Rabbi's Blog - Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho

Unmuzzled

Friday, July 25, 2025 - 7:49 AM

Some good things also have a downside.

We feel blessed and privileged to live in the United States of America. It is truly a remarkable country, built on the solid foundations of liberty and equality. But living in a democracy does not guarantee positive results. I’m sure there are many who wish that certain people were not able to express their views, or be afforded the opportunities we wish for ourselves.

We can also simply look back in history at the Greeks and Romans. The inventors of democracy would never stack up against modern democracies. A democracy can only be as strong – and virtuous – as the people and culture standing behind it.

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In the first of this week’s two parshiyot of Matot-Mas’ei,… Read More »

Forced into Action

Friday, July 18, 2025 - 8:42 AM

My son Zali landed in Israel a few days ago. Thank G-d there is relative calm at the moment in the Holy Land. But, it is still a country at war with terrorists.

But, he was quick to observe the distinctions between daily life in Israel and America.

In America we tend to take things for granted and mind our own business.

In Israel, you are forced to reckon with the reality on the ground. The reality is that, “We’re all in this together.” Each person knows that at any given moment, they will need to spring into action. They may not be able to depend on others. In fact, others might be depending on them.

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This week’s parsha is called Pinchas. It is named after one person who took action when others did not. … Read More »

Do You Live in a Tent?

Friday, July 11, 2025 - 9:13 AM

It’s summertime. And, it’s camping season. I, like many others, am looking forward to spending more time traveling and outdoors this summer. Hiking, fishing, rafting and camping are all great ways to enjoy the gifts that G-d has given us. Especially, when it’s together with family and friends.

Celebrating life occasions and seeing family are great perks of travel.

As much as I enjoy traveling and delight in the outdoors, I invariably find myself repeating an old Yiddish saying when I walk through the doors of my home upon return. “Es iz gut tzu gayen, uber es iz besser ahaim tzu kumen.” This proverb translates, “It’s good to travel, but it’s better to come home.”

Especially, whe… Read More »

A Relationship, Not a Religion

Friday, July 4, 2025 - 8:13 AM

At Independence Day, our patriotism is on full display.

But, I still get questions like this:

“Rabbi, I hate paying taxes. Do I have to do it anyway? I always have a barbecue on July 4 and we have an awesome fireworks display. My family gets together on Thanksgiving and a huge American flag hangs on our front porch. We donate to various veterans organizations and I understand the importance of American democracy and culture. But I think the government wastes too much money and I don’t feel like paying taxes. In fact, I’m willing to give more to charitable causes rather than pay Uncle Sam.”

When I get questions like this, I often try to put things in context. Let’s forget a moment about legalities and moral o… Read More »