Rabbi's Blog - Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho

Uncertain Certainty

Friday, November 25, 2016 - 2:00 PM

Today I stood with thousands of my colleagues as we prayed together. We prayed for our communities, for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, and for the entire Jewish people.

There is something uplifting about the sense of commitment when you know that your prayers are shared by so many across the globe. Jewish tradition teaches that the prayers of the community (in contrast to the individual) is never despised by our Father in Heaven. Imagine the prayers of thousands of Jewish communities worldwide, reflected in the petitions of their rabbis!

As I ponder the awesomeness of my annual attendance at the International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries, I am reminded of one of the first emissaries mentioned in the Torah.

Lifelong Training

Friday, November 18, 2016 - 3:43 PM

You’ve trained all your life for this moment.

Perhaps you are an EMT and have the opportunity to save a life.

Perhaps you are a parent and your child is in a moment of crisis.

Perhaps you are a soldier and your regiment is suddenly hit with enemy fire.

There is no time to think, only for action. In fact, if you actually spent the time contemplating the best course of action, you may fail. You might miss the opportunity. All you can do is rely on your past experience and schooling – and seize the moment.

It’s at that moment that you are reduced to the core instincts that years of training have instilled within you.

***

Avraham, the first Jew, is the main character in this week’s parsha, Vayeira. Three important… Read More »

75 is the New 25!

Friday, November 11, 2016 - 1:17 PM

She’s over the age of retirement, accomplished in many ways, left a lasting impression, a household name, wealthy and experienced.

But, she’s still not satisfied.

***

He’s a septuagenarian, rich and well-known. He’s already got a significant following and a large sphere of influence.

But, he’s still not satisfied.

***

No, I’m not talking about Clinton or Trump. You’ve heard enough about them this week!

I’m talking about Sarah and Avraham.

Usually, by seventy five years old, people are looking in life’s rear-view mirror, eager to retire and relax. Perhaps some travel, more time with family and on the golf course.

But Avraham and Sarah began their lives’ most meaningful jour… Read More »

A Lonely Celebration

Friday, November 4, 2016 - 2:34 PM

A teacher of the earth science class was lecturing on map reading.

After explaining about latitude, longitude, degrees and minutes the teacher asked, “Suppose I asked you to meet me for lunch at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude…?”

After a confused silence, a voice volunteered, “I guess you’d be eating alone.”

***

After Noach and his family were saved from the destruction of The Flood, he set out to reestablish life on earth. The first thing he planted was a vineyard. This soon was his undoing, because he got drunk and suffered at the hands of his own son.

We would expect Noach, the man who spoke with G-d and was exclusively deemed righteous enough … Read More »