Category: Judaism

Tisha b’Av 5783

reflection for Tisha b’Av day: Stuck in Galus (Exile)

“From thence ye will seek the L-RD thy G-d; and thou shalt find Him, if thou search after Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29, JPS 1917 Tanach

In Galus (Exile), we are bound by our distractions, and deceived by modern culture. Instead of being cognizant of all that has been taken away from us, we are enamored by the glitter of the world. Our eyes are glued to the screens of New Babylon, projecting its images across the world. We forgotten what the psalmist says not forget: “O Jerusalem, if I forget thee…” (Psalms 137:5).

Even so, Moshe prophesied that from this place of exile, we will seek H’Shem. It is just like the zeitgeist of the world, in every age, to try to blind us to the truth, to make us forget our ways, and assimilate into the masses of faceless humanity. Yet, in our hearts, we know who we are, and the call to return to G-d is more powerful than the yearning for endless entertainment. Unearth the treasures of the past, excavate the hidden gems of our ancestors, dust off the pages of scripture, in order to learn the truth. We are not made for this world; we are created to serve H’Shem.

There can be no compromise, as Elijah made clear to the Israelites at Mount Carmel: “’How long halt ye between two opinions? if the L-RD be G-d, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ And all the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21, JPS). Commentary explains, that the people were worshipping both H’Shem and the pagan deity Baal. They had formed a syncretic religion of sorts, where they blended worship of G-d with that of Baal.

Yet, there can be no compromise. Eliah was calling them to follow H’Shem wholeheartedly. Too often, we mix and match our interests, so that we can not give our undivided attention to the only One who deserves it. “Hear O Israel, the L-RD our G-d, the L-RD is One. And you shall love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

erev Tisha b’Av 5783

erev Tish b’Av reflection: Transcend Divisiveness

If I did not have a strong surety in H’Shem’s sovereignty, and His keeping the world on its axis, I might begin to think that globally, the world is extremely off balance, and perhaps beginning to tilt in the wrong direction. Yet, even if things seem like they’re heading toward catastrophe, I rest in the sanctity of G-d’s place of refuge for all souls who place their trust in Him.

Yet, I am disgusted to see the same type of divisive polity in Israel, as evidenced in the States. On the one hand, most mainstream progressives have been duped by the radical agenda of idealogues who uphold a version of identity-Marxism as a means of furthering the institutional revolution that began with the New Left in the 1960’s. On the other hand, the left of Israel, who have taken to the streets in protest of what they consider an attempt to overturn a balanced system of government may also be duped.

Emotions should not rule the heart. As it stands, and has stood for decades, the Supreme court has the most power of any other component of the government. A change to the reasonableness clause would bring a sense of balance into the system. Yet, the left would like for the system to remain as is, because the current Supreme Court favors a Leftist political view.

In any case, the divisiveness is alarming, especially because this has been occurring during the Three Weeks that lead up to Tish b’Av. Both the first and second Temples were destroyed on the same day upon the Hebrew calendar, the Ninth of Av, hundreds of years apart from each other. Case in point, the main reason given for the Churban (Destruction) of the second Temple is baseless hatred.

Moreover, I am further disgusted by the apparent disregard or sheer ignorance by many, of the promises of G-d to bestowed upon the world through Israel. Because Israel is my raison d’etre in regard to my hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Israel is the geographical place of events of the Bible, and the place where future prophecies will be fulfilled. In modernity, Israel’s ancient roots must not be forgotten, nor, the role of the country in prophecy. As is mentioned in Psalms, “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem…” (Psalms 137:5-6).

On the other side of the coin, so to speak, if America proceeds along its current trajectory of decline into moral chaos, combined with an overhaul of its founding principles, then this country will become unrecognizable. However, G-d will not let the same type of calculated chaos destroy the apple of His eye. The divine plans all concur, as is noted in scripture, that G-d’s Kingdom will be established in Israel, and the Torah will emanate from Zion. G-d’s plan will not be cancelled.

Regret Me Not

As a ba’al teshuvah, I should feel more than ashamed for my past sinful ways, I should feel sincere regret. In other words, I should feel remorse for the way I lived my life, even though at the time, it was more or less like most of the peers my age in the secular world. What was typically viewed as normal teenage behaviors and activities for most of my peers, would be substandard by way of the values promoted by G-d’s kitvei kodesh (holy scripture).

I am currently part of a congregation, wherein we receive many orthodox and Hasidic visitors, especially over the summer. Sometimes, young Chassidic couples, newly married will spend Shabbat. This past Shabbat, one such couple was visiting; at lunch, they were seated nearby, across from the rabbi’s table where I sat. So, I was amongst several chasidim, including the rabbi.

I realized at some point later, that had I been raised properly, I could have been at the same level, so to speak, as the chasid sitting nearby. My cousins are chasidim who grew up in Borough Park. They are the descendants of my great-grandfather’s brother. So, two different lines of descendants from my great-great-grandfather, who was a Chassidic rabbi, ordained, yet probably did not lead an actual congregation, although he was highly respected.

Two sides of the family, completely different because of assimilation on my side of the family and commitment to tradition on the other. Yet, there is a reason for everything, and G-d’s intentions for each individual play out according to that person’s circumstances in life, regardless of yearning, in retrospect, for the grass greener on the other side. A visiting chasid, several weeks ago, made the point clear in an elaborate way, that I do not specifically recall; however, yes, H’Shem arranges everything for the best, to promote the spiritual growth of the soul.

The Faithless and the Faithful

My friend lost her faith in Moshiach. She was a fervent advocate of the “Moshiach Now” mentality, so prominent within Chabad chasidism. Now, because of an expectation that he would arrive before her cat died, she has done a 180 in her fervent desire to wait for him. It’s a moot issue for her, as if the world has changed, and will no longer require a great transformation that will be initiated at the time of Moshiach.

I think that her unrealistic expectation is a sign of extreme egocentricity. To think that the world revolves around oneself to the degree that one can dictate when Moshiach will arrive? Yet, isn’t this akin to the same expectations of religioso throughout history? Whether Jewish or Christian expectations, the story is similar – failed expectations lead to bewilderment.

In the case of the Millerites, when Messiah did not meet their expectations in 1844, half the movement disbanded. The other half was reformed by Hiram Edson, under the banner of what became known as the Seventh Day Adventists. They reshaped their calculations, admitting there was a flaw in their understanding, without seeing the original prophecy as entirely wrong.

Now that I think about it, another friend of mine recently abandoned his pursuit of things spiritual. He is essentially agnostic; although, he still brings in the Shabbat on Friday evening with a few prayers of his own design. I wonder whether this is a pattern that others may be woven into, forming a tapestry as the Geulah (Redemption) approaches.

I envision those whose faith is diminished as being on the side of the tapestry with the loose threads, while those who maintain their faith on the side that clearly depicts the Messianic Era, as the time approaches. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it declareth of the end, and doth not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Gotta Be Me

“Judaism is a gift of G-d. It is not something that we inaugurate, not our attainment, but our inheritance, the accumulated experience of ages. It is to be acquired, not produced.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel, Moral Grandeur & Spiritual Audacity

On my own personal spiritual journey, it was as if G-d was calling me, drawing me closer to Him. The ideal understanding that reached my heart was from my own learning and personal endeavor to comprehend the faith of my heritage, by seeking G-d in a manner that appealed to my Jewish sensibilities.

I began my journey as a ba’al teshuvah, as an individual quest. Today, it continues to be an individual plight, despite my connection to community; in fact, I have never actually felt the need to be dependent upon community. While it is true that community is meant to enhance one’s personal devotion to G-d, there is a dynamic continuum between self and community, wherein friction sometimes results.

Yet, on certain occasions, community has the potential to enhance one’s experience beyond expectation, despite any differences. Case in point, this past Shabbos I remained at shul all day until after havdallah. Three hours of conversation with some friends followed an early minchah. After they left, I had a late seudah shlishi (third meal) in solitude in the social hall. This was truly enriching to me, like a blessing from Above. Half a dozen of us gathered for a quiet maariv, where I was able to daven with kavanah at my own pace – another blessing.

Then, followed havdallah with the same people who davened maariv. As soon as we finished, some chasidim showed up and conducted another havdallah. They sang my favorite tune; so, I joined in for a second havdallah. I believe that H’Shem has shown me, that despite my recent concerns, and existential religious crisis, the spiritual journey, like life, is often bittersweet. I am fortunate to have been able to transcend the bitterness, if only for that one Shabbos.

Past Archetypes

The Relevancy of the Past

This is important to understand; as soon as an event is dismissed as a story or myth that has no historical relevancy, that is to say, it is invalidated as an actual occurrence, the principles drawn from the event are also undermined. Thus, in the postmodern age, where everything is ripe for the taking and immediate dismissing, one stroke of criticism can cast down the truth, and hide it from the minds of that generation.

Unless we reclaim history, historical narrative, and the validity of the events described in the Bible, this entropy of all that is meaningful from the past will prevail, until the world is unrecognizable. Where do we begin? We do not need to worry about beginning. We already have the events of the Bible, more or less, ingrained in our memory, regardless of our background.

There is an adage concerning the study of Torah; it is emphasized that review is necessary to strengthen the bond of memory of these events to the soul. Improve upon what you already know; build up what has eroded over the years, since your bar or bas Mitzvah. If you recognize the declining values of this generation, and entropy that began in the 1960’s, and has culminated in institutionalized moral decay, then consider where you stand on the issue of societal norms.

On the other hand, if you already steeped in Yiddishkeit, and a thorough understanding of the Torah, consider the words of Abraham Heschel, that “when the crisis of today is ignored because of the splendor of the past” then the messages of the Bible remain ensconced in a gilded cage, without bearing relevancy on the present (Heschel, G-d in Search of Man). Thus, it is up to this generation, to reach out to youth, and those on the fringes, to strengthen our heritage.

Entering the Cloud

weekly Torah reading: parashas Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783

  “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the L-RD filled the tabernacle.” – Exodus 40:34, JPS 1917 Tanach

H’Shem’s Presence appeared to B’nei Yisrael, before they crossed the Sea of Reeds; at that time, H’Shem’s presence was manifest in the form of the cloud, and the pillar of fire. At Sinai, H’Shem’s Presence was accompanied by thunder and lightning (Exodus 19:18). And the cloud rested atop Sinai: “‘Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee’” (Exodus 19:9, JPS).

When Moshe was on Sinai with Aaron, Nadav and Avihu and the seventy elders of Israel, (see 24:9), he was called by H’Shem, “Come up to Me into the Mount and be there; and I will give thee the tables of stone,” and thus, “Moses entered into the midst of the cloud.” (24:18). R. Bachya explains that just as he was called to go into the cloud of H’Shem’s glory at Sinai, the only way he could enter the sanctuary when the cloud of glory filled the sanctuary was when H’Shem would first call to him (40:34, sefaria). “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the L-RD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Consider that to a certain extent, a parallel lesson can be drawn from this reading, wherein we too will find that as we approach H’Shem, the way may be obscured by His glory, like the cloud atop Sinai and within the Mishkan (Tabernacle). We may find that we are not able to draw any closer to Him than we are at current, until He calls us from within the obscurity of our understanding. Then, we may enter a cloud, so to speak, of initial unknowing (like leaving our comfort zone) that will eventually bring us to a greater understanding.

© 2023 all rights reserved

If your appreciate my writing, please consider “buying me a cup of coffee” at the following link: Tap, here for link.

Purim 5783

The Whole Megillah in a Nutshell

In the Book of Esther, the narrative that is read on Purim, the name of G-d is not found even once; rather, His divine guidance is hidden within the framework of coincidental events within the narrative. G-d’s providence is already at work, in order to provide for a yeshua (salvation) for the Jewish people, even before the initial threat arises as recorded in the narrative. First of all, Queen Vashti is deposed after she disobeyed her husband, king Ahasueros, who is king of 127 provinces from India to Ethiopa. This sets the stage for a beauty pageant, won by Esther, whose beauty resides within as well as without. The king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight” (Esther 2:17, JPS). Moreover, she remained obedient to her Uncle Mordechai; and, as he instructed her, she did not make “known her kindred nor her people” (2:20).

As recorded at the end of chapter two, Mordechai had overheard a plot against the kink by two of his servants; so, he informed Esther, who told the king in his name; thus, his good deed was recorded in the chronicles of the king (Esther 2:21-23). This preceded a threat that rose up from Haman, who in the next chapter is raised up to a position of power. Therefore, both the position of Esther as Queen, and Mordechai’s deed for which he will be honored later in the narrative, as the ensuing events unfold, are as seeds of redemption waiting to ripen in due time.

Haman, in his new position, demanded that all bow down to him. Mordechai, a Jew who is a Benjamite will not bow down to him. It is interesting to note that one of the twelve sons of Jacob, Benjamin is the only one who did not bow down to Esau when he approached Jacob and his family. This is because Benjamin was still in the womb of his mother. Therefore, Mordechai exhibits this trait, if you will, by not bowing down to Haman, who is a descendant of King Agag, who was a descendant of Amalek. In turn, Amalek was the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau. So, Haman’s hatred of Mordechai, went beyond his refusal to bow to him: rather, this was an ancient hatred that manifested in Haman’s ire, and insistence as well as determination to destroy all of Mordechai’s people.

Yet, as mentioned in the Talmud, the remedy precedes the sickness: “The Holy One, blessed be He, does not smite Israel unless He has created for them a healing beforehand” (Megillah 13b, Soncino edition). When Mordechai learns of Haman’s decree to destroy the Jewish people, he sends word to Esther, requesting that she appeal to the king on behalf of her people. “Who knoweth whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14). Her response is one of mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice). “So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Additionally, on a night that King Ahasueros is not able to sleep, he decides to peruse through the chronicles of the king: here he finds mention of Mordechai’s good deed, whereby a plot against the king was thwarted. In the morning, when Haman happens to be in the King’s court, Ahasueros asks him, “what shall be done for the man whom the king would like to honor.” Haman, in his self-conceit, thinks that king wants to honor him, so he replies:

“Let royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and on whose head a crown royal is set; and let the apparel and the horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man therewith whom the king delighteth to honour, and cause him to ride on horseback through the street of the city.” The king responds, “‘Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew” (Esther 6:8-10). So, there is a reversal of fortune, whereby Mordechai is now honored, while Haman is humiliated.

Esther holds two banquets for the king, herself, and Haman; at Esther’s second banquet for the King, of which Haman is also invited, she reveals the plot to the king: “We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish” (Esther 7:4). He asks, “Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?” (Esther 7:5). She responds, “An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman” (Ester 7:6). Additionally, the king’s servant points out that this Haman had made a gallows “for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king” (Esther 7:9). Thus, Haman’s fate is sealed (by way of the gallows he himself built); and the decree that had previously gone out, calling for the destruction of the Jewish people is countermanded by a second decree, permitting the Jews to defend themselves. Victory is secured, and thus remains the celebration instituted by Mordechai every year at this time on the Hebrew calendar.

free download available (donation is optional): tap here.

Taanis Esther 5783

“‘Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.  For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house will perish; and who knoweth whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this?’”  – Esther 4:13-14, JPS 1917 Tanach

“There is no man who has not his hour, and no thing that has not its place.” – Pirkei Avos 4:3

Esther petitioned King Ahasuerus to spare her people.  She, her maidens, and the Jewish people fasted for three days, before she approached the King.  She was risking her life, in doing so, because, no one could approach the king without permission.  Yet, she was emboldened to approach him, after fasting, with all of her people in support of her. 

Queen Esther was given her moment: “who knoweth whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this?”  H’Shem arranges the remedy, before the sickness (Talmud). Esther was made queen, before Haman hatched his plan to eliminate the Jewish people. Thank G-d. And, may we also see hidden remedies revealed as miracles, speedily in our days.

Ultimately, we have H’Shem to seek as a refuge, both then and now; we should not take His shield of protection for granted; our refuge and fortress in Whom we trust (Psalm 91:2).  We should seek Him in all of our trials and tribulations, keeping in mind that He is the Source of our well-being. Especially, at this time to remember our brothers and sisters in peril, is an obligation and responsibility of K’lal Yisrael.