greatest American generation we have strived to educate our youth in a new, moral, and sophisticated fashion. Our universities are open to all types of discussions and opinions. We have rejected the ancient ways of our fathers and mothers and instead have opted for the ways of a new age. G-d is taboo. Prayers are for the old and infirm. Absolutes are for the simpleminded and uneducated.
Throughout the Torah it is fascinating to observe the realities that G-d sets forth. Right and Wrong. Good and Bad. Permitted and Forbidden.
Why you may ask? Why such harsh language in the Bible? Why not some gray area? Couldn't He leave some room for discussion?
Perhaps, G-d wanted that when things unfold in the world around us we should be able to identify some starch realities. Some things truly are BLACK and WHITE. There is EVIL and GOOD. And yes, it really is that simple.
The world has seemed to loose it's moral compass. It's all grey area they say. The answer is yes, there is some gray, but I'm not blind and BLACK and WHITE are just as I see them.
By Rabbi Yossi Marrus
Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av
July 28, 2014
As a child when I would rush to judgment I would be told by my teachers and elders don't rush to judgment. It's not that simple. It's not black and white. Even as an adult it's not always simple. Sometimes things really are not black and white. It's what we call the gray area- that leaves some room for discussion and a proper balance.
As a sophisticated and educated society we do not like childish solutions to complex issues. Dogmatic and rigid ideologies are just not 21st century.
So, since the greatest American generation we have strived to educate our youth in a new, moral, and sophisticated fashion. Our universities are open to all types of discussions and opinions. We have rejected the ancient ways of our fathers and mothers and instead have opted for the ways of a new age. G-d is taboo. Prayers are for the old and infirm. Absolutes are for the simpleminded and uneducated.
Throughout the Torah it is fascinating to observe the realities that G-d sets forth. Right and Wrong. Good and Bad. Permitted and Forbidden.
Why you may ask? Why such harsh language in the Bible? Why not some gray area? Couldn't He leave some room for discussion?
Perhaps, G-d wanted that when things unfold in the world around us we should be able to identify some starch realities. Some things truly are BLACK and WHITE. There is EVIL and GOOD. And yes, it really is that simple.
The world has seemed to loose it's moral compass. It's all grey area they say. The answer is yes, there is some gray, but I'm not blind and BLACK and WHITE are just as I see them.
Institutional Memory - Re'eh
Institutional Memory - Parshat Re'eh
This past week on Wednesday, August 20th, the Torah Academy of San Antonio (TASA) began it's second school year. As an administrator and principal of the Judaic and Hebrew department, the beginning of the school year always presents certain challenges. The myriad of details that must be taken care of prior to schools opening. Books, posters, and classroom teaching materials. The physical moving and organizing of desks, chairs, bookcases. The technology side of it; computers, printers, copy machines, and everything else you can imagine. And the teacher training, lesson plans, scope and sequence and curricula.
Most importantly however, is the institutional memory of the school. The customs, traditions, and overall feeling and atmosphere. Its the heart of the institution. While some staff may come and others may go, the underpinnings of the school, it's principles, and it's institutional fundamentals remain steadfast.
In short, in order for a school to be successful and prepared for its first day of school, it's institution must be strong with its foundation secure.
One year ago when TASA began its inaugural year, it was quite a different story. There simply was no institutional memory, period. We began a new school on a hope and a prayer to provide Jewish children a wonderful Judaic and secular education. Prior to that first day, it was a dream. It was a new institution, in a new facility, with new teachers. There were no computers, printers, chairs or even desks. There were no files cabinets or retention lists to speak of. In fact, it was the most difficult "school start" that I have ever experienced in my 18 year teaching career.
And then with Hashem's help, we opened and began to build our school. Brick by brick. Child by child. One computer at a time. Every holiday or event was a first, like baby's first year.
The results were thank G-d impressive. 30 students attended and grew in their spirituality and love of Judaism. Students scored remarkable well on the CTP-4 standardized tests. The school office began to resemble that of a well oiled machine.
Now we begin our second year. Perhaps the most stark difference is this; Institutional Memory. Yes, we have a 30% increase in students. Indeed, we have more wonderful teachers and staff. We also have the successes of the previous year to guide us as well as the knowledge of those areas that we will improve on. But it is not a new venture.
In this week's Torah portion of Re'eh, Hashem warns the Jewish people that when they enter the land of Israel they must drive out the idol worshipping people from their midst. The reason? The "Institutional Memory" of idol worship and paganism would remain in the land and influence the Jews negatively. In this case, Klal Yisrael were destined to begin a new "Institutional Memory", one that would last for thousands of years, to this very day.
It was not easy. It took much hard work, courage and determination. But the rewards were incredible and magnificent.
Like TASA.
Shabbat Shalom
This past week on Wednesday, August 20th, the Torah Academy of San Antonio (TASA) began it's second school year. As an administrator and principal of the Judaic and Hebrew department, the beginning of the school year always presents certain challenges. The myriad of details that must be taken care of prior to schools opening. Books, posters, and classroom teaching materials. The physical moving and organizing of desks, chairs, bookcases. The technology side of it; computers, printers, copy machines, and everything else you can imagine. And the teacher training, lesson plans, scope and sequence and curricula.
Most importantly however, is the institutional memory of the school. The customs, traditions, and overall feeling and atmosphere. Its the heart of the institution. While some staff may come and others may go, the underpinnings of the school, it's principles, and it's institutional fundamentals remain steadfast.
In short, in order for a school to be successful and prepared for its first day of school, it's institution must be strong with its foundation secure.
One year ago when TASA began its inaugural year, it was quite a different story. There simply was no institutional memory, period. We began a new school on a hope and a prayer to provide Jewish children a wonderful Judaic and secular education. Prior to that first day, it was a dream. It was a new institution, in a new facility, with new teachers. There were no computers, printers, chairs or even desks. There were no files cabinets or retention lists to speak of. In fact, it was the most difficult "school start" that I have ever experienced in my 18 year teaching career.
And then with Hashem's help, we opened and began to build our school. Brick by brick. Child by child. One computer at a time. Every holiday or event was a first, like baby's first year.
The results were thank G-d impressive. 30 students attended and grew in their spirituality and love of Judaism. Students scored remarkable well on the CTP-4 standardized tests. The school office began to resemble that of a well oiled machine.
Now we begin our second year. Perhaps the most stark difference is this; Institutional Memory. Yes, we have a 30% increase in students. Indeed, we have more wonderful teachers and staff. We also have the successes of the previous year to guide us as well as the knowledge of those areas that we will improve on. But it is not a new venture.
In this week's Torah portion of Re'eh, Hashem warns the Jewish people that when they enter the land of Israel they must drive out the idol worshipping people from their midst. The reason? The "Institutional Memory" of idol worship and paganism would remain in the land and influence the Jews negatively. In this case, Klal Yisrael were destined to begin a new "Institutional Memory", one that would last for thousands of years, to this very day.
It was not easy. It took much hard work, courage and determination. But the rewards were incredible and magnificent.
Like TASA.
Shabbat Shalom
Control The Intake - Shoftim
Control the Intake
Parshat Shoftim
A world gone mad. Those are the sentiments I come to when listening to the news. Murders, beatings, robberies, shooting planes out of the sky, terrorism, and so much more. Right is wrong and wrong is right.
And then there is Israel. The double standard, the hatred, the anti-Semitism, and the so-called "cease-fires" that only bring more Rockets mortars and terrorism. The so called analysts and pundits who provide insight and ignorance on every topic under the sun.
So I did a radical thing, I turned off the news. Not easy for a news junkie, but necessary, and I believe empowering. Instead, I choose to focus my mind's energy on the things that I can control and give me hope. Family, community, and Jewish education. Making a difference in my immediate circle. Anything really important, I figured will find it's way to me.
Just because it's on the news does not mean that I have to listen to it.
In this week's Torah portion of Shoftim G-d commands us to place judges and watchman at our gates and entrances. The context and purpose of this commandment is to establish communities, provide security, order, and a system of justice in those communities.
Our rabbis explain that this teaching also refers to a spiritual "border control". The portals into our being. Our eyes, nose, mouth, and mind need to be watched as well.
Control your intake. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
It's not just a good diet slogan. It's the key to physical and spiritual sanity.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Shoftim
A world gone mad. Those are the sentiments I come to when listening to the news. Murders, beatings, robberies, shooting planes out of the sky, terrorism, and so much more. Right is wrong and wrong is right.
And then there is Israel. The double standard, the hatred, the anti-Semitism, and the so-called "cease-fires" that only bring more Rockets mortars and terrorism. The so called analysts and pundits who provide insight and ignorance on every topic under the sun.
So I did a radical thing, I turned off the news. Not easy for a news junkie, but necessary, and I believe empowering. Instead, I choose to focus my mind's energy on the things that I can control and give me hope. Family, community, and Jewish education. Making a difference in my immediate circle. Anything really important, I figured will find it's way to me.
Just because it's on the news does not mean that I have to listen to it.
In this week's Torah portion of Shoftim G-d commands us to place judges and watchman at our gates and entrances. The context and purpose of this commandment is to establish communities, provide security, order, and a system of justice in those communities.
Our rabbis explain that this teaching also refers to a spiritual "border control". The portals into our being. Our eyes, nose, mouth, and mind need to be watched as well.
Control your intake. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
It's not just a good diet slogan. It's the key to physical and spiritual sanity.
Shabbat Shalom
Sound The Alarm - Ki Tetzei
Sound the Alarm
Parshat Ki Tezei
During the Hebrew month of Elul, which is the preparatory month for the High Holidays, we sound the Shofar daily to wake ourselves and focus on what is important. With Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgment just around the corner, it is imperative that we get our priorities in order. The daily blowing of the Shofar is like us sounding the alarm, and beckoning us to look at our lives and make appropriate changes.
In this week Torah portion of Ki Teizei we read "it will be when you will go to war על איביך- with your enemies". Hashem promises us that we will be victorious. However, when we look closely at the words of this verse, we see something interesting.It should have used the term "and it will be when you go to war WITH your enemies - עם איביך, as opposed to OVER your enemies על איביך - as it is written.
The Kabbalah explains this word choice in the following manner. Hashem is telling us, that as soon as you sound the alarm to go to war, G-d comes to help you and you are already victorious. Hence the term "Al Oyvecha" over your enemies. You are victorious before you even begin.
On a spiritual level, we are at war. What war you wonder? Who's the enemy? We are fighting with ourselves. We are at war with the egotistic, selfish, animal side of ourselves. The part that wants to stifle our spirituality and focus exclusively on material pleasures.
It is during this time of the year, just prior to Rosh Hashanah, that we sound the alarm and remind ourselves not to forget to keep up the good fight.
So sound that Shofar! Be victorious! Fight the good fight, for Yiddishkeit, spirituality, meaning and inner peace.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Ki Tezei
During the Hebrew month of Elul, which is the preparatory month for the High Holidays, we sound the Shofar daily to wake ourselves and focus on what is important. With Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgment just around the corner, it is imperative that we get our priorities in order. The daily blowing of the Shofar is like us sounding the alarm, and beckoning us to look at our lives and make appropriate changes.
In this week Torah portion of Ki Teizei we read "it will be when you will go to war על איביך- with your enemies". Hashem promises us that we will be victorious. However, when we look closely at the words of this verse, we see something interesting.It should have used the term "and it will be when you go to war WITH your enemies - עם איביך, as opposed to OVER your enemies על איביך - as it is written.
The Kabbalah explains this word choice in the following manner. Hashem is telling us, that as soon as you sound the alarm to go to war, G-d comes to help you and you are already victorious. Hence the term "Al Oyvecha" over your enemies. You are victorious before you even begin.
On a spiritual level, we are at war. What war you wonder? Who's the enemy? We are fighting with ourselves. We are at war with the egotistic, selfish, animal side of ourselves. The part that wants to stifle our spirituality and focus exclusively on material pleasures.
It is during this time of the year, just prior to Rosh Hashanah, that we sound the alarm and remind ourselves not to forget to keep up the good fight.
So sound that Shofar! Be victorious! Fight the good fight, for Yiddishkeit, spirituality, meaning and inner peace.
Shabbat Shalom
On Being Grateful - Ki Tavo
Being Grateful
Parshat Ki Tavo
This past week was an interesting one. It was an interesting one because of a range of emotions I was experiencing.
On a national level we observed the 13th anniversary of September 11, 2001. A day that as President Roosevelt said (regarding The Pearl Harbor attack), "will forever live in infamy". As a New Yorker and one that was quite familiar with the World Trade Center it had a great impact on me, as it did for many Americans.
On a personal note, this week marked the fifth anniversary of a difficult situation in my family life. The loss of a baby and a miraculous though tedious recovery of my dear wife, Malkie.
That got me thinking. Why is it that when we are in the process of experiencing something extremely powerful we have one set of emotions but later on have different emotions about the same event.
In this week's Torah portion Ki Tavo we are introduced to the Mitzvah of Bikurim-First Fruits. This was observed when a farmer would bring his first fruits to Jerusalem and offer his thanks and gratitude to the Al-Mighty. This Mitzvah was meant to inculcate within us a sense of Hakarat Hatov-gratitude to Hashem for all He has given us. Notwithstanding all of the farmer's hard work and effort, he had to remember that the blessing comes from above.
So in that spirit....
Thank you Hashem for protection of our country these past 13 years. Thank you to all the soldiers, policeman, fireman, rescue workers and medical professionals who continually strive to make our land safe.
And thank you Hashem for my wonderful wife and children. I am truly blessed beyond measure.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Ki Tavo
This past week was an interesting one. It was an interesting one because of a range of emotions I was experiencing.
On a national level we observed the 13th anniversary of September 11, 2001. A day that as President Roosevelt said (regarding The Pearl Harbor attack), "will forever live in infamy". As a New Yorker and one that was quite familiar with the World Trade Center it had a great impact on me, as it did for many Americans.
On a personal note, this week marked the fifth anniversary of a difficult situation in my family life. The loss of a baby and a miraculous though tedious recovery of my dear wife, Malkie.
That got me thinking. Why is it that when we are in the process of experiencing something extremely powerful we have one set of emotions but later on have different emotions about the same event.
In this week's Torah portion Ki Tavo we are introduced to the Mitzvah of Bikurim-First Fruits. This was observed when a farmer would bring his first fruits to Jerusalem and offer his thanks and gratitude to the Al-Mighty. This Mitzvah was meant to inculcate within us a sense of Hakarat Hatov-gratitude to Hashem for all He has given us. Notwithstanding all of the farmer's hard work and effort, he had to remember that the blessing comes from above.
So in that spirit....
Thank you Hashem for protection of our country these past 13 years. Thank you to all the soldiers, policeman, fireman, rescue workers and medical professionals who continually strive to make our land safe.
And thank you Hashem for my wonderful wife and children. I am truly blessed beyond measure.
Shabbat Shalom
You Da King - Nitzavim /Vayelech
You Da King
Parshat Netzavim-Vayelech
Are you a king? How about a princess or perhaps the famously coined line "JAP" Jewish American princess?
What defines royalty or leadership? Is it the lineage and pedigree or is it something that one can acquire and aspire to?
In this week'a parsha we read of the special mitzvah called Hakhel. The Torah instructs us that on the Sukkot holiday following the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) all Jews, of all genders and ages must come to Jerusalem. There, a huge platform was erected in the temple, on which the king would stand and read certain sections of the Torah.
The purpose of this mitzvah was to instill a sense of awe and reverence as well as an adherence to the Torah and Mitzvot. When the Jewish community would see the most powerful person in the land, the king, read the Torah and proclaim Hashem's dominion, as master of the world, this would inspire them to do the same.
It was all about setting a positive and spiritual example.
In our lives we are all kings and queens in our own little worlds. We are the ones our children, grandchildren, students and friends may look up to.
Be an example! Lead by virtue of your faith and proudly proclaim it!
You will be surprised how many will be inspired.
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova U'metuka to all.
Parshat Netzavim-Vayelech
Are you a king? How about a princess or perhaps the famously coined line "JAP" Jewish American princess?
What defines royalty or leadership? Is it the lineage and pedigree or is it something that one can acquire and aspire to?
In this week'a parsha we read of the special mitzvah called Hakhel. The Torah instructs us that on the Sukkot holiday following the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) all Jews, of all genders and ages must come to Jerusalem. There, a huge platform was erected in the temple, on which the king would stand and read certain sections of the Torah.
The purpose of this mitzvah was to instill a sense of awe and reverence as well as an adherence to the Torah and Mitzvot. When the Jewish community would see the most powerful person in the land, the king, read the Torah and proclaim Hashem's dominion, as master of the world, this would inspire them to do the same.
It was all about setting a positive and spiritual example.
In our lives we are all kings and queens in our own little worlds. We are the ones our children, grandchildren, students and friends may look up to.
Be an example! Lead by virtue of your faith and proudly proclaim it!
You will be surprised how many will be inspired.
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova U'metuka to all.
The Ark Awaits You - Noach
The Ark Awaits You
Parshat Noach
The Chagim are behind us and it's back to the regular routine. As much as I love the holidays and everything they bring, quite honestly, I love the regular routine too (maybe a bit too much). As a creature of habit, I prefer the set, organized schedule.
This week we read about the great flood in the Torah portion of Noach. The basic story we all know. The people were wicked and G-d destroyed them all, only sparring Noah, his family, and some of the animals.
The question to ponder is, why are we reading about this story right after the "spiritual high" of the holidays? Couldn't the rabbis have found a story a bit less depressing to start our regular routine with?!
Let me suggest the following.
There are many advantages of being organized and following a rigid schedule. Nothing is achieved without a plan and discipline. Yet, as a wise man once said "there are two types of people that never make any money, those that don't have a plan, and those that will never deviate from their plan". A plan is good and necessary but we also have to have an escape, every once in a while.
The word Tevah (ark in Hebrew) also means "a letter" (in the alphabet). Our sages explain, that on a spiritual level, in order to escape the raging waters, Noah was commanded to escape into the letters of Torah and holiness. The "Tevah" was an oasis to protect him from the flood. He was in dire need of a spiritual anchor in a G-d forsaken world.
Your life is good. Your routine and schedule are even better. But you also need to recharge and be re inspired, every once in a while. That inspiration can be found in the words, letters and practices of Yiddishkeit, Torah & Mitzvot. They are in fact meant to be an oasis in our lives.
The Ark Awaits You!
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Noach
The Chagim are behind us and it's back to the regular routine. As much as I love the holidays and everything they bring, quite honestly, I love the regular routine too (maybe a bit too much). As a creature of habit, I prefer the set, organized schedule.
This week we read about the great flood in the Torah portion of Noach. The basic story we all know. The people were wicked and G-d destroyed them all, only sparring Noah, his family, and some of the animals.
The question to ponder is, why are we reading about this story right after the "spiritual high" of the holidays? Couldn't the rabbis have found a story a bit less depressing to start our regular routine with?!
Let me suggest the following.
There are many advantages of being organized and following a rigid schedule. Nothing is achieved without a plan and discipline. Yet, as a wise man once said "there are two types of people that never make any money, those that don't have a plan, and those that will never deviate from their plan". A plan is good and necessary but we also have to have an escape, every once in a while.
The word Tevah (ark in Hebrew) also means "a letter" (in the alphabet). Our sages explain, that on a spiritual level, in order to escape the raging waters, Noah was commanded to escape into the letters of Torah and holiness. The "Tevah" was an oasis to protect him from the flood. He was in dire need of a spiritual anchor in a G-d forsaken world.
Your life is good. Your routine and schedule are even better. But you also need to recharge and be re inspired, every once in a while. That inspiration can be found in the words, letters and practices of Yiddishkeit, Torah & Mitzvot. They are in fact meant to be an oasis in our lives.
The Ark Awaits You!
Shabbat Shalom
You Matter - Lech Lecha
You Matter
Parshat Lech Lecha
In this week's portion our forefather Avraham was told "לך לך -go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you" (Bereishis 12:1). G-d instructs Abraham to go forth and begin his special journey, to spread monotheism to the world.
Many have often wondered why the Torah uses the words Lech lecha-לך לך, "Go for yourself"? It seems that if G-d was wanting Abraham and Sarah to do His work, the Torah should have just said Go-לך, why the extra word לך, for yourself?
Rashi explains that Abraham and Sarah would personally benefit from this arduous undertaking and would be blessed by it.
Perhaps, however, there is a deeper message, (in addition to Rashi's explanation) that we can glean from this extra word.
Every human being was created in the image of G-d. No matter the race, religion, gender or political party we vote for (something to remember this week), we all stand the same before our maker. However, while we are similar in so many ways, we are also each created slightly differently from each other. Each one of us has his/her unique characteristics, persona, and abilities, which makes us a truly unique creation.
We are meant to use our unique characteristics and abilities and serve Hashem in a way that only each of us, individually, can. Because in essence, we all have something unique and special to offer that no one else in this universe can. As the Talmud states, "just like no two people look exactly alike, so too, no two people think exactly alike."
G-d was telling Abraham and Sarah, and by extension, each and every one of us, YOU MATTER. You must bring your goods to the table. לך לך-bring your unique qualities and do the job for which you were created.
Am Yisrael is not complete without you, as no one can do your job. You really are indispensable.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Lech Lecha
In this week's portion our forefather Avraham was told "לך לך -go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you" (Bereishis 12:1). G-d instructs Abraham to go forth and begin his special journey, to spread monotheism to the world.
Many have often wondered why the Torah uses the words Lech lecha-לך לך, "Go for yourself"? It seems that if G-d was wanting Abraham and Sarah to do His work, the Torah should have just said Go-לך, why the extra word לך, for yourself?
Rashi explains that Abraham and Sarah would personally benefit from this arduous undertaking and would be blessed by it.
Perhaps, however, there is a deeper message, (in addition to Rashi's explanation) that we can glean from this extra word.
Every human being was created in the image of G-d. No matter the race, religion, gender or political party we vote for (something to remember this week), we all stand the same before our maker. However, while we are similar in so many ways, we are also each created slightly differently from each other. Each one of us has his/her unique characteristics, persona, and abilities, which makes us a truly unique creation.
We are meant to use our unique characteristics and abilities and serve Hashem in a way that only each of us, individually, can. Because in essence, we all have something unique and special to offer that no one else in this universe can. As the Talmud states, "just like no two people look exactly alike, so too, no two people think exactly alike."
G-d was telling Abraham and Sarah, and by extension, each and every one of us, YOU MATTER. You must bring your goods to the table. לך לך-bring your unique qualities and do the job for which you were created.
Am Yisrael is not complete without you, as no one can do your job. You really are indispensable.
Shabbat Shalom
Don't Grow Up-Chayei Sarah
Don't Grow Up
Parshat Chayei Sarah
In this weeks Torah Portion Chayei Sarah the Torah states "and Sarah's life was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years, the days of Sarah's life". While there are many interesting and sometimes puzzling passages in the Torah, this one seems to be at the top of the "bizarre quotes" of the day.
Why couldn't the Torah have said simply she lived 127 years.
Rashi explains, that when she was one hundred years she was perfect, free of sin and judgment. Just as we are told that the heavenly court does not judge a person until they begin their twenty first year and have achieved maturity, (this does not give a pass to any teens, mine included) so too, our mother Sarah was free of sin. And we are then told, that at the age of 20 she was innocent, pure and untainted like a seven year old child.
In other words, this seemingly long and cryptic verse is really singing Sarah's praises in a most beautiful manner.
We can learn something important from this verse. In life, we are constantly growing. We become wiser, more astute and more sophisticated as time goes on. While we often kvetch or reminisce about being children (going uphill, barefoot to school for three miles, in the freezing cold) we rarely appreciate the beautiful quality and purity of our childhood.
Don't grow up too much.
Try to tap into that pure Emunah- simple faith and sincerity, that we could so benefit from as adults.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Chayei Sarah
In this weeks Torah Portion Chayei Sarah the Torah states "and Sarah's life was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years, the days of Sarah's life". While there are many interesting and sometimes puzzling passages in the Torah, this one seems to be at the top of the "bizarre quotes" of the day.
Why couldn't the Torah have said simply she lived 127 years.
Rashi explains, that when she was one hundred years she was perfect, free of sin and judgment. Just as we are told that the heavenly court does not judge a person until they begin their twenty first year and have achieved maturity, (this does not give a pass to any teens, mine included) so too, our mother Sarah was free of sin. And we are then told, that at the age of 20 she was innocent, pure and untainted like a seven year old child.
In other words, this seemingly long and cryptic verse is really singing Sarah's praises in a most beautiful manner.
We can learn something important from this verse. In life, we are constantly growing. We become wiser, more astute and more sophisticated as time goes on. While we often kvetch or reminisce about being children (going uphill, barefoot to school for three miles, in the freezing cold) we rarely appreciate the beautiful quality and purity of our childhood.
Don't grow up too much.
Try to tap into that pure Emunah- simple faith and sincerity, that we could so benefit from as adults.
Shabbat Shalom
Unconditional Love - Toldot
Unconditional Love
Parshat Toldot
This week's Torah portion of Toldot opens with the birth of
Yakov and Esav, the children born to Yitzchak and Rivkah after many childless
years. The Torah tells us "Vayeehav YItzchak et Eisav - and Yitzchak loved
Esav"(Berisheet 25:28).
Every year, as I read this portion I think and feel for the
parents, Yitzchak our patriarch and Rivkah our matriarch. Poor things. Their
son, Esav, was clearly not following in their footsteps, not following their
morals and beliefs, giving them heartache, "Tzoros", and shame.
Can we imagine a conversation between them that went
something like this, "What will the neighbors say?", "Why do we
deserve this! We are good people!", Perhaps they said to themselves,
"This child will never be a success!"
And yet, the Torah does not mention any negative comments by
the parents, only the love, care, and the remarkable respect Esav had for his
parents. They may have been profoundly disappointed with their child's choices,
but their love remained unconditional.
The teachings of Kabbalah tell us that while Yitzchak
understood Esav's faults, he also saw his amazing potential. Yitzchak hoped and
prayed that Esav would change his way and live up to the incredible soul he had.
The Torah tells us these stories so we can learn lessons in
our lives and be encouraged in our daily challenges and parenting.
Love your children unconditionally. And when times are tough,
love them even more. It's not easy by any means, but if our ancestors could do
it for Esav, so can we. We must strive to see the good and potential of every
child.
Shabbat Shalom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)