A Child's Sincerity - Vayera

A Child's Sincerity
Parshat Vayera

In our weekly Torah portion, we are told about the birth and life of our forefather Isaac-Yitzchak. He was the first Jewish child to have a Bris, a circumcision at eight days old and later in life (at age 37) was bound as an offering to G-d in the famous story of the Binding of Isaac -Akeidat Yitzchak.

Our sages ask the following question. Why is it that while Avraham did his own circumcision at age 99 and after many years of preparation and self-work (Avoda), Yitzchak had his Bris at only eight days old, before he even knew what was going on? Isn't it more appropriate and meaningful to have such a significant and spiritual event when you can appreciate the significance of it? It almost seems that Yitzchak was robbed of the opportunity to work on himself and achieve this great level of dedication, as his father did.

The answer is simple and profound. Hashem wanted the Bris to be something that was NOT connected to any logic, understanding, or self-work. Hashem wanted Yitzchak, the first child to be born Jewish, have a Bris, and to have a profound relationship with Him, something that is beyond understanding or explanations. The reason is, because the essence of our connection to G-d is beyond understanding and reason. It is ingrained in us as children, even before we are aware of our own existence.

I am always amazed and the sincerity and innocence of children. They believe in Hashem in a simple and beautiful way. They understand spirituality intuitively, better than most adults. The children are uncomplicated, not tainted by the world around them. The love displayed by children towards Mitzvot and Hashem is something so beautiful and pure, that I am often envious of it. When you hear the sounds of children singing the morning Teffilot (prayers) it is just moving.

This is the deep bond we have with our Creator. Beyond understanding or reason.This is the reason why it is so essential that we educate our children from a young age in the teachings of the Torah. The stories and lessons that our children learn in their youth are what will remain with them forever. While these lessons may be simple or in some people's minds unsophisticated, they are the perfect formula and exactly what Hashem had in mind. It is the sincerity of our children that is the future of our people.

Shabbat Shalom

Individual Journeys - Lech Lecha

Individual Journeys Parshat Lech Lecha

In this week’s Torah portion of Lech Lecha we read about the first Jews, Avraham Avinu and his wife Sarah Imeinu. These trend setters and holy people are appropriately called the parents of monotheism and the Jewish nation, for their teachings, beliefs and sacrifices.

When we are introduced to Avram & Sarai (as they are called in our portion) we are told how G-d commanded them “Lech Lecha - Go journey for yourself”. On a simple level, Rashi explains that Hashem was telling them that this journey that He was sending them on would be to their benefit. Ramban (Nachmanides 1194-1270) explains similarly that this was a great test for them and Hashem was assuring them that all would be good.

I recently observed something beautiful at our school. I witnessed a child having a fabulous week, staying on task, and earning a reward for doing very well. It was unique, because this child had struggled at the beginning of the school year, and only with the incredible patience, love, and care of the teachers, was this child able to find success. The beauty of TASA being a small and “personal” school is that we are able to tailor the education for an individual child, helping them find success.

As every child is unique, it is imperative that we not only teach them the relative materials but also help them find personal success and direction that we all need in life. Just like our patriarchs and matriarchs had to go on their personal journey to accomplish what they were destined for, so too, each one of us must travel along our individual road to fulfill our own destiny.

Alert! Don't Miss the Ark - Noach

Parshat Noach

There is an old joke which goes something like this. There was once a man who had great faith in G-d. A terrible flood came to his community and the residents had to be evacuated for their safety. This man refused to be saved as he had faith that only G-d would save him. Even when standing on the roof of his house, with the EMS helicopter begging him to come aboard, he refused as "only G-d would save him. The man drowned. Upon arrival in heaven he angrily said to G-d "I placed my perfect trust in you to save me and you let me die!" G-d responded, "who do you think sent the police and the EMS helicopter.

In the portion of Noach, we read how G-d commanded Noach to build the ark many years prior to the flood. The reason, as the commentary Rashi explains, was so the people would learn about this project and G-d's plan to destroy the world. They would then repent for their evil ways and the disaster would be avoided. Yet, they failed to do so. They failed to seize the opportunity that Hashem sent them. They missed the boat (pun intended).

In the education of children a similar lesson can be derived. Often, we struggle with the right choice or decision for our child. The decisions of which school, which social circles, what extra-curricular activity, when to push and when to let go, to medicate or not to medicate, and so much more.

And then Hashem send us little signs to help us in navigating these string waters. Our own ark. This ark often comes in the form of friends, family members, teachers and administrators who care about our children. Rabbis and mentors who look out for the spiritual well-being of the child. Social workers and mental health professionals who are concerned about their emotional state. Physicians who share their concerns, recommendations and evaluations.

I believe that all these wonderful people are sent by Hashem to help us in our time of need. It is up to take these lessons to heart and not miss the ark.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Y. Marrus

New Beginnings, Old Traditions - Bereishit

New Beginnings, Old Traditions

בראשית ברא אלוקים את השמים ואת הארץ -Beraishit Bara Elokim Et Hashamayim V’et Ha’aretz
In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth”.

Once again, we find ourselves reading the first portion of the Torah, Beraishit. After the culmination of the reading the entire Torah on Simchat Torah we restart from Genesis once again for the 3,335th time (or 3,295th time since the completion of the Torah).

The book of Genesis begins with the account of creation, describing to us how Hashem created the world in six days and then rested on Shabbat, the seventh day. When one reads the account of creation in the Torah one can only be puzzled and left wanting more information. For the most part, the description in Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of Genesis is sketchy and it is difficult to comprehend what was before the world was created and what happened afterwards. While the Torah places great emphasis on some parts of history it also skips out on hundreds of years with zero information!

It is for this very reason that our sages explain, that the Torah, while recounting the history of the world, is not really a history book. Rather, the Torah is a book of guidance, morals and teachings. The Hebrew word Hora’ah (teaching) has the same Shoresh (root word) as the word תורה -Torah. It is not about history as much as it is about the lessons, we are to learn from what the Torah is telling us. As such, when we read the stories of Bereishit it is important to approach these stories with the understanding that while we may have read the very same stories for so many years, the lessons we derive from them are grounded in our age-old traditions and teachings and are applicable in every day and generation. 

There is a beautiful custom that on Simchat Torah as we read the account of creation, the entire congregation calls out the conclusion of every day of creation “Vayehi Erev Vayehi Boker… It was evening and it was morning” One of the great Chassidic masters explained that we do this as witnesses would proclaim their testimony. We are essentially bearing witness to the history of the world, as we dedicate ourselves, once more, to study the Torah yet again for the 3,335th time.

Shabbat Shalom

The Great Hoshanah

The Great Hoshanah

The holiday of joy, Zman Simchateinu, Sukkot comes to a grand conclusion with the very special day of Hoshanah Rabbah. This day is traditionally seen as the final day of the High Holiday season. Our sages instituted many special prayers on this day as it is the "closing of the gates of heaven", a time when our destiny is sealed for the coming year. For this reason we say special prayers for rain and sustenance

One of the most ancient customs of the Jewish people is the Chavitat Ha'aravah-the banging of the willow branch on Hoshanah Rabbah. This custom goes back to the time of the early prophets some 3000 plus years ago and is brought down in the Talmud (Tractate Sukka 44b) which states that the custom was to CHAVIT the willow branches. Rashi (France 1040-1105) explains that CHAVIT means to wave them, as we wave the lulav. The Rambam (Spain 1138-1204) and many other commentaries explain that it means to beat them, and this is in fact the accepted custom.

What is the significance of this strange custom?

Some explain that is is a silent prayer for rain, similar to the raindrops beating on the ground. Others explain that it is a symbol of repentance. Just as we bang our chests on Yom Kippur during the Al Chet prayer, so too, we bang the Aravah on the floor. According to Kabbalistic sources, there are five elements of Gevurah-judgement. By banging the Aravah, we sweeten the Din (Hamtakat Hadinim) and transform the Gevurah (judgement) into Chessed (kindness and blessing).

The word Hoshanah however can also mean "To Help". As an educator, I interact with children daily. Children have the ability to bring smiles to our faces, even when we are having a rough day. When we teach our children from a young age the values of Judaism and doing Chesed (kindness) we are instilling in them the ability to sweeten another's day. We are empowering them to bring a smile to another in their time of need or give them a much needed boost. Let's teach our children to be a great Hoshanah to all. Chag Sameach!

Why Forgive? - Yom Kippur

Why Forgive?
Yom Kippur 5780

Why forgive someone who hurt you? Why forgive someone who insulted or berated you? Why forgive those you vehemently disagree with? Why forgive those who have cheated you? Why forgive those that have lied to you? Why forgive those that have a different political or religious ideology than you? Why forgive those that have done you harm? Why forgive stupidity? Why forgive brazen insolence? Why forgive rudeness? Why forgive those that have acted against your explicit instructions? Why forgive at all?

Be like G-d. Forgive

Avinu Malkeinu-Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, for we have no meritorious deeds; deal charitably and kindly with us an deliver us. (Machzor Liturgy)

Could you possibly imagine if G-d asked these very same questions towards each of us?

We would certainly be doomed.

Instead, G-d is merciful and forgives us. Yes, of all of the above and more, because he is gracious and kind.

Our world is better off, if we forgive. We are better off, if we forgive.

Be like G-d. Forgive.

Have an easy and meaningful Yom Kippur.
Gmar Chatima Tova,

Agree To Agree - Israel Tour

Agree to Agree

It’s been a delightful two weeks in Israel. My wife and I had a wonderful trip and now we are headed home and a feeling of sadness and nostalgia is already in my gut. Israel does that to me. Something about this biblical land, the spiritual energy, and cultural vibes, gets me every time. I admit it, I am in love with Israel, our eternal homeland, as well as all that delicious kosher food. The exercise regiment will recommence mañana.

The first ten days of our trip had us staffing our fourth Taglit-Mayanot Birthright Trip. Then came the recovery. 

Family members and friends often asked me why we make the effort to staff a birthright trip each summer. Indeed, it is a young person’s trip with little sleep, non-stop activities, hiking, and then add in the Middle East heat, something that leaves me exhausted when done. 

But there is also the inspiration that I crave so much as well as the challenge of connecting with a new group of forty-six young millennial Jews, people who are very different from me. The daily songs, prayers, and spiritual Torah lessons were inspiring to me as I hope they were to the participants. In my line of work of Shlichus (serving as a Chabad emissary) I often feel the brunt of the pressures and stresses of communal work. Yes, the Rabbis and Rebbitzin are human too, and we need a recharge from time to time. For me, that recharge is seeing the oneness of the Jewish people and how Jewish millennials are eager to connect, if given the opportunity.

As I lead the orientation for our participants when we first meet, I always say “I’ll discuss any topic you wish, except for American politics”. I say this because the public discourse in the U.S. has gotten to the point that nine times out of ten any political discussion ends on a disrespectful note, strong words or even in anger. This is something I refuse to be part of as it is tearing away at the foundation of our society and our Jewish communities.

Judaism has a beautiful teaching that says “Derech Eretz Kadma L’Torah- respect (between people) comes before Torah study”. This teaching is a bedrock of Judaism in my opinion, for without respect and tolerance, not much is accomplished. Every Birthright trip I lead reinforces my belief on this matter.

Participants of our group were from many different backgrounds and affiliations. We couldn’t have been more different, on the surface. As we bonded, talked, questioned and experienced the holy land together, we sometimes disagreed or felt differently about things. That’s normal and even expected. As we got to know each other even more, we felt more at ease with each other. Yet, sometimes we still disagreed on religious, cultural or political matters. That’s ok too. 

What was most inspiring though, is that although we may have disagreed or debated certain points, we really do have so much more in common than what divides us. While we may differ in our thoughts, speech and opinions, the Derech Eretz (respect) shown to each other was heartwarming. It was something our sages would have been proud of.

Israel is a beautiful and complex country. It is not perfect by any means. The politics, security concerns, religious issues, and cultural differences are real and complex. There are different view points and opinions and we will certainly not always agree. But it is OUR land and OUR issues. It is OUR family that we are disagreeing with. We are all different, but there really is so much more that binds us as one people than what divides us.  

Let’s agree to agree.

Shalom.

P.S. special shout out to my Mayanot498 new friends.

Zachor - Remember or Forget?

Zachor: Remember or Forget?

The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) mandates that on the Shabbat preceding the holiday Purim, we must read the story of the ancient Amalakites and how they attacked the Jewish people shortly after the exodus from Egypt. Thus the Shabbat when we read this portion is called Shabbat Zachor-the Shabbat of Remembrance. According to most Poskim (Halachik codifiers) this Torah reading is considered a Biblical obligation which everyone must listen to carefully. Traditionally, people make a special effort to attend services this Shabbat and listen to this special reading.

The reason we read this portion on the Shabbat before Purim is, because Haman, the villain of the Purim story who wanted to annihilate all the Jews was a descendant of Amalek, hence the connection of Shabbat Zachor and the Jewish holiday of Purim.

When we look a bit closer at the actual Torah reading we see something odd. The verse states “Zachor-Remember what Amalek did to you when you left Egypt…. You shall wipe out the memory of Amalek from under the heaven-Lo Tishkach-you shall not forget!”

While we can understand the general intention of the verse, which is to blot out the memory of Amalek, what is puzzling is the language used in the verse. Are we to remember them for the evil they did or should we wipe them out from our memories and existence?

Our commentaries explain that this Mitzvah is actually a double Mitzvah (1) erase the memory of Amalek (2) remember their treachery. In other words, it is not enough to erase the memory of Amalek and “move on” leaving them behind in the annals of history, but we must remember what they did and learn the important lessons from our difficult past. Not just a slogan of “Never Again”, but a deeper understanding of our past and how we must fight this evil in every generation.

With some of the antisemitism that we have seen on the news or on social media lately, whether in European community parades or from members of our own government, we must REMEMBER our past and protest this ugliness while also do everything we can to WIPE IT OUT using every tool and ability we have.

May Hashem protect our people the world over, as in days of old. Amen.

The Millennial Disconnect - Matot Masei

Torah Portion of Matot-Masei

"In an age of ultra-connectivity, constant real-time social media updates and the 24/7 news cycle, we have failed to communicate to our future."

Most in the organized Jewish world would agree- we have a problem. From rabbis to cantors, heads of Jewish institutions to educators, the coffee talk is always the same; assimilation, and the future of American Jewry. Some polls have painted a very bleak future, while others have been a bit more promising. One thing for sure, North American Jewry has a problem, and a big one at that.

The issue at heart- the disconnected Jewish Millennial. The future of Judaism lies in their hands and they don’t seem to care that much about it all. 

I just returned from staffing my third Birthright-Taglit trip with forty four millennials and had an epiphany.

Mayanot Birthright Israel Bus 410 at the entrance to the Old City.

This week’s Torah portion will see us conclude the book of Numbers- Bamidbar. In the closing portions of Matot-Masei we read about a fascinating disagreement that threatens to splinter the Jewish community. 

The background to this disagreement is important. The tribes of Reuvain and Gad were blessed with much cattle. As a result, they needed fertile land for their animals to graze. The land of the East bank of the Jordan river was perfect for them. As the Jews were about to enter the land of Israel (west of the Jordan river), these two tribes requested that they be allowed to keep their current land outside of Israel. Moshe reacts harshly, accusing them of abandoning the quest to enter Israel, and not wanting to fight alongside their brethren to conquer the Holy Land. 

But after a meeting of Moses and the parties involved, it is clear that intentions had been pure all along. The tribes of Reuvain and Gad would not only partake but would lead the Jews into battle and not return home until the entire land was conquered and apportioned (which took some 14 years). The ruffled feathers were soothed, misunderstanding were clarified, the anger subsided and everyone lived happily ever after. It really was a lack of proper communication.

I just returned from staffing my third Birthright-Taglit trip for participants ages 22-26. My 3 groups were typical US Jews from throughout the States. For the most part they were secular, unaffiliated and disconnected from Judaism. The typical Millennial Jew. My job was to teach, inspire and engage this problematic demographic.

This summer found me, once again, sitting in a bus for ten days with 44 participants, thirty-seven American and seven Israeli soldiers and students. Here I was with a front-row seat to this very demographic that we worry about. And once again, I taught, sang, schmoozed, laughed, cried, shvitzed and relived the “birthright experience”. It was like summer camp except that we have all aged a bit.

My reflections and thoughts have been clamoring in my brain since.

I have come to the realization that while the lack of Jewish education, knowledge, affiliation, interest etc. are all real and important factors in the Millennial disconnect, there is an even bigger pink elephant in the room. The lack of personal connection. The lack of non judgmental Jewish love-Ahavat Yisrael. 

In an era of so much connectivity and social media, our young people are craving real, personal and meaningful spiritual guidance. And that is on us, the rabbis and Jewish leadership.

As I connected with all the wonderful people on my trip, an amazing thing happened, they were open to study, pray, ask questions, observe rituals, experience Judaism, and really start to grow spiritually. Yes, it may only be ten days in Israel. Yes, we must find a way to continue the inspiration. But it’s possible and it’s all about communication. 

As a token of thanks, the participants presented me and my wife with a small notebook at the end of the trip. The messages and notes all had the same recurring theme. They were so grateful for the opportunity to reconnect to Judaism and the Jewish people, and they were so appreciative that someone actually took the time and communicated with them.

Just like with Moses in our Torah portion, real communication and personal connection is the recipe for communal growth and healing. We can not afford this lack of communication with our Millennial. They are not only an integral part of the Jewish community, but they are our future. 

Just as in Biblical times, the path to the promised land comes through genuine communication.

Shabbat Shalom

Are You a Mordechai? It's All About Jewish Education

Are You a Mordechai? It's All About Jewish Education The following edited remarks were delivered at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning's 33 Annual L'Chaim Gala celebration, Sunday March 18, 2018. My wife Malkie and I were honored to receive the 2018 Dor L'Dor Award, marking our 20th anniversary since arriving in San Antonio, Texas.

Good evening and thank you! We are very touched and honored by this recognition here tonight. Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Block , although you are not exactly the gambling type, I am most grateful that you did take a gamble on us- a young couple, still fresh out of the Yeshivah and newly married. It has been an incredible ride, and we are so proud to be your partners in our Shlichus. Your encouragement, guidance, support and vision has really been a blessing. Thank you!

Thank you to all our friends, family and extended family who have been there for us all these years. Thank you for welcoming us, and giving us this opportunity of a lifetime-to teach Torah. While we came to Texas to teach and inspire, we have received so much more in return. We have become inspired and uplifted.

A number of years ago, when discussing what I do for a living, a friend jokingly quipped “you should get a kippah with a different emblem on each panel of the Kippah. Put Chabad on one panel, TASA on the second panel, Kosher supervision on the third etc.” That pretty much sums up our lives, always juggling many things, at once...

With further introspection about my friend’s statement,  I believe the appropriate emblem on the Kippah should be “Mechanech-Jewish educator”. I say this because, everything we have done and strived for in the last twenty years has been about Jewish education. Whether be it youth programming, prison or hospital chaplaincy, or teaching daily in a Jewish day school----the focus and goal has always been the same- to educate and teach our fellow Jews about the beauty and relevance of Yiddishkeit.

To quote the former Chief Rabbi of England, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Saacks “The fate of the Jews in the diaspora was, is and predictably will be, determined by their commitment to Jewish education.”

In the Purim story, we all know how Haman and King Achshverosh plotted to annihilate the Jews. The Talmud in Tractate Meggilah 16a records, that when Mordechai heard about the terrible decree, he gathered 22,000 Jewish children and began to teach them Torah publicly. We are told in the same Gemara, that the merit of this Torah study, saved the Jewish people from calamity.

On Purim 1972, in one of his public Farbrengens, the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory asked a poignant question, “Mordechai was a minister of the king! He was a chief rabbi and Rosh Av Beis Din, the leader of the Jewish people! not a school teacher! Why was it Mordechai who was gathering children to teach them Torah instead of other rabbis or teachers? The Rebbe answered, that Mordechai correctly understood, that in a time of crisis, in a time of duress, whoever is able must take the initiative and preserve the next generation of Jews. “As long as there is a Jewish child who has no Torah teacher, you have no choice – sit down and teach the child yourself!

Today in our own era, we also must take a bold Jewish approach. Every poll and research paper on Jewish life, points to the very same facts. We must do everything in our power and beyond, to educate our children, teenagers and our families, to be proud, happy and engaged Jews.

We must all step up, and be the Mordechais of our time.

Malkie and I have been fortunate to play a small part in this revolution. Join us! Let us join hands together, as one community, and recommit ourselves to insure a bright Jewish future for our children and grandchildren.

Let us all pledge-together to make absolutely sure, that
- NO JEWISH CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND,
- THAT NO JEWISH FAMILY IS LEFT BEHIND
- THAT THE HOMELAND OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE, ERETZ YISRAEL and its eternal capitol Yerushalayim is never left behind.  

May we see the fruits of our labor, speedily in our day with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu. Amen.

Thank you!