Family Expectations - Pinchas

Family Expectations
Parshat Pinchas


Imagine a multi-generational family owned and operated business. Everyone is involved and expected to take part in the family enterprise. Now, imagine the one kid who does not quite fit in. This child has other plans and aspirations in life. The familial pressure and sense of abandonment is no small matter.

This week's Parshah speaks about Pinchas, the son of Elazar and grandson of Aaron the high priest. They were a wonderful family with a great and thriving business. It was called the Kohen Enterprise. The only problem was, that Pinchas was not part of that venture. Not because he didn't want to, but rather, because by Hashem's law, only grandchildren born after Aaron's ascension to the priesthood would be born Kohanim. Pinchas who was already born, was the one son of a Kohen, and grandson of a Kohen, yet himself was not a Kohen.

It must have been very difficult for Pinchas not to be part of this most important part of his family life. He must have felt a sense of wanting to belong, a drive to define himself. The Torah tells us how he saw a terrible wrong and public desecration of G-d's name and he acted to uphold the honor of Hashem and the Jewish people. It was his defining moment. He was rewarded by Hashem with a gift "the covenant of peace" for all time.

We all have struggles in defining ourselves, what we want to do, and in what area we will be successful in. We have expectations and people we must live up to. Maybe its the family name. Perhaps its a positive thing or maybe these shackles are the very thing that wont let us explore new heights.

The lesson from this week's portion is simple yet empowering. Follow Hashem with sincerity and an open heart. Do what's right. Don't be defined by what your preconceived notions allow or don't allow you to do. Stop living in the past. Embrace the future by embracing the opportunities.

Shabbat Shalom

Mountain Climbing - Behar Bechukotai

Mountain Climbing
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai

One of the most extreme sports and physically challenging pursuits is that of mountain climbing. Scaling a mountain with your bare hands and some climbing gear is no easy feat. So how does one set out on such an arduous task?

This week's double portion is called Behar-Bechukotai. The first portion Behar, in Hebrew "The mountain" speaks about some of the special commandments that were give "at the mountain" Sinai, including the Shemita-Sabbatical year and others. The second portion Bechukotai, in Hebrew "in my statues" speaks of G-d instructing us to follow His statutes and commandments, even when we don't necessarily understand them.

Perhaps, the lesson of these two portions, can shed some light on our lifelong ambition to scale the mountains and challenges of our lives.

If you want to scale mountains you have to be prepared. You must train and have all the necessary gear, and utensils to do the job. If you skimp on the quality of the rope and hooks, you may very well be endangering your life. So too in our lives, we need the "Bechukotai" to be grounded in the commandments and directives of G-d, in order to manipulate the vicissitudes of life. Even if we don't fully appreciate the reasons or relevance of all the Mitzvot, we must understand that it is Hashem who really understands what tools and gear we need for the task

You skimp you loose.

Shabbat Shalom,

Holiness, Race & Religion - Acharei Mot/Kedoshim

Holiness, Race & Religion
Parshat Acharei-Mot Kedoshim


This week we read the double Torah portion of Acharei- Mot and Kedoshim. While there are many beautiful themes and teachings from these portions, one stands out in particular. The second portion is called Kedoshim-Holy Ones. The Torah describes in great detail the commandment given to us to be holy. This Mitzvah encapsulates the way we should behave; from our speech and behavior to our private and intimate marital life. We are enjoined to live holy, be holy, act holy and be a light unto the nations of the world.

I've often wondered why G-d felt the need to get so down and gritty with us in delineating every detail of how we should be holy. Why couldn't he just given us the general commandment and be done with it?

Perhaps the answer is, that it's really not that easy to be holy.

Regardless of religion, race or gender, we often stoop to the lowest behavior possible. Our animal soul often gets the better of us, and we behave in quite an unholy manner. We need help in this endeavor. We need tools and clear instructions to engage in this task. We need all the support we can. The Jewish people were given a special Mitzvah and directive to be a light unto the nations of the world. It is a tall order, but we are able to succeed. We need to follow the game plan and use the many tools and directives that G-d Almighty has provided us for this special task.

This week we observe the 8th Yahrtzeit of my dear grandmother Anna Barouk (Chana Tziona Bat Shlomo) of blessed memory. If one memory or lesson stood out of her beautiful ninety one years, it is that she refused to engage in negative talk about another person. She would often say to us in her native French, "If you have nothing good to say, then don't say it at all". Her ten children, and hundreds of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and descendants have merited to have a role model of what it means to be holy, to act holy. May her memory be a blessing.

We can be holy. We just need to try a little bit harder.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Y. Marrus 

Skin Deep-Tazria-Metzorah

Skin Deep
Parshat Tazria - Metzorah


"Who am I?" or  "What am I really made of beneath the surface?" are questions we ought to ask ourselves every once in a while. While perhaps uncomfortable, these questions are worthwhile of introspection.

This weeks double Torah portion of Tazria-Metzorah is largely dedicated to the discussion of Biblical leprosy and the process of purification afterwards. Our sages teach us that Tzara'at-leprosy came as a punishment from heaven as a result if the sin of Lashon Hara- speaking evil about another. The purpose of this ailment was to have the perpetrator begin a process of repentance and change his/her evil ways. Through temporary isolation, repentance and introspection into their behavior, mannerisms and speech, an individual was able to do a "hard reset" when needed.

The leprosy which was only skin deep, caused one to focus on what was lies deeper-the essence of who we are. Often, we become so focused and enthralled by the skin-deep superficial stuff that we tend to forget what is really important. In an age of instant gratification, social media, socialites and influencers, it is important to pause and think about what is our raison d'etre and by what measure will we have lived a good life.

Who are you? A beautiful G-dly soul - a spark of G-d Himself, full of potential and holiness. Don't forget about it.

Shabbat Shalom

Beyond Never Again - Shemini

Beyond Never Again
Parshat Shemini


Every Jew, the world over feels strongly about the Holocaust. From infancy, the words "Never Again" have been drilled into our psyches. We have made posters, demonstrated and proudly carried the torch for 70 years. Never Again! We will not stand idly by and watch our people, religion and land be eradicated as was done in the Shoah.

This week's portion of Shemini recounts the inauguration of the Mishkan-sanctuary in the wilderness. The entire celebration took eight days. The first seven days were a preparation of sorts, with Moshe leading the services, preforming the sacrificial rites and Aaron looking on. But on the 8th day (Bayom Ha'Shmini) it was Aaron the High Priest that took over the role of leading the service. From that day onward, only the Kohanim (priests of Aaron's family) would serve in the Temple.

Easily studied about. Probably very difficult for Moshe to give up this honor and take a back seat in the service to Hashem. But it was time for a change. The wise king Solomon said "Lakol Zman-there is a time for everything". Every emotion and reaction has an expiration date on it. Every product sold on the internet will become "old stuff". The trick is to know exactly when to launch your product, slogan or initiative and then ride the waves of success.

Seventy years after the Holocaust, much has changed. While antisemitism seems to be alive and well, and sadly raising its head worldwide, the Jewish world has also changed, for the better. Yet, I believe that the focus today on "Never Again" is misplaced and past its prime. I would like to see a new slogan emerge for 21st century, Gen X and Y Jews. A rally cry to continue the Judaism that our ancestors sacrificed so much for. A passionate engagement to ensure not only a genocide and racism free tomorrow, but a bright, vibrant and engaged Jewish tomorrow. Marry Jewish. Observe Judaism. Keep the Torah and so much more. Judaism should become the MOST IMPORTANT THING on our agendas!

While we must continue to tell the world about the atrocities and those lost, "Never Again" does not secure a Jewish tomorrow. With assimilation growing at an ever increasing rate, we must do something.

Let us refocus on what it really means to be free and Jewish. It is not the freedom to do whatever we wish and adapt a pick and choose Judaism lunch menu, but rather, the freedom to follow our religion and G-d and see the destiny of the Jewish people continue. The ability to take three thousand years of Jewish history and proudly say, we are continuing Judaism for the next generation.


How about "Forever Jewish" for a new slogan?

Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom

Seder Steps for Your Life

 The 14 steps of the Seder
Bringing Spirituality and Positivity into your life

We are all familiar with the Step of the Passover Seder. These 14-15 steps as organized by our rabbis help us fulfill all of the different Mitzvot and Minhagim (customs) of the Seder. But these steps of the Seder can also be a spiritual journey for each and every one of us. As Kabblah tells us that each and every one of us has to leave their very own personal exile (Mitzrayim) and grow spiritually through the Pesach experience. 


1. Kadesh - bring "sanctity" into your life
2. Urchatz - "wash" away negativity
3. Karpas - "immerse" yourself in your present experiences
4. Yachatz - "break" away from your bad habits
5. Magid - dont be afraid to "communicate" your feelings
6. Rachtza - "wash" away pessimism
7. Motzie-Matzah - take pride in your "faith"
8. Marror - understand that "challenges" are in actuality stepping stones for growth
9. Korech- "sandwich" yourself around good and upbeat people
10. Shulchan Orech - "Set" you mind for growth and success
11. Tzafun - be "humble", do things without fanfare
12. Barech - "bless" G-d often, and thank Him for your blessings
13. Hallel - "sing" a joyous song every single day
14. Nirtzah - "Accept" others and don't be judgmental

May we find success in riding ourselves of all our spiritual Chametz, and bring growth and spirituality into our lives.

Chag Pesach Kosher V'sameach!

Humble Prayer - Vayikra

Humble Prayer
Parshat Vayikra


This week we began studying the new book of Vaykira-Leviticus. This third book of the Torah, called "Torat Kohanim-The Book of the Kohanim", begins with the words " ויקרא - Vaykira Hashem El Moshe-And G-d called to Moses" (Vayikra 1:1).

What is so unique about this verse is that the letter "Aleph" in the word "Vayikra" is small, one of the very few instances in the entire Torah, where a letter is written either larger or smaller than the rest.

The question is why?

The small Aleph represents humility and our recognition that we must connect to the one true identity -almighty G-d.

As an educator in a Jewish Day School, one of my favorite events of the year is the Siddur Dedication.  This ceremony marks when the 1st Grade students receive their very own Siddur-prayer book. At this point in their education, the students have achieved a basic level of mastery of Hebrew reading and the prayers that enables them to graduate from a "baby Siddur" to the "big kid Siddur". They are able to read the Hebrew prayers and participate in the daily prayers, using a Hebrew Siddur. The songs, cute outfits and most of all, the excited look and joy on the faces of our precious students, is something I look forward to all year.

In the Jewish tradition, every day begins with Teffilah-Prayer. These precious morning moments, enable us to connect with Hashem and our 4000 year journey in Jewish history. They are arguably, the most important moments in our day, hence taking our first precious minutes of the day. Throughout our lives, in our happy moments and sad times, we continue to sail on the course charted. Regardless of the heavy rains or fog, we continue our journey to the "Promised Land".

A Siddur is similar to a compass or GPS. It allows us to connect, communicate and feel connected. But in order for the compass to work it must have humility. When we reach out to Hashem with humility and the understanding that we are dependent on His blessing, it creates the proper channel to receive the Almighty's holy blessings and it keeps us steady through thick and thin.

Hence the small Aleph in the word Vayikra. Its all about the humility.

Shabbat Shalom,

Kosher Vanity - Ki Tisa

Kosher Vanity
Parshat Ki Tisa


Vanity. A self indulging character trait. The obsession of looking good, glamorous and cool. The need and desire to have others look at you is not exactly what we would consider a spiritual pursuit.

Holiness, A focus on Hashem and spiritual things. Focusing not on the physical and material, but on the deeper message and meaning of things.

How can two diametrically opposed ideas become one?

In this week's portion of Ki Tisa we read how Moshe was commanded to construct the Kiyor (Wash Basin) for the Kohanim-priests to wash their hands and feet prior to doing the service in the sanctuary. It was made of copper and filled with fresh water.

The Midrash tells us that the copper for this Kiyor came from the donations of the Jewish women. The women had kept their copper mirrors that they had used in Egypt to make themselves pretty and attractive to their husbands, and now they wanted to donate these mirrors to the sanctuary. Moshe, our sages tell us, was very reluctant to accept these mirrors, as they represented vanity and physical attraction, not exactly what you would expect for building of a sanctuary.

But Hashem told Moshe not only to accept them, but to melt them down and use the copper for the Kiyor, a primary vessel in the sanctuary. The Kiyor was the one service that preceded every other service in the Mishkan. The reason? These mirrors were holy as they were used to keep Jewish families together during the most difficult of times.

Vanity in general may be a bad trait, but these special women had an ulterior G-dly motive in mind. They were trying to keep their families together. That is considered pretty important by G-d.

Shabbat Shalom

Because He said So - Terumah

Because He Said So
Parshat Terumah


The portion of Terumah is a portion of giving. The word Terumah means "to donate".

Our Parshah enumerates the many different materials that were donated by the Jewish people to the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness (essentially, the first synagogue). There was also a great deal of personal investment in this august task. The planning, architecture, construction, and the many trades that were employed as part of the project. From smiths to artists and so many more, all came together to create the magnificent Mishkan (Sanctuary) for Hashem and the many holy vessels that filled it.

Yet, when the Torah concludes the instructional phase of our portion, the verse states "V'Chen Ta'asu - So shall you do" (Shemot 25:9).

This verse is puzzling on multiple levels. Firstly, If G-d wanted the Israelites to "do what He said", why was there the need for all these committees, planning, artisans, workers and the entire notion of giving "gifts" to the Mishkan. G-d could have easily commanded the Jews to give money and follow the instructions to the tee, end of discussion. On the other hand, if G-d wanted personal involvement and contribution from the people, why does the Torah conclude the entire section with a statement of "So shall you do", which is an authoritative command, without much wiggle room or creative license?

The answer is, that in order to serve a higher purpose, there really must be both elements in every project. There must be the vision, purpose and overall direction, but there must also be the personal involvement, investment and colorful expression that is brought by the individual.

That is the key to the survival and success of Jewish and religious institutions. We must, by all means, bring our own ingenuity, success, ideas, commitment and largess into a worthwhile project or organization, but we must always remember, that it is Hashem who sets the ground rules for our lives and morals. When we keep these fundamentals in place, we then can bring all we have to offer, as our offering.

So build beautiful organizations. Construct magnificent buildings. Contribute your resources. Get involved! But don't forget the fundamentals and never-changing principles of who and why we exist. G-d sets the rules and guidelines. It is Hashem that we trust to guide our direction, and then we bring our gifts and talents and contribute however we can.

Shabbat Shalom

Grounded Growth - Mishpatim

Grounded Growth
Parshat Mishpatim

"Ve'Eleh Ha'Mishpatim - And these are the laws that you shall place before them". (Shemot: 21:1)

Thus begins our weekly Torah portion Mishpatim, a portion that is chock full of commandments, laws of conduct, torts and damages, and is the basis for several lengthy volumes of Talmud technicalities and inquiries.

Why would Hashem give us the Torah (in last week's portion of Yitro), wow us with thunder, lightening and pyrotechnics, and then drop the ball in helping us with continued spirituality and inspiration? Where is the spirituality and inspiration in the minutia of civil law and regulations of conduct towards another human being? Why couldn't the Torah have begun the actual study phase (Mishpatim) with some Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), a great story, or at the very least, something
more inspirational and moving?

The answer is that because without the basic, boring, and mundane realities of our lives, there can be no enduring spirituality. Holiness and spirituality must be grounded in the physical reality of our existence. One cannot be holy yet out of touch with the other. Many years ago a prominent successful educator told me, "in order for children to find spiritual, material, and emotional success, they must have stability and be grounded in reality" and I concur. 

The greatest gift we can give our children and students is that of stability. Everything else is secondary and will come in time. This I believe, is the reason why the Torah portion begins with such mundane and civil laws. These basic and functionary statutes form the concrete foundation and stability of living life as a Mentch. The spirituality, with time, thought, and study will come. 

But without being grounded you really have a castle built on thin air.

Shabbat Shalom

Are You Listening? - Yitro

Are You Listening?
Parshat Yitro

This week we read one of the most famous portions of the entire Torah. It is the portion of the "Aseret Hadibrot-Ten Commandments" and tells the story of the revelation of G-d Almighty at Mt. Sinai. It is the portion, of all all portions, which in essence, all other portions are connected to, by default.

The Parshah opens with the words "Vayshima Yitro-And Yitro, the priest of Midyan, the father-in-law of Moshe heard all that G-d had done for Moshe and the Jewish people, that Hashem had taken them out of Egypt".

What a verse! Jethro, a spiritual leader residing in one of the largest cities of the civilized world at that time, picked himself up and moved to the wilderness to be with the Jewish people. The question is, why would he do such a thing? He had power, fame, prestige, family and more. What compelled him to leave it all behind?

The Rashi commentary explains that Yitro was incredibly moved by (1) the story of the Exodus (2) the Splitting of Sea and (3) the war with Amalek. He saw G-d's providence and protection for His people. Yitro was inspired. He wanted to be part of this spiritual revelation. So he picked himself up and went to the desert of Sinai and became a Jew.

On a deeper level however, one may still wonder. There are inspiring and G-dly events all around us, yet, we don't just give up our lives to move to some far-remote desert to be inspired! What was it that touched Yitro so deeply?

Perhaps the answer lies in the first word of this week's portion, "VAYISHMA- and he HEARD".

How often do our spouses, children or co-workers speak to us, yet, we don't hear. Sometimes, we don't even listen. To hear something properly, is to allow the message and content, to enter our beings and consciousnesses and to become one with it. To really hear, is to become one with the thing that is heard.

Similarly. the most important prayer in Judaism has the same message. "Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad". If we want to become one with G-d, we must listen first. Yitro, listened to the message of Hashem, and wanted to become one with it. Just as when one truly listens to a beautiful symphony-where their entire being becomes engulfed with the music and flow of the experience.

The key to becoming inspired is to listen. To really, really listen to the messages and miracles that are happening right under our very noses.

Shabbat Shalom.
May Hashem watch over His people Israel, and all peace loving citizens of the world.

Fear Tactics - Beshalach

Fear Tactics

Parshat Beshalach

How often does G-d take our feelings into account when making His grand plans?

Very rarely, is the correct answer.

In this week's portion of Beshalach, we read how the Jewish people left Egypt and moved towards the Sea of Reeds. It is at this special place that our ancestors witnessed the most magical of miracles, the splitting the sea. The Jewish people, in everlasting gratitude, sang the "Shirat Ha'Yam-the Song of the Sea". We continue to recite this song, "Az Yashir", every single morning in our prayers.

Upon further reflection at the opening verses of our portion, we read a seemingly strange account of the journey of the Jewish people. While they could have gone directly from Egypt to the land of Israel, G-d chose to take them on a more circuitous route, to the east, in a round about fashion. The reason? "lest the nation reconsider when they would see a war" (Shemot: 13:17)

A strange fear, considering the havoc G-d had wrought on Egypt with the plagues, just some time earlier. Additionally, in the very next verse we are told "they were armed" and they left Egypt "with an outstretched arm", indicating vigor, optimism and a sense of freedom!

Why then, did G-d not reassure them that things would be good, and lead them in a more direct route, as we see the Israelites challenging their enemies, head-on, in the book Joshua? Since when, does G-d take our "feelings" or insecurities into account?!

Perhaps we can learn a lesson about fear and education.

Kids have fears. Adults have hang-ups. Sometimes they make sense, other times they don't. Especially to others. We often want kids to do the right thing, get good grades, behave, make us proud, and the list goes on. However, kids have fears, hang-ups, worries and mental blocks too. Regardless of whether we appreciate the fears and mental blocks of others, they are very real for that individual. If we want to be successful at educating our children, maintaining relationships, and living in harmony with others, we must validate and accept the "issues" and "challenges" that our students, loved ones and acquaintances may have.

Education is not about the teacher, it's about the child. It's not about us. Good education is about empowering the child to grow and overcome their own "stuff", one step at a time.

If G-d took the time to consider our feelings, can't we make some room for others too?

Shabbat Shalom

Hindsite is 0/0 - Bo

Hindsight is... 0/0
Parshat Bo

Have you ever wanted to do something grand, but given up in the process? How about the desire to be more involved Jewishly, go more often to services, or attend a Torah class? 

In this week's Torah portion of Bo, we read about the first Mitzvah given to the Jewish people. It was the commandment of Rosh Chodesh-the new month. Hashem commanded the Jews to keep the lunar calendar, based on the cycle of the moon, and to mark the birth of the new moon, every month, as Rosh Chodesh.

Although other Mitzvot had previously been given to individuals, and the family of Yakov, this was the first communal commandment. As such, it bears the distinction of being "the first Mitzvah of the Torah". Our sages tell us, that the Torah should have begun from this Mitzvah, for the Torah is a book of laws (not necessarily a history or story book) as this begins the true instruction of the Torah.

Which begs an explanation. What is it about this Mitzvah that is so special, that makes it numero uno?

While there are many vignettes and insights from our commentaries, I would like to offer another one. The word "Chodesh", month in Hebrew, also means "Chadash" which means "new". The Jewish people were to sanctify the month, as it renewed itself, in its new cycle.

Often, when we attempt to begin a new good thing, a Mitzvah, or a new chapter in our religious lives, we have the best of intentions, but then get bogged down by the reality of our situations. We then have the feeling of "I've never really done it until now, is it really that important"? Or perhaps we feel like a hypocrite, giving off the impression that we are more observant than we really are. Sometimes we compare our past failures and project them on our new possibilities.

In these circumstances, the past stifles our growth and we just can't seem to shake loose.

This precisely, is the beauty of the Mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh. Just as the moon renews itself, every month, regardless of what happened the previous month, so too, we must take a lesson.

Forget about the past. What was, was. The future has many possibilities and exciting promises. Renew yourself, often, and you will see how you will shine like the moon.

May HaShem watch over His people Israel, and all peace loving citizens of the world.

Shabbat Shalom

Idols and Blessings - Vaera

Idols and Blessings
Parshat Va'Era


What is the difference between blood and water? They are both a liquid, necessary for all mammals to survive. Yet, they are very different and can be seen as polar opposites of each other.

In this week's Torah portion of Va'Era, we focus on the story of the servitude in Egypt, and the beginning of the respite, from the horrible apartheid of those days. The Torah relates how Moshe Rabbeinu (our teacher Moses), by the instruction of G-d, brought about the first seven plagues upon Pharaoh, his people, and the land of Egypt.

The first plague was Dam-blood.  Moshe was commanded to strike the Nile river, and all the waters of Egypt, and they would turn to blood. On the surface, this first plague makes logical sense. As the Egyptians worshiped (among many other Gods) the Nile Delta, as it was their source of water and nourishment, G-d wanted to strike first at their belief system. The Ibn Ezra explains, that being that the Nile was the source of the economy, it was chosen to be afflicted first. Other commentaries however, explain in great detail, that the purpose of the first three plagues in fact, was to prove to the Egyptians, that an Omnipresent G-d does in fact exist.

But perhaps, there is a deeper message as well.

Water is the symbol of life. Every living thing needs water. In the Torah, water is referred to as "Mayim Chayim-Living waters". Blood, on the other hand, is the symbol of death.

However, sometimes the opposite is true as well.  "Blood" is also referred to as the "life-line". Without blood in our body, we can't survive. The "blood" of a person is where their vitality and vigor comes from. Water can be the source of death as well.

The lesson we can derive from this is simple.  Blood can be a source of death or a source of life. The same applies to water. It all depends on what you do with it.

The message that Hashem wanted to send Pharaoh, and in truth, each and every one of us is, a message of accountability and conscience. "Be aware of what and how you use the physical things that I have created. Don't make Gods out of things that are meant to help you survive. Don't abuse a good thing either".

In other words, you can make an idol out of G-d blessings, and you can drown in the most pristine waters. Remember, it is all about HOW and WHY we use the things that A-lmighty G-d has given us.

Shabbat Shalom

Je suis Juif - A Lesson from Moses - Shemot

Je suis Juif - A Lesson from Moses
Parshat Shemot


The world watched in horror as cartoonists were murdered. The response was condemnation and demonstrations with pencils. A second shooting in Paris with more murder took place the following day. The response, more shock, disbelief and condemnations. The TV and news outlets of the world (barring a couple of brave organizations) while condemning the acts, also cower in fear and censor anything that might be seemed offensive to the terrorists.

As I write this column, another terrorist act, a hostage situation with murder is unfolding in a kosher supermarket just prior to Shabbat.

What is going on!? Do the 1930's ring a bell?

A lesson from Moses:
In this weeks portion of Shemot we have the famous encounter of the "Burning Bush". Moshe encounters G-d and is given the task of becoming the Jewish leader who would stand up to Pharaoh and say "let my people go"!

Upon closer examination of the story and the verses of the Torah, a fascinating picture emerges. Imagine the following scenario; you see a most wondrous miracle, meet the creator of the world, have a face to face discussion with the Almighty, and then when he asks something of you, you say NO?!

That's exactly what Moshe did. He politely declined the offer to become the leader. But G-d insisted. Moshe turned out to be the greatest leader and prophet ever to live on the face of the earth.

We are very much the same way in our own lives. Sometimes, we are faced with big things that we must do or are asked to do. We say no, or try to find a way out of it. Why me?  But in the end, we have to face our issues, do what we needs to be done, and with great effort and perseverance we usually do succeed, even beyond our wildness dreams.

The world we live in today has a big problem. It is called antisemitism. Sometimes, it is veiled as anti-Israel, BDS etc.! As a wise man said, when it looks like a horse, eats like a horse, and smells like a horse, only an idiot thinks its a cow!

It must be dealt with and it is not an easy job. It will require strength, conviction and the fortitude to go head to head with the beast. We can run and try to hide, but as we see, it's not working very well. While we hold pencils and hashtag "Je Suis Charlie" they take hostages and kill more.

We must stand up as citizens of the world, and specifically as Jews and realize that pacifism and "making peace" with those that want to kill us, only emboldens them more. Let's learn a lesson from Moshe. Once he accepted his mission and set out to do the impossible, he was successful with G-d's help.

We must stand up and do something!

May Hashem continue to watch over His people Israel, and over all peace loving citizens of the world.

Shabbat Shalom

Jewish Continuity... In Egypt - Vayechi

Jewish Continuity... In Egypt
Parshat Vayechi


"Vayechi Yakov Be'Eretz Mitzrayim-And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years". 

Thus, begins our Torah portion of Vayechi and the final chapters of our forefather Yakov's life. Of course, we are familiar with the fact that Yakov had arrived in Egypt due to the famine and his son Yosef's ability to take care of everyone, as he was viceroy to Pharaoh.

The Bal Ha'Turim (Rabbi Yaakov ben Raash ,1269-1343*) explains, that just as the word "Tov-Good" in Hebrew has the numerical value of 17 (Tet=9, Vov=6, Bet=2) so too, Yakov lived his "Tov-best" years in Egypt.

Other sages struggle with this explanation. How can it be that our forefather Yakov lived his"best" years in Egypt? What about the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael-land of Israel? What about the years with his parents Yitzchak & Rivkah and grandparents Avraham and Sarah? How could living in the most morally decrepit country and society of that time, be his most pleasurable and enjoyable time?

The simple answer is, that Yakov was finally surrounded by all his family, and that made life precious. 

My wife and I have been asked why we sent our children away to Yeshiva (Jewish High School). I must admit, it is one of the most difficult things we have done. We did not enjoy taking ur kids to the airport after their brief visits home. We wanted them home, with us, and not "just a phone call away". We were disturbed that they had to leave home at such a tender age. Yet, we were also amazed by the resilience of our wonderful children and so many other young kids who leave their home to study Torah. I continue to be awed and inspired by their understanding and depth of priorities. And yet, it is something far more difficult for them, than what we as parents go through. 

When our kids are home, life is truly wonderful! So why? Why the huge expenses? Why the heartache and worry? Why the distance and sending kids away at such a young age? Isn't it a bit extreme? Can't they go to study some Judaic studies after high school or college? 

The answer lies in another explanation of why Yakov lived the best years of his life Egypt. 

What is the purpose of life? Fame and success? Jews have lived on every continent and in every city and country imaginable. We have flourished and sometimes been persecuted. We have lived and died. But most importantly, we have passed on the Tradition and resolve, to have Judaism continue. Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof may have been a simple man, but he understood that as time changes and life moves on, so does the desire to assimilate and to leave old traditions behind. Our children are the key!

It is in our children and grandchildren, precisely, where we must put in our utmost focus and energy, making sure that they carry the torch of Yiddishkeit forward. Jewish education does not begin in college or in high school. It does not end after Pre-School or Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Chinuch (education) begins at birth and continues to expand and take on new dimensions, for a lifetime. The school years of a child however, are the most critical to this endeavor. They are the arena where we must battle for our survival. Arguably, once a child has completed their formative school years, the ship has left the dock.

When Yakov saw his children and grandchildren continuing the tradition and living as Jews, even in Egypt, it was truly "Tov", the best years of his life. He knew, with certainty, that he had succeed in building something far greater than himself and his limited reach. He had insured the future of Klal Yisrael-the Jewish people.

Each time I dropped off our children at the airport after another short visit, I swallowed the lump in my throat, and blessed them "May G-d make you life Ephraim & Menashe, like Sara, Rivka, Rachel and Leah". Although, we don't see all my kids every day, it is truly "Tov" - Good, for they give us immeasurable Nachas-Joy, as they study Torah, live as Jews and now raise their children in the traditions of our people.

Shabbat Shalom