Rabbi's Blog - Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho

The Jewish Paradox

Friday, July 25, 2014 - 2:00 PM

A couple centuries ago, Jews – particularly in Europe – developed a response to the age-old problem of anti-Semitism. ‘If only, we had a country of our own, a place to call home. Certainly then, they argued, this issue will wane, if not disappear altogether.’ There were many different approaches that arose from this concept. I will not address the details, but we all know the eventual outcome. The modern State of Israel was born from this movement.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century. Jews now have a state of their own. No less, it is on the land that their ancestors walked. It is in the land G-d promised to our people again and again. It is on the land to which we have yearned to return… Read More »

The Fog of War?

Friday, July 18, 2014 - 1:00 PM

As Yogi Berra would say, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

Terrorists attack Israel. Israel wants peace. Israel is forced to defend itself. The terrorists exploit their own people in their endeavor to harm Israel’s.

The other aspect of this film that we have sort of seen already is the public condemnation of Israel. Sadly, the world doesn’t expect any better from Hamas. So instead of comparing Israel to Hamas, Israel is compared to a make-believe ideal. Israel’s adversaries simply pretend Israel is waging a conventional war against a conventional enemy, and is therefore responsible for the tragic civilian deaths.

In fact, the Israel Defense Forces’ greatest impediment in this defensive… Read More »

Forced Into Action

Friday, July 11, 2014 - 1:00 PM

As the rockets pour down on Israel, our prayers are with those in harm’s way, and with the courageous soldiers in the IDF. It is nothing short of miraculous that, as of yet, there has not been one human casualty in Israel from a direct rocket impact. These are G-d’s miracles, though the Almighty is at times clothed in the forms of bomb shelters, the remarkable Iron Dome system and smartphone apps.

One thing that all Jews and non-Jews in our Holy Land have learned is that you cannot just ignore the situation. Residents are forced to suddenly flee to shelters for protection upon hearing a siren. Even Israel’s heartland, long immune to such rockets, is now under threat as well. The terrorists have ext… Read More »

Do You Live in a Tent?

Friday, July 4, 2014 - 1:00 PM

It’s camping season. I, like many others, am looking forward to spending more time 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.

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As much as I 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, when I haven’t had a proper roof over my head or running water.

Tents are fun for the moment, but I’m not sure I could hand… Read More »