We all have our appointed tasks in life; perhaps, instructed from Above through our intuition, we feel compelled to go forward with courage to accomplish, what no one else can in our place. All, who are part of K’lal Yisrael are of one body, metaphorically speaking, inasmuch that our well-being depends not only our Source of Life, rather, also, on our connection to each other.
Bundle of Life
weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayechi 5784
“Vayechi Yaakov (And Jacob lived).”
– Genesis 47:28, JPS 1917 Tanach
When Jacob arrived with his family, having traveled from the land of Canaan to Egypt, to where Joseph, his son greeted him, he and his family settled in the land of Goshen. Jacob spent the last seventeen years of his life there, comforted by his reunion with Joseph, and the bountiful plenty of the choicest land in all of Egypt. The land of Goshen encapsulated an environment, somewhat removed from Egypt proper, therefore, providing an isolated locale for Jacob’s family to preserve the values of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Moreover, goshen, meaning “drawing near” was a place where the twelve tribes of Jacob could “draw near” to H’Shem; so, with this in mind, Jacob “sojourned” in the land of Egypt” (Psalm 105), while setting his hopes on Olam Haba. For to sojourn means to reside temporarily in a place; while, on the other hand, Jacob knew that his true home was with H’Shem.
During years prior, he was able to transcend his circumstances by prevailing upon H’Shem’s covenantal promises to him, thereby triumphing over Laban and Esau. He endured much while working for his Uncle Laban; he also was greatly disconcerted in regard to his encounter with his brother, Esau. Yet, H’Shem was with him in the midst of his trials – this exemplifies H’Shem’s immanence. At other times, when H’Shem seems more distant from us, this denotes His transcendence, and should compel us to pray to Him, as did Jacob.
In the last seventeen years of his life, Jacob was drawing near to his more permanent home, when he would be “gathered to his people” (Genesis 49:29). The “bundle of life,” wherein the souls of the righteous are wrapped up in the light of G-d in Shomayim (Heaven) is implied by this phrase. To be gathered to his people means to be blessed with G-d’s presence in Eternity. Vayechi Yaakov (Jacob lives); for, his soul continues to live, basking in the light of G-d until the time of the Tehillas HaMeisim (Resurrection of the Dead), when souls are restored to their resurrected bodies, at the beginning of Olam Haba (the World to Come).
reflection: Providential Guardianship
G-d’s compassion transcends whatever we experience around us. G-d hears our thoughts, despite the turmoil around us. The noise that encompasses our external reality, can be filtered through our focus on H’Shem.
In accordance with G-d’s will, we can navigate the storms of life. So, each and every day, we need to remember to check-in with ourselves, our breathing, thoughts and emotions, and connect with G-d, from the center of our being. So, we may foster a continual connection with H’Shem, when under pressure from the chaos of the world.
We are more than a speck in the universe, we are a spark of the Divine. An important reminder for us in challenging times, when feeling overwhelmed, is that G-d is aware of our plight. Open your eyes. G-d is there with us in all that we do. Yet, we do not always feel His presence.
Judaism teaches that G-d is both transcendent, above and beyond our understanding, and immanent, present in the world and our lives. Yet, this experience of Him varies, so that at any given time we might feel that he is either further away from us, or close to our heart.
So, it is in the quiet times that we attempt to draw near to G-d through prayer or study, that we may experience a connection to Him, moreso than at other times. Also, on Shabbat and Yom Tov there is a spiritual quality, akin to Kedusha, that results from the Shefa – Divine Flow – that permeates those days, combined with our own efforts to honor those days, especially, if we are in tune with the overall meaning and focus of the day.
Wake Up Calls
“You that make mention of the L-RD, be not silent.” – Isaiah 62:6
Twenty years ago, my views shifted, fellow environmental minded people, human rights activists, who were all for saving the earth, turned out to be anti-Israel activists as well. Thus, the dividing line was drawn, right around the time I was seeking to learn more about my Judaism as well.
These Leftists were steeped in the theories of colonialism and anti-imperialism. Yes, this was twenty years ago. They read the works of the leading authorities on these political positions; although, I will not name the authors, lest I give them any publicity. May their works be exposed for what they are – ideas that foment revolution.
Ten years ago, I was called to task, when an extreme Leftist anti-Israel OpEd was written in a local university paper. Since I was attending that university, I felt obligated to write a letter-to-the editor. My writing, critiquing the claim of genocide by Israel on the Palestinians, was printed; and, I was asked to join the OpEd department for the university newspaper. I wrote OpEds for three semesters, often in support of Israel and a godly perspective on the world.
In the summer of 2020, on a particular Friday afternoon, I began to prepare for Shabbat. The next night, motzei Shabbos, when I went online for the first time since 2 p.m. the previous day, I learned that the national guard was called out in over a dozen cities, as flames engulfed neighborhoods.
This led to my research on Wokism, the social justice movement and identity-Marxism. I wrote, based upon my findings, to bring awareness to others about these pernicious efforts of the Left to undermine society. The pro-Palestinian cause is one of the many causes that are supported by that movement.
On October seventh, at the synagogue that I attend, I heard the first reports of the tragedies that ensued that day. It was around 10 a.m., while I happened to be standing outside the entrance getting some air. As the day progressed, it was clear that this would be a day that changed everything for myself, Jews around the world, and Israel itself. Yes, it was and still is a wake-up call for all of us.
Renewal of the Soul: Change
reflections on renewal: Changes along the path of life
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – James Sherman
The Gestalt Psychology of Fritz Perls teaches that change happens in the present moment. This is a very different premise than the psychoanalytic assertions of Freud, about digging into one’s past to seek resolution. In my own life, I made a conscious decision to shift my perspective, starting with my moral compass in life. Starting where you are in life in order to effect change, speaks volumes to me in regard to a personal dilemma:
I often regret, not having been raised in accordance with a deliberate moral framework based upon Torah. It is as if I have no other recourse, than to accept H’Shem’s chosen path for me, to become a ba’al teshuvah later in life. Yet, how am I to look upon my early years in life? If I still regret having had a secular education (even though I was raised in a Conservative Jewish household), then, I have not accepted G-d’s design for me from the beginning. Yet, if I accept my past, I can still change myself, and the trajectory of my life.
In further consideration of the notion of change, the above-mentioned quotation, written by James Sherman, was written within the context of how to cope with rejection. This also played a role in my life, as I’m sure rejection has for many people. Today, many Jewish progressives are dealing with the harsh rejection of their peers. This rejection is prompted by the ideologically motivated exclusion of Jews from the rank and file of the Woke Movement. Yet, perhaps these disillusioned progressives with a neshama that knows the truth will prevail, will begin again, after learning that embracing the world’s standards in something that runs against the soul.
parasha Vayigash 5784
Joseph’s identity, hidden from his brothers, was revealed to them in a moment of time, wherein they had a private audience with the Egyptian ruler, who knew them, yet, they did not recognize him. Up until that moment, they had seen him as a cruel ruler, who held authority over them, inasmuch as he could do as he please, by intimidating them, placing them in jail three days, and demanding that they return with their youngest brother. Otherwise, they would not be able to see the ruler, in order to obtain necessary food during the famine; yet, when they finally return, the ruler takes Benjamin as a servant.
After this Judah made an impassioned plea, to take him instead of Benjamin; upon hearing this, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers: “I am Joseph.” Joseph had previously told them, that he fears G-d. No light statement from “an Egyptian ruler;” yet, the brothers may not have accepted this statement as sincere. Now, they see his sincerity demonstrated, inasmuch that he shows them kindness, forgiveness, and mercy, the very qualities valued in Abrahamic legacy. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do his commandments; his praise endures for ever” (Psalms 111:10, Tanach Bible).
When Jacob arrived in Egypt with his family, his son, Joseph, harnessed his chariot and went out to greet him. Joseph provided for his family to live in the land of Goshen – a land removed from Egypt proper. As a consequence of their living in this location, they were isolated from the rest of Egyptian society. They had more freedom to follow the patriarchal ways of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and foster the character traits that they represented, as opposed to getting caught up in the idolatrous ways, and immorality of their neighbors.
In the midst of the uncertainty, doubt, and fear, that settled in years later, after the children of Israel became enslaved in Egypt, there was the promise of hope in the redeemer. Before Joseph passed away, he told his brother, pekod pekodti, a redeemer will reveal himself to you.
“G-d will surely remember you, and bring you up out of this land unto the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” – Genesis 50:24
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Spiritual Sustenance
Five Thing Essay: Spiritual Sustenance
Every moment of this life is precious and holds great potential. We should value our time, and not carelessly squander our time on meaningless distractions from our goals in life. Rather an emphasis on spiritual development should guide our lives. Yet, for the mind to do so, calmness needs to prevail over our busy lives, hectic schedules, and general concerns.
Reflection on spiritual things may be fostered in us, through music that uplifts the soul. Moreover, this can enhance hisbodedus (meditative prayer), wherein we speak to G-d with words that may arise from within us. Prayer from the heart is one way of reaching out to G-d from the depths of the soul.
In our lives, the more we focus on G-d, the less anxiety we will have about our worldly concerns. Moreover, our growing concerns about the future, as well as the current state of affairs on earth, may weigh us down, if we do not bring a proper perspective into alignment with our thinking.
G-d has decreed that the world will not be completely destroyed, like at the time of the Mabul (Great Flood). Rather, we should look forward to the messianic era, when Torah will flourish upon the earth, amongst all peoples. And, “the word of the L-RD shall go out from Zion.”
Perhaps, this is one of the prime differences between the expectations of the Jewish people, and the incessant drive of radical Islam to impose Shariah law upon the world. We are waiting for Moshiach, in hopes of bringing peace to the world. No one is forced to accept the G-d of Israel, Who is a G-d of Mercy as well as Justice. So, let us not misuse our time until that day, when Moshiach will reign from Jerusalem; instead, let us focus on the cry, “Ad mosai” (how long will we wait)? And, prepare ourselves for that day, in great expectation.
Future Harmony
“Praise the L-RD, all who share the earth.”
– paraphrase, Psalm 148
In the beginning, mankind was created from the same handful of earth. And, we all share the earth, inasmuch that we are dependent upon its resources. We also share our own humanity with each other, if, indeed we engage with others in a humane way.
Yet, darkness is on the face of the earth, and the minds of many are clouded with ignorance, hatred, and pride. From a psychological perspective, anything below the level of consciousness, could be considered “darkness,” in the sense of scriptural understanding.
Hence, “they wander about in darkness, all the foundations of the earth are shaken” (Psalm 82:5). Truly, on a moral level, the foundations of the earth are shaken, as Western values crumble with the Woke onslaught upon civilization as we knew it.
The sharing of values should be a priority at this point for all people with a conscience, honed by a clear sense of right and wrong, according to transcendent morals. This is important, in consideration of the slippery slope of society into a morass of an almost anything goes melee.
Dissonance and consonance amongst different sets of values and belief systems abound; yet, for the most part, the world has become divisive, regardless of whatever one’s religious, secular, or ethical belief system may have in common with another. The commonalities are overlooked, in favor of division.
The catalyst for this division is the Woke identity-Marxism that posits a view of the world through power dynamics. All peoples are divided into oppressed or oppressor categories. A new definition of sin is propagated by the social justice movement, dependent upon these categories; and condemnation is spewed from their mouths.
Where can harmony be found for all peoples? In acknowledgment of what we have in common: we were created in G-d’s image. Let us uphold that image though the mirroring of His Attributes. And, wait upon the L-RD.
Myths and Facts 2
I am not ignorant of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, nor the extreme Leftist positions that are posited upon propaganda that created the Palestinian Myth. I encountered these claims years ago, and have been countering them even moreso since October 7th. Here are some more refutations of false claims:
Regarding the checkpoints, these are in place to prevent the infiltration of terrorists. For every successful terrorist act in the past over the years, there have been at least ten others that have been foiled. Who is to blame for the check points? It is necessary for the safety and the protection of Israelis, two-million whom are Arab. Incidentally, case in point, there is no apartheid in Israel. Jewish, Christian, Arab and Druze Israelis all live side by side with each other, work together, and eat together. There are Arab members of the Knesset. The Israeli-Arabs are not second-class citizens.
Regarding the Palestinians, consider the following: Palestinian workers in the kibbutzim – the southern communities, that were decimated by Hamas on October 7th gave strategic information to the terrorists, concerning the Israelis. The very same Israelis who were peace activists and some of these Palestinians worked for them on the Kibbutzim, others were given rides by the Israeli peace activists to work inside Israel, and hospitals when necessary. Additionally, these past two years, before October Seventh Israel was pressured to permit more Palestinian workers to enter Israel. It has been discovered that this was a ruse; they were in Israel collecting information.
Furthermore, there is no genocide on the part of Israel toward the Palestinians. This is easily refuted in consideration of the treatment that has been shown to Palestinians over the years, prior to October Seventh. Truckloads of humanitarian aid had been entering Gaza over the years. No country intent on the destruction of another people would also give them humanitarian aid. Nor, would that country warn civilians by dropping leaflets, making calls on phones (texts), or dropping warning signals that make a loud noise, yet, do not harm – all done before targeting Hamas operative in the area. Yet, Israel has been approaching the situation in this manner for years.
Israelis treat Palestinian men, women, and children in Israeli hospitals, when they can not get treatment elsewhere. Incidentally, Jews and Arabs work side by side with each other in the hospitals. Yet, it is Hamas who uses its own people as human shields. It is Hamas who calls for genocide against Israel, and its supporters in the streets who shout out the slogans. A recent study done by the Arab world for Research and Development found that only 13% of Palestinians opposed the massacre on October 7th.
Shame on those who spread lies. There are both ideologues, who deliberately promote false claims, and distorted viewpoints. Then, there are the naive person on the fringe of the pro-Palestinian movement, as well as the wider social justice movement that includes the former cause. May the truth about the Israel be brought out into the light for all to perceive.
Myth and Facts
October Seventh changed everything for most people with a conscience and some semblance of humanity. Israel is united against an existential threat; many Leftists are disillusioned; they realize that peace is not favored by most Palestinians. Yet, if it has made less of an impression on Jewish Leftists outside of Israel, and even less on non-Jewish social justice warriors.
I write extensively on the intersectionality of the Pro-Palestinian cause within the social justice movement. Progressive Jews are being marginalized by their peers because they are Jewish; this serves as factual evidence of the equation: anti-Zionism equals antisemitism. (The Woke movement is not about the individual; it is about the ideology; individuals who differ are cast out).
Israel is under existential threat from five fronts: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria; in addition, the social-media “front” promoted by organizations such as I.M.E.U. (Institute for Middle Eastern Understanding). The Leftist propaganda incites others to parrot the lies and slogans that many do not even understand. This furthers the invective and vitriol against Jewish people. Yet, when confronted, the naïve have changed their position, that had been based on ignorance.
One of the big lies rests upon colonialism; yet, the Jewish people are indigenous to Israel for several thousand years. There were no Arabs referred to as Palestinians until after 1967, when it became convenient for them to use the name for nationalistic reasons. There has never been a so-called Palestinian state. They are intransigent; they rejected every partition and peace plan from the Peel Commission to the Oslo Accords and continue to do so to this day.
There is graffiti on a wall in Ramallah, wherein David is depicted with a slingshot aiming at IDF soldiers. So, the Palestinians are the oppressed who were resisting their oppressors? This turning around of the narrative began years prior. Israel was attacked in 1948 by the greater powers of five Arab armies. Not until 1967, did the narrative shift as a deliberate ploy, by Yaser Arafat’s KGB advisors, who instructed him to present his cause in light of resistance of the oppressed versus the oppressor.
This is also part of the larger narrative, promoted by the so-called social justice movement today, that decries the ills of Western society. Many Leftist activists are pro-Palestinian, because it is one of the many causes raised up against the establishment of Western values. It is about the revolution for them, not the cause; so, facts don’t matter to them, as long as their lies support the revolution.
Most people in the Woke Movement that divides all peoples into only two categories, the oppressed and the oppressor do not know of its origins or deep-rooted Marxist ideology. They are being lured into an oversimplification of issues. And, the indigenous Jewish people of Israel, who have suffered oppression for 2 thousand years, are still suffering.
The Tree of Life 