Rabbi's Blog

“Weeping is lodged in one side of my heart, and joy is lodged in the other,” states the Zohar, Judaism’s fundamental mystical text.

It’s hard to imagine the absolute presence of two opposite emotions simultaneously. Yet, this is the feeling many of us may have upon receiving the news of Israel signing a ceasefire agreement.  Our joy knows no bounds at the hopeful release of hostages who have suffered immeasurable torment.

And, our hearts are shattered at the knowledge that many languish behind, that terrorists are being freed with a promise to make October 7 look like child’s play G-d Forbid, that Hamas will continue to terrorize Israel and the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.

So, how should we be feeling… Read More »

In light of the situation in California, I'm sharing a thought by a former yeshiva-mate of mine.

We pray for those in harm's way and for those who have lost so much.

By Rabbi Eli Friedman, Chabad of Calabasas

The thing about evacuations is, you can only take what's most important when you go. And so, suddenly you're asking yourself, what's most important?

And when all is said and done, even some of the most expensive items you own don't make onto that rarest of all lists. Expensive equipment, designer clothing, luxury jewelry - forget about it. Why, your most expensive possession of all - your house - is left behind.

Only that which is truly priceless gets to come with you. Things that mean the whole world to you and yet you proba… Read More »

In 1985, at the Library of Lubavitch World Headquarters, precious and rare books began mysteriously disappearing. Eventually, it was discovered that a relative of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who had left the fold, was surreptitiously removing books from the library.

Hundreds of priceless religious tomes went missing, many of which were found to have been sold on the black market.

In a tragic part of Chabad history, a court case ensued to recover the stolen books. On 5 Tevet 5747 (January 6, 1987), the court ruled in favor of the Chabad movement. Most of the books were recovered, though some still remain at large.

The Rebbe stated that this was a cause fighting for – because it underscored the very nature of the Chassid-Rebbe relationshi… Read More »

Chanukah is most widely celebrated by kindling the menorah. This commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting eight days instead of one.

The Talmud (Shabbat 21b) teaches us how this mitzvah of kindling the menorah should be performed:

The mitzvah of Chanukah is to kindle one light per household (each night of Chanukah); Mehadrin (those who eagerly pursue mitzvos) kindle a light for every member of the household; Mehadrin min hamehadrin (those who are even more eager than the standard mehadrin)... kindle one on the first day, and on each following night increase the number of lights by one.

Amazingly, while with regard to many commandments – even Biblical ones – we find varying degrees of meticulousness, when it comes to lighti… Read More »

This week’s Torah portion Vayeshev tells us that Yosef (Joseph was a successful man). In fact, it informs us of his success twice.

You may be thinking, “Well obviously, he was the viceroy of Egypt and ran all its affairs.”

However, the truth is that the Torah never mentions his success once he rose to power. Instead, the Torah declares how successful he was when he was 1) a slave and 2) a prisoner.

Why would Yosef be considered successful when he was demoted to the lowest levels of society, relegated to a life of suffering and isolation from his family?

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Today is the 19^th of Kislev. It’s considered the Rosh Hashanah of the Chassidic calendar. This day commemorates the release of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of… Read More »

On Sunday we celebrated the Upsherenish (first haircut) of our son Levi. At one point someone asked him where all his hair had gone. He responded that they cut it because, “I’m not so little anymore.”

Meanwhile, everyone was enjoying the lavish spread that Esther and friends had prepared. The attention to every detail was impressive. In fact, every little detail was accounted for.

That got me thinking about little things. Should we invest our attention on small details, or focus our limited energies on things that are “not so little?”

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In this week’s parsha, Vayishlach, we read about Yaakov’s quarrel with a stranger.  This stranger, we are taught, was the angel of his brother Esav … Read More »

A boy comes home from Hebrew School and asks his mother to help him with his Hebrew homework.  She stares blankly at the page of strange letters and suddenly bursts into tears.  “I’m sorry I don’t know Hebrew,” she says.

“Don’t worry Mom,” the young boy replies, “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I can call my friends for help with my homework. Their parents were raised in observant homes. They know Hebrew; they know the Torah.”

“No, my son,” she says. “These are not tears of sadness. They are tears of joy, because I know that one day you will be able to teach your children. I embraced Yiddishkeit late, but you will have the tools to give your childr… Read More »

With a broken heart, I landed in New York to join thousands of my colleagues at the annual Kinus Hashluchim (the International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries). Sharing dinner with friends and brothers-in-arms, I was uplifted by the energy.

Despite the Kinus occurring during the Shiva after the tragic and heinous murder of our colleague Rabbi Tzvi Kogan הי"ד in the United Arab Emirates, we are marching forward.

One speaker reminded us that after the terrible terrorist massacre in Kfar Chabad, Israel in 1956, the Rebbe insisted on increasing activities and building Kfar Chabad ever more than before. It wasn’t enough to simply rebuild. The bounce back needs to be greater than the previous status quo.

So, the br… Read More »

My daughters look forward to Friday. Truth be told, it’s a day with lots of work for them. Since it’s Erev Shabbos there’s a plethora of chores to get done. Cooking, cleaning, setting the table, baths and fresh clothes – Erev Shabbos is a busy day for everyone in our household.

Yet, the girls are excited because they will usher in Shabbat with the lighting of the candles. The older ones can’t wait to can help their younger sisters with this special mitzvah! Starting at three years old, they each light their own candle.

We once had a guest that frowned at this tradition. “How can you let a three-year old kindle a fire?” she exclaimed. “Aren’t you teaching her bad habits?”

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In t… Read More »

Once upon a time, a fisherman was out on the lake and caught a huge fish. “This is wonderful!” he said aloud. “The Baron loves fish!” The fish thought, “Okay, there is hope for me. The Baron loves fish.”

The fisherman took the fish to the Baron’s palace, and notified the sentry that he had caught a great fish for the Baron. “Ah, such a beautiful fish! The Baron loves fish.”

Great,” thought the fish, “Confirmation.”

The fisherman presented it to the royal chef. “I will prepare this fish in the most perfect way.” The fish thought, “Indeed, I will receive special treatment! It’s my lucky day.”

Before preparing the fish, the chef and the… Read More »

Flights to nowhere are either joyous or frustrating.

During Covid, Qantas sold out a Flight to Nowhere in ten minutes. Evidently, people were quite bored and enjoyed the thrill.  But, last week’s British Airways flight from London, UK to San Jose, Costa Rica turned around over the Atlantic and landed back in London, leaving many passengers deeply frustrated. It seems the cause was a water leak.

This week’s parsha is all about journeys. Avraham and Sarah, the first Jews, are instructed by G-d to, “Go from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.”

It’s obvious that they were people of great devotion and faith. They were told to travel, but not … Read More »

I’ll be honest. I’m hoping that in a week from now we will be living in a calmer society.

The political season brings with it much admirable emotions. The passion citizens have for their country. The values they hold dear. The devotion to volunteer for important causes.

But, I would need to have my head in the sand to ignore the detrimental effect it also has on our society.  Politics is a nasty game. So much of it has become about putting down other people. It’s hard to avoid the insults. Our headspace is invaded by endless negativity and personal attacks.

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Chassidim often share the following anecdote:

As a small child, Reb Zalman Aharon (the “Raza”), the older brother of Rebbe Sholom DovBer of Luba…Read More »

On July 27, Hezbollah terrorists massacred fellow Arabs with an attack on Majdal Shams, a Druze village in Northen Israel. 12 youth were killed and scores injured. Israel promised a strong response to protect all its citizens.

Israel has been engaged in a tit-for-tat with Hezbollah for the last year.  However, recently, it appears that Israel has seized the initiative to restore peace to the region – with the only language that terrorists seem to understand. Hopefully, this will allow all the displaced residents of Northern Israel to return home.

It seems that Israel has suddenly realized that its survival depends on its own strength and pride.

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This reminded me of the opening words of this week’s Torah portions, Nitza… Read More »