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Foresight = Action

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 9:00:00 AM

After the Splitting of the Sea the newborn Jewish nation wanted to thank G-d for the great miracle and salvation. So they sang a song of praise, now famous as a part of our daily prayers known as Az Yashir. But the women were not satisfied with mere poetry and melody. They felt that G-d deserved a true expression of exuberance. So they took their musical instruments and began to truly praise the L-rd in musical dance. As this week’s parsha Beshalach tells:

Miriam, the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women came out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Where did the women get tambourines in middle of the desert?

According to the Midrash, “The righteous women of that generation were so certain that the Holy One, blessed be He, would perform miracles for them, they took timbrels out of Egypt.” Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. They believed and they acted upon it.

To me, the critical virtue of these women is not as much that they believed, but that they were able to act upon it – even during dark times. Their imminent redemption was not a matter of faith, hope or conviction. It was a matter of practice.

***

Many are the great Jews who maintained their faith during the pogroms of Europe, the devastation of the Holocaust and the resettling in the “goldeneh medinah.” Many went on to preach the value of Judaism in the new country, the dangers of assimilation and the indispensability of our tradition.

But one post-Holocaust leader acted differently. Rather than write op-eds, develop strategic plans or form committees, he fearlessly forged ahead. One more Jew, one more mitzvah.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s mitzvah campaigns were ridiculed as being cute, but not addressing the real needs of Jews in the modern world. Others were harsher in their criticism of ancient rituals.

But, within the ashes, the Rebbe did not only believe in the great daylight ahead. He did not only hope for a better day. He did not only plan for a better day. He acted for a better day. He mobilized the greatest renaissance of Jewish tradition, simply by caring about each and every Jew.

This week we celebrate 62 years of his leadership, forging ahead towards Moshiach.

And following the Rebbe’s lead, let’s find one more Jew and do one more mitzvah.

And let’s grab our tambourines as we prepare to celebrate the miracles of G-d’s final redemption.

True Darkness

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 3:15:00 PM

You might argue that if the ancient Egyptians would have discovered electricity they may have avoided the suffering of the ninth plague of darkness. This week’s parsha Bo describes a week of darkness in Egypt as the second-to-final plague that befell Egypt and led to the exodus of the Jewish people.

But the Midrash tells us, “There were six days of darkness... during the first three, "a man saw not his fellow"; during the last three days, he who sat could not stand up, he who stood could not sit down, and he who was lying down could not raise himself upright.”

So maybe electric lighting would not have sufficed. But, a deeper examination of this plague might make the debate a moot point.

The Chassidic master Rabbi Yitzchok Meir of Gur explained the plague as far more than a physical punishment. It was a spiritual sentence of far greater impact:

There is no greater darkness than one in which "a man saw not his fellow" -- in which a person becomes oblivious to the needs of his fellow man. When that happens, a person becomes stymied in his personal development as well -- "neither rose any from his place."

We may have discovered – through electricity and night-vision goggles – the ability to see each other during nighttime. But the greater question is, can we see each other – in a spiritual and emotional sense – even during the daytime?

Outsmarting Houdini

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 2:00:00 PM

My seven-year-old son once bought a magic trick set. He was so proud of the few tricks that he had mastered. He was longing for the opportunity to show off these tricks (after subjecting the family to incessant renditions). He had ample chance to do so and enjoyed his new hobby. Until he met his match. When he went to a ‘real’ magic show, his heart sunk. “I can never do those types of tricks.”

It’s one thing to impress family and friends. But to impress the pros is a different league altogether.

***

When Moshe and Aharon brought forth the first few miracles and plagues in Egypt, Paroh was not impressed.

The Midrash recounts that Pharaoh began to mock them and crow at them like a cock, saying to them: "So these be the signs of your G-d! It is usual for people to take goods to a place which has a shortage of them; but does one import murics into Apamea or fish into Acco? Are you not aware that all kinds of magic are within my province?" He then called for children to be brought from school and they also performed these wonders. Moshe replied: "To Herbtown one carries herbs."

The goal of the ten plagues was not simply to destroy Egypt so the Jews could escape. G-d wanted Egypt to recognize – and repent for – the tyranny and cruelty for which they had been responsible.

***

Indeed, inspiring a magician with magic is no easy feat. But winning over Houdini would be the grand prix of magic.

***

We too possess a Pharaoh. The internal Pharaoh is the voice of resistance and mockery to all things holy. Impressing our divine soul with Torah is no big feat. But transforming the animal inside of us into a partner for good – that’s the entire purpose of our existence.

If Pharaoh could ultimately admit, “G-d is the righteous One, and I and my people are the guilty ones,” we too can train our inner dark side to appreciate, admire and be enthused about all things holy.

Credit Cards: Good or Bad?

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 1:00:00 PM

With the current economic slump affecting many Americans, the debate on credit cards has reached a crescendo. On the one hand, now – more than ever – people are dependent on credit to get by. On the other hand, a strong argument can be made against acquiring debt in a perilous economic period.

Media reports indicate a strong uptick in debit card use, and a decline in credit card use.

I’m no financial advisor, so I’ll let the experts guide you on what’s best for your finances.

But the issue deserves attention at least in theory. Would a bank offer you credit if there was no money to be made? That would be a great mitzvah, but a poor business decision.

***

In this week’s parsha Shemot we read about Hashem choosing Moshe to deliver the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. In his dialogue with G-d at the burning bush, Moshe questioned whether the Jewish people really merited redemption. According to Rashi, G-d’s response is encoded in the words, “When you take the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” G-d agreed with Moshe that they were currently undeserving, but He argues, “I have a great thing dependent on this Exodus, for at the end of three months from their Exodus from Egypt they are destined to receive the Torah on this mountain.”

In other words, G-d liberated the Jews from slavery not because of what they had already done, but on account of what they would do in the future. G-d issued a spiritual credit card to the Jewish people.

***

In life we are often wondering what G-d owes us. Perhaps we also need to ask ourselves what we owe G-d.

Politics as Usual?

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 1:00:00 PM

With the Iowa caucuses behind us and the primary season upon us, Americans begin to tune in to the elections ahead. Looking at the polls can be a dizzying experience. Analyzing candidates’ positions might be more dizzying, some may argue.

All the hype leads us to wonder: Is there more that unites us than divides us?

And, by extension, we can ask the same of ourselves as Jews. We are famous for our diverse opinions. Does this virtue guarantee us a continuous vibrant status, or does it perhaps portray our ultimate demise?

Recent events in Israel only highlight the urgency of this question. (See here for a statement by Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters).

***

I’ll leave the politics to politicians, but this week’s Parsha Vayechi sheds some light on our people.

Prior to the passing of Yaakov (Jacob), he gathers all his sons to his bedside to bless him. The Torah relates:

“Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days. Gather and listen, sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel, your father.”

As we read further, we see that no prophecy is given regarding the End of Days. Instead he blesses his sons. The Talmud clarifies that Jacob wished to reveal to his sons the end of the days (i.e., the time of the ultimate Redemption) whereupon the Divine Presence departed from him.

***

True – as the Talmud states – Yaakov did not end up revealing the time of Moashiach’s arrival. But perhaps he still encoded in his words the formula for earning his arrival.

Jacob's revelation to his sons about the future was in fact mentioned in those brief words of introduction. He revealed to them that their descent into Egypt, and the future exile are the results of discord and conflict.

How will they reach the era of Moshiach and the future Redemption? When they "listen to Israel" their father and recognize that they are all "sons of Jacob." When they put aside their differences and "gather together," in unity and brotherhood, this will bring about the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people.

Yes, our opinions are profoundly expressed and dot the entire political, philosophical and human landscape. And – as Yaakov demonstrates with the diverse blessings – this is meant to be. When we recognize and behave in a manner that displays that we are all “sons of Jacob,” we are indeed ready for Moshiach.

The Egyptian Spring

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 AM

The final chapter has yet to be written on the Arab Spring. Events unfolding in Egypt indicate that the situation is still quite volatile.

But the first Egyptian Spring occurred over 3000 years ago, when a people – three million strong – simply walked out of a dictator’s grasp. Ten plagues and a sea split in two probably was better cover than a NATO no-fly zone.

Unlike masses in Syria and Libya, the Jews did not wage war against the ruling class. In contrast to the despots chased from their own countries, they did not attempt to overthrow Pharaoh and his regime. They simply left. A major difference between the original Exodus from Egypt in (the spring of 2448 in the Jewish calendar) and the modern-day Arab Spring, it can be said, lies in who departs from whom.

The narrative of the Jewish people in slavery and freedom appears remarkably unique. What caused them to decide to go versus fight?

You may argue that it was simply the word of G-d. That is true. But I suggest that it was also something the Jews naturally believed in.

***

So much focus is given to how the Jews escaped from Egypt. But what of their arrival in Egypt? If they were so desperate to leave, it must mean life in Egypt was rotten. How did it become so repressive?

In this week’s Parsha of Vayigash we read about the arrival of the Jewish people in Egypt. They came because their brother was viceroy of the land. But instead of settling in the ‘Washington’ or ‘New York City’ of Egypt, they chose the quiet land of Goshen. If they had access to power, why shun the spotlight?

The initial Jews that came to Egypt knew very well that Egypt is not home. We are visitors. If we dare get too comfortable with Egyptian aristocracy, we will lose our own identity. And if we lose our identity, we stand no chance of survival.

[In fact, enslavement of the Jewish people only began after the generation of Jews who had come to Egypt as adults – and remembered life in the Old Country (Israel) – had passed away.]

It was the reawakening of their initial discomfort in Egypt – its moral and values – that led the Jewish people back to their land.

Yes, it is possible to revolt against Egypt and succeed. But for a Jew, we’d rather go to our own home than take over someone else’s home.

The Ignored Miracle?

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 2:00:00 PM

The Ignored Miracle?

Chanukah, one of the most observed Jewish holidays – commemorates two miracles. The first, the victory of the Maccabees’ small, amateur army over the mighty Greek-Syrians, is the lesser-known of the two. The latter, the oil of the menorah lasting eight days instead of one, is relived every year when we kindle the menorah.

In effect, the rededication and kindling of the menorah in the Holy Temple would not have been possible without the military victory. Yet, why is there no overt celebration of this aspect of the Chanukah story? Isn’t the celebration of our religious freedom greater than the remarkable feat of the magical oil?

On Chanukah we were fighting for the soul of Judaism. The Greek-Syrians were happy to accept us into their society – on their terms. Had we been willing to assimilate into the Hellenistic society of the day – there would be no Chanukah story to tell.

The victory may have been military, but it was not about military might. The armed struggle was all about light over darkness. It was about the spiritually strong versus the morally depraved.

Indeed, that is the message of the Chanukah lights. We commemorate both miracles with the candles that call out – loud and clear – that light will always prevail over darkness. Goodness and holiness will always win out against tyranny and oppression.

What better way for G-d to acknowledge the true spiritual triumph than to shine His glory on the Menorah for eight days?

And what greater statement of rededication to our values and Torah can we make – year in and year out – than kindling the flames of the Menorah?

Indeed, one menorah. Two miracles.

Happy Chanukah!

Outnumbered?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 1:00:00 PM

As Chanukah creeps closer and closer, I begin getting the annual phone calls about how difficult it is to be a Jew during this time of year. At schools, businesses and public places the non-Jewish holiday displays are ubiquitous. Coupled with songs and parties – it’s simply everywhere.

How do Jews remain proud at this time of year, especially in places like Idaho? How can we compete against such great odds? Indeed, we cherish the religious freedom that our great country affords us. But we are, after all, a minority.

***

Many have argued about the prominence Chanukah receives in modern Jewish society. Some claim that it’s not a major Jewish holiday and its virtue is largely exaggerated, only due to competition with other faiths’ festivals. Others counter that it offers historical and cultural relevance, and thus deserves the spotlight. The mystics point to its deeper symbolism and energy, shining a spiritual spotlight on it.

One relevant observation for our particular society is that Chanukah – by Divine Providence – occurs at a time when Jews might be concerned about being outnumbered. So perhaps we can look to the Chanukah story itself – not the gift-giving or latkes – for guidance.

We are all familiar with the miracle of the menorah’s oil lasting eight days instead of one. But the other great miracle of Chanukah was the military victory of the Maccabees. The marvel of their triumph was that an inexperienced and under-armed group of Jews repelled and defeated the powerful Greek-Assyrian army. An even greater coup was that the Jews were outnumbered ten to one.

How did they even dream of taking on the mighty soldiers of Antiochus Epiphanies against such ludicrous odds? Was it not suicidal?

***

Perhaps this week’s Torah portion of Vayeshev can provide some appropriate insight.

After Joseph is sold by his brothers, he winds up in Egypt as a slave. Let’s look at it from his perspective: He has no family: they traded him away for some gelt! He has no friends: he is a foreigner in a new land, a lonely immigrant. He has no freedom: he can expect to remain enslaved the rest of his life. He still has an entire life ahead of him: he is seventeen years old, certainly capable of adapting to his new life and forgetting his previous one. If there ever was a person that felt lonely and outnumbered, Joseph should fit the bill.

Yet we read in the Torah that Joseph overcame numerous challenges and temptations, and remained loyal to his faith and family. He resisted seduction and threats from his master’s wife – though no one would have known the difference. He proudly affirmed his faith when Pharaoh inquired about the source of his wisdom. He raised his children as followers of his own language, belief system and tradition – even though he was now Egyptian royalty. And he forgave his brothers for their brutal act of betrayal.

What motivated Joseph to continue the legacy of his fathers when he could have easily created his own – seemingly grander – legacy?

The Talmud relates that when Potiphar’s wife begged him to sleep with her, he almost succumbed to temptation. But at that moment the image of his father appeared to him in the window and he tore himself away from sin.

What Joseph realized at that moment is that he is not alone. His father, his tradition and his G-d are all with him. A Jew is never alone.

The Maccabbees might have been physically outnumbered, but they recognized that all of their fellow Jews were with them. A Jew is never alone.

If we are alone, we do indeed feel outnumbered. But every American soldier fighting overseas can feel the support of the entire country behind him. And every Jew can feel the soul of our people pulsating within her singular body, no matter where.

The juxtaposition of Chanukah in the secular calendar creates an extra reminder for us that a Jew is never alone.

But just like Joseph and the Maccabees, we must spring into action – proclaiming our faith to ourselves and our children and drawing our spiritual swords. If we, as Jews, embrace this wonderful gift – miracles can happen.

Family Reunion

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 12:00:00 PM

George Burns once quipped that happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family – in another city.

In this week’s parsha of Vayishlach, we read of a unique family reunion between Yaakov (Jacob) and Eisav (Esau). The last time the two were in the same town, Eisav threatened to kill Yaakov, who promptly fled the country. Since then, they had been incommunicado for over 34 years.

Nonetheless, Yaakov made the great effort for reconciliation – even though severe risks were at play. In fact, Eisav was charging toward him and his young family with 400 armed men. Most of us would have turned to plan B at that point. But Yaakov continued forward (with a three-pronged strategy of sending gifts, prayer and preparation for warfare).

Why was Yaakov so eager to meet up with his brother who sought to murder him? When, exactly, is it time to call it quits and move on? Many of us might consider a relative to be a rotten apple; is that cause for severing the relationship?

***

When Yaakov and Eisav finally do meet, “Eisav ran toward him and embraced him, and he fell on his neck and kissed him.” The Sages debate the sincerity of this kiss, but it certainly trumps the other possible outcomes.

Following this encounter, Yaakov and Eisav part ways, with Yaakov heading to the city of Shechem (Nablus). The Torah relates, “Yaakov arrived, whole, in the city of Shechem.”

This is the only instance that Yaakov is referred to as whole or complete. The Rabbis explain that this was a direct result of the brotherly encounter. Though it may not have been as successful as anticipated – nor as disastrous as conceivable – it was an undertaking of tremendous virtue.

Yaakov had already built a beautiful family, a business empire and a solid spiritual reputation. But he was only considered whole after meeting up with his estranged brother, and leaving on decent terms.

We may have our own independent successes, but if we cannot muster the resolve and sacrifice to mend our fractured family we cannot fix a broken world.

Planes, Trains and Ladders

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 1:00:00 PM

As I flew home this week from New York, I contemplated the relatively quick shift from the Big Apple to Boise. Spending a long weekend with colleagues and family immersed in Torah, Chassidic inspiration and simply surrounded by Jewish culture was a special treat.

Thanks to the invention and advances of the airplane, several hours later I was transported back to Boise. As the Yiddish saying goes, “It’s good to travel, but it’s better to come home.”

This radical shift between one place and another reminded me of the story of Jacob’s dream in this week’s parsha Vayetze. Yaakov dreams of a ladder rooted on the ground but reaching heavenward. Angels are ascending and descending the ladder. Pages have been written about the symbolism of this dream. Yet the Zohar makes a simple statement regarding the ladder, namely: “This is prayer.”

I’ve always appreciated the concept of prayers traveling heavenward. The Zohar’s metaphor, enjoins us to recognize that our prayers are indeed transported to G-d on high. Someone is listening.

But looking more deeply at the comparison of prayer to a ladder, the message is not simply about the destination of prayer.

As my flight lifted off the runway, I marveled at how effortlessly I seemed to be transported from earth to heaven; from New York to Idaho. Imagine making the journey by foot or even by car. It would be an entirely different journey, with greater exertion necessary and a significantly delayed arrival at my endpoint.

Taken from that vantage point, Jacob’s dream did not need a ladder. After all, angels can figure out a way to shuffle between heaven and earth rather quickly. Why do they need a mode of transport at all?

But I believe that the Zohar is not simply explaining the destination of prayer. Rather it is teaching us about the process of prayer. Many a time I find myself wanting to be at the destination of prayer – be it having my prayers answered or reaching the spiritual high of bonding with G-d. In a world of instant gratification even our sacred endeavors suffer.

It’s not how quickly you get to your destination, says the Zohar, but how thoroughly you arrive. If we want prayer to affect change within our souls and bodies, we need to internalize every step of the way.

The airplane might get us there quickest, but the journeys that remain with us forever are the road trips and hikes – the voyages that receive our sweat and attention.

Next time you pick up a siddur, enjoy the challenge and focus on the energy of each rung.

My Greatest Accomplishment

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 6:00:00 AM

When reading the life-story of Yitzchak (Isaac) in this week’s parsha Toldot, I am amazed to see that although we are familiar with Yitzchak from birth onwards, the Torah begins the narrative of his life from the point of his marriage to Rivka (Rebecca). To be sure, we know a fair amount about him from previous Torah portions. We know that he was circumcised at eight days old; that his parents threw a grand party when he was weaned; that his father almost sacrificed him at 37 years old; and that his father sought an extraordinary girl for him to marry. According to the Midrash, Yitzchak also spent three years in the Garden of Eden. But all of that is a detail in the tale of his parents. In his own right, we are introduced to Yitzchak in the account of his nuptials.

We learn a great deal from the chronicles of our Matriarchs and Patriarchs. Why would the Torah choose to ignore Yitzchak’s spiritual accomplishments? True he was under forty at the time; but he must certainly have qualified for the ancient version of Accomplished Under Forty.

***

This week I am – once again – privileged to participate in the annual Chabad Lubavitch International Conference of Shluchim. As I connect with colleagues, brainstorm with buddies and farbreng with friends – I am overcome with awe at the sheer magnitude of Chabad-Lubavitch. What started as a tiny group of Chasidim seeking shelter in America has been transformed into a leading Jewish organization. No movement has defined and revived Jewish life in the last half century as has Chabad-Lubavitch.

On the other hand, Chabad-Lubavitch can hardly be called an organization. It is a spiritual workhorse that defies the contemporary qualifications for successful growth. After all, how can a bunch of bearded, black-hatted Rabbis and mothers-of-six-or-more Rebbetzins be considered the stalwarts of modern America’s Jewish society? Yet the facts do not lie.

What lies at the core of Chabad-Lubavitch’s success? It can’t be the dress code – there are plenty of others that fit that category. On the other hand, it can’t be the consultants – on a per-capita basis other Jewish organizations’ consulting budgets are greater than Chabad-Lubavitch’s overall budget.

To me it is the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory. His approach was not one of becoming the most accomplished scholar or the most pious rabbi. He certainly made his mark in virtually every field of personal spiritual accomplishment. But what set the Rebbe apart was his insatiable drive to impact the world. The Rebbe’s greatest concern was for another person. While others were spending millions of dollars on studies on Jewish commitment to Israel and the like, the Rebbe was mobilizing an army of followers to light Shabbat candles with one more Jew.

***

The fundamental difference between Yitzchak’s ‘under forty’ accomplishments and his subsequent achievements is that the prior successes were feather s in his own cap. They were indeed sacred, but they were personal. By contrast, his feats attained after marriage are not simply his own. Rather than achievements, they are contributions. By building a family, Yitzchak passed on the sacred tradition to others. By continuing the Jewish legacy, the world was changed forever.

When everything is said and done, I’d rather see a world full of caps with feathers, than see my own cap full of feathers.

A Thanksgiving Meditation

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 1:00:00 PM

I received this loevly Thanksgiving meditation from my colleague Rabbi Israel Rubin (Chabad of Albany, New York) and want to share it with you.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep…
you are richer than 75% of the world.

If you have money in the bank, money in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace…
you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with health, no illness…
you are more blessed than the millions who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or even the pangs of starvation…
you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can read this message…
you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

If you can go to shul, study Torah, and practice Yiddishkeit without fear of being arrested, tortured, or killed…
you are more blessed than millions of your ancestors.

So hold up your head with a smile on your face, count your blessings and be truly thankful to Hashem!

Status Symbols

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 2:00:00 PM

Whether it be Facebook or home décor, we are often engaged in some degree of promoting ourselves. On Twitter we let everyone know what we are up to, at the ballgame we demonstrate our allegiances and at home we show our true colors.

We are, on balance, a very self-obsessed society. Those of us that are lucky parents are sometimes yanked out of that constant self-promotion with the cry of a baby or the text message of a teen. We know our duty is primarily to others and we come second.

But how do we ensure that we don’t succumb to our egos the rest of the time? What can we do to faithfully serve our true purpose in life? After all, we can only sense our own hunger, our own angst and worry. For others we need to project the image versus simply feeling it.

***

An interesting dialogue in this week’s parsha may help us. The Torah portion of Chayei Sarah speaks, in large part, of the effort to find a suitable match for Avraham’s son Yitzchak. Avraham believed the corrupt girls of Canaan fell far short of the character necessary for Yitzchok’s spouse – so he dispatched his trusted servant Eliezer to travel to his relatives in Aram Naharayim in search of a spiritual “catch” for his son.

When Eliezer arrives, G-d answers his prayers and a kind, charitable girl feeds him and his camels. He then learns that she – Rivka – is the daughter of Avraham’s nephew – a match made in Heaven! She agrees to go meet Yitzchak, but Eliezer wishes to seek permission from the family. He is invited in as royalty – after all the rich side of the family was visiting – and served a feast fit for kings. But he insists, “"I will not eat until I have spoken my words” – business before pleasure.

His opening words were simply: "I am Abraham's servant.”

It seems like a straightforward introduction to a story about his interest in Rivka. But if we are more familiar with Eliezer we realize it is a profound statement. Eliezer was no simple servant. Firstly, the Midrash teaches that he was Avraham’s primary disciple, disseminating the teachings of his master. Secondly, he was the CEO of one of the wealthiest magnate’s affairs. He was a warrior and a diplomat as well.

With all these credentials, Eliezer could certainly have embellished in his own status. Instead he had three (Hebrew) words to say: עבד אברהם אנכי - "I am Abraham's servant.”

Indeed, Eliezer was accomplished, but his virtue is that he recognized his role. At that moment he was 100% committed to the mission at hand. He was sent for a specific duty and at that moment that’s all that mattered. He conveyed a powerful and compelling missive to Rivka’s family: this is not about me – we can talk about that later. Like a laser, he zoned in on one thing only: his current duty.

To overcome our human frailty of constantly seeking to be a status symbol, let’s simply remember that we are all servants in the employ of the Almighty. Focusing on what is expected of us will lessen the constant concern about our status – we’ll be too enmeshed in fulfilling our purpose.

Joe Paterno: Right or Wrong?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 4:00:00 PM

America is stunned by the shocking revelations of tragic sexual abuses to minors that allegedly occurred at Penn State University. According to sworn grand jury testimony, several individuals at Penn State University, including now-former head football coach Joe Paterno, were informed of an alleged assault on a child on campus. But no one called the authorities.

Since that revelation, several arrests have been made. The board of trustees at Penn Sate subsequently fired the president of the university and the head football coach.

The facts are not all in yet, so there is still a lot to discover about who knew what and when. Everyone should be given the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. But one thing is evident: there are those that knew children were potentially endangered, yet they failed to act upon it.

The debate rages on campus whether legendary Joe Paterno should have been fired. What would you have done in his shoes? Did he fulfill his legal obligation? Did he fulfill his moral obligation? What does the Torah have to say about situations like this?

***

In this week’s parsha of Vayeira, we read about Avraham’s exemplary hachnasat orchim, hospitality. The Torah attests that, “he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, three men were standing beside him, and he saw and he ran toward them from the entrance of the tent, and he prostrated himself to the ground.” The Torah continues to recount that Avraham begged them to come into his home (or tent) to eat and relax.

This occurred on the third day after 99-year-old Avraham was circumcised. Impressive hospitality, no doubt. And the prefect role model.

But one thing troubles me about this verse. Why does the Torah need to state the obvious – that Avraham lifted his eyes and saw the three men? It could have easily stated succinctly that Avraham saw three men. Instead the Torah uses a double expression – “he lifted his eyes and saw.” Not only that – the Torah repeats in the next phrase, “and he saw and he ran…” Why is the Torah obsessing with Avraham seeing the three men?

***

The Baal Shem Tov taught that everything a person sees or hears is a lesson in life. Nothing is coincidence. If I am at a certain place at a certain time – it’s because I have a personal mission in that moment and spot.

Every occurrence must cause me to ask myself, “Why am I here right now? What can I do to make this world a better place based on the circumstance that I am in?”

***

This message was exemplified by the first Jew, who continuously looked at his surroundings – and acted upon it. Avraham recognized the responsibility and privilege that we continuously carry. If we look at ourselves as being on call from G-d at every second and in every location, we stand a better chance at heeding our divine mandate and making the right decision.

Undoubtedly, many potential victims may have been spared if the people of College Station had taken a cue from Avraham.

Breaking Free

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 6:00:00 PM

Sometime this week humanity welcomed member number 7 billion to our planet.

Mazal Tov!

The quick Mazal Tov refrain is the natural Jewish response. Yet, the politically correct retort might be much different. Some might even consider this terrible news. After all, the ecosystem is already overburdened and the ozone layer may not be able to handle all the carbon emissions this baby will eventually produce.

Without venturing too far into the debate of procreation and natural resources – bottom line, the Torah considers human reproduction an obligation – I’d like to address the milestone itself.

We may never know which baby was number seven billion, but certainly he or she has a name. She may have loving parents; he may have older siblings. He may be American; she may be Japanese. Ultimately, she is not merely a statistic. She has a bright future ahead of her. Who knows – she may even discover a way to make better use of earth’s resources; he may help bring global peace.

If we lump people together they may never excel. To truly realize one’s potential we need to discover our own unique calling.

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One of the most celebrated local social programs is Project C.A.T.C.H., which helps homeless families get back on their feet. It has an amazing 87% success rate. How does it manage to perform so well?

Social experts point to the fact that this program takes homeless families out of the homeless shelters and provides six months of housing for them. In this new environment they are not encumbered by the challenges they were facing. They think differently and act differently in their new setting and lifestyle.

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This was the message that G-d gave to Avraham in the opening words of this week’s parsha, Lech Lecha:

“And the L-rd said to Abram, "Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you.”

Avraham was 75 years old at the time. In fact, the Midrash teaches us a great deal about Avraham’s youth. Yet the Torah mentions nothing of his life up to this point. Rather, G-d’s instruction to travel is deemed the most fitting opening scene of the first Jew. Why?

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Indeed, Avraham accomplished a lot in his junior years, but the Torah is teaching us the beginning of his unique role in G-d’s game plan.

So long as Avraham was encumbered by the harmful environment of his family and community, he was hindered. The first step in realizing his sacred goals was to depart from the restrictive atmosphere. Once the negative influences were left behind, his true spiritual self could emerge.

Thus begins the journey of the first Jew. And thus, the Torah teaches, begins the journey of every Jew. To reach our true potential we need to discard the habits, gadgets and perhaps people that hold us back.

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We may never know who baby 7,000,000,000 is, but we do know that for her to flourish she must be allowed to carve out her unique space in this world. Let’s not hold her back. Let’s not hold ourselves back.