The Tree of Life

Spiritual Heritage

“G-d speaks to us in different ways, and we don’t always recognize his voice.” – Job 33:14-18, Contemporary English Version

In my youth, I was searching for G-d, amongst different spiritual traditions, my ship was rudderless, until G-d Himsel became my navigator. Once I was brought on course, according to His will, if I were to stray off course, He is merciful enough to help me return, by way of His navigational skills.

I trust that G-d speaks to others in ways designed for them to understand His intentions. Sometimes this may occur through intuition. Other times, this happens by way of circumstances and divine coincidence. He called me closer toward Him, and He continually draws me near to Him, in ways that would be challenging to explain. Each individual’s spiritual journey is unique.

For each individual, G-d guides a person along through personal revelation, if we are receptive to His intervention. If we are open to His calling, we will see wonders worked in our lives – even small miracles. For, where human beings are limited, G-d is unlimited. He brought me from a place of utter confinement to freedom from the constraints of my past. Wherever you are in life, I can assure you, whether you realize it or not, He is there for you.

Our heritage is rich. And, G-d’s grace is effectual, when we respond to His calling. He calls us step by step to the truth. He reveals whatever we are able to receive at the time. Yet, if we close ourselves oof to him through sin and pride, we prevent His grace from taking effect in our lives. His grace is transformative, meant to change our hearts, and prepare us for greater revelation.

We are not used to living by grace, since we would rather do things on our own. Be assured that these words apply first and foremost to myself; otherwise, I would not be able to convey them to you. Moreover, they are words garnered from sources more knowledgeable than me. Scripture teaches, “the L-rd resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34).

parasha Vayeitze 5784

weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayeitze – Prayer Ladder

“And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of G-d ascending and descending on it.” – Genesis 28:12, JPS 1917 Tanach

Prayer is a means of communication, between man and G-d – a connection between earth and heaven. The gateway to G-d’s abode in Heaven was revealed to Jacob in a dream. Upon waking from the dream, Jacob said, “this is none other than the house of G-d, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Rashi comments, based upon Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, on the verse, and this is the gate of heaven, a place where prayers would ascend to heaven (sefaria.org). Jacob saw angels of G-d ascending and descending upon the ladder in his dream. The angels ascending towards Heaven represent prayers, and the angels descending from heaven represent the answers to those prayers (Sforno).

Foundation Stone

“And he lighted upon the place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.” – Genesis 28:11, JPS 1917 Tanach

On his journey to Charan, to find a wife, Jacob rested at hamakom (the place). He placed a stone underneath his head, went to sleep, and dreamt of a ladder spanning earth and heaven. Angels ascended and descended upon the ladder. When he awoke, he said “this is none other than the house of G-d, and this is the gate of heaven.’ And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it” (Genesis 28:17-18, JPS).

According to the Talmud, it is here that the Foundation Stone was located, since the beginning of the earth’s creation; for it was from hamakom (the place) that the world itself was created (Yoma 54b). According to Pirkei de Rabbi Eliezer, this stone was given the name evehn shetiyah (foundation stone), many generations later.

This stone symbolizes the center of the world, from where all the earth was created. Jacob poured oil on this stone, so that it could be used as a mizbeach (altar), later, when he would return from his journey to Haran. This location is also where the first and second Temples stood, many generations after Jacob. Additionally, this is where the third Temple will be built in Jerusalem.

What is the significance of the foundation stone? “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16, JPS). Actually, the original Hebrew verse is written in the prophetic past tense; Rashi comments, “a decree has been decreed before Me, and I have set up the King Messiah, who shall be in Zion as an אֶבֶן בּוֹחֵן, a fortress stone, an expression of a fortress and strength” (Complete Jewish Tanach with Rashi Commentary; chabad.org).

Essay on Life’s Illusions

“Freedom of expression depends only on the courage of your convictions.” – Natan Sharansky

The metanarrative of prophetic scripture is superimposed upon history, past, present and future. Therefore, aside from current events as viewed from a geo-political, cultural, or moral perspective, there is the overarching prophetic march of time that encompasses these events. There is also the historical perspective, wherein is seen repeating cycles of ideologies, rising over and over again in different manifestations of its predecessors. Unfortunately, history repeats itself, when we do not learn from the past mistakes of previous generations.

Outside of Israel, perhaps, the realization of the existential situation wherein Israel is united for its own survival, falls upon deaf ears. If the differences between the Left and Right have been set aside for the sake of meeting this existential threat, shouldn’t the same be true amongst Diaspora Jews? Moreover, the consensus amongst Israelis is clear in regard to the prospects for peace with the Palestinians: this will not occur unless Hamas is dismantled. The Israeli Left is disillusioned, and has realized the truth about the futility of bargaining with terrorists; yet, the Woke ideologues in America and elsewhere around the globe, are still blinded by their Marxist mentality.

Speak the truth from your heart, and if you are unable to speak the truth out loud, speak the truth silently within your heart, so that, at least, you will know what you believe, without external influence persuading you otherwise. Yet, always make sure to “live not by lies.” If something does not resonate with you, examine that something; however, do not be completely subjective in your analysis; objectivity is required, because truth is not relative. If we say that truth is relative, then all truth breaks down into personal perspectives. Yet, truth, value, and morals exist independently of our own subjective thoughts, and worldview.

Israel Matters

Israel Matters: G-d’s Presence on Earth

Because the understanding of the Deists limited G-d to His role as Creator, without acknowledging His continual Presence in the world, mankind was designated as the sole manager of earth, without G-d’s intervention. Thus, a vast separation between G-d and mankind resulted, conceptually, within their faulty logic. Yet, G-d is not only present in the world, He continually interacts with the world. He maintains Creation through His hasgacha (guidance) over the affairs of the natural world and even every individual on the face of the planet.

He is a very present G-d, Who, within the framework of Judaism is both transcendent and immanent. So, although G-d is said to reside in Seventh Heaven, He is also present in this world, and His presence may be felt within a human being. At any given time, he may feel as if he is further away from or closer to a person who has a relationship with Him. Thusly said, we are active partners with Him in regard to His divine plan when we accede to His will.

Israel is the apple of G-d’s eye, a treasure that He always has in mind. Israel will never be abandoned by G-d. Despite the nisyanos (trials) both as a nation and as individuals, we may rest assured that He is there with us in the midst of our challenges. When Israel fought against Amalek, Moses held up his hands in prayer the whole time, bringing strength from Above to Israel in its battle. In like manner, those of us who are not directly involved in combat or material support for I.D.F. may offer their prayers for the sake of the defeat of evil.

We will triumph; light will prevail over darkness. As Chanukah approaches, we may reflect upon the preservation of the Jewish people, despite great odds at that time. Again and again we have succeeded in the face of great challenges; will continue to do so in anticipation of the Geulah.

parasha Toldos 5784

weekly Torah reading: parasha Toldos 5784 – Wells of Wisdom

“And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham.” – Genesis 26:18, JPS 1917 Tanach

Meor Eynayim explains, that these wells are symbolic of G-d’s wisdom that flowed during the lifetime of Abraham; yet, after his death, his wells were stopped up by the Philistines, representative of the powers of darkness and ignorance, inasmuch that they also impeded the spread of this wisdom (Meor Einayim, Toldos 19; sefaria.org). Symbolically, when Isaac redug the wells of his father, Abraham, he also reopened the flow of divine wisdom into the world.

The wellsprings of wisdom must be dug within ourselves, until we reach the place where the source of wisdom flows. As for the verse, “they have forsaken me, the source of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13), the Meor Einayim explains that “Blessed G-d is the source from whom comes the flow of life-force to all living things in all manners” (Meor Einayim, Toldos 18; sefaria.org).

Thus, the source of life continually flows from G-d; yet, our own ignorance compels us to search elsewhere in this world for the truth. Instead of receiving the “fountain of living waters,” we hew out “cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13, JPS). Moreover, as the result of sin, we cause a blockage of the primary source. Consequently, we are unable to connect to our “upper root,” the source above us that nourishes our soul. However, through teshuvah (repentance), a return to Hashem, our souls may be renewed with G-d’s wisdom.

motzei Shabbos: Chayei Olam 5784

“If those who never lived, now live, surely those who have lived, will live again!”

– Geviha ben Pesisa; found in R’Nissan Dovid Dubov’s To Live and Live Again

In this commentary, the miraculous nature of the Tehillas HaMeism (Resurrection of the Dead) is compared to the miracle of life itself. Do we ever stop to think about this? Judaism teaches that before a soul is fused with the newborn, that soul is waiting in the treasury of souls, to enter this world, upon being assigned a mission. This journey, and the subsequent placing of the soul in a body – if we consider for a moment this amazing feat – is astounding beyond compare; for, where there was no life, there is now a life brought into the world. How much more so should we be able to wonder at the ability of G-d to restore the soul to the body, after the body has been resurrected? And, yet, in reflecting on this, one may begin to ponder even more, whether life itself or life after death is more miraculous.

Chayei Sarah – A Life Well-Lived

weekly Torah reading: parasha Chayei Sarah – A Life Well-Lived

“And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah.” – Genesis 23:1, The Complete Jewish Tanach

Commentary notes that there is a specific reason that the word “years” appears after each component number of the total number of years of her life. Inasmuch as each time frame of her life is to be understood in a certain manner, the following rendering is given: her childhood, young adulthood, and adulthood were all equally good (based on Rashi). Imagine an amalgamation of identity, intention, and purpose spanning the entirety of a life.

This may be contrasted with the lives of many of us in modernity. Popular language currently describes different formative years in a negative way, for example, the terrible twos, the rebellious adolescence, and the burdensome task of “finding oneself” given to the young adult through differentiation or individuation.

And, with the proliferation of Wokism, today’s youth face even more challenges in regard to identity formation: falling into different identity groups, assigned by a movement based on identity Marxism. Individuality is cast aside in favor of identification with an external identity-group that is automatically defined by race, sex, and the ever-changing gender categories.

Yet, despite this smorgasbord of identity touted by the Woke Agenda, there is still something to say for the normative values and ways of life defined by the Bible. The wisdom of scripture, inspired by G-d may provide us with a framework of instruction for our lives. Especially, as the values of Western society continue to crumble before our very eyes.

Truth Must Prevail

In regard to the Understanding Israel presentation, the event went well. At least two people, who had been leaders of the protest in town over the weekend, were at the presentation; they each identified themselves, while asking a question, during the question and answer part of the event. One of them did try to make his own points, before asking a question; however, he was reminded that it was questions only.

There were two moderators, and six panelists: five were Jewish, one was a Christian pastor. After the panelists answered the questions, a news video was shown of an interview with the Son of Hamas, who is an ex-member of Hamas that speaks out against Hamas. He is very pro-Israel, as well as concerned for the Palestinian people.

As soon as the video started, the two activist leaders got up, as well as about a dozen people sitting in the back of the lecture hall (also identified as activists by their talk amongst themselves) who walked out. Although, three of the activists remained, including one of the leaders. It’s like they know that the Son of Hamas, who spoke in the video, speaks the truth that they did not want to hear.

At least, none of the activists disrupted the presentation. (There had been 3 or 4 police officers there, as well as a security detail just in case). Since the activists were there for the entire presentation, before the video, I hope something that was said may have made an impression on some of them.

After the presentation this evening, I reflected more on what occurred. I asked myself why did several activists remain? Two of the activist leaders got up as soon as the video began, as well as about a dozen activists sitting in the back. Yet, three activists remained, including one of the leaders.

I think that this was planned ahead of time, inasmuch that the leaders signaled the others to leave, perhaps, seemingly as a walk-out protest against the video; yet, more likely, so that the regular activists – underlings – who left, would not be influenced by the words of the Son of the Hamas. In other words, the leaders had the other members of their group leave to prevent them from hearing the truth. That is my analysis.

Yet, there were at least several people in the audience who asked more sincere questions that were responded to by the panelists with the truths that revealed the overall reality of the conflict. I think these, apparently Non-activist students in the audience are more likely to have their hearts changed by the truth.

The following video is the complete panel discussion:

The Truth Will Prevail

If you care about changing somebody’s mind, then it is the individual that must take precedent in the endeavor, without becoming argumentative about the issues. This may sound counterintuitive; however, I think that it is sound advice. Let me explain why. The immediate concern is not only showing respect toward the individual that is encountered; rather, also, developing a sense of compassion within oneself for that individual.

These are not empty words; they convey my thoughts, as I prepare for an event tonight, wherein protesters may show up, and, perhaps, even try to disrupt. Moreover, I personally know some activists from about twenty years ago, who may still be active in the area where I live; because, I associated with them at the time, I have already generated a sense of compassion for them.

Yet, my own compassion for anyone who is caught up in a cult-like mentality, either unaware of the truth or unwilling to consider the truth, knows no bounds. This is because I, myself, was in a cult for ten years; and, so, I am able to better empathize with experience of others who are isolated from the greater opportunities that life offers, when an individual is autonomous, in the sense of not being ruled by a thought-system that is feeding them untruths.

One way to reach others is through what is referred to in psychology as disconfirming information. A fact, lived experience, or witnessed experience can elicit an individual to reconsider his or her viewpoints, if the initial fact or experience runs counter to the narrative that they have accepted as their own. For myself, there were a handful of experiences like this that led me to question what I had been compelled to accept; I left the cult on my own – a walk out.

For others, especially in regard to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, changing hearts may be centered primarily on providing information, that will disconfirm the viewpoints that they have. Moreover, not everyone is aware of the ramifications or full implications of what they claim to support. To get people to question their own stance is to “disarm” them, and truly free their minds.