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!