Exiled Warrior

Transformative Zionism

2011-06-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

"We will never understand the journey until we are standing on the peak of the mountain."

On the 18th of Sivan one year ago I stepped out of the Nefesh B’Nefesh headquarters in Jerusalem after completing my Aliyah process. It is now one year later and I can honestly say, not only have I no regrets but I have transformed completely from who I was then and to whom I am now.

When I stepped out of NBN’s office that day I knew I had made the right decision; what I didn’t know was how great a decision it actually was.

I moved to Israel for the same reason many people do. The feeling of being home, the beauty of the Land and I had the added bonus that my family had moved here as well. It was a very practical move, one that no doubt required sacrifice but also made a lot of sense. I certainly didn’t love Israel; at least not on a very deep level. I remember a friend telling me once that when she saw the flag of Israel tears swelled in her eyes as she thought about all the wars fought over this sliver of Land and all the holy souls who gave their lives to keep it. I was amazed by her sense of connection but I myself, felt nothing of the sort.

It is one year later and, as stated, I have changed completely. I have bonded with this Land. I have become one with her. I will, with G-d’s help, never leave. I cherish every moment I have the merit to walk the holy soil and breathe her sweet air. I know there is no other place suitable for me on Earth and even to travel to other places I have little interest. My heart, body and soul are fused with this Land, inseparable, together for eternity. It is no longer just my home but my identity. Without her I would be lost as a blind man in a corn maze.

The question is: What happened over the past year that made me change the way I feel? What transpired that gripped my soul so strongly? These are the questions that have been racing through my mind. I would like to share but a few of my thoughts as to the reason behind this transformation.

When I came to this country, as I have written, it was out of a sense of practicality. My family had already moved here and it was my “extended” family’s (The Jewish Nation) homeland. It felt good to be around my people, who understood me and for the most part care for my well-being. I realized I didn’t have a deeply rooted love for Eretz Yisrael and I was very troubled by this. Yom HaAtzmaut was a day of barbeques, the flag was just the national symbol, and the Land, though part of history, held little significance to me, now. I heard other people convey their sincere words of affection for the Land and I felt like an outsider. Why was my heart so hard? Why didn’t my eyes swell with tears when I viewed the flag? My heart ached from my lack of feeling.

However, I knew, as is common knowledge, that if one wants to really love someone, he must learn to love her. He must contemplate her importance. Study how she thinks and feels. He must remind himself daily that without her, he is nothing. The same is true with a Land.

Over this past year I have studied the many Halachot and debates pertaining to this Land. I have learned from them the spiritual importance and in fact, need, for every Jew to live here within her borders. They have taught me that I am a part of the beginning steps of the Ge’ula and that I have responsibility to the building up of the Land both physically and spiritually.

I have felt the pain of my Nation as we witnessed a young family slaughtered in their sleep by our cowardly enemy. I can only imagine how the Jews who have witnessed every act of terror must feel. Memories of bombings and shootings litter the very streets I now walk. Who in Israel doesn’t know someone killed by our vicious enemies?

I have learned of the importance of a Jewish State and the fact that any Jew, who feels safe outside of it, is clearly not a student of history.

I have felt the pride as I waved my flag, which bears the Star of David, above my head as if to say to all the anti-Semites who have perished under the pages of the past: “Ha! I have returned to my ancestral Land. I have become a great and strong Nation, and you have been defeated! ‘You pushed me hard that I might fall, but Hashem assisted me. G-d is my might and my praise, and He was a salvation for me. I shall not die! But I shall live and relate the deeds of G-d. The stone that the builders despised has become the head cornerstone.’ (Psalms 118) You, however, enemy of Israel, have become but rotten corpses. Your arrogant leaders have become worm food. Your towers have crumbled and your shrines have been smashed. But I, Israel, wave my flag of freedom in my Land promised to me by my Father and my King."

I understand that my very presence in this Land is a great sanctification of His glory. (Ezekiel 36:20) My very living in the Land, causing glory to come upon His Name, will hopefully atone for the years I desecrated it living amongst the nations.

I am no longer a stranger in a foreign land but a soldier in mine. I am part of an unprecedented historical event of a nation returning to their homeland after 2000 years of wandering.

I am part of something so much greater than myself and yet I am a crucial aspect of it. I have given meaning to even the breath I pull into my lungs. I have become a building block in my Nation’s future. I have merited following in the first Zionist’s dusty footsteps when he was commanded by G-d to “go for yourself.” (Genesis 12:1)

A year after my Aliyah I have become transformed from one person to a completely different one; from an individual to part of a Nation; from a spectator to a player; from slavery to redemption. Through study and contemplation I have learned to love this country and I dare say more than anyone who hasn’t studied. I know there are endless levels of love and I have but scratched the surface. With G-d’s help, I will continue to merit living here and learning more about her, continuing to grow in love for my Land, Eretz Yisrael.

Strangely, my story seems to parallel that which has occurred on a national level. If you take a journey over the past 63 years of the State of Israel, you will notice that the early Zionists believed that the final goal would be that we would gain respect from the nations by becoming one of them. This failed but Zionism didn’t. They only knew a piece of Zionism. They helped to build the Land, some sacrificing their very lives, surely they merit great reward for their holy work; but building the Land is only one step. Just as a man is given both a body and soul so is the Land of Israel. Over the past 63 years, Zionism has continually shed its skin only to grow more and more into the full vision. The vision which began with G-d’s commandment of “Go for yourself…to the Land that I will show you.” (ibid)

With this understanding of Zionism in its complete form, the job we have, although difficult to achieve, is simple to understand. We must continue to teach and learn about the Land. We must increase our love both for her body and her soul. We must build the Nation with love drawing ourselves deeper and deeper in love with Eretz Yisrael. We must bond ourselves to this Land and proclaim to the world: “Who is like Israel one Nation in the Land.” (Shmonah Esrai Mincha on Shabbat) With patience and hard work we will see the final Redemption, Zionism in its complete form, speedily in our days. And thus, after watching the sun rise Rav Chiya said to Rav Chalafta: “Rabbi, thus is the redemption of Israel; in the beginning, little by little. And the more it progresses, it increases and grows.” (Jerusalem Talmud, Berachot 1:1)

This post is dedicated to all the Olim who have come from all over the world to join in the sacred task of living and building the Land of Israel. May Hashem guide the rest of the Nation from the four corners of the Earth to our Land. “Blessed is Hashem the Redeemer of Israel.” (Shomnah Esrai)

Why Have You Abandoned Your Mother?

2011-06-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

“For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be still…” (Isaiah 62:1)

All who are even somewhat connected to the holy Land of Eretz Yisrael could easily relate to the pain she must have felt when the wicked spies slandered against her. These great leaders came back after inspecting the Land and told the people that they cannot ascend to Eretz Yisrael for the nations there are too powerful for them to conquer. Only two of them assured the people that with G-d’s help “we can surely do it.” (Numbers: 13:30)

This Parasha is always difficult for me to read. What a tragedy it was! The Jews abandoned Eretz Yisrael out of petty fear! If only they would have loved Hashem and the Land enough that they would be willing to enter and conquer it at any cost. Sadly though, we know they didn’t, and we are still suffering because of that sin today.

This week however, my heart was stricken with even a deeper pain. I realized this week that the Parasha of the “Spies” always falls out around the end of the school year. That means that every year as we read about the Jews forsaking the Land, hundreds if not thousands of students who had come to Israel for a year of yeshiva, seminary, or college turn their backs on our Land with no intention of returning.

Could you even begin to fathom the suffering of Eretz Yisrael when she watches her beloved Nation abandon her every year? She must relive the sin of the spies every year and the knife is driven deeper into her heart. “Why are my children leaving?” She asks with a broken heart. “What have I done that you hate me so? Why do you choose to live outside of my borders? Don’t you find me beautiful? Why have you abandoned me?” Every year she must endure this pain. Imagine how a mother would feel to watch children abandon her every year for another woman. Take a second and try to feel the pain of Eretz Yisrael, our beloved Land.

Every year the children of Israel murmur: “Is it not better for us to return to ‘Egypt’?” (Numbers 13:3)

We all have our excuses our so-called reasons for staying abroad. As did the Jews in the desert, after all they were afraid of being killed! Look inside yourself and see if you are not in fact just too comfortable to care about the pain of your Land. Maybe things are so enjoyable in “Egypt” that you no longer want to leave. Your belly has become fat and your heart has become poisoned by lust. You have turned your back on your Land as she begs you to stay. How can I ever forgive you for hurting my mother? Have you no shame? How can you live with yourself as your Land weeps relentlessly for your return? She doesn’t just want your monthly check in the mail, or your annual visit, she wants you to be with her always. She wants you to dwell in her borders, to walk her hills and swim in her waters. Yet you abandon her.

This of course does not apply to the ones whose hearts are rooted here, whose tears cannot be counted for they weep to be back with her. The ones who genuinely desire to dwell here but cannot your very desire comforts her. I feel your pain as well. Stay strong! Do not give up! The road to Zion is paved with difficulties.

Only G-d and you can know what is in your heart.

There are, however, many Jews who have recently returned to their homes outside of Eretz Yisrael with the intention and desire of returning. This is amazing and I commend you. May you have swift journey back!

If you find yourself in this category, I would like to humbly offer some advice. Learn from the old children’s story of Hansel and Gretel and leave “breadcrumbs” so you don’t get lost! Do something every day that will remind you of your desire to return. Outside of Israel the world is like a pool of wet cement for a Jew, the longer you remain the harder it becomes to leave. It will eventually drown out the screams of your soul and suffocate your spirit. You will no longer even remember Eretz Yisrael except as a dream never fulfilled. I have seen it happen too many times to not be a firm believer in its power. I have witnessed men of great character leave this country filled with the desire to return, only to later forsake their dream for the calls of the temptress called comfort. Some truly want to return but the cement has hardened to where it has become almost impossible to leave. What a tragedy! So I urge you; do not be overconfident and think that you will not be affected. The poison is too strong! Come back as soon as you can and comfort your suffering mother, but until then remember who you are and what you want; and then fight to attain it.

May the pain of Eretz Yisrael soon cease because of the return of her children. And let all the Jews say in unison: “The Land is very, very good!” (Numbers 13:7) Amen.

Jewish Observance: Out of Service?

2011-06-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Something very tragic has occurred. I don’t know when it began; perhaps it has been the same since the beginning of time. Jews both religious and not have made G-d Almighty into an idol. Their service has become an exact replica of the way the heathens would worship their idols. I wish I could say that I am different, that I serve G-d the way we are suppose to, but sadly, I too have treated G-d in such a disgusting manner.

The “Reform” movement started in the early 19th century made their crucial error in the way they viewed Judaism. They saw Judaism as part of who they were and not their entire identity. As Abraham Joshua Heschel wisely stated: “G-d is of no importance unless He is of supreme importance.” This is the mistake of the Reformed and other such movements, they aim to fit G-d into their lives instead of fitting their lives to G-d.

However, I have seen that even in the religious community there has been a great misunderstanding as to who G-d is. Many religious Jews will follow everything in the Torah to the letter of the law; exactly as it should be done. They will pray with fervor, give charity, study the scriptures, etc. They live what looks to be ideally Jewish lives.

Their sin however, lies in their intentions. I have seen and sadly been guilty of serving G-d because I was worried about getting punished in the future. The same way the superstitious are enslaved to doing certain actions in order to “protect” the future, so the religious pray in order to not upset the “god” who will punish them. It’s an investment, having nothing to do with serving the King of the universe.

When I was a teenager I struggled with Judaism. By that I mean that I was overcome by laziness cleverly disguised as questions of Faith. I found myself on a pretty low level of religious observance. However, I always made sure to do certain commandments in order that I wouldn’t be punished. For example, before you go to sleep we are told to say the “Shema” prayer. I always made sure to say “Shema” before I went to sleep and can now admit that it was not said out of deeply rooted fear of Heaven but out of childish fear of the night. I was taught that saying the “Shema” at night protected one from “bad guys,” and so out of fear I would recite the “Shema” the same way the worried mystic down the block would hang a rabbit’s foot above his bed.

I suspect that even now much of my religious observance has a hint of “superstition” in it, and it will take much honest analyzing to determine the genuine from the idol worship.

Though I am certain there are many authentic Jews who pray out of awe of Heaven and serve Hashem because He is the King and there is none other but Him, I believe this problem is more common than a few rebellious teenagers. How many of us pray because we fear if we don’t we won’t get the job, or the house, or the…Although without help of Heaven this is no doubt true, G-s is not a lucky charm. We need to want the job because we want to serve Him, not serve Him because we want the job. If you find yourself asking: “Why hasn’t G-d answered my prayers?! Why isn’t He listening to me?!” It may be time to look again at the intentions behind your prayers.

I find that this misunderstanding plagues most of religious society. The question “But why?” although sometimes can our show ignorance as a way of nullifying our reason to His Kingship, more times than not is being asked out of anger and disbelief that G-d could betray us a this and this matter. G-d’s ways do not need to make sense to our tiny intellect. In fact when they do we need to double our efforts so as not do it because it makes sense but because He said so.

Many Jews find much pleasure in finding scientific studies proving G-d’s wisdom such as “Circumcision has benefits including decreased risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases in men. (ChaCha Answers) or regarding the Black Plague: “The bubonic plague was caused by unclean living environments. People thought that it was the Jews' fault, since they didn't seem to get sick. In reality, however, the Jews were merely more sanitary.” (ie. Washing hands before meals.) Of course there is nothing wrong with learning that Hashem gave us a book of real wisdom, the danger of such thinking however, is simple. When one “understands” the wisdom of G-d it begs the question of whether his service is that of service of G-d or service of self.

The other problem that can arise is that of the Reformed. Once we begin to “understand” we believe that we have the right to choose. That which makes sense will be kept and the rest abandoned.

This misunderstanding of G-d as shown has caused many to turn astray and many others to without realizing that they have.

The solution: Understand our relationship to G-d.

This is of course very complex and requires much study, however simply put; Hashem our G-d is the King over everything. He gives and sustains life. Nothing exists and can exist without His will. He constantly watches over all of creation and hears their prayers. He is obliged to no one. Nothing is demanded of Him. He chose the Jewish people as a Nation to reveal His greatness to the other nations. Because of our many sins we are certainly not worthy of His kindness, yet we receive millions of them on a daily basis. Take a breath and wonder if you really deserved that. We recognize that we are indebted to Him and we therefore serve Him. Not only does He “put up” with us, but He loves us more than we could ever imagine. He is our Father, our King. What an honor we received that we get the opportunity to serve the loftiest of Beings. The servant of a king is honored how much more the servant of the King of kings! And so, we serve and praise Him. In short, Hashem does not serve us, we serve Him!

One may ask the question of if is not indeed better for children to just do the commandments even out of superstition than not do them at all. For that I have no answer. I have not yet merited raising children but I would imagine that they can handle more than we give them credit for. If they witness their parents’ pure service of the King they certainly will be able to learn from that. For as Carl Jung remarked: “Children are educated by what the grown-up is, and not by his talk."

But without doubt, we as adults must rectify this thinking. Or we will be guilty of G-d forbid worshipping an idol and believing ourselves to be religious Jews!

Should I Go or Should I Sde? - A Thanks to Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu

2011-06-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

וקבצנו יחד מהרה מארבע כנפות הארץ לארצנו." -- ברכת שמונה עשרה"

Last week today I left a six month stay on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu. I spent five of those months enrolled in an Ulpan program in which all participants learn Hebrew one day and work on the kibbutz the next. It allows for the unique advantage of wrapping oneself completely in Israeli society and helping to build the Jewish homeland. The last month I spent there I attended a Beit Medrash program created by the kibbutz for men finishing their duty in the army, to bring more Torah learning to the kibbutz as well as stability to these soldiers with their recently acquired re-citizenship.

For those of you who don’t know, “kibbutz” is a small community where everyone receives an equal share. It is traditionally based on agriculture among other products. The early pioneers who came to this country set up this system combining Socialism and Zionism. Kibbutz life is a corner stone of Israeli society. However, many kibbutzim are becoming privatized and losing their kibbutz identity. Although I do not view this as a bad thing necessarily, I am glad to have partaken in this crucial building block of Israeli society.

When I first heard about the concept of attending an Ulpan on a kibbutz, I scoffed at the idea. I believed it to be a way for Israeli’s to take advantage of the free labor of passionate Olim. However, after much searching it became the most logical course of action and I reluctantly signed myself up.

What I found when I got there was amazing. Sitting around a table were a group of Olim hanging out and trying to break the ice. We all had that “lost puppy” look in our eyes as we confronted a world we had never experienced. Everyone became instantly bonded by our common lack of Hebrew. We all put our backs together ready to embark on the challenge of a lifetime.

The next morning we all rose early for Shachrit and then headed to work at about six in the morning. For many of us this was the first time in a long time that we had seen the sun rise. They took us to what look like an endless amount of pomegranates trees. Row after row of green leaves with small bright red diamonds peeking out filled our astonished eyes. Even with our little Hebrew we quickly were able to understand the work that had to be done and got to work. Every few minutes another person would say with a big smile on his face: “Wow, here we are working the holy Land of Israel.” It would take me months until I finally would understand the depth of that statement.

There I was working MY Land. Although I didn’t really understand then what that meant, saying it helped on those early winter mornings. I enjoyed the work very much. The simplicity of the work allowed my thoughts to wonder into my mind and dance softly between complex calculations and peaceful daydreams. There are times when I was alone between rows so thick with leaves and beautiful pomegranates that I would feel like the only person in the world. I would take one of the beautiful fruits, its leathery skin too difficult to peel, and break it open on my knee. Its deep red juices would pour onto my hands as I opened it revealing it’s carefully packaged seeds. What a magnificent way to begin the morning! I only found out later that the kibbutz actually doesn’t gain from having us there, they simply did it to help new Olim learn Hebrew and accustom themselves to the rich Israeli culture.

On every other day we would attend an Ulpan class given by some of the most talented and patient teachers I have ever experienced in any area of education. They taught us our holy ancestral language with love and a genuine desire for us to learn it. They would constantly ask us what they can do to maximize our learning experience. They would tutor privately and give their all every day. For an Oleh it can become extremely disheartening to go from being a mature respected adult to having the speaking ability of a nine year old; thus, one needs loving and caring teachers like that of the Ulpan to stay strong.

The program’s head Jonny Cardash not only manages the financial matters of every student, he also makes an effort to reach out and befriend them. He told us himself it was very difficult for him to become close to each group only to watch them leave after five months. Therefore, he told us, he purposely keeps his distance in order to not have to feel that pain. However, we that attended the Ulpan know that although he may want to keep his distance, we knew the truth; we had a good friend sitting in the manager’s office ready and willing to help us with our every need.

The Ulpan hand picks the madrichot from the group of amazing religious girls who although exempt from the army, take it upon themselves to volunteer for one to two years before going off to college. The madricha that I merited to have was a young 19 year old girl with the maturity of a 40 year old and the leadership abilities of an army general. She made a point to spend time with each one of the Olim and “force” them to speak Hebrew. She was patient and loved to help. She took her job very seriously. She loved every one of us and wanted badly that we would succeed. She also went out of her way to help with any other need that an Oleh might have; a call to the army, setting up a bank account, mailing an official letter, etc. It wasn’t just her job; she made it her entire life.

For five months we lived together. All us Olim struggling to make it in this foreign land that we would soon understand was not foreign at all but rather our home. I have been lucky to have my family here in Israel as well, but many of my fellow Ulpanistim left everything they had in order to dwell in the Land given to us by Hashem our G-d. They left their entire families not knowing the next time they would see them. They quit prestigious jobs to try and find a living here in Israel. They had every excuse to remain in exile, but they chose to sacrifice everything to fulfill the will of our Creator, following in the dusty footsteps of our forefather Avraham. I am proud to have merited being with them. To talk with them, learn from them and be inspired by them. May Hashem bless all their journeys with success and happiness.

After the Ulpan I returned to my family with a mouthful of stories and experiences from my amazing life on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu.

Shortly thereafter I went back up to the kibbutz to attend the Beit Medrash of Torah and Avodah. It was a completely Hebrew speaking program. I had learned just enough Hebrew to have the courage to attend such a program, but not enough to get rid of the nauseous feeling as I stepped off the bus. There I was again back on kibbutz, only this time I would have to know Hebrew and I wouldn’t have the great excuse of: “Sorry, I’m an Ulpanist.”

There are no words to describe the greatness of these recently released soldiers. I didn’t feel like I was there “Chesed case,” but that of an equal with a few language barriers between us. Everyone from the Rebbeim to every person in the program helped me with words I didn't understand and were patient. I learned faster than I ever have in my life. Many people will tell Olim that the best way to learn Hebrew is to just “jump in” to an Israeli program. After being part of the Beit Medrash I would have to agree with the added point that you first need to find a group of Israelis like the ones I encountered on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu.

This is a thank you to both of these incredible programs and the kibbutz as a whole. Thank you for opening your doors to me and my brethren from across the ocean. Thank you for helping us begin our lives here in the Land of our inheritance. Thank you teaching us to follow in your footsteps; to help other Olim. I hope Hashem our G-d allows you to help many more of our holy nation become accustom to life here in our National homeland. Amen.

To Jubilee or Not to Be

2011-05-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

As we conclude the Book of Leviticus, the Jewish people are taught about two very important commandments: Yovel and Shmitah.

Shmitah happens every seven years. G-d commands all Jews to seize labor on their fields for one whole year. “For six years you may sow your field and for six years you may prune your vineyard; and you may gather in its crop. But the seventh year shall be complete rest for the Land, a Sabbath for Hashem…” (Leviticus 25:3-4)

After seven cycles of sabbatical years, 49 years, Yoval occurs on the fiftieth year. Every slave is freed, the Land is not worked, and every person must return to his ancestral heritage. “You shall sanctify the fiftieth year and proclaim freedom throughout the Land for all its inhabitants; it shall be the Jubilee year for you, you shall return each man to his ancestral heritage and you shall return each man to his family.” (ibid 25:10-11)

Both of these commandments may only be kept in Eretz Yisrael. “When you come into the Land that I give you…” (ibid 25:2) Today, because the majority of Jews don’t live in Israel, we do not have to fulfill these commandments. Although many Jews do not work in agriculture, we can understand the level of faith it takes for a farmer to stop working his field during the sabbatical year. That’s his entire income, his blood! One can only imagine what the country looked like in the fifteth year. Everyone, no matter how much they loved their neighborhood had to move back to their “roots.”

Many reasons are given as to why we are commanded to perform these seemingly strange commandments. Of course they are only a drop in the ocean of Hashem’s infinite wisdom.

Shmittah like the Sabbath of the week is a testimony to Hashem’s creation of the world in six days and His resting on the seventh.

Yovel shows that the Land and freedom are Divine gifts and that ownership is given according to His will. (Chinuch)

These commandments also reveal to us one of the amazing aspects of this holy Land, Eretz Yisrael.

When the Jews were performing these commandments, they got a chance every seven years to take a break; to live! These farmers were suddenly left with nothing to do. Anyone who has ever worked in agriculture knows that it is very consistent work. The trees need to be picked, the vines pruned, the wheat harvested, it is very easy to slip into a life without any change. You are not forced to think very much. You know what must be done and every day you do the same thing. Day in and day out and then suddenly Shmitta comes you must stop working and find something else to do.

As the fiftieth year rolls around the whole country must restart. You must move from the place you have lived for possibly fifty years and return to your heritage. We all know from our own lives how easy it is to become so comfortable, and like a lion in a zoo, our eyes begin to glaze over and we lose our spark. We find that we no longer have that spirit we once had. We don’t seek excitement. Adventure, challenge, wonder, dream, these words are put on dusty shelves and used to describe ones child. Even our intellect can become somewhat “turned off” by the daily grind. We become zombies heading steadily towards our deaths. Yovel demands that we must suddenly change everything. We must restart, look at the past years, and contemplate what we wish to change.

These commandments force us to fight our desire for comfort and rote, and live again!

I am now almost at my second year in Eretz Yisrael and I have found that life here somehow renewing. It’s hard to explain but somehow life just seems to be constantly moving. My friend and I have a phrase we repeat many times out of the sheer wonderment: “In Israel I am never bored!” Another friend of mine, Zecharia Gonsher who has recently made Aliyah himself, once remarked: “Here (in Israel) people live, they don’t just wait.” My father who came here retired has, since his Aliyah in 2007, become a yishuv-famous guitar teacher and has been recently asked to coach one of the football teams in the IFL! He didn’t plan any of it, here it just happens!

Obviously there are people here so obsessed with the “American Dream,” that even here they find a way to be dead while living, and yet others who may have trouble feeling it, but I have experienced it enough times to know that in Israel “there’s something in the air.” Israel, the Land given to us by G-d, forces her inhabitants to really live. That may very well be the reason that these commandments are only performed here in Eretz Yisrael.

Maybe, it’s the surrounding Arab nations who threaten to push us into the sea, maybe it’s just the Israeli personality, maybe it’s because the State is still somewhat new, and maybe it’s something in the Land’s DNA. I don’t know! I am just happy to be living and not just waiting!

(Obviously, there are people outside of Israel who also have exciting lives.)

May Hashem help bring all our brethren home soon, so that once again we will be able to perform these special and unique commandments LIVING together! Amen!

Building Bridges

2011-05-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

"When we truly observe the good side of every individual, it leads to our deeply loving our fellow man without our having to exaggerate his good traits in our mind. This is because taking an interest in the good that we constantly encounter genuinely conceals our fellow man's negative aspects, even the most blatant blemish." -- Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook

When I was a child I attended a Purim play put on by a group of Orthodox rabbis. It was a humorous skit about a group of reformed Jews praying on Yom Kippur. As you can imagine it is very fertile grounds for comedy. One rabbi ate during the service, another played music, others wandered around or slept, the auditorium was filled with laughter.

It wasn’t until many years later that I realized what had happened, hopefully unintentionally, by that seemingly harmless play. That entire room of young religious children was “programmed” to think a certain way about our secular brethren. They were laughing at them; I was laughing at them; only lengthening the gap between religious and secular Jews.

Some of you now may be rolling your eyes, muttering to yourself, that I am exaggerating. Maybe I am. I wasn’t affected only because I had the proper training from my dear parents who were always reminding us of the preciousness of every Jew. Who knows, maybe every child in that room also had parents like mine?

Here I am years later learning in a Beit Medrash on a kibbutz in Eretz Yisrael. During a certain rabbi’s lecture, one of guys said that he heard once that it is impossible for a secular person to do a “full” kindness. By that he meant that this secular person because of his void of Torah learning couldn’t do a kindness without some selfish motive.

I then witnessed the rabbi go into a calm rage. He knew the person who said the comment probably didn’t believe it, but the mere hearing of the words bothered him deeply. He spoke sweetly but with great force as he explained the utter foolishness of such a concept. He brought the Rambam that states that the reason Hashem gave us 613 commandments was in order that we do one of them completely for G-d. The rabbi finished off by saying that we ourselves probably have done little kindness without a selfish endeavor so to judge the secular Jew is not only foolish but hypocritical.

I was so happy to see such a fiery defense of my people. I can only hope that every kid that was with me in that auditorium witnesses a similar occurrence.

We are now in the first 33 days of sefira in which we know that are laws against shaving, haircutting and listening to music. The rabbis decreed that the whole nation is in a somewhat state of mourning for during this time 24,000 elite Torah scholars died. Not just any scholars, but students of Rabbi Akiva who said: “This (love) is a great principle of the Torah.” (Nedarim 9:4)
It is well known why they died. They died, the Rabbis tell us because they didn’t respect one another (Yevomot 62). Many commentaries wonder how such Torah giants could forget a basic principle of the Torah, of loving one’s fellow. They offer many different solutions. And though they may change what the level of disrespect was, they all concur that 24,000 Jews died because they did not respect one another.

There is no place on this Earth for people who do not respect their fellow man. As great as they were, their merits could not save them from the weight of this sin.

One would think that a message like that would surely have woken the Jewish people up to never taking part in that sin again. But sadly, a quick glance around reveals the evil in our midst. Who is pure from harboring ill thoughts in his heart for another? Who can say that he has never judged or disrespected another Jew?

The regaining of the Jewish homeland is a special and unique opportunity to rectify this grievous sin. In exile we were able to pick separate communities and live only amongst Jews that we agreed with. We didn’t have to reach out of our four walls to anybody that we didn’t deem safe. We tried to stay guarded from the evil that swarmed all around us, and then after 2000 years we were suddenly faced with a challenging opportunity.

The Jewish homeland is of course open to all Jews regardless of religious level. All Jews who arose to Eretz Yisrael were suddenly force to live with each other. Ride the same buses together, work together, eat together, it was a shock to both the religious and secular Jew.

Now, here we are. A Nation badly scarred from the horrors of exile. We don’t know who to trust and we are wary of anybody different. The gaps between Jews were still very distant. It is in this time, people like our teacher HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, decided to begin building bridges. He taught us to love and respect our fellow Jew regardless of their backgrounds. He himself sacrificed much of his time to the building of the Nation. His son HaRav Tzvi Yehuda Kook followed in his father’s footsteps teaching many of our leaders today how we must conduct ourselves now, in the beginning of Ge’ula.

There is much work to be done. The ingathering of the exiles is only the beginning. The Nation needs to heal. We need to build bridges not only from religious to secular, but to all of Israel. Sefardim, Charadim, Dati Le’umi, we can have a many different opinions but we must remain one heart. We must!
Nobody can say that one man is righteous and another not. No man can call one group completely correct and another incorrect. One man may not attend services but has an amazing love for the Jews; and yet another man may follow all the laws but despises his neighbor. We don’t know and we are not meant to. Our job is to love. “V’ahavta L;Raiach K’chamocha.” (Leviticus 19:18)

We must no longer make fun of our secular brethren or any other Jew. We must not distance ourselves from one another. We need to strengthen the bonds between all Jews and slowly regain our health and become a complete and unified nation once more. We’ll need a patience and love. Patience and love.

As the brilliant Rabbi Nathan Cardozo once said: "Once religious Jews start to learn that irreligious Jews are their equals and not their inferiors, a comeback to Judaism on the right terms will come about." This of course applies to all Jews regardless of religious observance.

I have had a hard time writing this post. The message I feel has already been given in so many different ways, yielding little results. At least from what I can see. Why is it that we have such a hard time rectifying this? Why do we hate one another? Will we ever stop? Do this: Think of one group or person who you don’t like and please think about something he or they do well.

Such Is My Land

2011-04-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

It’s 11:30 in the morning. I am standing on the sunny streets of Jerusalem in a crowd of Jews. We all have a similar goal; we want to enter or at least pass the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem. But we are blocked. Police have fenced off the area. I have lived here for a while and so instantly I know what’s going on. There has been a call to the police of a “Chafetz Chashud” or literally suspicious item. In most cases it’s a deserted bag that at least in this country, is very possibly a bomb.

So there I am, surrounded by curious tourists, slightly annoyed taxi drivers and nearly another hundred people. We stand waiting, hoping to soon be able to continue our day. We watch the man with the helmet walk courageously towards the bag. He is covered in some type of protective gear that I imagine would do very little in a close proximity explosion. Yet he alone, walks confidently over to the suspicious bag, ready to defuse the deadly weapon if needed. We all wait, wondering. Is it bomb? Will it go off? Is the man with the helmet going to be alive in the next few minutes? I watch as some Israelis, who clearly have wondered enough, try sneaking past the police in order to get on with what they were doing. They are stopped, and still we wait.

Thankfully, it is a false alarm, and just like that, the “hustle and bustle” of daily life continues.

The whole deal lasted about fifteen minutes. People missed their buses. Some came late to appointments. Life stopped temporarily because someone may have put a bag filled with explosives with the intention of spilling Jewish blood.

Such is the Land in which I live.

I live in a Land that we must go through metal-detectors to enter most malls, groceries, theaters, and of course any government buildings. I must pass through a checkpoint on the road going to my little settlement. Threats by my enemies to destroy my Land are heard every day. Many of my people have been slaughtered by enemies who are living in our midst. Bombs have been detonated, rockets have fallen, guns have been fired, and we are forced to live with the painful reality that some of the people who you see one day may be killed the next.

I live in a Land that is condemned by the world media. Even right now, there are many who believe where I am living is the “obstacle of peace” and I should leave. My Land is under constant pressure from the U.N. and the West.

I live in a Land that it is not uncommon to come home to my weeping mother who says pain-stricken: “We lost another Jew today.” As she utters these words I am forced once again to ride the “emotional rollercoaster.”

First, I will feel pain. Pain for the loss of yet another Jew; then there is rage mixed with hatred almost uncontrollable. I’ll try and cry but instead just punch the wall and curse the terrorists. Sometimes it can destroy my day and sometimes you just take it in like a weather report.

I’ll hate myself for not feeling the pain. How can I laugh at a time while the blood of the murdered is still wet? Yet, here I am smiling as if nothing has happened. I’ll wonder if I have become completely callus unable to feel anymore sorrow. I will become sickened by my feelings of apathy.

Then there are the rare times where they get inside of me. I’ll become filled with fear as the lights go out. I will lay in the dark, fists clenched, attentive to every sound. I’ll say the Shema with extra concentration, asking G-d to protect me even though I’m undeserving. I’ll try to convince myself that it won’t be me next, only to realize that the holy victims more than likely thought that too.

Such is the Land in which I live.

I live in a Land where sweet young fathers walk around with a gun at all times because the threat of an attack on their family is all too real. Parents warn their kids about hitch-hiking for the enemy has been known to dress up like a Jew in order to kid-nap one.

Our enemies rejoice when we are murdered. We can hear them when they dance over the deaths of Jews. We can smell the smoke as they burn our flag. I live completely surrounded by a bloodthirsty enemy who will give the lives of their entire family to kill a Jew. There have been nights I have heard a sound and leaped out of bed and grabbed the closest weapon available.

Such is the Land in which I live.

My Land is Eretz Yisrael and I will never leave. I live with a constant threat of death and it only makes me stronger. They will never break me. For 2000 years I was kept from feeling her soil beneath my feet. For 2000 years I couldn’t taste her air. I couldn’t swim in the Kineret, hike her beautiful hills, and see the sun set over her beaches. For 2000 years I wandered. Now, I have returned and my love for this Land is far greater than the enemies’ hatred for me and my people.

I am overjoyed to be living where my forefathers walked. I am excited to protect her borders from our enemies. I am proud to know that I am a living protest to all the anti-Semitism throughout history. I am strengthened by the many others who marched fearlessly into battle sometimes sacrificing their lives to defend this Land.

Most of all however, I am happy to know that when my grandchildren ask me if I was one of the Jews who came to this Land before it was safe, when there were people dying, when others were too afraid to come, I will be able to tell them: Yes. When they ask if I helped build the country and protected her I will be able to say: Yes.

I will tell my grandchildren stories of the courageous Jews who stayed here throughout time and fought for our homeland. I will tell them of Yonatan Netanyahu and of Roi Klein. I will tell of the simple Jews who after burying their murdered brothers and sisters would only strengthen their faith. I will tell them of the children who decided to continue to dwell in this Land even after their parents were slain. I will tell them about all the heroic Jews both in and out of uniform who, in the face danger, screamed “Am Yisrael Chai!”

I will know as they listen that they will also be proud of me…

Such is the Land in which I live.

National Re-Birth

2011-04-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

Just a few days ago we, the Jewish people, tried to re-live the exodus from Egypt, as if we ourselves were there (Shemot 13:8). We confidently marched with all of Am Yisrael from bondage to freedom, from individuality to nationality. We read the Haggadah which through its poetic words and symbolism allows us to travel back in time. We cry with our ancestors as the Egyptians demand back-breaking labor, and we rejoice with them as we cross the sea on dry land. If one puts his mind to it, the Seder can be a truly uplifting and powerful experience.

In the spirit of the holiday I would like to share a thought that has completely changed the way I look at myself as a Jew, the Jewish people as a whole and the task that lays before us. What I am going to say is not a new concept but one that I believe needs some refreshing.

Pesach is the holiday in which we commemorate our nation’s birth. We remember how Hashem led the Jewish people out of Egypt with a “Strong Hand” in order to create a sanctified nation who would be His emissaries on this Earth. The purpose of this nation was to lead the world back to moral perfection. He leads the newly-freed people on a 40 year trek through the desert, where we were raised from the lowest point of impurity to the highest level of holiness. In the desert we received the Torah; the eternal bond between ourselves and G-d. The nation was almost complete, all we needed was a land in which to dwell and from there spread the teachings of G-d to the world. Hashem in His kindness leads us, Torah in hand, to the Land flowing with milk and honey, Eretz Yisrael. There we would serve G-d as one Nation in our Land. “Who is like Israel, one nation in the Land.” (Samuel II 7:23)

Sadly, due to our many sins, we were cast forth from the borders of Israel and into a miserable exile. There we suffered pogroms, expulsions, mass slaughter, persecution and discrimination the likes of which no other nation can claim to have endured.

We were beaten down to our knees and watched our nation become divided and dispersed throughout the nations. Some writers even “forgot” our illustrious history and fascinating culture, and believed us to be a nation connected only by anti-Semitism. Without the hatred, they claim, we would fall apart with no longer anything in binding us together.

Jean Paul Satre, a French philosopher made the following observation: “Jews have neither community of interests, nor community of beliefs. They do not have the same fatherland, they have no history. The sole tie that binds them is the hostility and the disdain of the societies that surround them. Thus the authentic Jew is the one who asserts his claim in the face of the disdain shown him.” (“Anti-Semite and Jew” translated by George J. Becker)

These types of terrifying claims have haunted our gentle souls for the last 2000 plus years. Needless to say our feelings of nationality were pushed aside and the instinct to survive took over instead. We clung to anybody familiar turning away from our own people if they were of different philosophies. We became weak-minded with only a bleak hope to keep us from giving up completely. We made sure to distance ourselves from our gentile neighbors putting down our mission to be a “light unto the nations (Isaiah 42:6),” in the name of keeping Judaism alive. It was after maybe the most tragic and catastrophic massacre our nation has ever encountered that a light began to seep through the cracks of our broken spirits.

In a turn of miraculous events the leaders of the world decided that we may return to our homeland of Eretz Yisrael and control her. Some of the Jews heeded the call and returned and sacrificed many of their lives to build her back up from her 2000 year desolation. The Land which Hashem had kept us exiled from for 2000 years was suddenly opened for Jewish sovereignty. We had returned from exile and the long process to the end of redemption had begun.

For those of you who are uncomfortable with this statement, believing us to still be deep in exile, and the return to Israel to be a natural occurrence and not one of redemption, I challenge you to research. There have been many books written which discuss this complex topic using proofs from the Torah and the words of our sages. That however, is not the purpose of this essay and again I challenge you to read into the topic for I promise the sources our out there. I will bring one only to illustrate that these are not the words of an emotional young Zionist, but one of careful analysis into the Halachot pertaining to this matter.

The Rashi in Tractate Sanhedrin states: “When the Eretz Yisrael yields her fruits in abundance, there’s no surer sign of the Exile’s end.” (Rashi, Sanhedrin 98a)

Once again I will emphasize that there are many more sources which prove that we are living in the first rays of redemption. See “Eim HaBanim Samaicha” written by the brilliant Rav Yissachar Shlomo Teichtal for an in depth Halachic discussion on this topic.

It is this realization that has changed my perception of what a Jew is today. As we slowly move towards Redemption’s finale; as the Jews from all over the globe are returning to our national homeland; we must also change our mindset. We must abandon our exile mentality and begin thinking in terms of a nation.
What does it mean to be part of a nation and how will that change the way we act?

A nation is one body of people. Each of its parts are of equal importance and every part effects the others. No longer is it his problem but our problem. We suffer as one, rejoice as one, and love every person fully, for in reality we are but one entity. We do not segregate ourselves from other parts of our nation we are of one heart and one spirit.

Am Yisrael has been badly beaten. Many from our nation have abandoned their faith and some are trapped so deep in the darkness they are even unaware of their Jewish roots. Others believe our homeland’s purpose to be simply becoming like the other nations and abandoning the Torah and G-d from her borders. The years of anti-Semitism didn’t destroy us, but it did leave us badly scarred.

Now, during these first rays of redemption we must as a nation begin to help to heal each other’s wounds.

Even the religious have been crippled many hiding from any inquiries into our faith terrified of that one question they won’t be able to answer. They have made the Torah into a corpse chasing away the spirit in order to preserve the shell. Obviously, this is detrimental to the Jewish faith for as we know Judaism has all the answers and is not afraid of any question. Hashem desires our challenges for that will keep the spirit of the Torah alive and enflamed.

Right now our nation’s image may not look so exalted, but I ask you: How did the Jews look when they were taken out of Egypt?

Instead of filling our children’s heads’ up with talk of oppression and fear, let us tell them of their special mission. Tell them of how we have once again been redeemed and the important mission of re-building the nation with love that stands before them. Explain to them that it’s not the Zionists or the Charadim, not the Government nor the settlers, but the Nation. We are one. We share in our mistakes as we share in our victories.

This is not to say we shouldn’t protest against things that violate the Torah. We were right for standing up against the expulsion of Gaza (may there never be one again), however as my holy mother did as soon as we lost Gush Katif, we must tie together the “orange” and “blue,” and not let anything divide us.

We have already begun the steady climb back up to fully “recuperated” Statehood. We will soon be once again governed by a G-d fearing king who will lead the nation and the world back to complete service of the Almighty. We have begun, and it will be our children who continue to build.

With this mindset, your prayers will change, your hopes will become greater, your dreams will become brighter, and your spirit will be that of an eternal flame. You will begin feeling stronger as you connect yourself to your people. You will begin to see your mission. You will unquestionably love your fellow for everything that he is and isn’t. You will see the need for and appreciate the land which has been returned to us. Judaism as you know it will become more alive as you will become a living a part of the chosen people. Not because of gentile hatred, but because we an eternal people bound by the Torah dwelling in our Land serving our G-d.

There are, however, those who share this belief of the redemption and therefore “hang up their hats” believing our jobs to be done. Some have become lax in their Jewish observance because of it. This is a terrible fallacy and will only slow us our national dream down. It is out of this fear that I imagine many of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews are afraid to say such claims “as we have been already been redeemed.”

We must not fall prey to this misguided way of thinking. In fact it is completely opposite we must strengthen ourselves for the task that lay before us. As a nation everything we do affects everyone. How great is our national responsibility to make sure we are building and not G-d forbid destroying.

We have seen the first rays of redemption, we must use them to brighten our spirits and enflame our souls. May Hashem help his chosen nation to continue unified towards the complete redemption and the return of our holy Temple to Zion! “Blessed are You, Hashem, Who has redeemed Israel.”(Morning Prayers) Amen.

Get ready my nation; there is much we need to do…

Are We Guilty of "Goldstoning?"

2011-04-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Much discussion has ensued regarding the recent “apologies” of Judge Richard Goldstone.

Goldstone after being asked by the UN to write a report on the Gaza war, wrote a famous article known as the “Goldstone Report.”

In the article, Goldstone accuses Israel of “serious violations of international law, both humanitarian law and human rights law…” (September 15, 2009, UN Press Conference) He goes on to say that Israel made “deliberate attacks on civilians…” (Goldstone Report, Page 533, Section J)

This article has caused possibly irreparable damage to the image of the Israeli army and Judaism as a whole.

Only recently has Goldstone come out to say: “If I had known then what I know now, the Goldstone Report would have been a different document.” (April 1, 2011, Washington Post)

Still though, this simple “apology” in no way rectifies the huge amount of damage that his initial report has done. Many Jews are not quite ready to forgive him; and rightfully so, he has done very little to try and clean up his mess. Goldstone remarked just days ago: “As presently advised I have no reason to believe any part of the report needs to be reconsidered at this time.” (April 6, 2011, Associated Press)

Many people expect him to make a new report. Others want him to go before the UN with his “tail tucked between his legs.” An insincere apology isn’t going to un-write his slanderous report against the Nation of Israel.

I only really began researching this whole “Goldstone” issue within these past few days. I was shocked that the beloved Jewish people weren’t ready to forgive him after he has somewhat publically remarked that his first report is an incomplete investigation.

“Why can’t we forgive him?” I innocently asked my mother. She sent me a link to “Crossing the Yarden,” a blog written by one of the many brilliant Jewish writers living in Israel, which has really helped me understand why we have yet to forgive Richard Goldstone.

While I was researching this topic a thought hit me right between the eyes.

Haven’t I been guilty of “Goldstoning?”

I have certainly judged a person or sect wrong and have accused them falsely. Perhaps I have made a degrading remark about our Chardei brethren and without thought caused another person to hate them. G-d forbid. Or perhaps a flippant comment about the secularists, and distanced them from us more than they already are. I shudder at the thought. Was I always careful about how I looked at others? Did I always wait to get all the facts before coming to a conclusion? Have I ever been a prosecutor against my people, looking at their faults and not their aspects of good?

Oy, will my people ever forgive me for the damage I may have caused?

We don’t know the consequences of all our actions. We have no idea the impact it has in the Heavenly Court when a Jew slanders or judges another Jew. We can see the damage the Goldstone has caused in this world but what of our false accusations? The “Accusing Angels” have a field day when a Jew speaks against or judges his fellow. “See, Master of the world, they are fighting! Your people are fighting with one another!”

Consider the damage of a remark against a certain sect of Jew, even on this world. Mr. Goldenberg (fake name) didn’t mean anything by it. It was just a little comment against a particular sect, and obviously the unspoken words were: “But, they're not all like that.” He, however, didn’t feel that needed to be said.

He goes online the next day and is furious at Goldstone for his weak attempt at apologizing, claiming that until he does something more he has no place among the Jews.

Meanwhile, one the guests who was at Mr. Goldenberg's table, who heard the remark, was naïve and respected his words like gold taking the newly aquired "facts," and spreading them as if he heard it from G-d Himself. The guest tells his friends what his “rebbe” said and they close their hearts to an entire sect of Judaism because Mr. Goldenberg weren’t careful.

Can we ever forgive ourselves for the damage we have caused? Indeed, we must ask ourselves if there is a place for us in Judaism.

The Mishna in “Pirkei Avot states: “Rabbi Yochanan ben Beroka said: ‘Whoever desecrates the Name of Hashem in secret, they will exact punishment from him in public; unintentional or intentional, both are alike regarding desecration of the Name.” (Avot 4:5)

Though, right now, it is not public knowledge that we have spoken against our people. Though, the Jewish world doesn’t scorn us for slanderous remarks against so-and-so. Though our “Goldstoning” may still be a secret between us and our four walls, the Mishna informs us that soon everyone will see our accusations against them and we will wallow in our pit of shame.

Of course, although we may never judge our fellow (Avot 2:5), we are required to hate evil, as it is written: “Lovers of G-d hate evil…” (Psalms 97) We must seek out the evil in the world and despise it, but we may not allow this hatred to flow into hatred of any other Jew or sect. G-d forbid.

We must be so careful with every word that escapes our lips. We must think and re-think, about the possible damage that our every word may cause and weigh each sentence accordingly.

Let us stop judging one another and rectify the damage we and others have done to the image of our people, so we may once again be a “light unto the nations.” (Isaiah 42:6)

May we never again find ourselves guilty of “Goldstoning.”

Excusable Evil?

2011-04-04T04:45:00.000-07:00

"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people."-Albert Einstein

Growing up I was told that speaking gossip or Lashon Hara was bad because G-d said so: “You shall not be a gossipmonger among your people...I am Hashem.” (Leviticus 19:16) It wasn’t until recently that I realized how evil it really is.

Some people have convinced themselves they can’t stop talking Lashon Hara. That without gossip there is nothing to talk about. How tragic that mankind has stooped so low that we cannot find what to talk about unless it is at the expense of our fellow man.

“Lashon Hara” or “Evil Speech” is just that: Evil.

There are many reasons why people feel the need to discuss another individual, but they all have one thing in common, it is pure evil.

And yet, we make up all sorts of excuses and rationalizations and continue to gossip. We give up, as mentioned above, and claim that we just can’t stop.

Could you imagine if a person told you that he couldn’t stop doing evil to other people; that without torturing other people physically, he would be overwhelmed with boredom. I am quite certain that any sane person would have him committed, and not take his “boredom” plight as a worthy excuse.

Yet when it comes to evil speech we allow ourselves to torture other people with our words with the excuse of: “there is nothing else to talk about.”

The damage that can and has been caused by evil speech is obvious and should need no proof. If you do not recognize its evil I recommend looking at the world around you just for a moment.

Of course, “there is nothing else to talk about” is not the only excuse which allows us to hurt our fellow man. Many are the lame rationalizations which any “good” Jew knows to say before his juicy story.

“He is really good guy...” or “I don’t mean this as Lashon Hara” are both very common. There is the famous “but the story is true” line that always shocks me. As if because it’s a true story it won’t cause damage to the person. There are hundreds of excuses each to his conscience.

The real questions one should ask himself before he opens his mouth are: Why do I want to talk about this person? What good will come out from it? Aren’t there much more important concepts to be discussing than just single individuals?

Wise men don’t talk about people. There is simply no time and the benefit is too superficial. Wise men are bothered by questions on G-d and how mankind relates to His Oneness. They wonder what causes hate and how they can better the world. They study nature in all of its complexity. They read history as a tool to divine the future. They ponder their mission on this Earth and how to go about accomplishing it. There is simply no time to discuss people!

Sadly today, the goal of acquiring wisdom has been over shadowed by the lust for high social status. If belittling friend X will boost social points it becomes easy to “throw friend X under the bus.” How amazing is the laughter of a whole crowd even at the expense of a friend!

If society would look at itself in the mirror, it would probably vomit.

I have personally been affected by the evil speech spoken against me. There are people that may never befriend me because of one person’s perception of me that he spread to the public.

I am not writing this post because I was hurt, because I was not. Thankfully, I have family and friends who love me and couldn’t care less what anybody else may think of me.

I am writing this because the topic is not foreign to me and I think mankind has done enough damage to each other that it may be a good time to try and rectify it. I have seen people I love get hurt by the slanderous gossip. You, dear reader, without much thought can probably think of a time when you or a loved one was hurt by Lashon Hara. Families, spouses, communities, have been ripped apart by Lashon Hara, and we are not doing our utmost to stop it!

In last week’s Parasha, Parshat Tazria, we read about the affliction of Tzaraat. The blemish one receives on ones skin for many transgressions regarding man to his fellow (Arachin 16a, Midrash). The primary cause of which is Lashon Hara.

Let us analyze this unique punishment.

When one gets Tzaraat he comes before the Kohain who confirms it is indeed a contamination and sends the contaminated one outside of the camp.

Firstly, why are Lashon Hara and other “man to his fellow” sins, the only ones which bring about a physical and visual blemish to the sinner? Secondly, why do we send him away from the rest of the camp? Certainly a spiritual infliction is not contagious; then why the quarantine?

The answer will reveal to us the true ugliness of these sins. The sad lack of the physical blemish today has no doubt lead to the laxity in which we view these grievous sins.

When one got Tzaraat he would become absolutely humiliated. He is not able to hide it as it says: “ And the person with Tzaraat in whom there is the affliction—his garments shall be rent, the hair of his head shall be unshorn, and he shall cloak himself up to his lips; he is to call out: ‘Contaminated, contaminated!’ All the days that the affliction is upon him he shall remain contaminated; he is contaminated. He shall dwell in isolation; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” (Leviticus 13:45-46)

Why the public humiliation? Why the isolation?

This person sinned against his fellow man; he hurt him, now he can feel the pain of humiliation. His friends now look upon him and wonder if they could trust him. If he hurt friend X, what would stop him for damaging me? Some wonder if it was them who he spoke about or damaged. They look at him with contempt as he walks to the outskirts of the camp.

The sinner must now sit alone, the images of his friends’ scornful faces burned into his thoughts. He looks at the ugly blemish and realizes how because he was not careful with the respect of friend X he may lose all of his other friends. He feels what it is like to be alone. He realizes that even for a good joke, or temporary boost to his social status, is not worth the price of loneliness. He knows that when he is allowed entry to the city again, he must apologize to all his friends and beg for another chance.

How ugly and evil is Lashon Hara. How much must we distance ourselves from the temptations of damaging our fellow man! How careful we must be with our every word so as not to slip and say a negative comment about somebody!

The Halachot on the matter are extensive but so is the damage caused by one thoughtless remark. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to learn the many laws pertaining to Lashon Hara and to live by them.

There is so much that needs to be discussed, especially in our confusing time before the Moshiach. Don’t waste time and energy discussing the lives of others. Don’t be become labeled as one who “talks about others” and can’t be trusted, leaving you isolated from the camp. Let us finding excuses to torture our fellow man.

An Open Letter to the Rabbis of Chutz La'Aretz

2011-03-31T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Rabbis of Chutz La’Aretz,

I would first like to thank you for your selfless service of Am Yisrael. We are in a very dark time of exile. Although according to most the redemption has already begun, it is still very hard to see the first rays of light. You are to thank for the vibrant Jewish community in America and around the world. You lead your communities with devotion and love, helping to guide us through this incredibly confusing time before Moshiach. I thank you and am humbled before you.

However, as I probe deeper into religious learning especially in the area of “Yishuv Ha’Aretz”-“Dwelling in the Land,” I become more and more perplexed at the number of Jews choosing to live outside of our Israel.

Surely you, dear Rabbi, have seen the many Halachot on the subject.

Surely you have read the Gemara in Ketubot 110b that states it is better to dwell in a city filled with idol worshippers in Israel, than one full of Jews elsewhere.

No doubt that you have seen the Ramban which states: “Since we were commanded to inherit this Land which the Lord, blessed be He, gave to our forefathers, to Avraham, Yitzchak and to Ya’akov, and not to abandon it to the hands of other nations, or abandon it to desolation. He said to them: ‘To inherit the Land and to dwell there, for to you have I given the Land to possess, and you shall inherit the Land which I swore to your fathers…’ Behold, we are commanded with conquest in every generation.” (Ramban’s Addendum to Sefer HaMitzvot Positive commandment 4)

How about Sefer Kuzari written by R’ Yehuda HaLevi, where the Jewish sage ridicules the Jews that didn’t go with Ezra to Eretz Yisarel? He admonishes them and says they didn’t go because they were too involved with their statuses and businesses. He likens the prayers of Jews in the Diaspora to the chirpings of birds. (Kuzari 2:24)

Haven’t you seen the Tosefta that derives from a Pasuk that Hashem says to those living in Israel: “I am your G-d” and to those not living in Israel: “I am not your G-d?”(Avodah Zarah 5:2)

The Sifrei in Parashat Re’eh states the "Yishuv Ha’Aretz" is equivalent of all the Mitzvot; surely you have learned that before.

There are many other sources, some which I haven’t seen, but I am sure you have.

So I ask you: If Eretz Yisrael is of such extreme importance and the very dwelling of the Jews in Israel pleases Hashem (Yalkut Shimoni on Megillat Eichah #1038), what then is the plan to bring the Jews over?

I understand that for the time being many of you need to stay in Chutz La’Aretz so you can lead the Jews who are trapped in exile but how long are you planning on staying there?

Are you convincing them to join their brethren here in Israel during your Shabbat sermon? Are you helping collect to make it easier on your community members to make Aliyah? Are you teaching about the Halachot of Shmittah and other Isarel-related Halachot in your weekly Shiur? Are you doing anything to promote Aliyah to Eretz Yisarel?

Obviously, some of you are, and in that case I thank you from the depths of my heart and hope we see many more of our Nation returning home.

However, dear Rabbi, I don’t see that happening for the most part. I see new shuls and yeshivot being built. They are beautiful and magnificent structures. Your congregation has grown from “barely a minyan,” to the point you needed to add a whole other wing! You have transformed your community from one of weakly devout Jews into a vibrant place of Torah. You have helped elevate your congregation from spectators of sports into princes of the One and Only.

Hundreds of people sit and listen to your Shabbat sermon, drinking your every word thirstily. They love their Rav and have good reason to; you are their leader, their guide, their light.

Why then, is there a general feeling of disregard for Eretz Yisrael. Of course, most of your shuls have a “victims of terror” tzedaka box, or another fund helping Jews in Israel, but we need more than a check, we need the Jewish people to come home.

This is something I am sure you understand. So I ask again: What is the plan? Where is the mass Aliyah to the Eretz Yisrael? The early Rabbinic pioneers planted the seeds and they have most certainly grown into the full beautiful Judaism we see today, so when are you coming?

We build yeshiva after yeshiva, shul after shul, to what end? What are you waiting for? Won’t your community listen to you? People complain about not wanting to leave their community, what if their community was moving? When will you joyously declare to your congregation: “One year from now this shul is being transplanted to its real home in Israel?”

Will this ever happen, are you ever planning on coming?

Allow me to share the following sad story with you.

One week a Rabbi of a prominent and large shul got up and gave a heartwarming talk about Aliyah. Upon reaching its conclusion he announced that he and his family would be making Aliyah. He now lives in Israel and the shul has a new Rav. This particular shul is even known to have many fundraisers for Israel and consider themselves to be a religious Zionist congregation! This is not an isolated incident either.

Maybe this is why you don’t mention Eretz Yisrael? Have the Jews have become so lost that they will not heed you, rather just replace you with a less idealistic rabbi? G-d forbid.

Is that it? I would imagine, dear Rabbi that you think higher of your congregation. If so, then when are you coming?

[Note: I know there are some who oppose the Eretz Yisrael of today, and if you are one of those who oppose, I am not talking to you. I respect your opinion and know it has a basis in Halacha, this article however, are for those who follow the opinion that Jews may make Aliyah today.]

However, to you, dear Rabbi, who does not oppose Aliyah in our days before Moshiach, what’s your excuse? Tell me, when are you coming?!

I am not trying to offend or accuse anybody. I am merely asking as I watch American Jewry building shuls so big it is getting impossible to see Eretz Yisarel, even in the distant future. Bigger and bigger Jewish communities are one by one becoming more and more comfortable in the “strange land.”

Please dear Rabbi come and build a shul here, please bring our brethren home.

If you are not a Rabbi and you are reading this, please ask your Rabbi when he plans on moving the shul over to Eretz Yisarel. The Redemption may be waiting on you.

I have no right to accuse any one person and especially not a Rabbi. I am young both in years and wisdom and do not mean to undermine the Jews or their leaders in Chutz La’Aretz.

Humbly Submitted,

A lover of the Jewish people,

דוד

Have I Been Wrong All Along?

2011-03-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Have I been wrong all this time? Have I been thoroughly brainwashed by the “morals” and “ethics” of Western society? Have I become so wrapped up in wanting to fit the image of what the world considers “proper conduct” that I have forgotten justice completely?

Since the day my soul was brought into this world, I have witnessed the bloodshed and persecution of my people. I watched my mother weep when terrorists killed a pregnant woman and her four children, shooting her in the stomach to make sure the unborn baby would perish as well, simply because they were Jewish. I have sat idly by, as many of my people were slaughtered on the altar of hatred and anti-Semitism.

The recent attack in Itamar just two weeks ago has caused an uproar all throughout the Jewish world. Every Jew felt the pain of the three orphans that the Palestinian terrorists didn’t get to murder. The Police tracked the animals to a nearby Arab village, and the “needle in a haystack” search continues, warranting no results.

Until today, I have claimed that we as Jews must play the “good guy” and cannot lower ourselves to their level of terrorism. I taught that we as Jews must stand elevated and must seek justice in a dignified way. I felt that although causing terror to our enemies would more than likely have a “positive” effect, it is not what we as Jews do.

The question is: Is this in fact true? Is this really the Jewish response to all that has happened to G-d’s holy Nation?

Until today I felt that this was indeed the most Jewish way of acting, and we must continue to pray, repent, love our fellow Jew, and seek to end the terror this in “moral” ways. Don’t get me wrong: I was always passionate about justice and am planning to serve in the Israeli Defense Force; but I couldn’t bring myself to say that maybe more needs to be done.

Until today.

Last night I was up all night. I couldn’t sleep. I was tossing and turning in my bed, my thoughts racing. Spending most of the day watching the famous debate between R’ Meir Kahane and Alan Dershowitz, I was shocked to have my world rocked, my value system challenged, and some of what I thought was authentic Judaism to be mere Hollywood-induced ideas of the ever-changing societal “moral” system.

One of the common shortcomings of many in the religious community, myself included, is that many times we try to fit G-d into OUR image instead of us into His. G-d creates what is moral. G-d creates the definition of mercy.

We in Israel today are at war. Even this very moment, smoke from a Jerusalem bomb that went off outside a bus injuring at least 50 people and killing one, fills the Jerusalem sky. Reports of rockets being fired from Gaza have become as commonplace as the weather.

We are at war with our Arab neighbors. On their side they understand this. The Arabs will never be happy living with Israeli sovereignty. They believe this is their land. Israel giving the Arabs more and more land will not end this war, for they want it all. They have declared war on us; and we sit and intellectually try to find compromises. They will not stop, they will not relent, until the streets of Jerusalem are flowing with Jewish blood and the Palestinian flag is raised high above a defeated Judaism.

Heaven forbid.

How long will WE let this happen?

Make no mistake: the terrorists who murdered a sleeping Jewish family were not doing so because Jewish terrorists had attacked their home, or out of some act of warfare. They were doing so because they know that we have an impotent government that is too afraid of world acceptance to act. They mock our misplaced compassion. A Nation controlled by CNN. They kill us and we beg to give them back what is rightfully ours. Historians will have a good laugh at our consistent stupidity.

How long, I ask again, will “we the people” let this happen?

Picture the scene. The terrorists wake up to their small village surrounded. Israeli Jews have seized the town. A man with a kippah and M-16 stands on a pickup truck shouting through a megaphone: “Reveal the evil in your midst. Hand over the animals that have spilled the innocent Jewish blood or by evening we will wipe out this entire village!”

How many villages would it take for the terror level in Israel to drop?

This idea is ugly and I hate the mere mention of it. We Jews hate even the thought of ending life. As Golda Meir said to our enemies: “Perhaps one day we will forgive our enemies for killing our boys, but we will never forgive you for forcing our soldiers to kill.” This is how we view war, killing and terrorism. As those who have seen the events of the last 70 years in Israel know, the enemy is ruthless and bloodthirsty.

Yes, this idea of retalation on Arab villages may start another all-out war; I say, let them come. With the help of the Almighty, we’ve defeated them before and we’ll do it again.

In no way am I saying that this is the road to redemption. I hate that these animals have done so much evil to my people, that I have resorted to even suggesting to wipe out entire villages of human beings. I hate the very thought of it. It is for this reason for my whole life I have condemned acts of terror even against my enemies. But, sadly, I have been wounded too badly. We need to act, or more families like the holy and precious Fogel family (may their memory be blessed) will be erased from existence.

Do not misread this. We need to pray, learn, love one another -- and it is our failure in these areas that is keeping away the final redemption. I do not believe this to be a physical war but a very spiritual one. I do not believe that bloodshed will end this bitter exile, but we must not allow our family to be brutally murdered.

Only a few days after the conclusion of the holiday of Purim, we can surely recall the end of Megillat Esther where it states: "The Jews prevailed over their adversaries. The Jews organized themselves in their cities in all the provinces of King Achshashverosh, to send forth [their] hand against those who sought their hurt; and no man could stand before them, for fear of them had fallen before the peoples." (Esther 9:1) The chapter goes on to state that on that day the Jews killed five hundred men in Shushan alone. On the next day the Jews killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies.

A similar story can be found by Chanuka, where a small group of Jews attacked the massive Greek army, defeating them and recapturing Eretz Yisrael.

War is a painful but not foreign concept to the Jew. G-d does not expect nor desire our complacent tolerance while our brothers’ blood is spilled. As it is written: "...you shall not stand aside while your fellow's blood is shed -- I am Hashem." (19:16)

The fuel and armor for any military endeavor is pure service of G-d. What helped the Jews win over their enemies on Purim, the fire that made the Macabees victorious, the strength that protected this Land through all the many wars fought over her is complete devotion and faith to G- d Almighty. As my older brother Josh who fought in Gaza beautifully wrote: “You, the people who pray and cry and feel you are not the front lines, are truly the army of Hashem. The IDF, as people should see, is merely the physical arm of what your prayers accomplish. You are the ones in the battle. We are the holding action, delaying the physical evil while you battle to clear the path for Moshiach. Never again will I feel a yeshiva student who learns all day is not brave for not being with us on this field. Because I watched the words and letters that he learned and prayed march ahead of us, thousands deep, and millions strong, absorbing the bullets and metal meant for me. I thank you, humbly, warriors of my heart and faith. You let me come home to my wife.”

I don’t know if this is the right course of action, as stated above. It was but a few hours ago that I disagreed with almost everything I have just written. My fellow Jew, my back is against the wall. Something must be done.

We as Jews must always try and find the delicate balance between right and wrong, war and murder. The Israeli Army must do something or we must. You can only push us so far. If the government truly cares about the welfare of its people, it should be aware that a very dangerous rage is building in the hearts of the Jews, one that will not cease until the very last man standing.
I am not suggesting that a few vigilantes reign terror upon an Arab village. That is in no way Jewish or acceptable. I am suggesting a new policy in Israel: We are declaring National war on the Arab terrorists. We united, must make a declaration to the rest of the world: We will not be terrorized! We have tried every route for peace with an enemy that has been killing us since before the State of Israel was even in existence! We are tired of dying! We will fight anyone who wants to take away our right to live!

I’m sorry if I sound radical. Understand my pain. Taste the tears of my brethren. Feel my broken heart. Hear the screams of my weeping soul.

I ask:

עד מתי ביבי?

עד מתי עם ישראל?

עד מתי אבינו מלכנו?

I really don’t know what the answer is…I am a lost and confused child. Father, what should we do?

May Hashem have mercy upon His children and enlighten our judgment, and let us see clearly what the truth is and what it demands from us. Amen.

עם הנצח לא מפחד מדרך ארוכה

Humbly submitted,

A proud member of the Jewish People,

מיכאל דוד בן אברהם

Tragedy Prevention

2011-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

"Study the past, if you wish to divine the future."- Confucius

The tears have not yet dried, the hearts have not yet been repaired, and they may never be. The massacre that took place on Friday March 11, 2011, has left the entire Jewish people and others around the world absolutely in shock. On Friday night two Palestinian terrorists broke into the home of Udi and Ruth Fogel killing them and massacring three of their six children, including two boys ages eleven and three and a baby girl of three months. The older girl of twelve got to come home from a youth event to her butchered family, one can wonder how she could go on living, may Hashem give her and her two siblings strength from above.

Some are asking the question of how anybody could stab a three month year old girl, others are calling for action on the Jewish side, still others are calling for repentance, but we are all sharing the deep hurt that may never heal until the coming of Moshiach.

Of course, we as Jews know that there is a Master of the Universe, and no creation in the Universe can go against His will. We also know that in everything that occurs, Hashem is sending us a message, in some cases it is clearer than others.

In no way am I claiming to know the message G-d is trying to send with this horrible tragedy, however, there is a message.

How can we prevent these tragedies? What can we do to make sure another incident like this past Friday night never occurs again?

After these tragedies most people hear the call from Hashem and immediately try and better themselves. People put aside their petty differences to mourn the deaths of the pure victims. We stand unified as one people with one broken heart.

Indeed the most amazing view I got of what America could be, was for about two weeks after the horrible attack on September 11, 2001.

Sadly, as humans, we have the capability to forget. So, after a short while even the most catastrophic tragedy will become but a faint memory and we return to our previous ways. We fight with one another, we turn our back to G-d, and we fall once again into a deep societal slumber. And then, like clock-work, tragedy strikes. We awaken from our slumber and the vicious cycle continues. This has been the course of mankind and the Jewish people since the beginning of time.

So how can we prevent more innocent blood from being shed? The questions that we all must be asking ourselves are:"Am I being the best person I can be? Am I being the best Jew I can be? Do I love my fellow man to the best of my ability? Am I striving to get closer and closer to my Maker?" These questions should fill our thoughts, not just a week or two after the tragedy hit, but every moment of every day. We must always be trying to better ourselves and the world around us. This will, without a doubt prevent another massacre like the one the world just witnessed.

We are told by Chazal (Yoma 9b), that the Second Temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred that the Jews harbored for one another. It would only take but a moment to realize we still have much work to do in this area. The world and sadly even the Jewish Nation are filled with hatred. We today have a lot of pride and little love. This is a good area for us to start. Of course, there is much that needs to be done, but if we were exiled because of hatred it would stand to reason that our key to Redemption is love of one another unconditionally.

A central theme of the upcoming holiday of Purim seems to be love of one’s fellow. We have a Mitzvah of sending gifts to our friends and giving money to the poor. Now, more than ever is a time that we Jews and the rest of the world need to unite. Evil is becoming more powerful, the darkness becoming thicker, only a unified light can brighten up this dark world.

As G-d Himself, exclaimed: "Return to Me and I will return to you! (Malachi 3:7)"

My mother remarked the other day, that when one turns on the radio, they will seldom hear anything but tragic news. All over the world people are suffering, have we become so callous, so completely lost, that we can’t see these tragedies as a call from Above? We need to wake up, and we need to do it now!

Let us together as one return to Hashem our G-d. Let us strengthen ourselves and continue to better ourselves. Let us push aside our differences and see the G-dliness in all of creation. Let us look at ourselves honestly and listen to our souls. Let us make a resolution to change and better the world, and stick by it. Let us prevent another wake-up call, let us prevent another tragedy. May we merit seeing the end of evil swiftly in our days. Amen.

This post dedicated in loving memory of the holy Fogel family. May their souls rise ever-higher in G-d’s Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

Untouchable Joy

2011-03-07T00:54:00.000-08:00

"The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it."--Eckhart Tolle

"When we enter the month of Adar we increase our happiness. (Ta'anit 29a)"

"Simcha," loosely translated as "happiness" seems to be a recurring theme throughout the Jewish year, as well as a very fundamental part of Jewish character. As King David exclaims: "Serve G-d in happiness. (Psalms 100:2)" The holy master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught: "It is a great mitvzah to be happy all the time. (Likutey Moharan II, 24)" Judaism seems to demand this emotion of happiness all the time, from all Jews, without fail.

The obvious question is: How can Judaism expect someone to always be happy? After all it is no secret that there are tragedies in this bitter exile, and we as Jews have our ups and downs, how then can happiness be demanded of us at all times?

It is also bothersome that in Kohelet, which was written by King Solomon, who is called the wisest of all men, it reads: "I said to myself: Come, I will experiment with joy and enjoy pleasure. That too, turned out to be futile. I said of laughter, 'It is mad!' And of joy, 'what does it accomplish! (Kohelet 2:1)" How then can we answer this seeming contradiction?

To answer these questions we must first clarify what is this concept of "Simcha," and why is it so important to Jewish life.

Let us probe into the two different types of joy found in the world.

According to Western philosophy happiness is a journey; the pursuit of happiness, every man’s G-d given right. They toil and toil in the hopes of one day attaining this illusive concept of happiness. They acquire bigger houses, faster cars, and gold and silver, only to feel happy for but a moment until something inevitably occurs bringing them back into a pit of despair; and thus the journey continues. They have been taught that happiness is like all emotions and is therefore based on ones surrounding situations, making it a very temporary and a short-lasting drug, if even that. Those who claim to have found happiness, have more times than not, actually just acquired comfort, which if lost, their happiness will too be lost. It is of this type of joy that King Solomon pronounced: "...what does it accomplish!" This is why the verse tells us he tried pleasure with joy, for this is the decadent joy acquired only through pleasure.

The Jewish concept of happiness could not be more opposite. According to Jewish thought, happiness is not a journey but a state of being. It is as vital as ones heart and possible to be acquired in any place at any time. "Jewish" happiness is not effected by external conditions and enlightens all of mans endeavors. It is not an emotion that comes and goes, but a deeply rooted and untouchable part of oneself.

What then is the Jewish concept of happiness, and how is it acquired?

Simcha, according to Jewish philosophy is awareness. Awareness of a Higher Being who created and sustains everything. Awareness that everything is part of His plan. Awareness that everything He does is for the good, even if it is impossible to see now. Awareness that He gave you a special and unique mission and that if you didn't have a purpose you wouldn't be here. Awareness that He loves and guides all of His creations listening always to their prayers.

This of course needs no explanations, as it is clear that once you have attained this level of awareness, you will be brought to deeper and deeper levels of untouchable happiness. No matter where one might find himself on the spiritual ladder, or in whatever situation in life he may find himself, he will retain his Simcha as he realizes he is part of His master plan and always connected to Him. Because he is connected to the infinite, because he is connected to the Master of the Universe, because Hashem desires and loves him, he can never be lost, he can never be depressed. The stronger one makes this awareness the happier he will become.

This brings us to Adar. In Adar we commemorate the miracles of the Purim story. A story riddled with seeming coincidences and random occurrences. A story where the Hand of G-d can only be seen by the careful and aware eye. A story in where the Jews saw clearly that although things may seem random and unconnected at times, Hashem is always guided the world with a master plan. On Purim, the Jews prayed and they were answered. On Purim, evil was destroyed with its own weapons. Nothing is by accident; this is the lesson of Purim. We mock the very concept of random occurrences by naming the holiday "Purim" which means lotteries!

The commemoration of these miracles should, when studied, lead us to even deeper and deeper levels of awareness and thus: "When we enter the month of Adar we increase our happiness."

It is interesting to note that even on Tisha B'av, the saddest of days in the Jewish calendar the Gemara writes: “When we enter the month of Av we decrease our happiness. (Ta'anit 29a)” On Tisha B'av we need to so-to-speak dwell in our sadness, and therefore must decrease our Simcha; decrease our awareness.

Let us try in this holy month of Adar to increase our awareness, strengthen our belief in the Almighty, and bring a Moshiach and hang evil once and for all upon the gallows of destiny.

Let this month once again be "...the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and the month which had been transformed for them from one of sorrow to gladness, and from mourning to festivity. (Esther 9:22)"

Chodesh Adar Tov!

Mission Complete-A Thanks to Allen Carr

2011-03-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

A year ago on March 3rd, my life was saved. I was dying. Not a quick and sudden death, but a slow and drawn out one. I had been smoking cigarettes for about six years, and it was certainly taking a toll on my health, thankfully, I was saved before it became anything fatal.

As with most smokers, I had tried multiple times to quit and had sadly failed every time. I got to the point that the only chance I had was that Moshiach would come and either I would lose my desire to smoke or due to our promised eternal life, smoking would no longer effect me. One day a friend told me he heard a CD that made it easy to quit, the next morning he claimed, he had no desire to smoke again. Well, by this point, I was up to try anything. I couldn’t find the CDs but I found the book: "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking," by Allen Carr. I excitedly bought the book and then placed it on my shelf until it collected almost an inch of dust.

One day, Hashem had mercy upon my charcoaled lungs and gave me the inspiration to pick up the "Smokers Bible" (a nickname given to the book by ex-smokers). I began in the morning, planning to read a chapter or two and then put it back in its dusty shelf space; I did not realize today was going to be the last day I would ever smoke.

I am not at all a big reader, but as I began reading I found that I couldn't put the book down for a moment. As the brilliant words filled my brain I began to transform. I was becoming stronger and stronger and couldn't wait to be done with this pathetic weakness. Of course, one of the cardinal rules of the book is that once you begin, you may not stop smoking until you are completely done the book. I found myself hating cigarettes more and more, and finally when I was permitted to quit, it was a pleasure, a burden of my newly powerful shoulders. I am now stronger and in better shape both physically and mentally then I have been in a long time. I am happy to be freed from my six year long slavery. I am thankful to be dying at a much slower pace, G-d willing.

It has been a year now, and because of one man, Allen Carr, I am alive again.

Before I go further, I want to also thank my family and friends, for even when there was the rare moment of weakness, you were there to protect me from my demons. Thank you and I love you all very much.

Allen Carr the author of this book, and savior of millions of lives, was a smoker himself. When he discovered his special and unique method to quitting smoking, he had been smoking for 33 years, and was smoking 100 cigarettes a day. He wrote "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking," and many other books on quitting other such addictions, alcohol, over-eating and the like. He died of lung cancer at age 71 on November 29th 2006. His philosophy is still being taught in clinics all throughout the world, along with many audio CDs, and of course, the book.

What a lesson can be learned from this special individual! He was on his way to death, the same death that caught him years later. He was married and working as an accountant. He could have easily accepted his addiction as unbreakable and his early death as inevitable; and he would have fit the description of so many who drown in their enslaved to their lusts.

Little did he know G-d had a very important mission for him; a mission he almost missed. G-d had designated this man to reveal this wisdom to the world and save millions and he almost smoked it away. Thank G-d he didn't! Could you imagine his misery had he gone up to Heaven only to be asked by G-d: "Where's the book? You were supposed to write a book that would save millions of lives, why didn't you write it?" There is no pain like that of missing out on an opportunity.

Let us learn from Allen Carr, not just the way to quit smoking, but also the importance of completing our mission. We don't know why we are put in the situations that we find ourselves in, all we know is that we are there, and that He wants us to be there. We must continue to strive for greatness, to try and better ourselves. If you have something to say that you think will help, don't be afraid to shout it from the rooftops. If you have the inspiration to better the world, don't let anything stop you. It may be your mission, your raison d’être, you certainly don't want to miss it.

Of course, we are not privy to our mission and that sometimes can make it difficult to keep focused. However, one must trust that the Merciful G-d above is not going to forsake you, but guide you like a father would his son. The father allows his son to go on his own, but the father would never let him wonder off a cliff. The father will also do all he can to help the child reach his destination. So it is with our Heavenly Father.

Continue to better yourself and the world around you. Continue moving forward, never give up on yourself. As the English Novelist George Eliot wisely remarked: "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

May we all merit the strength to continue to become who we were meant to become, and utilize all that is in front of us to complete our G-dly mission. Amen.

Lastly, if you are, or know someone struggling with this awful addiction; do yourself or them a favor and get the book. It may save your life one day.

Once again a big thanks to Allen Carr. May his soul rise higher and higher in the eternal bliss of Paradise.

Turning Off Elvis-A Revival of Thought

2011-02-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”-William James

When I was a child, my father would put calming music on to put me and my brothers to sleep. It was music of the Rain Forest. Waterfalls splashing, rain falling, calming drums and wind instruments played softly in the background; it was as if one was lying in the beautiful green grass of Paradise.

Sadly as children, my brothers and I didn’t appreciate it and told our father that the music made us sad. Because of its contemplative nature, the music made us think of everything we regret, the guilt we feel, and other such sad thoughts. We would rather turn on Elvis instead.

It is this childish way of thinking that plagues the minds of so many of society today. People don’t sit and contemplate anymore. People fill their heads with all types of distractions in order not get caught in the darkness of their minds. The lack of reflective thought is shown by the degenerating society crumbling all around us. People are terrified of their thoughts, believing them to be the express road to sadness. Every time they are “forced” to have contemplative thoughts they find themselves thinking about all the things they didn’t say or do. They begin to panic about the future and are disgusted by their present. So, to protect themselves from these feelings they shut off their brains and “turn on Elvis instead.”

They will do anything they can to escape the pain their thoughts bring them. Who could blame them?

The question is, why did this happen? Is this the curse of mankind; to be trapped with a powerful brain only to be filled with regret and guilt? Was this the big gift G-d gave the human to raise him above the animal kingdom? Indeed, would it not be better to throw out the brain if it would end mankind’s endless suffering?

Of course this is not what Hashem gave us our amazingly complex and intricate brains for. So what are most people doing wrong? The problem, I believe, is that no one ever taught them how to think.

I am not referring to analytical or calculative thought, for that type is taught from the first second possible. We fill the young child’s mind with as much as information as we can as early as possible. I am referring to reflective thought. Sadly, mankind has deemed this as unimportant to teach, and thus most people have no idea how to do it.

This terrifying misconception has led mankind to a state of spiritual numbness, a slumber of the soul. When one is never thinking, he never ponders questions that filled the thoughts of the generations before we had so many distractions to shut off the brain. Questions like: Why are we here? Who created all this? Am I the best person I can be? are quieted by the rumble of technology. The soul’s screams are blocked out by the volume of our TVs or IPods. Today we can be “plugged in” from the moment we rise until we go back to sleep. Finally, we have found freedom from our horrible thoughts.

How tragic.

How then, is one supposed to think?

The answer I imagine will sound very unsatisfying. The way to turn reflective thought from a depressing experience to a growing experience is to use your mind. Although this sounds simple, in truth, most people when they think they are thinking with their minds are in fact thinking with their hearts. They let their emotions run wild with their thoughts bringing them to ridiculous conclusions and regretful misery. They look at themselves and instead of thinking logically how they can attain their goals, they get caught up in the sadness of where they want to be. This leads them into a sad definition of self and a depressing outlook of life in general. After they realize what they’ve done, they flee from their thoughts and “turn on Elvis instead.”

However, if they would look at themselves logically, they would realize if they still have breath in their lungs then there is much more they can do. They would realize they have many talents and skills with which they can contribute to mankind. They will see the cards they have been dealt as opportunities to help them grow. They will be able to look at their past as lessons to be learned from. After all, the scars of the past are the teachers of the future.

Of course, in no way am I condemning emotions for they are needed and sometimes required for certain situations. The trick however, is to know they are emotions and not thoughts. That distinction is crucial.

In fact the way the Jewish repentance system works a person must come from a place of logical thinking. First you must regret, and then you admit your sins to yourself and G-d, and then you take it upon yourself to never do that sin again. If one is logically thinking, by the end of this process, he is fine, he trusts that he has been absolved of his sins and now he goes ready to give it another try with strong resolve and renewed spirit. Of course, this is no easy ride, for Hashem knows if he was sincere or not. This person must now go and try with all his might to make the future better, but he can do so without regret or guilt. This is the gift and beauty of logical thought.

It may be painful once again to truly look at yourself, and make a true assessment, but if you continue to logically think you will quickly be filled with happiness at the opportunities that lay open before you.

This of course, is the secret to true inner happiness at wherever you see yourself. The biggest sinner can be happy, because he knows that he may be low now but he knows that if he begins to work on himself he can raise up to the dwellings of the righteous. This goes for any situation a person might be in. Be it a weight problem, poverty, failing, or the many other countless reasons people give up on themselves.

The fact that so many people are on anti-depressants proves the critical condition of the thoughtless mankind and the need to introduce the teachings of logical thought into education institutions all over the world.

Our children must be taught the importance of thought; logical thought. We need to spend less time escaping reality, and more time learning about it. We need to be “plugged in” once again to our thoughts with happiness and logic. Let us turn off Elvis and hear what our soul has been saying this whole time. May we see a “Philosophical Revolution” from youth of the world soon in our days. Amen.

Side Note: I am a very big fan of the king of Rock n' Roll and do not mean to offend any other of his fans. However, like all things in life, everything must be done in proportion...yes, that means even Rock n' Roll.

Immoral Instincts

2011-02-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

It is with great fear and trepidation that I write this next post. The topic I wish to discuss has caused quite an uproar amongst those of us who try to search and defend the truth.

Before I go any further I want to say, please read this carefully as I have no intention of insulting or offending anyone. If you pay close attention you will see the truth and sensitivity in which I am writing this post.

I will state the truth in its most basic form. Homosexuality is wrong and immoral. Not because I said so, but because G-d did. "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22)." Of course, everyone struggles, and we all have our desires that need to be conquered, it is for this reason that I pass no judgment on anyone who may find himself battling this desire. However, it is wrong. That is not up for question, and as with all evil, we must fight as much as we can to defeat it.

This, like I said, is not focused on the person, for he, like all of us, struggles with the evil in his heart; this is against the movement. The shouts of “gay rights,” the call for “open-mindedness” and understanding, the waving of rainbow flags; this is where the evil lies. Any sin that is publically accepted needs to be publically fought against. G-d has said that this action is evil and an abomination; so this is where I stand. Not because of MY logic or reason, but because of the commandments of the Almighty G-d.

This new found acceptance and love for this movement is to me the beginning of the end. How long until all morals are up for question? How long until animals become an accepted mate for a human being? When does cannibalism become morally “okay”? Incest? Murder? Thievery? As we break our moral compasses anything is possible. Don’t fool yourself and say that these things won’t become socially accepted because they aren’t “normal," as normal is defined by the people not by truth. Slowly but surely we are sinking into an abyss of complete immorality and we don't even realize it. This is the power and trickery of immorality.

Science seems to be in a large argument regarding whether homosexuality can happen at birth or picked up over time. Either way the question can still be asked: Why would G-d create a desire that seems to go completely against nature? Why would He give someone a test that is fully evil and cannot be used for good? He will have to go all the days of his life fighting to love his wife, how is that fair?

The simple answer is that we cannot understand the ways of Hashem and the tests He gives us. Just as this man has to fight homosexuality another person will have to fight another desire. It is not our place to question the wisdom of G-d.

Though this answer is no doubt correct, perhaps a deeper look at this question can lead us to a frightening revelation.

The most immoral the world has ever gotten was only a few generations after its creation, in the time of the righteous Noach. The Torah tells us: "And God saw the earth, and behold it had become corrupted, for all flesh had corrupted its way on the earth. (Genesis 6:12)" Rashi the 16th century commentator on the Torah says that "for all flesh had corrupted..," is to say that even the animals were having relations with other animals outside of their own kind.

The world had become so irreversibly immoral that even the animals were going against their basic instincts! This understanding of the power of immorality can lead us to an understanding of the previous questions.

So great is the power of immorality that it can make man go against his basic instincts. Whether it is by birth or later in life, the world has opened the door for immorality to mess with our genetic make-up that G-d created with the first man and woman. It can make us chase after desires that actually counter the very nature of the world! The immorality that we allowed into our world has caused the evil that now fills the hearts of so many good people.

This is not to say that before anyone became gay they were immoral, although this is sometimes the case, it could very well be because we became so corrupt that we created this desire in the world.

If what I am saying here is indeed correct, than we can expect this pattern to continue and the world of our children will be an immoral wasteland. G-d forbid. We must fight this blatant immorality! The many natural disasters erupting all over the globe may very well be a sign to rectify our ways before we become completely lost.

Of course, be loving and accepting of anyone who struggles with this nearly impossible test. All of us struggle with our individual tests. We all lose from time to time, and we need to support each other.

The battle as I said above is against the movement. We must do our best to make it known to the world that we do not stand for this. They may not parade through the holy streets of Israel; we must battle this with all our might. Of course in no way am I advocating physical violence, G-d forbid, rather a strong resolve against this movement and letting the world know, we don't stand for it and that we will never falter from our position.

Equality vs. Choseness: A Gadna Revelation

2011-01-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

One of the many questions that has occupied my thoughts for months, is the famous debate of Jewish Choseness and human equality. I have read many different essays on the subject and argued on it for many hours. It is a problem I needed to solve, and felt personally connected to, no doubt because of the many gentiles in my blood family.

The questions are simple: If the Jewish people believe themselves to be a superior nation to the rest of mankind, how can they blame the nations for hating them? If the rest of the world is preaching "human equality," wouldn't it make logical sense to eliminate the seeming threat to world peace?

Secondly, what makes us different from the Nazis who also believed themselves to be a superior race? Indeed, there are people who have already made these claims towards the Jewish people. As one secular writer put it: "The Jews cannot blame the Nazis for what they did, as long as they insist on their "Choseness" (loosely quoted).

After many months of searching for answers to these troubling questions, I found an answer that seems to have cleared away the clouds of doubt.

In the famous work entitled: "Sefer Kuzari," written by the famous philosopher and poet Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, amongst his beautiful and eloquent words that I met all these problems head on.

The Jew in the sefer tells the king that there is a level of being higher than human. "If we find a man who walks into fire without hurt, or abstains from food for some time without starving, on whose face a light shines which the eye cannot bear, who is never ill, nor ages, until having reached his life's natural end, who dies spontaneously just as a man retires to his couch to sleep on an appointed day and hour, equipped with the knowledge of what is hidden as to past and future: is such a degree not visibly distinguished from the ordinary human degree? (Kuzari 41)"

He goes onto explain that this potential lies in the DNA of the Jew. That, as seen by our many prophets of Israel, we clearly live on a higher plain of existence.

Quickly, I stopped the Rabbi I was learning with and challenged him on the apparent racism of the Jew. He gave me a most interesting and powerful answer.

He asked me if I felt the Internet was good or bad. I told him I considered that to be a choice of the user. If one were to use the Internet for bad then it will become bad, but there is much good that can be done as well. He then said that the same concept could be applied to racism.

The Nazis used racism as their excuse to wipe out the inferiors and be served by them. They held themselves in high esteem and believed the rest of mankind to be useful only for their service of them.

The Jew however, sees himself as responsible for the rest of mankind. He looks at all short-comings or tragedies in the world to be his fault, for if he would do his job and live and teach moral perfection then the Redemption would come and the world would know complete peace. Like a worried chaperon, he scurries around trying to help bring the world back to morality. He lives to serve mankind.

After hearing this answer, I felt at ease. It made sense and seemed in line with how I view Judaism (not like that makes a difference). However, only a week later this answer would become a deep and concreted reality for me.

Last week I went on a well-known program in Israel called Gadna. "Gadna" or Gedudai No'ar is a week long army program, designed to help prepare the youth of Israel get ready for their upcoming mandatory military service. It's a week where you are treated in many ways as a real soldier. You must follow orders, be in uniform, work hard, and many other military-like activities. The Ulpan program I am currently attending always takes the ulpanists there during the five month program. It was a very fun and bonding experience.

It was during Gadna that I saw the depth of beauty of the aforementioned answer.

On the first day of Gadna they lined all the new "soldiers" up and told us about Gadna, what the week would be like, some rules, and what they expected of us. The squad Sergent told me to join her in the front. She then "promoted" me to basically second in command to her. My job was to help her in anyway she needed, make sure everyone was on time, be the spokesman for the group, and hardest of all, I needed to be an example. Even if everyone else was joking I had to be serious ( I did the best I could at that). I had to be on time, standing at attention, while making sure everyone else was as well. I believe it was a very good experience.

However, it was one cold morning standing at attention at 6:45 ready for another day, that it struck me. My "rank" as it were, was a great archetype for what it means to be a Jew.

I didn't think I was better than anybody else, but I was more responsible. I had to do my best to help make sure everything ran smoothly. I was not allowed to slack off. It was very difficult at times.

I did however, have my privileges. I could speak to the Sergent when ever I wanted. I could suggest that we do "x" instead of "y". I could make some demands that I don't think others could have made. I had meetings with higher up officers as well. The Sergent would tell me the plans before they happened. It was some sort of dignified position.

This is the life of the "chosen" Jew. We must be perfect. We must be an example to the rest of mankind of what it means to be in G-d's army. We must be on the front lines in the war on evil. We have to be on our best, for the General will not tolerate us disgracing Him. Everyone is judging us constantly. We are, as stated above, held accountable for all of mankind. Our "choseness" gives us a 24/7 responsibility.

However, we do have our privileges. We can speak to the General whenever we want. We can make requests and "help" Him run his army. He has told us, and only us, His instructions. He has told us of His holidays, His might, His love, and what He expects of us and mankind. We now must go spread it to the world, first by being the best we can be.

Of course like any good officer, if one of the soldiers performs to his ultimate ability, and does what you tell him, then he is perfect and equal to you. He is the best him.

We stand as officers, no greater in reality, only greater in responsibility. We have been "chosen" to lead the battalions of mankind back to moral perfection.

Good luck, we salute you.

Are We Missing Another Opportunity?

2011-01-02T02:01:00.000-08:00

This past Shabbat I had the wonderful experience of sitting around a table with three of my very close friends. We sang, laughed, spoke words of Torah, it was truly a very nice Shabbat. One of the reoccurring topics around the Shabbat table was the age-old discussion of Religious Zionism and it's opposition by many in the Charadei communities. The questions of whether there is an obligation to make Aliyah or not, if the State of Israel is truly the "seedlings of Redemption," and other famous questions filled the holy Shabbat air. The amount of information and Halachic sources cited, proves the effort each of us has put into discovering the truth to these timeless questions. Ironically however, we already made Aliyah.

I have found that many of the Jews living in Chutz LaAretz, haven't put too much work into answering these questions. A discussion with even some of the very learned people in Chutz LaAretz reveals their ignorance in the many halachot in this matter. It seems many yeshivot have dropped it from the agenda, seeing it as unimportant. They will speak at length about many if not all of the other mitzvot, giving little mention of one of the greater mitzvot in the Torah.

Before I continue I want to make myself clear. Anyone who has thought about these issues, anyone who has examined the halachot and has concluded that we may not move to Israel, I am in no way referring to you. There is another side of the argument, this I know. May Hashem guide us all in the path of truth.

However, it has not been my experience to find people ideologically staying in Chutz LaAretz, rather as I said before, they seem to have a general disregard for the mitzvah. Many hide behind the rulings of the many who oppose the Zionist movement without real examination into either sides philosophy.

One may of course, ask the famous question at this point: "There are so many mitzvot, why are you so obsessed with this one?"

Firstly, I believe we must be "obsessed" with all the mitzvot. Just because there are many others does not allow us to start deciding which mitzvot we may dispose of.

Secondly, Israel is not a subject to be taken lightly. We must refer to the words of Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi in his famous work: The Kuzari.

The King of Kuzar asks why nowadays the Jews do not go up to Eretz Yisrael, the Jewish sage answers mournfully:

"Alas, King of Kuzar, you have exposed my point of disgrace! Indeed, this sin prevented the fulfillment of that which G-d had destined for the Second Temple... For Divine Providence was ready to rest upon [the Jews] as at first, if they had all willingly heeded the call and returned to Eretz Yisrael. However, only a minority took heed, while the majority--including the most prominent among them--remained in Babylonia, acquiescing to exile and bondage, just so that they would have to part with their dwellings and businesses... If we would be prepared to draw near to the G-d of our forefathers and wholeheartedly, He would save us as He saved our ancestors in Egypt. But since that is not the case, our utterances of (1) "Bow at His mountain," (2) "Bow at His footstool," (3) "Who restores His presence to Zion," etc. are like the chirping of birds, for we say these things without proper intent. (Sefer Kuzari 2:24)."

We could have ended the exile many hundreds of years ago if we had heeded the call to return to Zion! What folly to believe the issue of Israel is not of utmost importance! Do we believe the happenings in the Tanach to be dead stories not meant to awaken the soul? Is it inconceivable that the Jews in Chutz LaAretz now, are making that same mistake, "even the prominent among them?" Was the story of 80 percent of the Jews remaining in Egypt, or the story of the Jews wrongfully remaining in Babylonia when they had the chance to return with Ezra, just useless information of the past, pertaining nothing to the future? Indeed, anyone who believes this way is guilty of at best ignorance, and at worst, attempting to kill the spirit of the Torah. G-d forbid.

Although, it is clear which side of the discussion I am on, I am in no way rejecting the opposing side as it too has it's wisdom and basis in Halacha. The point here is to awaken your desire to search and discover the truth. Even those of us meriting to live here in Eretz Yisrael need to fortify and understand why we are here and what must be done. Every Jew must have an opinion on this crucial topic. I would imagine that those who have thought and think about the many questions and halachic debates and have drawn even a wrong conclusion will be rewarded. For the Father knows the darkness that surrounds His children. However, those Jews who pushed this holy mitzvah to the back of their minds and have neglected any research on the topic, may be held accountable for holding back the Redemption. G-d forbid. What an embarrassment it will be, when we see the damage we have done!

There is no excuse, the books have been written in almost, if not every language. The information is accessible to all who seek it. As we near the end of this bitter exile we must ask ourselves if we aren't going to be the ones left behind in "Egypt."

It may be time to re-open the famous topic of Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael and make it top priority on the minds of all B'nei Torah.

May Hashem grant us clarity in all the His ways. May He help us as a nation, to not miss another opportunity to bring the Moshiach and may the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days. Amen.

A Call To Action

2010-12-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

"We, Jah people, can make it work!"-Bob Marley

The race has already begun. Time is moving along, and it seems that we are lagging behind. If we don't hurry up and get moving we will lose and become yet another generation of wasted inspiration.

Many are the complaints, frustrations, and ideas of change I get from my peers about how they were brought up or how the school system rejected them. They get angry, they blame, they vow to change it for their children, and then for some reason they climb back into the pit of rejection.

I have already written, spoken, and thought, about the many problems that flood the Jewish school system today. Surprisingly, or maybe not, they are many of the same problems that were talked about for years before us. Schools filling up the young minds with what to think, without clear guides of how to think, have taken their toll on the Jewish faith. Parents have robbed a sense of individuality from their children and used Judaism as their excuse. They have made them conform to their way, without letting them think, challenge, and discover their own colors in this multi-faceted religion.

Simply put, I see two kinds of youth growing up to inherit and teach the next generation. On one side you have the ones who have received "A's" on all their report cards, did as they were told, and never really felt rejected or pained by our current "Jewish" system. However, on the other hand you find a group I like to call: "Exiled Warriors." These special souls, have been sent away from their homes, schools, and worst of all their true selves. They are strong passionate youth, full of energy and lacking love. They, due to their own faults or the school system, have been out-casted, labeled, and are heavily scarred. They walk around with a constant feeling of rejection. To them Judaism is the symbol of their miserable childhoods.

I am not placing any blame on the schools or parents for every case of a young broken child, but I will say that after much research, I have discovered diamonds that if the system would have let break free from their coal, would have enriched our beautiful heritage. Sadly, however these diamonds see that they are unwanted and believe themselves to actually be useless, and so they cover themselves in so much dirt, they become nearly impossible to find.

However, I am not talking to the parents of these warriors, or to the schools that tried to defeat and change them. I am talking to you.

I am talking to you, sweet brother with your pain slung over your shoulder, wandering with no where to go. I am talking to you, precious sister with your eyes full of tears searching relentlessly for love. If we truly are going to change the world, if we truly are going to change all those misconceptions your teachers fed you, if we are going to give our children a genuine look at the beautiful Jewish religion you never got, there is work to be done.

This is the race I referred to above. These two types of youth are speedily rushing towards the next generation. The ones who have never felt the pain you felt, will more than likely leave things the way they are. If we do not hurry up, they will be teaching our children, and the world will stay the same. Although I imagine it will get even worse.

Do not get me wrong, I have no angst towards the ones who have never been affected by the system, in fact they are praiseworthy. They did their jobs without complaint or question. There is indeed a important place for them in the next generation. Their vast knowledge, especially in the areas of Judaism will be very important to fill the storehouses of our children's minds with the word of G-d.

However, we are the ones who should be in the classrooms helping nourish the children's needs and help them to flourish, using our personal experience, to become the unique souls they were meant to be. We have seen a world where they tried to cut everyone to fit the same shape. We know first hand how important it is to "educate each child according to his nature." If we want our children to get that type of education, then we must become the teachers.

Every one of us must take it upon himself or herself to learn, think, and learn more. We are young minded. Most of our lives we have been out casted and have basically decided we are too stupid or different to learn. Therefore we find ourselves now full of heart and passion but without much knowledge or insight into the Torah we claim to want to give our children a genuine look at. The first step is to realize and internalize that even though you may have been rejected, you are not a reject. You are a warrior of Hashem put here, for a special mission, that only you can do. The mere fact that you have breath in your lungs proves G-d still thinks your'e pretty important.

The task of removing this feeling is much harder said than done, for many reasons. Firstly, it has been ingrained in you from a young age, either by yourself, or someone else. Secondly, retaining that feeling allows us to escape from actually having to do something. As long as I don't matter, my actions don't matter either. The point here is, it must be done. Realize your power, and then realize your responsibility.

The next step is to begin to study, challenge, discern, re-study, think, discover, and study some more. This task may sound daunting, but the important truth is that there is a lot we need to catch up on. My dear friend Moshe Orman is trying to begin a program where people can come and discuss and challenge the Jewish faith and then as a group try to intelligently answer our many questions. For more information check his group on Facebook called Judaism on Trial.

Of course, this will take about every ounce of perseverance and commitment, but if not for yourself, do it for your children. You will need to be indestructible. You will need to inflame every part of your soul. You will need to face yourself, and better yourself. We must work until we can proudly walk into that classroom and have what it takes to teach the next generation. "If not now, when?" Let us together, take on the yoke of preparing ourselves and the world for the next generation.

Obviously, not every one of us is going to be a teacher in a classroom, but every one of us will have opportunities to help form the next generation. But we must be prepared.

I am, as many of you know, not the best poster-child of an "Exiled Warrior," for I have amazing parents who taught me very genuine Judaism. I also had alot of very good teachers who filled my mind with beautiful wisdom and allowed me to digest it my own way. I can never repay them for what they have given me. I have had my scrapes with the system but they are only, thank G-d, flesh wounds. However, it may be for just this reason that it pains me to see my brothers and sisters so injured.

Please brother, rise again from the pit and do what G-d has put you here to do. Please dear sister dust off the crown and place it once again upon your head. The scars of the past are the teachers of the future. "Be strong, be strong and you will be strengthened!"

The King's Emblem

2010-12-09T03:37:00.000-08:00

A while back I regrettably missed a golden opportunity. I was walking through Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem, when a woman, clearly not religious, approached me. She asked me if the garment was important to have with the tzitzit, or could she just attach the strings to her sons belt. I answered her that the garment was also very important. I don't know what became of that lady, but I do regret missing out on explaining the amazing beauty in the mitzvah of tzitzit. It was such a "basic" question that it hadn't crossed my mind in a long time.

Our rabbis teach us that in the days before Mashiach, Hashem will begin to "shake the rope" to see who really believes in Him. Many of our sages our saying that we are now in that time. The battle of good and evil rages on stronger than ever, we need to fight very hard to stay clinging to that rope.

Sadly, however, many young Jewish males have taken off their tzitzit, or as my mother always referred to it; their "bulletproof vests." The tzitzit is our uniform. A sign to ourselves and the rest of the world that we are in G-D's army.

Why is it that so many people, who are still halacha-abiding Jews find tzitzit not important?

The reason, I believe, is because they don't understand the beauty of this holy mitzvah. As many know, it is only a obligation to have tzitzit if you are wearing a four cornered garment. One is not required to wear the tzitzit that we go and buy in the store, however it is a great mitzvah.

It is this that I wish I would have told that lady, and it is this that I would like to share with you now.

A king in a large and loyal empire, issues a ruling. "All who wear purple must sew the king's emblem into it before wearing it in public." The loyal townspeople quickly run to the tailor and have him sew the king's emblem into all their purple garments.

There is, however a group of people, who have always been the closest to the king. They always are the first to battle for him, and the first to give him of all they have. Their relationship with the king buys them many nice privileges such as personal meetings with the king, but this of course, is not why they serve him. When these men hear the kings new ruling they all go and switch all their clothing for purple clothing in order to fulfill the kings ruling always, to show their respect and love for the kings wishes.

This is tzitzit. Of course the garment is important! Without the garment we wouldn't have to put on the "kings emblem." We want, however, to show the King how much we love Him, so we go and buy four cornered garments on purpose so that we must fulfill the mitzvah.

This is our symbol to G-D about how proud we are to be in His service. We show G-D that even when we don't have to, we want and will serve Him.

"I am proud to be a Jew!" This seems to be the chant of many young Jews today. It seems the fire Hitler tried to extinguish, has only gotten stronger. However, as one rabbi said when he heard someone say that he was proud to be Jewish: "Well, that's good because you certainly look Jewish." His sarcasm is apparent. We say we're proud to be Jewish but the first thing we try to do is cover up the fact that we're Jewish.

People will paint their entire bodies the colors of their favorite sports team, showing the world that they are proud to be from the same city. However, it seems when it comes to one's actual identity, "pride" takes on a whole new meaning. Painful as it may be, we need to take a hard look at ourselves and see if we are, in fact, ashamed of our Jewish roots. G-d forbid.

We, as a proud people, need to don our uniforms once again. We need to show the world and G-D, that we are loyal and close to the King. Let us rise and fight the evil, proudly waving G-D's flag. In the merit of the many Jews who show Hashem that we will serve Him even if we don't have to, let us see the Redemption speedily in our days. Amen.

If There's a Will, There's Oil

2010-11-30T01:43:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for Chanuka, we are reminded of the epic tale of macabis. First, after many years of Greek oppression, the macabis, Matisyahu and his sons, go to war against a much larger and trained army, and through the help of G-d, are victorious. These brave men then run to the Temple excited to once again serve the Creator of the universe. However their excitement is short-lived. As they reach the Temple they find that all the oil, that needs to be pure, had been contaminated by the pagan Greeks. Could you imagine the disappointment. They search every crack and crevice of the Temple searching for just one vat of oil, that's seal remained unbroken. Hashem then makes yet another miracle. Amongst the filth, idols, and blood that filled the Temple floors, they found a small sealed vat of pure oil. Excitement once again filled the hearts of our holy warriors, as they ran and lit the Menorah, which we know lasted a full eight days.

One can, and many have asked, what the big deal was? Why were they in such a rush? Of course they were exempt from doing the mitzvah, why then didn't they just take the eight day journey to the olive fields, pick and squeeze some new pure oil?

What is perhaps even more perplexing is, we know Hashem doesn't usually do open miracles. If He would there would be no challenge in being a faithful servant, rendering it worthy of very little reward. Therefore, why did Hashem make such a massive open miracle? Why would He show the world His Presence so the Macabis wouldn't have to wait eight days?

The answer reveals to us a very an amazing secret of the power which G-d has given to mankind. The feeling that filled their hearts, the feeling that carried them through the battlefield when hope looked bleak, the feeling that made them obsessed with serving G-d that moment, the feeling that caused Hashem to openly reveal Himself: Was desire.

Desire is our most potent weapon. We can literally control nature. It is the force that drives man to greatness.

We see by the splitting of the sea, that only after we jumped in; only when we stood there up to our chin in the roaring ocean, only then did Hashem split the sea. Only then were we saved.

The Sefat Emet writes that this is the reason that the Jews only sang after the sea, and not after any of the other plagues. Only after we tapped into the most powerful force on Earth did our souls burst into song.

Many people call this concept "the secret," there are books and movies illustrating this amazing concept. We have Chanuka.

When one is filled with desire nothing, literally nothing, can stop him.

Ironically, President Obama's campaign motto: "Yes, we can," is, in a nutshell, the story of Chanuka.

Let us, in this most powerful and dark time, reignite our one true desire to serve Hashem. Let us, as we light our chanukiot this year remember that we can change the world, that we are limitless, that we, by tapping into this power, could bring about a speedy redemption.

Arise O Macabi from your slumber, darkness covers the Earth. Rise and once more fill the world with His light.

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me." (Avot 1:14)

Time to Pick a Side

2010-11-28T03:40:00.001-08:00

Growing up, I never cared about the political scene. I was "right-wing" because my parents were. I watched people argue for hours and hours posing the same arguments with different words. It seemed pointless. However at age 19 when I moved to Israel, I realized I couldn't just be what my parents were, I needed to make my own personal journey to find the truth. The very existence of the world depends on it.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, we find the world, and especially Israel, split down the middle. Some believe we must continue to give away land to the "Palestinians" for peace. Others believe that in doing so we are threatening the existence of the State of Israel. Of course I am oversimplifying it because I did not come to pose my opinion, rather to urge you to get one.

People need to know where they stand. They need to be able to express and explain it logically. They need to, and maybe most importantly, be able to change their point of view if they are proven incorrect.

As with all labels, "right-wing," and "left-wing" have allowed people to shut off their brains and hide behind their chosen label. They don't need to do any research or mental-work of any kind. They are a leftist and that's that!

It is imperative for every person no matter, how insignificant you may think you opinion is, to search through the facts, to examine history, to ask and probe, to challenge and refine, until you have created for yourself a concrete opinion. With any luck, you'll find that instead of being on the right or left, you will be on the straight path, the path of truth.

Although this is important, like I said, for everyone on Earth, it is a necessity for every Jew. Our Land, is being thrown around like a bargaining chip. The Land that Hashem gave us is being used by the world to yet again blame the Jew. You may think your opinion doesn't matter, but my dear Jew, it matters so much. Your family and their homes are at great risk, you must search and find the truth, for their sake.

In every persons life, the time comes when the road splits and he must take the step that will set the course for his journey. Choose wisely. Your people need you.

May G-d grant us the strength to always seek the truth. Amen.

He Exists! The Story of the Ring

2010-11-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

"Where is G-d to be found? In the place where He is given entry." -R' Menachem Mendel of Kotsk

My heart is still racing from what I saw just a few moments ago. I just saw and experienced G-d. There is no feeling like the moment where G-d reveals Himself to His creation.

Eventhough I was in the middle of writing another blog post, this story must be told.

A friend walked into my room talking about how she lost her ring that her Aunt had given her. She had lost it while picking fruits earlier this morning. I needed a break from what I was doing so we set out to find her ring. As we biked towards the location where she thought maybe she lost it, we spoke about what Hashem wanted from her.

We came to the most likely place that it would be. A large field filled with grass and fruit trees. At this point anyone who didn't have G-d in their life would be forced by logic, to turn around, come home, and be bummed. However, we Jews who have watched seas split and seen thunder, we Jews who have spoken to G-d thousands of times throughout lives, we Jews who would lay down our life for our Father in heaven, walk confidently into that field, eyes to the ground, mouths filled with prayer.

We searched for about ten minutes, talking to G-d and asking Him to give us a miracle. The girl took on praying the full Prayer service in the morning, and continued to search.

It was within that field of impossibility, amongst the blades of doubt, that I suddenly reached down and picked up the ring.

There is no better feeling in the world then what filled our souls at that moment. However, this is a simple story. At this point, some of you may roll your eyes and smile, but there are some who know this feeling and see to the depths of its beauty. This story will probably not be published in any book, but it has changed our lives forever.

For most of us, this isn't the first time we have heard a story like this. Most of us have more than likely experienced something very similar in our own lives. However, our minds are quick to forget and jump back into a sea of doubt and confusion. We allow our minds to be sucked away by the "logic" of atheists. We allow "what if?" to be the question that haunts us. When will we just admit what we already know?

People may ask me why I believe in G-d. The answer is because I have seen Him. I have felt Him lift me upon His shoulders and carry me through the darkness. I have spoken to Him.

I don't believe in some god in the sky who is distant from creation. Who sits battling the devil up in the clouds.

I believe in an Omnipotent, All-Powerful, All-Encompassing Friend, Father, and King.

The truth is clear. Hashem exists. He is everything. There is nothing else but Him. Deny it if you want. As a rabbi once said to an atheist: "Fine, live in a godless world!" I have seen Him. I believe in Him.

Those of you who have experienced this as well, please never let yourself forget. Tell about your experience with G-d over and over and then tell it again. All day He is with us, the more we want to see Him the more we will.

הודו לה כי טוב, כי לעולם חסדו

Is Gilad Less Important Than Lot?

2010-11-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

My heart, and the hearts of all of Israel, are constantly in pain when we think about our son and brother who has been sitting in a Hamas prison behind enemy lines for over four years. Gilad Shalit's face is plastered all over the world, people have added him to their Facebook profile pictures, arguments are sparked in almost all Jewish homes regarding the "right" course of action. His parents have just led a march pleading with the Israeli government to do something. "Gilad" is certainly a topic that fires up the hearts of all Jews.

All Jews. No matter their political affiliation, want and pray for that boy to be held again by his mother and by his people.

Ad Matai? Until when?

This is the question I pose to all of our spiritual leaders. How long until it is the time to do what needs to be done. As the governments dance around their fire of lies and deceptions, we, the people, the Jews, must rise up and bring our brother home again. How long must we sit on our hands and watch him suffer?

A few weeks ago, we read the portion of Lech Lecha; wherein Lot is captured by the five kings. A fugitive came and told Abram that his nephew had been captured, and then the Torah says: "And when Abram heard that his kinsman was taken captive, he armed his disciples who had been born in his house - three hundred eighteen - and he pursued them as far as Dan." The Torah continues to say how he kept striking and chasing them until:" He brought back all his possessions; he also brought back his kinsman, Lot, with his possessions...(14:13-16)"

As soon as Abram "the Jew" heard that someone had captured someone in his family, he let all hell break loose. He gathered his untrained Ba'ali Teshuva armed up, and set out to fight who ever got in his way. No matter how uneven the odds he was going to get Lot back! Later on the Torah tells us that Malchizedek the king of Salem praises Hashem for Abram's victory over five armies. Thus Abram's actions caused a world-wide sanctification of Hashem.

There is no mention of him speaking to Hashem beforehand, he just went to war. That's not to say that he didn't do the will of G-d, but Abram knew that when it comes to family, it is G-d's will to protect one's own.

One can reasonably argue that since Abram was on such a high level he was completely in tune with the will of Hashem, he therefore knew what he was doing was right; whereas we are blinded by the darkness of exile.

It is for this reason that I turn ignorantly to our spiritual guides of today and ask: "Ad Matai?" How many times must the book of Psalms be said, how many tears must be shed, before we can go and rescue our "kinsman" from the blood-thirsty hands of our enemies? Be strong, O sages, we will heed you, but you must guide us. Tell us what to do. Hashem, G-d of Abram, is with us.

Leaving Our Sealed Rooms

2010-10-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Many Jews are worried about the Jewish faith today. We seem to be obsessed with labeling everyone. Young adults are wandering confused as to who they are. They search for a label, something to call themselves by, to ease their minds. After 2000 years of oppression the beautiful Jewish faith has become badly scarred. We will become whole again, but changes will have to be made.

Although there is work to be done all around, I think that a vast rectification must be made, that will unify and return us to the straight path.

All around the world there are hundreds of men learning in Kollelim (a place where married men are paid to study Torah). For many years this system has flourished and the results are evident.

Everywhere you look there is another Torah institution opening up. All over the world Jews of all backgrounds are studying Torah in every language. It is being taught in hundreds of different ways to accommodate each person individually. The Torah has become a feast for all Jews to partake in.

Why and when were these Kollelim opened?

It is my understanding that after the Nazi (may their name be erased) war-machine was defeated, the handful of Jews left were battered and broken. The rabbis of that generation realized they needed to save the Torah and Judaism. They went into what I once heard called: "Survival Mode." Although there were Kollelim since 1877, they made it wide-spread. Now, not only would it be for the great scholars but for everyone.

Concepts like returning to Israel were pushed aside by most, so they could rescue the Torah. Zionism was too big a threat, so they just pushed the great mitvah of Yishuv HaAretz to a later more secure time.

Young men would get married, and shipped off to continue learning Torah and rebuild the Orthodox life.

Time past, and the ashes of war began to blow away. As the smoke cleared, the Jew stood teary-eyed, but proud. Hitler thought he could get rid of the Jew, he only succeeded in making us stronger.

However, I believe it is time to "turn off the alarms," and return to the world, to complete our mission. Men should not just be sitting and learning all day leaving their new father-in-law with their bills and expenses. To often we see older people struggling to support their newly married Kollel couple. We shouldn't be hiding ourselves from the world within our four walls. We should be glad we survived, and move on. It is time to pick up where we left off.

The mishna in Avot (2:2) reads: "Beautiful is the study of Torah with a worldly occupation, for with both of them, sin is forgotten."

We are supposed to work and learn, this is the way of the Jew. Sadly, we needed to take a break, but now we must continue living as "working Jews". As Rabbi S.R. Hirsch put it: "Avraham didn't show up on the scene to relieve the Jew of his worldly responsibility."

This is not a new concept, over the last years many Jews have begun to come out from hiding with a kippah on their heads, ready once again to be a "light unto the nations." Some have started calling these Jews, modern Orthodox, where in actuality I believe that way of life to be ancient Orthodox. The more labels we create the more distanced we will be.

Even within the hallow walls of the yeshivot I have heard that some rebbeim are telling there students to attend college or find work. Although I know this revolution will take time, we must begin now. Let us leave our sealed rooms and shock the world with a new strong unified Jewish people. Let us fill their work places and their streets showing them that even as we walk exposed to the world, we continue to serve the Creator.

Let us return to Israel and work the soil together as one, and then go learn together as one.

Hashem should give us the courage to undertake this most sacred task.

Educational Murder

2010-10-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

The story I am about to relate to you, is true, and may leave you in horror.

Last year in one of the many seminaries in Israel, a girl went to her rebbe to talk with him about something that had been bothering her. She had done alot of spiritual work and was trying to fit her personality into her new elevated self. What bothered her was that when she would hear people saying that the "best" guy to marry was one that learned all day, she would become uneasy. She asked her rabbi if it was okay to marry a guy who would work and learn, maybe watch a movie from time to time. She wanted a guy who was more like her, not some top notch yeshiva buchur with whom she would have no connection with other than a ring and a photo album. The rabbi told her that if she would work a little harder she could become the person who would want to marry the aforementioned yeshiva buchur.

When I tell people this story they look and me in shock and disbelief. The truth is, that because I was not in the room or more correctly in the rabbi's head I can not be sure there isn't something he meant the was perceived wrong by the girl. I have also heard very good things about this rabbi, so we are left perplexed about how a religious rabbi could say something so far from truth to a girl looking for life guidance.

The obvious consequences from these words are clear. This girl quickly becomes unhappy with her level and does what is now being called, "flipping-out." She becomes something she is not and worse marries someone who she is worlds apart from. The couple stumbles through the first year as if they spoke different languages. This sweet young couple fights to find common ground where there is none. The young yeshiva buchur is constantly talking to his rabbi, worried about his wife's spiritual growth. The lost girl feels empty inside and tries to be anyone but herself so her husband will respect her. She davens, and cries as she wages war against herself, day in and day out. What are the next steps for this young couple? A relationship void of love? Divorce? G-d forbid.

There is a mishna in Avot(1:11)that reads: "Avtalyon said: Sages, be careful with your words, for you may incur the penalty of exile and be banished to a place of evil waters, and the disciples who follow you there will drink and die, and consequently the Name of Heaven will be desecrated."

Teachers and rebbeim need to realize the power their every word holds. With one joke or impulsive comment they could change the course of Jewish history!

If you look at the mishna carefully it reads: "...you may incur the penalty of exile,'' why does the mishna use the same punishment as one who commits unintentional murder?

Could it be because the mishna is highlighting that if a rebbe or teacher says something misleading to their students, they are likened to careless murders?! Our souls should shudder in fear at the power our every word has. May Hashem help us to always say the correct thing in accordance with His will.

Every single one of us, at one point or another, will have "students." Whether they are friends, children, spouses our young minds in a classroom. We must remember that our words have the power to change the world. Be careful!

"Hashem, open up my lips, so my mouth may declare your praise."

A Nation Apart

2010-10-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

There is a people.
They live among the nations. They are known to be named the children of G-d. He chose them from amongst the nations, "like a rose amongst the thorns." They have traveled the waves of time and have come out strong and still clinging to the same faith.

They are servants.
They serve the one true G-d. They follow His commandments obediently without question. Like sheep they follow their Master. They serve Him through joy and fear. They will lay down their life for the will of the King. They fear no other power but His. Before Him they stand humble and full of admiration. They attribute every aspect of their lives to their Master and praise Him for it. They sacrifice even their bodily needs if He says so.

They are warriors.
From the moment they arise in the morning they battle their lusts and desires. They stand strong as the forces of evil attack them repeatedly. They fight with all their might against evil, and never back down. Even when they lose, they won't quit. Every minute of everyday they battle relentlessly.

They are compassionate.
They are always looking to help their fellow man. They give whatever they can. They teach their children to care more about others, at least as much as they care for themselves. They welcome the stranger in their midst with open arms. They watch over the orphan and widow as though they were blood related. It pains them to see others in pain. They believe every creation on this Earth deserves respect and love.

They are wanderers.
From country to country they roam. They march from place to place always waiting their unified return to Zion, a land promised to their ancestors by G-d Himself. They have dwelled in almost every place and left impressions on almost every culture. Though at times their feet grow tired they continue to wander until they can once again dwell in their own land together as one people.

They are hopeful.
They have been exiled, beaten, tortured and slaughtered but they continue to wait for the final redemption. They know G-d will save them from their enemies hand's and that He will one day return the Temple and peace to Zion. No matter how long the journey takes, or how brutal the path becomes, their spirits never die, their fires never dim. They look and pray towards Zion believing everyday that the redemption could come.

They are immortal.
They have withstood the test of time. They have watched large empires crumble and mighty nations disappear, and yet they continue to march through time almost untouched. Every time a people will try and destroy them, they burst forth stronger like a blazing fire. They are indestructible. History can have it's way with most men, the past will conquer most nations, but not them. They live on.

They are penitent.
They bow their heads in remorse of past transgressions. They see the suffering in the world as result of their sins. They beg G-d before His heavenly throne to forgive their past iniquities. They devote days of fasting and praying to cleanse themselves of the blackness they have allowed to enter their hearts. They cry and wail at the memories of their sinful pasts. They stand ready to take the punishment needed to be purified once again.

They are visionaries.
They look toward the future. They envision a world of moral perfection and brotherhood of all mankind. They see a world where men will "beat their swords into plowshares." They look forward to a world where all of creation will recognize G-d as the Creator of the universe and Master of all that is within. They pray to see this world everyday.

Rise up O Jew from where ever you are. Rise up and be proud!

Taking Off Our Blindfold

2010-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

As we approach the first mass destruction in history in Parashat No'ach, we are reminded of G-d's dominion over all creation and a generation of evildoers to the greatest extent. Hashem destroyed his entire creation because of the irreversible evil mankind had become drunk with.

We know Hashem commanded No'ach to build the Ark for many years in the hopes that some would see him building it, he would explain why, and they would correct their evil ways. For years No'ach built and told of the approaching flood but sadly no takers.

However if you and I saw some elderly man building a boat talking about the end of the world I would imagine we would disregard as we do the homeless men on 5th avenue with their cardboard signs yelling about the end of the world.

What is perplexing is that we are taught that No'ach didn't need to go and fetch the animals, a near impossibility, rather Hashem made a miracle and all the animals came to him.

If we can even begin to imagine the scene: No'ach is standing before his newly finished Ark all the species on the planet came in twos pouring in from all directions and obediently boarding the boat. Weren't the people just a bit astonished by this miraculous happening? Certainly if the homeless man yelling about an apocalypse was suddenly surrounded by two of every animal in the world, we would begin to listen to what he had to say. Why then weren't the people convinced? Why did none try to repent?

The answer should terrify us. The people of that generation were so evil that even the biggest miracle couldn't change them. The evil had covered their hearts and minds and left them nothing more than slaves to their lusts racing towards their deaths. They were as blind men walking confidently next to riverbank believing themselves to be safe as death was lurking only moments away.

The Medrash tells us that the land was very fertile and people had to do minimal work to get maximum benefit. Everything they wanted they got. They became drunk with lust and greed and morality became a thing of the past. Murder, adultery, and thievery became world-wide past times!

Evil is so powerful! It attacks the hearts of men and enslaves them! It can turn intelligence into arrogance and foolishness! It's can destroy the greatest empire, and it has!

Today, it is very easy to enjoy many of life's pleasures. What was once only a treat for the kings and noblemen is now commonplace. What used to be knowledge only for the wise and educated has become available, via the Internet, to all wish. The world is wide open for all to access, and this is where we must be frightened.

If one looks around, it does not take a very perceptive person to see the corruption that floods the streets. From politicians to paupers, the world has become rotten. A small handful of mankind is still living an ethical life, most have abandoned it for a more convenient and pleasure-seeking life-style.

We watch in horror as the stock market crashes, the media sympathizes with murderers and terrorists, immorality rallies and demands our acceptance, cities are within a few hours covered with water, nuclear warfare waits ready to pounce, skeptics mock the religious, and appearance has become primary and truth secondary, it doesn't take a sociologist to tell you, the world has gone completely mad. The world waits in fear with but one question: "What will be?"

Do we not see the clear signs that G-d is sending us? Have we become so corrupt that even as we are terrified of the future, we won't look to G-d. Have we become so lustful that we no longer search for the truth? Has mankind once again been poisoned by evil? What is the future of the world if we do not see the signs of G-d?

We must break away from our cages of evil and look at the world and the meaning of it's existence. We need to bring morality back into everyday life. We need to see that everything that happens, be it good or bad, is from the Creator of the of the world sending us a message to correct our ways. Open up yours eyes and be saved!

Getting the Better Deal

2010-10-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

As the building freeze comes to a close, Jews of the settlements are pulling out their blueprints and calling contractors, terrified that Netanyahu will break, and the building freeze will extend.

As we call different contractors and building companies we must remember our Jewish brethren. It is common when making any purchase, one tends to look for the better deal. Arab labor in this country is fairly cheap and the Jewish companies are considerably more expensive. Economically and practically speaking, it is smarter to pay for Arabs than Jews. Idealistically speaking however, we must see it in a whole new light.

Jewish laborers are struggling to make ends meet because though they offer (most of the time) an honest and decent price and are trustworthy Jews, they are out-priced by their Arab competitors. We as Jews must remember that we are a small family. We can sing the songs about brotherhood, hug each other at the Kotel or wear light green ribbons for Gilad, but if we don't live it, then the ceremonies and songs are worthless. Certainly if ones blood brother was looking for work, we would have no question to first turn to him even if he was a little more expensive, so must we act towards our spiritually-bound family. If we are not for ourselves; who will be for us?

I have witnessed my parents, who are not swimming in money to say the least, spend extra to support a Jewish plumber, than save on Arab labor. Praiseworthy are those who look out for their brothers more than their money. We tell Hashem that we love Him with all our heart, soul and money, yet when it comes to actuality how many of us will become like rats protecting a piece of rotten cheese, protecting every penny.

I confess, I am not one to judge for I have never had to pay to have a home built. It is easy to admonish people for something I have never dealt with. However, the truth is clear. We must look out for our own. Look inside yourself, would it ruin all your dreams to put a little less into your house so you can afford Jewish labor?

Of course there are numerous other problems with bringing large groups of Arabs onto our secluded yishuvim. There is the obvious security threat it entails. Well known terrorists have been found with blueprints of many of the yishuvim throughout the West Bank. Sabotages on houses such as stones clogging the pipes, have already been discovered. G-d forbid, I fear the mere mention of it, but how will we feel if something would happen to a child because of one crazy Arab disguised as a builder? Will saving all the money in the world be worth it then?

I plead with anyone using Arab labor to reconsider! Any of you who aren't should please spread this message! It is unacceptable!

If we would all look out for each other, then we will see what it truly means to get the better deal.

Joyous Guilt

2010-09-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

In the mussaf prayer for the three yearly festivals (Pesach, Sh'vuot,Sukkot), there is one of the tefillot that seems to be out of place.

Amongst all the praises and giving of thanks, we out of nowhere, begin to read: "Because of our sins we have been exiled from our land and sent far from our soil..." This seems like a very negative subject to throw in the middle of all our positive tefillot. Though we say this on all three of the holidays, it's perhaps most perplexing now, during Sukkot, which is also called "Zman Simchatainu"-"A time of our happiness". Why did Chazal feel it necessary to throw in this seemingly negative topic amongst the joyous tefillot of the holiday?

The answer is, I believe, a fundamental point and a necessity for all those seeking a happy life. The truth is that this tefilla not negative, but is actually extremely positive and motivational. Emphasis must be put on the word "our." "Because of OUR sins we were exiled..." That means, that since it was our fault, we could fix it!

Some people live their whole lives blaming the world for all their difficulties. They blame the Government, their neighbor, the weather, the circumstance, the list is truly endless. They believe it takes the stress off them for they have pushed it off their shoulders and are now but a helpless victim. Of course, this feeling of relief will end as soon as the unsolved problem returns in a new disguise. The aforementioned "victim" quickly searches for something or someone to blame to free them of this burden, and this vicious cycle if uncorrected leads them to an early grave.

The problem could never be solved because HE never faced it! It is only when we realize that we have caused the problem that we could fix it.

So here we are during the "time of our happiness" and we proclaim with true conviction: "Because of our sins we were exiled..." Because of us; so we can fix it. Not because of our ancestors, not because of the Charedim, not because of the Zionists, because of us. Every single one of us is to blame, and every single one of us can fix the problem and bring about the final Redemption.

Chazal say that any generation that does not build the Temple, it is as if that generation destroyed it. We are to blame because WE have the power.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov wrote: "If you believe you can destroy, certainly you can rectify." Although I am sure he probably meant something else, these timeless words can be used here in our case as well. If one believes that he is capable of destroying, if he is willing to admit that he can make a mistake, then certainly he will be able to fix the problem.

Let us happily accept our blame, and fix ourselves and the world! We have the power! The responsibility is upon our shoulders and the tools are in our hands. Let this be the final year where we must accept blame, and bring about the rectification of our holy Temple! Amen.

Starting Off on the Right Nail

2010-09-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

As Yom Kippur ends, we get ready for a brand new year. We enjoy the angelic feeling that fills our bodies, the feeling of absolute purity. Our souls have been totally cleansed and our sins have been nullified.

The moment we walk out of shul after the long and powerful prayer service, we are reminded of the custom to begin preparing our sukkot for the upcoming holiday. We build our sukkot, buy our lulavim and esrogim, pull out the dusty box of Sukkot decorations, and get ready for this seven day holiday.

One can only wonder why Sukkot, a holiday filled with some much physicality would follow almost immediately after Yom Kippur, a day of only spirituality? One would assume that following a day as holy and removed from this world would be a time period designated to helping us retain this lofty level. What then, is the juxtaposition of these holidays?

The answer is really quite simple. As we exit the holiest day of the year, and get ready to begin the next year of adventures, it is essential we start off on the right note. On Yom Kippur we reached a level of angels. We however cannot retain this level, we are not meant to, but we can come crashing down to earth in one of two ways: that of servants of G-d or as beasts. How we going to return to our imperfect status, this is our choice. This is the essence of Sukkot.

Hashem ordained that Sukkot fall out directly after Yom Kippur to help us return to this material world in service of G-d. We return to our physicality, through building sukkot. We connect with nature by taking the four species. We eat, drink and sleep in the sukkah. On Sukkot, more then most places, it is a requirment for the four species to be beautiful; physically beautiful! If they are not they are defeccted, and not allowed to be used. In fact, most of the holiday is spent in the normal weekday (Chol HaMoed)!

What an amazing gift! Hashem knows we must return to this world, and that we are not angels, so He set up a holiday that we embrace all of our humanly functions in a G-dly way!

As mentioned above even sleeping in the sukkah is a mitzvah, a simple human need turned into a G-dly act when done in the sukkah.

This may be one of the many reasons that even though the actual sukkot in the desert all those years ago took place in the Jewish month of Nisan (spring time), we celebrate it now in Tishrei (fall). Hashem wanted us to start off our humanly imperfect year in a in the service of the One and Only.

We are meant to be humans. We must embrace our physical bodily needs, even some of our desires, but we get to choose how we are going to do it. Learn the lesson of the sukkah, choose wisely.

Alone In Pure Waters

2010-09-17T01:54:00.000-07:00

It is a very well known custom around Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for all Jews to immerse themselves into a Mikva (pure body of rain water).

The power of the Mikva is spoken about by many commentaries. It acts as a purifier for body and soul alike. Some have the custom of dunking every day. There are many stories of our Chassidic masters who chipped away at ice-covered lakes in order to immerse themselves. The depth of this concept is still well beyond my grasp, but just today when I was under the Mikva water a thought occurred to me.

I asked myself: "Why does it have to specifically be water? Why couldn't it have been something else? And even if it had to be water because it symbolizes cleansing, then why does it have to be a pool of water, why not a shower?

It was under the water that the answer fell into my mind. As one goes under water everything stops. He can't hear a sound; he is alone with himself and G-d. Where else can man go where he can be transported directly before G-d? When immersing, one must be completely naked, just as G-d created the first man. And just as Adam was alone with G-d, we too become alone with G-d. We become purified as Adam was in the Garden before the very first sin. What an amazing place. Leave behind the chaos of the world around you, immerse, and be alone with G-d.

Is it any wonder that there is custom to go before the High Holidays?

As this thought grew in my mind I found myself trying to stay under water longer. I tried to hold my breath as long as I could. I waved my arms frantically trying to keep myself below. It was then that yet another thought occurred to me.

Man cannot stay under water forever. We have to breathe, so as much as we would like to stay immersed in the Mikva we can't. It's as if Hashem is saying: "We can have our moment together, but you must return to the chaotic world where I have placed you. You cannot remain here; there will come a time for that, but not now. You are needed out there. Please continue to visit Me, I love our private meetings, but they must remain brief visits. Go now and complete your purpose."

And with that our lungs run out of air and we are forced to come back to this world, where G-d is hidden, where there is pain and suffering, where there are many distractions and responsibilities which occupy our hearts and minds. We must come back to this world to finish what we were put here to do.

Let us on this Yom Kippur really decide to return to G-d in unity and love. Let us pray that all evil ceases to exist, and that the world may serve His Name in peace. Let us tell G-d that we wish to see the day that we can stay under the Mikva forever. May it be soon in our days.

Can't Have Issachar without Zebulun

2010-09-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

In the fourth aliya in this weeks Torah portion, "V'zot HaBracha" it reads: "And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your departure, and Issachar in your tents (Deuteronomy 33:18)." Rashi there explains that Zebulun and Issachar created a partnership where Zebulun would work and support Issachar so that he may be free to sit and learn Torah.

Today we find many partnerships similar to that of Issachar and Zebulun. Many people are given the freedom to sit and enjoy studying the Divine word, because there are very special people whom utilize their abilities and work very hard, in support of the Torah. Hashem should bless these holy laymen!

It is important to recognize the holiness of the people who allow the many Kollelim and Yeshivot to run and smoothly as they do. It is important to respect these men who work very hard in order to allow so many Jews to sit and learn unbothered and without finacial worry. This respect is demanded of us for Rashi writes regarding the reason for Zebulun being mentioned first: "...for the Torah of Issachar came about through Zebulun."

Whether these supporters are business men, soldiers, fathers who work very hard to send their children to yeshivot all over the world, or mothers who allow their beloved children to be sent away to schools, we need and must respect them as we would a Gadol B'Torah-A giant in Torah, "...for the Torah of Issachar came about through Zebulun."

Indeed, one who would stand and attend to a Talmud Chacham but not for a supporter of Torah, is more than just confused. Young working men should not be looked down upon because they are not in Yeshiva, rather we should set up a partnership with them. Everyone has a unique job to do in this world, they must be allowed to discover and fulfill it. Be it out in the world, or in the tent of Torah, all must rejoice together!

An educator who tries to make everyone into a Torah scholar, with no regard to the child or his skill set, is not only mistaken but puts the whole Jewish people at risk. For without Zebulun, there is no Issachar.

What an amazing task to undertake before Yom Kippur. Let us internalize this message so that it may be said about us again: "...the tribes of Israel in unity (33:5)."

Shabbat of Shabbatot Shalom!

It's the Most Holy Time of the Year!

2010-09-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new year! A new year means 365 more days to, as my mother always says, make a kiddush Hashem (sanctify G-d) or a chillul Hashem (disgrace G-d). A chance to bring the Temple or destroy it. A new chance to come close to our Creator or run away.

To some this sounds like a negative way to start the new year. Full of pressures and responsibilities. Indeed this is how the world celebrates the new solar year. A night of drinking and partying, kicking off the new year with a bang! As the expression goes. To the whole world this is the best way to begin anew. We end, only to begin again through mindless drinking and dancing. To most of the world this is fine...But not the Jews.

When our new year comes around, we rejoice. But the separation between the rejoicing is more vast then the greatest ocean. We focus our minds on G-d. We recognize Him as the King of the universe. We contemplate Him and His wonders. We stand in awe and fear as He judges "who will live, and who will die." We ask G-d to reveal to the world His Kingship, thus ending this bitter exile.

What sense! Why would we begin the year drunk? Why would we begin the year dumbing our senses, allowing our animal-selves roam free, possibly causing us problems that will fill our whole next year?

It is amazing the opportunity we have. G-d revealed to us what happens on this day. He told us that everything from the smallest atom to the greatest star is judged today. He told us that each person will have to stand judgment before the Creator. So we stand ready.

Let us take this new year and make it the last in galut. Let us truly spread the message of G-d to the world but first and foremost to ourselves. Let us hear the blasts of the shofar and let it shock our souls. "We can do it." To quote our current failing leader of the 'Red, White & Blue.' This could be the final year. The year we get it together and bring the redemption. It all starts with ourselves and it all starts now.

Tipping the Scales

2010-08-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

This past Shabbat I saw something in 'The Jerusalem Post' that made my heart sink into a dark place. The sadness was only brief, for my mother reminded me: "Hashem made you see it for a reason."

On the front page of 'The Jerusalem Post' this week (August 17, 2010) reads: "Talking Aliyah with a space engineer, 4 generations of one family, and a gay couple with 3 adopted black kids."

It was this last thing that caused my sadness. Homosexuality in the Torah is called an abomination before G-d (Leviticus 18:22). How can we allow an abomination to come into this Land and we remain silent? I don't know what the right course of action should be regarding them, all I know is that having people destroying and uprooting Torah in Israel, puts this Land and it's inhabitants at great risk.

Although, it is hard to fathom G-d's reasoning behind all the commandments, this prohibition has caused quite a fuss in the intellectual community. I cannot and will not attempt to answer it with reason, all I know is that G-d said it is an abomination so that is where I stand.

These Jewish homosexuals have proudly entered this sacred country with the intent of making it easier for more gays and lesbians to come into the country. This should make every G-d fearing person's skin crawl on their body.

But that is not our only problem. The Government insists that we are like everyone else. That it was by our might that we conquered and continue to hold this Land. This godlessness has become the face of Israel.

The purpose of this Land was to show the world a nation who trust only in G-d. We were suppose to use earth's riches only in service to Him. That is no doubt the reason why only in Israel are such mitzvot as Shmitta (seventh year leaving your fields untouched) and B'kurim (bringing your first fruits to the Temple as thanks to G-d) applicable. We are to show the world that we know G-d gives all and it is through Him that the world continues to spin.

And now, our Government claims to be strong on it's own?! Others throw away the yoke of Torah and still call Israel home! It would be comical if it wasn't so tragic.

As I mentioned previously I don't know what we can do about it. Burning tires or throwing rocks have solved few problems and caused many. The very Land of Israel is in grave danger if we do not do something.

I turn my focus to the Western Jews. How can you say, you support Eretz Yisroel and stay aboard while Israel cries? She cries for all the public godlessness that fills the Government, the cities and many of her homes. Make no mistake. It is only because there are Jews here who stand and defend the Torah that she can exist. Jews who study, teach and live every word of G-d, it is they who protect this country.

We are losing our rights to this Land because we are allowing the evil to outnumber us. Was Gush Katif not a clear sign at the haste we could lose this beautiful country? What will we say to G-d when He asks us why we let Israel be over run with evil? Will we really give our many excuses that rationalize our staying in chutz la'aretz?

You can save Israel just by living as Jew within her boundaries! This is our mission. We must protect the Land! G-d has given her to us to help us with our worldly purpose, how can we let evil destroy her?

I know that some Jews pine and cry to be here everyday, but Hashem has not opened up the path. I know that some Jews are stuck in their lives and can't get out. Believe me, I know.

But as Jews we must always be making sure we're doing all we can to keep the Torah and mitzvot. For we will be asked on each of our short-comings.

Israel is begging all the G-d fearing people to come home and save her from the evil in her midst. How can one say they are religious and make no effort to come save one of the greatest gifts Hashem gave us? Because you are afraid? Will you be willing to face the Almighty and All-Powerful G-d with that excuse? Because you were worried about money? Again, you will have to face the King and Provider and Sustainer of all with that excuse. Israel is dying...who will G-d charge with her murder? G-d forbid.

We need you to come back home! Israel needs you! Every little service of G-d you do here helps sustain the Land and in effect all the Jews! We need you to help us tip the scales in our favor, or G-d forbid, they will win and we will be to blame.

I don't need to tell you the urgency. You need only look into a paper to see that the very existence of the Land is on the edge of total destruction. You need only read one of the many sections of the Torah which deal with the many reasons why we can lose the Land to see why without you our time here may be limited.

Please I urge you on behalf of Eretz Yisroel, the Torah and all the Jewish people through out the generations, please come help us tip the scales and bring Israel and the world back to pure service of the One and Only!

Where are the Real Jews?

2010-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Many is the time I speak with people who have recently left the Jewish faith, and they have a long list of complaints about this "oppressing" religion. Strangely, upon hearing their complaints I have but one thing to say: "That's not genuine Judaism!"

These people have walked away from the most enjoyable way of life, because they mistook what they grew up with, to what is actual Judaism. Whether it was a rebbe who should not have been teaching, or parents who thought chinuch meant beating (physically or verbally) the kid into loving G-d. A true fallacy.

Before I go any further I would like to note I grew up in an amazing home. I believe my parents, though coming from the non-Jewish world, got what Judaism was all about. I was raised with true values. My parents taught us honesty, love of mankind and most importantly self-worth. They taught us that although G-d is the King of the world, He is also our Father. They taught us to love and learn the Torah with all our hearts. They taught us that each Jew has a unique mission and that we should find ourselves in the Torah. And so on. In other words, my parents taught us real Judaism. I, in no way, am referring to myself when I speak of these angst-ridden youth. I am merely an observer watching the faith of my generation whither and die.

In the 21st century the rate of assimilation is on a high. Young people are leaving Judaism at rapid speeds. Some believe Judaism is structured to make certain you fail. I shudder when I hear that. Peers have told me they never felt good enough for their parents. Although this is not uncommon in the secular world either, the Torah holds the keys to prevent this type of catastrophe.

Some of these cases are in fact no one's fault but the child's. But these cases I have found to be less and they are usually normal teen hormones acting out.

I am referring to a much bigger problem. One that has plagued Jews since the destruction of the Temples.One that has corrupted the foundations upon which the Torah stands. And it will continue to chip away at Jewish life, until it is consciously repaired.

The epidemic I refer to is: Judaism void of spirit. Judaism without essence. Torah without love and passion. And most of all, chinuch without a proper understanding of children and their needs. G-d doesn't want a troop of thoughtless conformed zombies, never questioning or wondering (humbly submitted), He wants the fiery young passion he instilled in us to come out and seek the truth and meaning of existence. If not, why would Hashem give us a Torah filled with cryptic codes and multiple interpretations?

Judaism is not a faith for the blind and dumb. It is not some dogmatic religion of do's and dont's. It's an incredible, intellectual, exciting living breathing existence. It's a life of meaning and purpose. That it what needs to be instilled in the youth of today. We need to stop filling their heads with ridiculous notions such as: "If you don't go to big name yeshiva or seminary you won't get married." Such lies are destroying the Jewish faith not sustaining it. And they in no way reflect the essence and truth of the Torah.

We have cast aside the spirit and only held onto the external. Rabbi S.R. Hirsch in his work "The Nineteen Letters" explains that possibly because of the long and bitter exile we were forced to at least save the external of the law, just for the survival of Judaism. He continues to write "...the fear of of being led astray by intellectual inquires had frightened off any such efforts, just as birds of prey are chased away from a dearly beloved corpse." A quite chilling view of our reality.

The problem is we seem to have gotten stuck in this way of living. We have forgotten or at least neglected the spirit of the Torah. The Torah is not dead, but that is how we are portraying it!

Of course I do not speak to those who have and teach genuine Judaism but from what I have seen this is a rarity especially in the education system.

Too many kids are forced to live as Jews without more of a reason than: "...because the Ribono Shel Olam says so." Although in depth this is true, to children we sound scared and ignorant. And even still, we need careful analysis on which questions can't be answered in other ways. Indeed many of the rulings do in fact have reasons, and teaching them will bring a joy to Jewish service.

Kids are told that shabbos is a day that is full of don'ts. They tell these kids they must be like everyone else. They must dress like everyone else. They must aspire to be the top masmid in the school. Those kids who can't fit the mold, are quickly shipped off to correction facilities otherwise known as rehab yeshivot. The goal of these institutions is to help form them into boys and girls whom are ready to be tossed back into the system. The schools greatest reward: A boy wearing a black hat or a girl with knee socks.

We have to stop and ask ourselves are we raising them to be good Jewish robots, or people with genuine love for G-d and religion. If you want the latter you must prepare yourself for a child who will challenge, question, maybe even stray until they finds themselves in this complex and multi-faceted religion.We have to reflect on our own religious service and see if we are not some what dead. We must become alive again as we once were and spread the fire to our children. This now must be our mode of survival.

We must remember the words of King Solomon in his brilliant work entitled Mishlai (22:6): "Educate a child according to his way; and when he grows old, he will not swerve from it." In my opinion these words should be etched into the minds of every teacher or rebbe long before they enter the classroom.

The Torah has so much to offer every Jew no matter how diverse. It's time we stop and think what is this all about. It's time we rejoice when our child asks a challenging question, and help him or her to find the truth.

Hashem should help us that we may see the errors of our ways return to His Torah in all it's beauty, and begin living genuine Judaism.

Standing Up to the Shiduch System

2010-08-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

"Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny."--Bob Marley

Among the many problems in the modern Jewish dating scene today, is the invention of the "shidduch resumé."

Dating for your life-partner, your other half, the light of your life, should not become some business meeting. A boy may turn down a girl because she went to Camp "Who-knows" and he may not like that camp or believe it to be below him. A great girl may be stuck dating mediocre guys because she went through a rough patch in 9th grade.

Of course most people, especially girls hate the shidduch system today. However, we've adopted the old excuse: "What can I do?"

Many girls don't want to write a resumé but still do because they feel they won't get married if they don't. Many girls will complain about the shidduch system, but then walk like sheep to the shadchan, resumé in hand. Well girls, I have a secret for you, there are hundreds of amazing guys out there who don't care about seeing a stupid resume!

Obviously if you want to marry the guy who wants a resumé, then you have to write a resumé, please stop complaining. However, maybe you're looking for that sweet guy who may not come from the distinguished family, or is the best learner on the East Coast, but is just a good Jew.

This attitude of becoming a victim to the system is severely damaging the world today. If you don't want to write a resumé, then don't. If the girls stop writing, the boys will have to stop asking.

This problem is found in every aspect of life. If you hate the school, then leave, find a new one! If you hate the job then leave. You are in control of your own life!

I am not talking about dropping everything in your life that is difficult. Obviously a job will get annoying at times, or school will get tough, I am talking about lying down to the system. I'm talking about getting down on your knees saying: "What can I do." We can stand up and say: "NO! I am a person and I can choose the road I am going to take!"

Just because some system decided that girls have to give a resumé so as to speed up the dating process, doesn't mean you have to do it! There are plenty of guys searching for quality girls who don't care about some piece of paper, as I have stated above.

Of course, this will take a few strong girls to start such a revolution, but it needs to be done. Someone has to jump in the water and make it split. We are the future generation let us be brave and fix that which has become destroyed.

How incredible would it be if the next family that requested a resumé was told: "No one is writing them, good luck."

I know to some this concept is obvious, but a quick glance at the world today, tells me many have not thought about it, or maybe are just to afraid to make a stand.

We can do it, we just have to decide that we CAN run our own lives.

Don't say: "I can't." You can. You get to choose the road you want to take!

Jew: Half Full or Half Empty

2010-08-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

"V'amaich Kulam Tzadikkim"--"Your nation are all righteous."

As we enter the holy and powerful month of Elul, I am reminded of a most famous question asked around this time. The question, which is asked by all ages is: "How can I tell G-d that I'm never going to do sin X again? Between me and Him, I'm probably going to do it again. Is all my repentance a joke and insincere? Does G-d want us to put on a show for Him, what does that accomplish?"

This is an amazing question. The Rambam uses one of his own rulings to answer this question. In Hilchot Gerushon (2:20), the Rambam writes regarding a man who refuses to divorce his wife: "We hit him until he says 'I want (to sign the divorce)'." There the Rambam questions how that would work as a good divorce. His only reason for signing is because we're hitting him, if we weren't he certainly wouldn't sign.

The Rambam reveals an amazing secret of "the Jew." He says that deep inside every Jew is the will to serve his Creator. In his heart of hearts he wants nothing more than to follow the Torah and mitzvot. The only reason we don't is because the evil inclination constantly tricks and confuses us, but without him in our way, we would instantly return to pure service of Hashem. It's our default setting!

Therefore, we hit him until his evil inclination is beaten down and he can do what he really wants to do! If the Torah wants him to sign then he, his true self, wants to sign.

This concept is very deep and needs much contemplation, however it struck me today that this secret would imply then that there is no such thing as an irreligious Jew.

Many people are casting away their faith and donning the label: Irreligious. This allows them to feel less guilty because with this new identity, they are not losing the battle, they are no longer fighting.

It is imperative that we understand that there is no such thing as a Jew truly casting religion aside. Deep inside everyone of us is the will to return in full power to the One above. It is important that the parents and educators realize this, along with the so-called irreligious one, for without this secret, we are left thinking that a Jew can be lost. An impossibility indeed.

When one is in the business of bringing Jews back to Judaism it is called in Hebrew: "Kiruv Rechokim"--"Bringing close the distant." That means in Judaism there are two types of Jew; Distant and closer.

In Israel they have a very sad label for the distant Jews. They call them: "Chilonim"--"Void ones." This is a huge mistake! They are far from empty! Inside of their hearts is a pure will to serve G-d! How do we expect to help them become closer Jews, if we believe them to be empty? It is much harder to fill, then reveal.

Let us all realize and internalize, this powerful and important message. There are no empty Jews, there are no irreligious, semi-religious, traditional, fanatical, national Jew...There is only: Jew. Some are distant and some are closer. We must all help each other get to our destination as one nation called the Jews!

I am not denying that sometimes we need to label people in conversation to help us understand one another, but to define yourself or others as irreligious is a complete fallacy, and will only distance us from the truth.

May Hashem uncover our hearts from evil, and let us all return joyfully and as one nation back to the service of the King of kings.

Bringing Back the Baal Shem Tov

2010-08-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

Somewhere around the mid 1600's one revolutionary changed the course of Jewish history. His name was Rabbi Yisrael Ben Eliezer, better known as the Baal Shem Tov. He saw a great divide happening amongst the Jewish people. On one side were the Torah giants and rich community leaders, and the other side there were the poor in knowledge and money. Even worse was that the latter were starting to drop religion all together. They were becoming complacent Jews without any feel.

It was here that the Baal Shem Tov revolutionized the Chassidic movement. He taught that instead of fasting, abstinence and personal exile one should dance, pray and be happy. He taught that Judaism was for everyone, even the simple minded. He taught that one should love G-d, love the Torah and love one's fellow man. To learn what you can, pray with fire (all the time), Perform the mitzvot joyfully, see the G-dliness in everything, and always be cheerful.

Needless to say, this new movement spread like wild-fire. Though there were some who opposed it, as with every revolution, the Baal Shem Tov's teachings captured the minds and hearts of thousands.

Essentially, the purpose of Chassidut was to fire and energize everyone, especially the simple sweet Jews. But somehow, nowadays, we find it to be the complete opposite. Chassidut has become a movement for the elite. The one's who want to live sheltered life-styles. Many of the rebbe's today are impossible to talk to unless you wait in line for hours and maybe you'll get a bracha. Back then the rebbe was the source of all needs material, emotional and of course spiritual. Today if you want to be a chassid you have to adhere to a strict dress code both men and women.

Although there is nothing wrong with our brothers and sisters living in Me'ah Sherarim or any other sheltered community, it is not what the Baal Shem Tov was talking about.

Today, we find many people who feel nothing when they pray. Many are walking around at best complacent and at worst depressed. When was the last time we danced for no reason other than just express our happiness? When was the last time we just sat and talked to G-d? When was the last time we felt a strong connection to our Father in Heaven? When was the last time you hugged another Jew and really meant it?

We are desperately in need of a new Baal Shem Tov to stand up and bring this nation back to true service of Hashem. It is time to not be afraid to say: "Yes, I am chassid. A simple chassid."

Throughout my life I have met people who are true chassidim. They dress the way they need to, but serve G-d with ultimate fervor. Three I could think of now are: My father, Rabbi Menachem Goldberger and Nossi Gross. These men have inspired me with there pure service of Hashem and love of their fellow Jews.

Many young people today have found Judaism to be bland and void of emotion. They feel their prayers are just lip service and their learning to be irrelevant. This is a very critical and scary condition. Many of these young people have taken on some twisted mis-guided version of the Chassidic movement. They may dance and sing, but but not attend davening and learning. They may hug and kiss their fellow, but walk around depressed at their lack of accomplishments. Who could blame them? They need someone to guide them! They need to be taught real genuine Jewish life! They need a Baal Shem Tov!

We need more than ever, to bring the fire back to Judaism. Many people have already started dropping their faith because of the dry feeling they grew up with. Judaism as we know, is exciting and alive. We need leaders to step up and bring back the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his chassidim. We need to dance and sing for no reason again. We need to talk and pray to G-d with all are hearts. Judaism is for everyone...So taught the Baal Shem Tov.

Now You Will Reap It!

2010-08-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

"Now, O Israel, what does Hashem, your G-d ask of you? Only to fear Hashem, your G-d, to go in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve Hashem, your G-d with all your heart and soul, to observe the commandments of Hashem and His decrees, which I command you today, for your benefit (Deuteronomy 10:12)."

At first glance this verse in last weeks Torah portion Eikev seems very strange. It would seem from the word "only", that Moshe was saying something simple. But then Moshe goes on to list off tasks that are all amazingly difficult tasks to achieve. Was Moshe being facetious? Certainly not! What then, is the deeper meaning to this verse?

The answer lies in the last two words of the verse: "...for your benefit." Moshe was telling the people what G-d wants from us is to enjoy His world, that we benefit. The way for the Jews to live the most beneficial life is to fear G-d, love G-d, serve G-d, follow His Torah, etc. The more you perfect these traits the more pleasure you will have.

This could be seen in the hebrew words: "L'Tov Lach"-"For your benefit." The verse does not say "V'Tov Lach"-"And you (will) benefit", which would be future tense, but rather "for your benefit" meaning right now.

Moshe was teaching the Jewish people an essential part of Jewish observance. Living a Torah life, is not only done to reap the reward in the next world. True Jewish observance gives us the most pleasurable life. G-d being the Creator of the universe, knows the best way to enjoy it. So He in His abundant kindness gave us a Torah or manual, to help us enjoy life in the most pleasurable and fulfilling way.

In Pirkai Avot (4:2) Ben Azzai says about running to do even a small mitzva: "...for the reward of a mitzva is a mitzva..." The reward of a good deed is not a personal golf course and big house up in Heaven, the reward of a mitzva, is the mitzva itself!

That doesn't mean Hashem isn't going to reward us in the next world to, but thats not our concern. We don't know and can't comprehend even a drop of the next world. In fact no where in Eikev when Moshe is spouting off all the rewards for keeping the Torah does he mention the next world. He talks about the land giving forth abundant produce, lots of rain in it's season, happiness, riches, he goes on and on but not one mention of the reward in the next world.

One may ask: "Whats the harm in living a good Jewish life, motivated by the next world reward?"

There are two problems with this philosophy.

One, like any job that you are only doing for the paycheck, when it gets tough you doubt whether the work is worth the pay off. By doing that you are missing on the enjoyment of the "work" of this world, essentially missing the point of your existence.

Two, the longer this exile goes on, the harder it will be to keep ourselves and our children motivated. If we only learn Torah or give charity for the next world reward, how long will it be until we stop entirely? People are already saying phrases like: "I'll see you in hell.'' or "I have done enough good deeds, I give a lot of charity why should I give more?"

This is the danger in being good for the reward in the next world. It's time we sit down and do a good deed for it's own sake. For the sheer enjoyment of it. No amount of proof however, can make you a believer, but those that have sat by an amazing Shabbat table, or those that have seen the face of a pauper light up when given charity. Those that have struggled through a tough piece in gemara, already know this concept to be true.

Hashem created this world for our pleasure here and now! Let's sit back and begin to enjoy it now. Reap all the reward we can get. G-d is asking us to please start enjoying His world! Give it shot, you will find this world can truly be an amazing and meaningful life.

Pointless Tears

2010-07-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

As we near Tisha B'av, a day when numerous tragedies befell the Jewish people, we are reminded of the reason we have to endure such pain.

When the nation of Israel were about to enter the Land, they sent twelve spies to check it out. Ten of the spies returned and informed the people that they were headed into sure destruction. Only Yehoshua and Calev protested against it, saying that the Jews should trust Hashem that all would be okay. The Jews became scared and went into national distress. They cried and complained all night.

"Rabbi Yochanan said that this day was the eve of Tisha B'av. The Holy One, blessed be He, said: 'You wept in vain. I will establish for you as a time of weeping for all generations.'' (Ta'anis, 28b)

Because the Jewish people cried for no reason, Hashem so-to-speak, gave us a reason to cry for future generations. That means that all the suffering could have been avoided, had the Jews looked at the predicament from another perspective. Had the Jews thought for a second, they surely would have realized that Hashem was going to protect them against the nations of Caanan. How many lives would have been saved, had we just put aside our emotions and thought about all the good Hashem had done for us? Now, Hashem has given us a day when we have to connect to the "sad emotion" and dwell in it, until Moshiach.

Many parents struggle with trying to keep their children "on the derech." Hundreds of books have been written to help parents and educators with this most daunting task. Yet many parents spend their nights crying over their sons Chumash scores or their daughters struggle with tzniut (dressing modestly). Although these issues are important and need to be dealt with, it may be time to look at our children with a new perspective.

In today's fast moving, liberal, "open" society, the religious have been dubbed, old fashioned and best, and brain-washed at worst. Hundreds of young intellectual adults are being pulled away by the atheist lifestyle everyday. Assimilation and intermarriage from the Jewish faith are at a high. Cynicism is the way of the modern-minded. Phrases like "G-d has disappeared in a poof of logic," are common into today's novels. Many speakers are saying that we are in a spiritual Holocaust.

The point here is; instead of looking at your child and thinking: "Nebach, he has so much trouble focusing on tefilla, why can't he be better? Doesn't he want to be frum?" or "Oy vey, did you hear Mrs. Rosenfelds daughter is wearing jean skirts now? She has gone over to the way of goyim (non-Jews)." Of course I am being slightly facetious, but only slightly.

We must stop worrying and remember that even though your child may be struggling with Judaism. Even though your child may not like learning or davening so much, let us step back and say: "Wow! Isn't that something? My kid still believes in G-d in this crazy time! That's amazing, how do they keep their faith, even when the whole world is telling them to drop it?"

With this change of perspective we will be able to help our children on a much higher level. We will smile at them and pinch their cheek and say: "You are a great kid, and your'e also a great Jew." The result will be that the child will want to be more. He or she will want to be a better Jew. When you and your child are on the same team you will be able to help raise your son's Chumash score or your daughter's tzniut level, in peace and harmony.

I have seen this work in my own house. My parents showed us that we matter, that they think we are doing great. When they said they were proud of us just for going to davening, it shined a good light on the Jewish faith.

Let us look just for a second, at how amazing our children are. Let us first be proud of them, and then criticize them with love. Let us stop crying and start shepping nachas. Let us learn from the mistake of our ancestors all those years ago in the desert. Let us not shed anymore pointless tears.

Lifestyle of the Rich and Fake

2010-07-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hollywood is without a doubt one of the bigger reasons for the inauthenticity in the world today.

People, for the most part, no longer seek their true selves. The thousands of movies and TV shows have climbed inside our heads and told us how to think. One of the more successful ways to market a product is to have the hero use it or wear it. When the hero is wearing a certain type of shoe we, some more than others, want that type of shoe. If this were not true, companies would not spend the money to have their product in the movie.

However, the products being subconsciously absorbed as desires in our heads are not the biggest problem with Hollywood. The greatest and most terrifying problem is the message that most movies send into our brains. The message of a very base reality without a search for a higher meaning fills the big screen today. Fast cars, fast women and the love of money, is the message in many of the movies today.

I know that there are good movies that send wholesome messages of justice and peace, but this is not so commonplace today, and even when it is, the writer still has an agenda. The writer has his own idea of peace. One must contemplate if the message being downloaded into your brain is the same as what you think. The problem of course is that once you watch it, it takes more time to discern if it's your thoughts or the writer's. A catch-22 indeed.

I myself am a big movie-watcher. I love movies. Movies are exciting, mind-capturing and fun. They allow you to fall into another world, and follow the hero through crazy adventures. They allow you to laugh at ridiculous situations that would be terrible in real life. They give you a chance to open your emotions, and after the movie all will be back to normal. In another words, movies are a way to be in a dream while awake.

I would be lying if I said these many movies have not affected my thought process. I have to admit certain things became "cool" when they were in a "cool" movie. This is the basis of most of the changing fashions and ideas of what is normal in our entertainment-oriented society.

The trick is, if you are a big movie-watcher, than you should spend more time thinking and searching for the truth than watching movies. The ideal world probably does not have movies in it, but until we can reach that level, we must be thinking. If we turn on our TV more than our brains, we will, G-d forbid, fall into the trap of Hollywood, the trap of thinking others' thoughts.

Imagine the scene: A young girl is watching a movie. The movie is the typical plot about a high school girl's trials and tribulations. The movie shows you her friends, her crushes, her parents and her fashion. The young girl watching the movie is enjoying it because she sees herself in the main character. Her troubles are like this young girl's troubles. The problem is that she starts to shape herself after the character...in the FAKE story! She wants to dress and act just like the main actress! The same is true regarding boys and their heroes.

Since these kids are emulating a fictitious person, they can't help but become somewhat confused as to who they are. The girl is told how girls are to act, as boys are told how tough they should be.

People when they discover they are fake, become very depressed. But because their whole look at real life is based on the lies of Hollywood, it becomes harder and harder to find their real selves.

We must protect ourselves and our children from this "movie manipulation," from this Hollywood-induced lifestyle of meaningless pleasures. Heroes, filled with anger and revenge, are not who we want our boys shaping their lives after. Reavealing one's body is obviously not what we want our girls thinking is the road to popularity.

Don't kid yourself into think that I am being overly dramatic. If anything, I may be understating the danger of Hollywood. We must be strong. Always think. Always seek the truth! Don't be who Hollywood wants you to be!

G-d Giveth, and G-d Swalloweth Up

2010-07-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

This weeks Torah portion-Pinchas, has some of the most exciting and enlightening stories. First we have Pinchas (actually at the end of Balak) stabbing a spear into two rebels who were openly defying the word of Hashem in front of the whole congregation of Israel.

Hashem praises Pinchas for his zeal and gives him the covenant of peace. The plague from Israel is lifted. Moshe counts the losses. The daughters of Tzelafechad then come with their complaint, requesting some inheritance from their deceased father who left no sons.

Although all these stories have incredible depth, and a countless amount of lessons to be learned, it is the juxtapostion of the Pinchas story and the daughters of Tzelafechad that struck me this year. Nothing in the Torah is by accident, there is always what to learn.

Let us try to begin to imagine the state of mind of the Jews at the time. First, the spies and the whole nation are punished for their lack of faith. Second, Korach and his followers stand up against Moshe and consequently get swallowed into the ground. Pinchas killing yet another one their leaders for his rebellion; one can only imagine that some of the Jews started feeling like true Jewish service meant, robotic and mindless acts of obedience. A mistake not uncommon of many Jews today.

So come along the daughters of Tzelafechad to teach us a very important and timeless lesson. Hashem wants us to challenge, to think beyond the text, to stand our finite and small wisdom against the wisdom of the all knowing infinite Creator of the universe.

The daughters questioned the law, Hashem reformed so-to-speak His creation to fit their wish. It became the "new" reality. Hashem being the best Father, listened to them and changed His own ruling!

Of course this begs the question, what was the difference between the challenge of the daughters, and that of the spies, Korach and Zimi? They were all challenging the word of Hashem? What is the difference that can change the word of Hashem or get you swallowed up?

The answer to this question can be found in the response Hashem gives Moshe, after he brings the daughters challenge to Hashem. Hashem says to Moshe (Numbers 27:6): "The daughters of Tzelafechad speak properly."

Notice Hashem does not say they were right. He says they "speak properly". It is because of this that Hashem "re-wrote" his own laws, because the daughters challenged in a humble and respectful way.

Hashem desires our thoughts, challenges and questions; He just wants them to be with respect and humility. Judaism is not some dogmatic religion of do's and don'ts; it's a living breathing guide to life. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't be afraid to use the mind Hashem gave you... just know your intentions.

A similar concept can be found by the wise and wicked sons' questions in the Haggada on Pesach.

Hashem wants us to use our brains but deflate our egos'. This is the lesson of Tzelafechad's daughters.

Shavua Tov

Connecting Yesterday to Tomorrow

2010-06-28T01:44:00.000-07:00

"Times they are a changing."

There is a famous Chazal that says that in the days before Mashiach the world will speed itself up preparing for the redemption, as a house on Friday will speed up it's preparing when Shabbat gets close.

Today, technology is moving at an unprecedented speed. Things are becoming faster and smaller. People not only want their messages to be sent across the world at lightening speed, they expect it. It is truly an amazing time. You can buy the latest Mp3 player and it will be outdated before you leave the store! It has become the norm for a kid of 12 to own a touch screen cell phone, Ipod, laptop, and any other machine that will help make this 12 year old kids life more convenient. Man has lost all technological limitations. We are convinced daily that we are only at the beginning of the digital age.

However, the world has not just sped up in the digital world, it has in all aspects of the life. In education, in medication, in everything--even evil. Kids seem to have a full grasp of the forbidden long before their parents did. There is a saying that goes "A kid sees more today on the bus to school, than his grandfather saw his whole life in the shtetel."

Children experience heartbreak and love long before their parents did. They see evil, real evil, long before their parents saw their first horror flick. The youth have learned to adapt to a world that our parents had nightmares about.

Too many parents shoot down the innovations of their children saying: "This is how they did it for years, you'll understand when you are older." This is seen mostly in the area of education.

Of course, there are parents like mine whom have always respected the opinion of their children. My parents always pushed me to think, challenged me, and respected what I had to say. My dear father during his discourse of the Torah portion on Shabbat will always look around the table and ask regarding the topic he is discussing: "What do you guys think?"

This is probaly the reason I am so in pain when I watch other less fortunate young people shut off their brains because their parents rejected their thoughts as immature and irrational.

It is not the same world. It is new and different. Something that they have done for years, may have no place in this world and time. Everything must be judged accordingly.

Today, young people need to be respected. They're opinions valued. We have seen more than our parents. We have had experiences, for better or worse, before our parents.

The gaps between parents and their children are growing wider everyday. It seems as though children live in a different world than their parents.

One of the many sources of these ever widening gaps is the lack of respect given to the thoughts of the youth. It is the youth that understand today, what we need for tommorow.

This need for 'respect of the youth' is new and unique to our generation, because of the lightening speed in which the world is forming. "Your to young to understand"; may have worked in past generations, but today it is fastly becoming a sign of ignorance.

We can understand a lot more than you could have imagined at our age. Help form our thoughts but most importantly respect them.

In no way am I saying, that old traditions should be cast aside, for the survival of mankind relies a lot on its roots. "Old songs and old stories they keep us alive."

However, if we connect the old to the young, if we use the knowledge of the old, while respecting and shaping the opinions of the young, the future will become a nice place to live.

Young people must also realize that although we know alot...we don't know everything. We must let the wisdom of our parents be the guiding light as we fly down ever faster tunnel of life.

Hashem should bless us that we could listen to the voice of the young and cherish the wisdom of the old, bringing about a speedy redemption. Amen.

Blame: The Mirror Breaker

2010-06-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

"It's the end of the world, as we know it."

This statement by the band R.E.M., should ring very true today. Every where you look, the world seems to be destroying itself. The governments that were founded on upstanding morals such as: Justice, peace and equality, have become corrupt and for the most part evil. People have gone mad, blaming the victim and electing the terrorist!

The education system both secular and sadly Jewish have lost their way. As opposed to stimulating the youth, they indoctrinate them. They are told what to think; as opposed to how to think. The more "wild" of our children are medicating.

Hate fills the streets. World War III crouches, waiting to pounce. Philosophers have been replaced by cynics. Revolutionaries have been silenced by the complacent. It's a tough time to be a human.

Of course, most people know this. You certainly don't need me to tell you this. And we, certainly don't need more people sitting around complaining about our most dire situation.

The reason I write today is because I see a very dangerous mistake in the minds of many today, which will make it impossible G-d forbid to end this bitter exile.

This poison which fills the thoughts and conversations of people all throughout the world. The poison that has killed millions of people. The poison that has corrupted even well-intentioned people is BLAME!

What is it about this most potent drug that captures good people and turns them into monsters? Why are we so obsessed with it?

The reason is simple really. Blame allows people an excuse not to look in the "mirror". It allows people to wear the mask of piety while never having to be tested. It allows us to never look at our own self and see if we need some corrections. Blame is the best way to break the mirror.

How many shabbat tables have we sat at, where people go on for hours about the "evil" Israeli government. They blame them for everything wrong with the world. They blame Obama, the media, the charedim, the youth, the times, the list is long.

Although, these are the "tools" that seem to have the power. Is'nt it clear to us that they are just Hashem trying to wake us up? Can't we see G-d just wants us to bring the world back to moral perfection?

How many times have we heard someone blame their parents or teachers for their failures?

Blame solves nothing, and destroys everything. It is impossible to grow until mankind and especailly the Jews realize the fault belongs to us! We are to blame. We are to blame for Gush Katif, Haiti, the bombs, the death, and the corruption. It rests on us to bring the redemption.

This may hurt for a minute or two, because since the beginning of time we have been blaming each other for our failures. If you look in the beginning of the Torah we can see where the poison began. In Bereshit(3:12), Adam tries to blame G-d and Chava for HIS mistake: "The man said, 'The woman whom You gave to be with me--she gave me of the tree, and I ate."

This was a useless attempt, for the Almighty knows all and sees all, but we like Adam make the foolish error that by tossing the blame in another direction we'll free us of our responsibility.

I call on all the Jews and the rest of mankind...Before you blame Netanyahu, Obama, or some other powerless person, lets fix our mirrors, take a look and see what we can do to save the world.

Watching Your Touch

2010-06-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

I would like to begin by stating an obvious but important disclaimer: I am not a posek! What I am about to say is in no way trying to reform or change the halachot we hold so dear. But as we know, laws in the Torah are not just laws, they are the essence of life; and without them in full operation, we could never truly live.

This past Thrusday night, Hashem gave me a look at the beauty of His halachot, particularly shomer negiah, the prohibition against touching members of the oppisite gender other than your spouse. I was riding home on the late bus to Gilo, sitting with my good friend Moshe when a group of three girls got on the bus. One of the girls had clearly had too much to drink and did not look well. About half way through the ride, she unfortunately threw up. Not an uncommon sight on a Thrusday night(Israel's "party" night) late bus. But it always breaks my heart to see one of my sisters, one of G-d's holy princesses disgraced.

Everyone was trying to do the best they could to help her, but how much could we do? By now the tears were pouring down her face. All who saw her couldn't help but be in pain. Who doesn't know the hell of being trapped in a drunk body trying to be sober?

When we reached Gilo, Moshe and I got off the bus, followed by this sweet drunk girl. She started to walk towards her house. She was alone. Some friends huh? An eldely man from the bus reached out and gave me a shirt that apparenly belonged to the girl. I grabbed it and ran towards her. I handed her the shirt and was about to turn to leave when she said between her sobs "Bo Iti"--"Come with me." So of course I went.

As we started walking home, she threw her arms around me and put her face on my shoulder. Being that I, baruch Hashem, try to be shomer negiah, this caught me off gaurd. My mind quickly went into over-drive trying to figure what I should do. I decided in the moment that she is my sister and she needs a 'shoulder to cry on'. In my best hebrew I tryed to calm her, but her tears wouldn't let up. She kept repeating: "This is aweful, it's disgusting." My heart was crying with her.

When we got to her house I waited by the front steps until she was safely inside. As I walked away, and was able to think, I wondered if I had done the right thing.

That is when it hit me. Of course it was the right thing! I think most level-headed Rabbis would agree with me. She was my sister and she needed a hug! Hashem didn't put me there for no reason. When I embaced her my heart and intensions were pure, I was helping my sister.

However, without the halacha of shomer negiah, if I was allowed to touch women all the time I wouldn't have felt that Jew helping Jew connection. It would have been just been another hug, not a powerful energetic conection of kindness! A parable would be, that for a rich man giving a large sum to charity probaly doesn't energize him too much. But imagine the simcha of a poor man who has saved and saved and can finally give a alot of money to charity! Is there a greater feeling in the world then that of giving?

If you look at the words in Hebrew: "Shomer Negiah" literally means "watching your touch." When you use your touch, when it is a pure act, then you are truly watching your touch.

However this is a very dangerous game. I recommend staying far away from it. For even the smallest bit of lust, taints the act to where it looks disgusting. I would never put myself in the situation, but if it comes...maybe just maybe, you have to use the power of touch, for good.

I think this is an important lesson to internalize. The halachot are not there to imprison us, quite the oppisite they are there to give us a life of ultimate meaning. They are the guidelines in which Hashem shows us how best to enjoy His world.

As Douglas Baker once said: "Rules are made for the obedience of fools, and the guidance of wise men."

Separating from the "Bad Apples"

2010-06-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

In Pirkei Avot (3:13) the mishna states: "Anyone that the spirit of people is pleased with him, the spirit of the Omnipresent is pleased with him; but anyone that the spirit of people is not pleased with him, neither is the spirit of the Omnipresent pleased with him."

This is a most powerful mishna. It states clearly, one must accustom himself in a manner that will please the surrounding people.

Of course there are extreme cases where a complete removal of society's yoke is praised. Pinchas was praised for 'going against the tide'! There is a time to stand up against the "system" and do want you know to be right. But as mentioned before, these are extreme cases.

Although all can and should learn from this mishna, my focus today falls on the charadim, especially those living in Israel.

Many is the time you hear stories of charadim throwing rocks at cars operating on the holy shabbat. Or the woman who gets bleached because her dress is inappropriate to the neighborhood. There are countless stories of charadi riots and fights with cops. There are pictures of charadim burning the Israeli flag! These stories instill a burning rage towards them, even the more level-headed of us.

But let me make this perfectly clear:

NOT ALL CHARADIM ARE INVOLVED IN THESE ACTIONS!

Not even most of our dear brothers are involved! The schools to the extent of my knowledge don't condone it and certainly most of the holy rebbes' don't condone these acts of violence and vandalism.

However, we don't, for the most part, see them. All we see and the camera see are these so-called charadim making noise and burning tires.

Keeping the aforementioned mishna in mind, it behooves all charadim to separate themselves noticeably from these "bad apples". They need to teach their children that these actions are wrong and not at all Jewish, but more importantly they need to show the world that they know this is wrong.

This is in no way ideal. The charadim should be allowed to lead quieter lives. They shouldn't have to prove or justify themselves. And with G-d's help they won't have to for long. But their reputation and by extension the Jewish reputation is at stake.

Moshe told Klal Yisrael to separate themselves from Korach and his assembly so as not to be punished with them. We must do the same. And hopefully those few uneducated charadim can be shown what Judaism really is, before G-d forbid, it's too late.

Of course just because the image of the charadim has been tainted by these wild ones, does in no way excuse my, or any person's judgment of our fellow brethren. We must not allow an entire sect of our amazing faith to be discriminated against, just because of a few "bad apples".

Let's Hear Your Side

2010-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

A mishna in Tractate Avot states (5:20): "Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a constructive outcome; but one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a constructive outcome. What sort of dispute was for the sake of Heaven? The dispute of Hillel and Shammai. And which was not for the sake of Heaven? The dispute of Korach and his followers."

The meaning of this mishna is simple...There are two types of arguments. One, the search for truth, and the other, desire for victory.

These people could be easily spotted if you look for them.

They are the "truth-seeker" and the "got to be right" guy.

A short discussion with either one reveals their intentions clearly.

The "got to be right" way of arguing is to bash the opposing side until the other one has to give up. He'll continue to question and attack everything you say, without ever leaving a chance to examine his own stand point. Eventually, he will find the place in your argument you are weaker in, he will attack until you begin to doubt, and then he leaves "victorious".

The "truth seeker" argues but also examines both sides equally and breaks down each one. Every question must have a purpose. If a side doesn't have an answer it doesn't prove anything. It just means we have to now see what the opposing side has to say. He will continue to show the falsehoods, even if they are in his own argument! He does not get deterred when stumped, he just takes the new information and creates a new possibility.

This is found in the gemara all the time. A Rabbi will bring a proof, the other Rabbi will smash it. Without any hesitation the first Rabbi will bring another proof. It is truly beautiful to watch two "truth seekers" doing just that, seeking the truth.

Don't be scared by the "confidence" of the "got to be right" guy, for he quickly crumbles when you turn and examine his side. And remember even if you lose the argument it doesn't mean your wrong; you just you need time to re-think your position. The "got to be right" guy will do everything he can for that small momentary victory, even lie.

This fleeting victory has problay plagued most people at one point or another, but nothing can turn you farther away from the truth, then seeking to ALWAYS be right!

The wise men rejoices when proven wrong, for now he will learn something new.

Always in whatever you do...seek the truth!

Victory is short-lived, the truth is eternal.

Faith: Our Only Claim

2010-06-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

In Devarim(11:13-25), also found in the 2nd portion of the Shema, we find a most terrifying warning from G-d. The warning is as follows: "Beware, lest your heart be seduced and you turn astray and serve gods of others and bow to them. Then the wrath of Hashem will blaze against you. He will restrain the heaven so there will be no rain and the ground will not yield it's produce. And you will be swiftly banished from the goodly land which Hashem gives you."

Although this warning is very scary, and the lack of water in the Kineret today should be a clear sign to us that we need to check our deeds and purify that which needs fixing. It is also quite perplexing. Why only does "serving gods of others" get us swiftly kicked out of the Israel? Why not any other of the grave sins? What is it about idol worship that makes the land physically spit us up?

The land no matter how you look at it is ours ONLY because G-d said so. Since Hashem created the world, He can choose who occupies which lands and at which times. It was Hashems plan to give Israel to the Jews eternally. A simple glance at the Torah seems as though the Jews were unjust to go in a conquer Kanan (Israel's first name). We however know that Hashem said it's ours and as the "owner" of the world He may give the land to whomever He desires.

No matter what argument we can give of why the land should be ours, it must be with complete faith in G-d.

It is for this reason that "serving gods of others" will get us expelled from the Land. Our whole eternal claim to this land is only because we KNOW Hashem gave it to us. But if we are off worshipping other g-ds then what is our claim?

Today, although most sane people are not worshipping small fat idols, or the sun or moon, we have our own "idols" which seem to govern most of the world. Money, power, lust all these have changed the course of history. Mankind has enslaved itself to the god called the "American dream". People will lie, cheat and steal just for a bigger house or faster car.

Sadly, over the past generation or so, the 'gods of others' have found their way into Judaism. It has penetrated the wall that separates us from the nations. It has crept under the doors of even the most secluded Jewish homes. Too often do we see in the news a Jew being locked up for money laundering. Too often are Jews with beards and peyot being carted away for tax fraud.

We must fight against the desire to serve these false gods! Or Eretz Yisrael is in extreme danger of G-d forbid disappearing! Instead of spending hours blaming the "evil" Israeli government for giving away land, why don't we instead see the message Hashem is sending us.

Our only claim to this land is our absolute faith! Let us, in this most amazing and scary time, internalize this warning and return in complete solidarity to the service of the One and only.

A Most Revealing Tale

2010-06-07T03:51:00.000-07:00

"Artists use lies to tell the truth, while politicians use them to cover the truth up."--V for Vendetta

It was the 3rd year of King Tachtzemi in the large and beautiful providence of Mavgatach. The city moved to a steady rythym. The townspeople were happy and loyal to the king. There was peace in the land. Everyone from the nobleman to the peasent felt needed. Everything in Mavgatach was wonderful--at least on the outside.

Deep inside the thick castle walls, sat an old king rubbing his forehead, his eyes closed, deep in thought. He had a problem--he had spent the whole night thinking about it. His only two sons had been caught breaking laws that were punishable by death. The king was proud of himself for keeping the matter most discreet, but something had to be done. The knight, Chanat, whom had caught them, swore not to speak of it--but he demanded they didn't go without punishment. This is the problem we find our king racking his brain trying to solve.

He finally gave up and called his top advisor, Yavetz, to help him solve this most delicate of dilemmas.

Yavetz: "Yes sire, how may I be of service."

King: "Yavetz, you are my wisest advisor, you are loyal and quite clever. It is because of this I call you before me today. My two sons have been caught by Chanat, the head of castle security, breaking laws that are by my own ruling, are punishable by death! He has demanded I punish my sons or he will spread this atrocity throughout all the lands. I will look like a fool! But, as I'm sure you can guess, I can't kill my only two sons--but I also can't allow them to do as they please."

Yavetz: "Sire, Why not have Chanat detained and hung, then there is no problem?"

King: "Of course, that had crossed my mind, but I am a good king. I charged Chanat with my protection because he is good and loyal. Even when he turned in my children, he acts only out of service to me and my people. What type of man would I be if I killed the one doing my will?"

Yavetz: "Of course sire, you are correct. There may however, be a middle ground that would please both the king and Sir Chanat."

King: "Go on..."

Yavetz: "The king can exile the princes from this land. Send them forth, beyond the kings' borders, never to return!"

King: "This finds favor in my eyes, only not forever. They may return when I see fit. When my heart and my peoples' hearts have been calmed and my sons show me they have changed...they will be allowed back into this great land. So it shall be. Thank you Yavetz you are truly wise. Make certain this decree is carried out."

As the king had ordered the princes were taken out of the land. Chanat had made sure to sneak them out at night so as not to embarass the king. He brought them over the bridge which led into the city and placed two gaurds at the bridge as the king had ordered, to prevent them from coming back in.

Time went on--and the city of Mavgatach knew nothing of the incident. The king though distraught, was glad his sons were alive and couldn't wait until he could allow them back.

The sons had set up houses on the other side of the bridge and longed everyday to be allowed entrance into the city and palace. It was not easy for them to find food and fight off the occasional beast, for they had never had to fend for themselves. During the winters they were always sick and hungry and the summer was so hot they had nothing to cool them and a lack of water.

But of course like any good father, the king would secretly send them supplies and food every once in a while. Though the sons recognized this, they couldn't wait to be back in the embrace and care of their great and kind father. But the time went on, and no word from the king came.

One morning, the sons woke up and saw that the bridge was empty--there were no gaurds. The sons jumped with joy! Was this the end of this aweful punishment?

The day went on, and no gaurds came. The sons were confused, why hadn't the king sent for them. Were they suppose to just come in, or was he testing their ability to wait for the order of the king?

One son said he wasn't going to leave until the king sent for him. He would stay in exile for however long it took. He had gotten used to tending for himself. And would rather play it safe then sorry. Why would the king not send for them if he desired their return?

The other son disagreed with his brother. He knew the king was testing their desire to enter the land. He knew his father wanted him back, but wanted to see if his sons were ready to come back to his palace. Why would his father open the bridge now, if not to bring them in?

The second son ran over the bridge shouting praises to his father the king. He ran through the streets tears flowing down his cheeks as he saw the townspeople and the city he had missed so much. He fell on his knees right outside the palace gate and kissed the ground. He began to beg his father to allow him back. He began to bang on the gate screaming: "Father look I came back! Please father, let me in!"

The other son continued to wait for the king to send for him...

This story is a parable illustrating the situation of the Jews today regarding returning to the Land of Israel. Every Jew must decide which of the two sons he wants to be.

Return my brothers and sisters...return, and help us beg at the Palace Gate.

You Just Can't Live That Negative Way

2010-06-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

This parasha is Parashat Shelach. It always gives me chills down my spine. So many lessons to learn from this short and powerful story of the Spies. The power of negativity stuck out for me most this year. So powerful is this "plague" that the Jews wanted to pelt with stones the ones trying to give positive reinforcement! (Chapter 14, Verse 10: Numbers)

This is the dreadful power of negativity. It can make people doubt everything they know. It make people give up hope. It can destroy an entire nation.

People today seem to focus completely on the negative of life. Every choice you make you have people telling you why you will fail. Especially when one trys to better himself. In aliyah, in Torah, or just wanting to do a good deed; people will try to explain to him why it can't be done.

People think they are profound when they talk about the lowliness of humans or the curruption that rules the world. The same people mock the positive people as irrational or naive. The movie 'Fight Club' is a great example of focusing on the negative, explaining the worst traits of humans.

It's not profound to say that the world is dark, anybody can see that! After five minutes of television a child could tell you how negative the world is!

However it takes a wise and clever person to see the darkness...look past it and find the light. The mind must work alot harder to find the good in a given situation.

This is likened to two people in a dark room the one who expounds on the darkness is useless, it's the one who can find the way out that is needed. Finding the positive will free you from darkness.

Sadly though, mankind loves their "misery comfort zone" it allows them to not have to smile. And as a result they give up. They say life is unfair, they're not worthy of happiness. Well good for you, now you don't ever have to work hard because you'll always fail so what's the point.

The Jews saw the amazing fruits of the Land, they heard of it's beauty...and they got scared. They knew that this Land would lead to happiness. They would be forced to live. They would be forced to crawl from their hole and actually smile. This is the worst thing for a misery lover. So they looked for their first way out. The giants!! Yes, no longer could they enter the Land! Whew...Close call! They could go back to being unhappy!

The fear was illogical. They knew full well that Hashem would protect them. He had saved and cared for them openly for years. They had seen open miracles, heard G-d's voice, and walked protected by his Holy Cloud. They weren't afraid, they just wanted a way out. So they were willing to kill the one's tyring to cheer people up. They didn't want a solution--they wanted to complain.

So Hashem couldn't let us in the Land until that generation had died out. They would not have seen the good of the Land. They couldn't; they were drunk and blind on negativity. Of course once they got to the Land there would be work, war and hardships. For as Reb Noach says: "The price for pleasure is pain not comfort." But they would not have seen that, they loved their misery comfort zone.

Negative people hate positive people. People who remain happy are a constant reminder of the negative persons' laziness. Is it any wonder Bob Marley was shot. Or Martin Luther King Jr. or John Lennon were murdered. They were spreading a positive message. The 'misery lover' hated them for it and took their lives.

The Torah can't be kept in negativity -- it won't work.

How can Reb Nachman say: "Mitzva Ge'dola Lehiot B'simcha Tamid"-- "Its a great mitzva to always be happy"? There's no command like that in the Torah? The answer is simple, happiness is the only way to serve G-d as it says: "Serve G-d in happiness." So simcha is the gear that allows all the mitzvot to be done. In essence, without simcha there's no Torah. So it's the greatest mitzva, being the foundation that the mitzvot can stand on!

Even the great tribe leaders fell for this, so much more, we must protect against this terrible trait. Let us learn from this Parasha to reamin positive. We need to work our minds a little harder to get good out of everything. And hopefully we can stop wandering and come home.

Positivity is not foolishness -- It's the wisdom to all wisdoms.

Metallica: My Friend of Misery with lyrics

This song say this message perfectly.

Warning: This song is filled with distortion and load screaming. Ye Be Warned!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Y73N1qelY

Time To Give Back

2010-06-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

On May 31st 2010, Israeli soldiers were attacked. In my opinion when you bomb Sderot or another border settlement, it makes us pissed, but when you attack soldiers you declare war on a country! Diplomacy has failed -- it's time for war. I am no fanatic believe me, but it may be time to take the Pinchas approach and take action. It may be time to tell Turkey to hand over the SOBs or go to war.

However I don't want to write a long essay on what the government should or shouldn't do because I'm a believer in what Shlomo HaMelech writes: "The king's heart is in G-d's hand...He turns it however He wills (Mishlei 21:1)." It's out of our hands, we need to daven, learn and care for one another simple as that.

I would like to mention a problem I was reminded of yesterday when standing at one of the many demonstrations in support of the IDF. Students from America come to Israel seeking the Israeli Jewish experience. Yet, sadly they seem to miss the the beauty and only see the riots and tire burnings.

Many yeshiva and seminary students are found watching Jewish police holding back a riot of some Jewish sect. I recieved a text from one of my friends who was new in Israel asking where the riots on a particular night were going to be held. This part of Israeli society breaks my heart and the heart of many others and it only makes us daven harder the redemption. But when it comes to Yom HaAtzmaut, Yom Yerushalayim and the demonstrations of yesterday I saw no yeshiva or seminary students. Although I'm sure there were some that I missed, where were the masses of black hats showing their Jewish solidarity and pride.

When I stood by the Kotel on Yom Yerushalayim Watching the "youth of the nation" dance and sing waving flags begging Hashem to end the Galut my soul rejoiced. When I picniced in Gan Sacher on Yom HaAtzmaut with the whole country enjoying a day with their kids and Jewish craving for meat on the grill, I felt one with all the Jews. Yesterday I stood awestuck as the flags waved and the cars' horns blared showing their togetherness.

Where were the Yeshivot and Seminarys? Do they not understand how much the soldiers do for them? It comes as no surprise that one of the many answers for the students not making Aliyah is "It's too violent here, everyone is always fighting. America is calm." Ha, yeah right!

Of course one can ask "Isn't more important that the yeshivot and seminarys continue learning then stand on a street corner?" The answer is not so simple, however even if you want to say that yes, it is more important that they stay and learn...I think everyone of them needs to do a cheshbon hanefesh (inner reflection) on whether he or she would leave learning to see an exciting charedi riot.

But, I believe that even if they would continue learning, it is still of upmost importance that they show the Jews of this country and especially the holy soldiers how much they appreciate the constant protection. In parashat Va'aira the Torah writes regarding the first plague "Hashem said to Moshe, 'Say to Aaron, take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Eygpt...'" Rashi there writes "Say to Aaron--Because the river protected Moshe when he was cast into it, therefore it was not smitten through his hands..." We see from this verse the incredible importance of Hakarat HaTov (giving thanks). If Moshe counldn't hit the water, because he wanted to show appreciation, so much more should we take a few hours from our learning to show appreciation to the soldiers who protect us from one of the most vicious and terrifying enemies ever to arise!

One can argue against the country, or zionism, or the flag but when our soldiers, the vehicles of Hashem's protection get attacked. When the young 18 year old boys whom we see everyday, on the bus, eating ice cream or just going shopping get brutally beaten doing their job...that calls for a day of solidarity. Every princapal and rebbi should have encourged the young students to go out stand beside our brothers and sisters and publicly show your support to our soldiers.

I am not trying to put anyone down, but it's time to give back to the countless soldiers who have allowed Israel to be filled with Torah institutions.

Is It Really So Black and White?

2010-06-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

One of the fundemental misunderstandings of the Jewish world today is people seem to think that the black and white dress and lifestyle there within is the ideal Jew. Even in the more open-minded groups that don't dress like that seem to melt when a student comes home from Yeshiva wearing a black hat. People trust them to suddenly Pasken halachic questions! This is the misunderstandings which fill the halls of seminarys and yeshivot all through out the world. This misunderstandings make teachers and parents tell their girls that the guy they want to marry is wearing black and white and living the "yeshivish" life-style.

Although I have found this misunderstanding alot less in Israel it is here as well. Girls think they are weird because they want a guy who watches movies, plays sports and wears jeans. Guys will waste years in "big name" yeshivot while being miserable just to get a good yeshivish girl. This is also one of the reasons, I believe, for what is now being called "the shidduch crisis".

Let me make this clear: Hashem gave us a Torah. The ideal Jew follows that Torah to the best of his ability, loves his fellowman, loves and fears his Creator and is always trying to grow! It doesn't matter what clothing he or she is wearing(provided it's tziniut), or what life-style he or she is living, it only matters if he or she is following the Torah.

Now, some people have found comfort in the "yeshivish world'' and there is nothing wrong with that. There are countless beautys to be found there. I myself have retained many of the mannerisms because of my many years in yeshiva. However, that means that those living the life-style and those not should understand this: THE TORAH IS MULTI-FACETED!

Hashem designed the Torah to give freedom--individual freedom! For as one of my mentors Rabbi Nathan Lopez Cardozo says "Life after all is an art, and art is an emotion controlled by an idea." We must therefore find our individualism inside the Torah. Allow each Jew to express him or herself through the Torah's laws and rules. There is no set dress code. There is however an understanding that we are princes and princesses of the Almighty, we must carry ourselves as such. Please dear brothers and sisters let's stop judging the external it doesn't become us. The fools fight about the what the title should be...the wise write the book.

The Reason Behind The Action

2010-06-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

Since, in my last post I told the story of my Aliyah, Shev gave me the idea to post my reasons for this "illogical" decision. Many people have their personnal reasons for making or not making Aliyah, these are a few of mine. Maybe they will help those of us whom have trouble with the concept of Aliyah or G-d forbid are caught in the quicksand of America. This may serve as an inspiration to you, to remind you of the beauty of 'home sweet home'.

For most of my life I actually didn't want to live in Israel. Even though I was raised in a very religious Zionist home and community, I still just didn't feel the Israel vibe. I thought of it as nice vacation spot,maybe even a place to send my children when they became of age, but nothing more. Even after my beloved family made Aliyah on October 7th 2007, I still had no desire. I was comfortable in America, I spoke the language, and I had big network streching almost all the way down the east-coast. I had friends, close connections with Rabbis--it was, or so I thought--my home.

When I last came to visit my family living in the beautiful Gush Etzion. I had an amazing time connecting with the Land, the soldiers, and the simple common people. I met people with levels of Faith in G-d that I could only dream of. I saw men praying with guns strapped to their backs, begging G-d to allow them not to need them anymore. I saw women playing with their little ones, knowing the threat of terror was always an imminent possibility, and yet their faces shined with serenity and peace of mind. I saw teenagers dancing in the street singing "Am Hanetzach Lo Mifachaid."-"The eternal nation will not be afraid." I was so happy, I felt that from the rabbi in Me'ah Shearim to the old Israeli bus driver I was with my family.

But I still wasn't convinced. I went back to America to get a job, and who knows, mybe set up shop. I had warmed up to the concept of Aliyah, but I still felt it wasn't for me. But then something hit me like a speeding train. it seemed as suddenly that the fluff had faded away that America had lost it's color. I saw it for the first time for what it was...it was a spritual wasteland. The whole country was living on fake ideals, morals were being pushed onto the back burner. Not to insult my brothers and sisters living in America, I love them. Most of them are real because the Torah is real but as the rabbis teach "Adam mamshich achar saviva."-"A person is dragged(influenced) by his surroundings." Some Jews sadly have fallen into the "American Dream" and now care more about their car or then they do for family or integrity.

Israel on the other hand is real. It's people are real, it's ideals are real, it's happiness is real as it's sadness. I thought for many hours of what makes it so real. Could it be the constant threat of war that causes it's people to understand the meaning of life? Could it be because the majority has served one way or another to protect it? Could it be the history and tradition that flows under the very streets we walk on? I don't know, but I do know that whatever the reason, it is alive.

I cannot think of a better place to live, nor to have my children grow up in, than Eretz Yisrael. I feel a great sense of pride to be able to call myself a Jew, and even more to call myself a Jew in Israel. Everyday I meet new people who restore my love for this beautiful Land. From the begging lady who sits on the street shouting blessings to all regardless if they gave her or not, to the soldier who stands proud to be protecting this country; from the smiling Na Nach, to the elderly man weeping at the Western Wall. This is Home for all Jews, it is a place to dance and cry with our brothers and sisters. I am so grateful to Hashem that He has allowed me to see and feel the greatness of this Land. Please my brothers and sisters I beg you come home! Let us show our Father we can not wait any longer, we want the redemption!

All In All - I'm Just Another Stone In The Kotel

2010-05-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today, Monday 31st 2010 (18th of Sivan 5770) I completed my Aliyah process. I thought today would be a great day to start a new blog because in a sense today I start a new life. Almost a year ago I decided to make Aliyah. The process was so long and tedious. It took so long mostly because of my laziness and dislike of paperwork, and other problems that kept coming up. There were times that I felt like giving up, just 'throwing in the towel', and flying back to Galut. But through the help of my loved ones I persevered, and today as I went into the Nefesh B'nefesh HQ for my big scary meeting with Misrad Hapanim I was filled with anticipation. The meeting was incredibly easy and not as scary as I imagined, thanks to Hashem. It's hard to explain the feeling I had when the meeting closed. It was a feeling of
completion - but not a physical one like graduation or retirement - that one of peace between body and soul, heaven and earth. Although I have been in Israel for almost a year and being a Jew, I was part of this land from my brit
milah, something felt different as I walked out of the Nefesh B'nefesh building. The sun felt different on my face, the streets looked different, the people were different. I was now not only spiritually part of this country but legally part of this country as well. It was no longer just the "Land of my Soul" it was now also the "Land of my Body". There is no joy like that of shlaimut-completion. I am so grateful to Hashem for allowing me the privelege of living in this
Land. I am so happy that I can be part of this unprecedented history of a 2000 year return to our homeland. I am so happy that I can serve My G-d in the country that was created for serving Him. I am so happy I can walk where my forefathers walked. I am so happy that I can dance with my brothers in the land that we waited for for so many years. I am so happy I can dwell with my family, here where we yearned to be for so long. Hodu L'Hashem Ki Tov Ki L'Olam Chasdo." I would also like to thank Nefesh B'nefesh for all their efforts in helping Jews return home. And also my amazing family and friends for always motivating me and inspiring me to continue the process. I can hope that all the Jews will come home so we can be one nation on one land under The One G-d!!

And now, if you will excuse me I'm going to enjoy My Land!!