hope – The Tree of Life

parasha Tetzaveh 5784

The light of the world was the Temple, as implied by the nature of the windows. The windows were narrow on the inside, and wider on the outside, so that light within the Temple could radiate out into the world. In parasha Tetzaveh, the spiritual darkness of the world is to be countered by the light of the menorah inside of the Kadosh. The oil to be provided for the menorah had specific requirements: “pure olive oil beaten for the light” (Deuteronomy 2:20, JPS).

Because the menorah requires refined oil, only the first grade of oil obtained from the olives is used (Menachot 86a). The light of the menorah is “to burn continually,” understood as meaning every night, all throughout the night. Thus, because the nighttime represents spiritual darkness, it is implied that the light of the menorah is a counter presence to that darkness.

“In the beginning… darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of G-d hovered over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2, JPS). According to Rashi, “the throne of divine glory was standing in space, hovering over the face of the waters…” (sefaria.org). This represents the supremacy of light over darkness. Thus, it is a juxtaposition that represents a continuous actuality, symbolized by the menorah in the Mishkan, and later in the Beis haMikdash.

Throughout the ages, the spiritual darkness of the world manifests to a lesser or greater degree at different points in history. “For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but upon thee the L-RD will arise, and His glory shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:2, JPS). G-d will provide us with the light of truth and wisdom that will sustain us.

shiur: Bereishis 5784

A Time to Speak: a brief message of hope, resilience, and light

“A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7–8

Last Shabbat, on Shemini Atzeret, words of wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes were read. These words are apropos of the events that transpired that day in Israel, when Israeli’s were about to celebrate Simchat Torah, usually a day of joy and dancing, in celebration of the Torah, the Etz Chayim, our way of life.

There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Today, more than ever, for the sake of Eretz Yisrael, Israelis, and Jews all around the world, today, is not a time to remain silent; rather, today is most significantly a time to be outspoken. Primarily, it is a time to speak to H’Shem, Who views Israel as “the apple of His eye.” His gaze is upon Israel day and night, and all throughout the seasons. On Shemini Atzeret, upon the religious calendar, the season of the Mediterranean cool, rainy winter began in Israel, and with the seasonal change, war also arrived upon the southern border of Israel.

Through prayer we appeal to the Almighty, as in all previous generations, for the courage, hope, and reassurance that light will triumph over darkness. We should not even doubt in the slightest, because, ultimately, the promises of G-d to the Children of Israel will be fulfilled. We look forward to a time of peace and harmony, under the banner of Moshiach who will reign from Jerusalem, according to G-d’s timing.

Yet, the road toward that day is fraught with times of trouble, the darkness before the dawn. Yet, “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, PS). Let us look forward to that day with sincere and heartfelt expectation, despite the darkness that currently surrounds us. For, this is emunah (faith).

Breaking the Spell

from Darkness into Light: a personal revelation of faith

I was recently inspired by a speaker at a luncheon, after morning services at the place of worship that I attend every Sabbath. He spoke about his experience in the Israeli military, as a commander in the Golani Brigade, leading his unit on a dangerous mission in 2014, during Operation Protective Edge. The mission was accomplished, yet, at a significant cost to his unit.

He went through a year of rehabilitation in the hospital, and continued to suffer from PTSD. I asked him when he began speaking. He responded, that he began speaking several years ago. I followed up with a question, Did speaking publicly help with PTSD? He responded immediately in the affirmative, stating that it is therapy for him.

This resonated with me. And, the timing, around my own hesitance to begin speaking openly about my own experience is more than a coincidence. With that said, I will begin to recount, in as much detail that I am able to provide at this time, my own narrative, concerning my experience the before, during, and after, participation in a New Age Millenarian Therapy Cult.

To start with, for myself, and others who have been in a cult, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is invariably something to contend with by all ex-cult members, regardless of what type of cult they have been in. For myself, to begin bringing these things out into the open is like breaking a spell, so that I may be liberated from the chains to my past that bind me.

In fact, it wasn’t until five years after I broke free from my therapist, that a counselor at the False Memory Syndrome Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took the time to explain to me that I actually was being held as a “mental hostage” all of those years. Thus began, at that time, an objective inquiry into what I had actually been subjected to all of those years.

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).

Rosh Chodesh Adar 5783

Rosh Chodesh Adar 5783: 30 Shevat – 1 Adar

Reflection on the new month: Rosh Chodesh Adar 5783

This Adar will bring the globe, including, Jewish communities around the world full circle, three times over; inasmuch, that it will have been about three years since the proliferation of the coronavirus. May H’Shem have mercy on us; may He bless our lives, family, friends, and communities. May He preserve us during the days that will follow.

For the pandemic, nor the ramifications manifest in technological innovations, as well as geopolitical concerns are still in motion. How will we respond to the inherent issues that will accompany vaccine passports, Digital I.D., and eventually a social credit scoring system for individuals, as well as businesses, corporations and universities. (ESG is already in place for these latter institutions).

For myself, I have found much opportunity for reflection, writing, and kavanah (intention) throughout these past three years. I would also recomend to others, to occupy oneself with heshbon hanefesh (literally, an accounting of the soul): To examine one’s conscience in this manner, has the potential to lead to joy down the road, after rooting out unhealthy maladaptive behaviors, negative character traits, and making an effort to do better.

Personally, I count the hours of each and every day, until evening, when I hope to have fulfilled the day’s tasks, that are expected of me from Above. Yet, there is a disconnect between my quiet, reflective way of life, somewhat isolated, and removed from the changes occurring around the globe. Even so, to remain unaware of these changes will only provide a false assumption that these changes will not impact me personally.

May we all be productive in divinely inspired ways, and ask ourselves whether the future that the world is heading toward is one that we would view as ultimately of benefit to humankind. For, utopias have been promised by many movements of past history; in these cases, the promises were never realized. Why would anyone think differently in this case, where currently it may be that we are headed toward a dystopia. Regardless, trust in G-d, His will, and purpose, that His plan will be fulfilled, irrespective of any pursuit that is counter to His divine blueprint for humanity.

The Hebrew month of Adar is traditionally associated with joy (Taanis 29a).

May our joys in life increase, despite the challenges ahead. Amein.

Exilic Prayer

motzei Shabbos: parasha Vayigash 5783

The divine yearning within us seeks to be consoled, by uniting ourselves with H’Shem. Therefore, rather than ignore the natural affinity that the soul has for the Creator, we should acknowledge this vital element in our personal makeup. That is to say, that without nurturing the soul’s need to connect to H’Shem, we deprive ourselves of the true source of our life. Yet, the question remains, how to properly access this source, the root of our essential selves

Judah makes an impassioned plea, for the sake of Benjamin, while addressing the Egyptian prince (Joseph) that stands before him: “Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears” (Genesis 44:18, JPS 1917 Tanach). Nesivos Shalom renders the passage in a symbolic manner, ascribing Judah’s words to a conversation with G-d. Rather than the plain meaning, wherein Judah is addressing the prince that stands before him as lord, he is addressing H’Shem. This passage is an allusion to the essence of prayer during the current exile; we seeking to consolation from the Shechinah – the presence of G-d Who dwells with us, for he is with us in the midst of our nisyanos as is written, “I will be with him in trouble” (Psalm 91:15).

.During this current exile, we may seek consolation through prayer; and, G-d’s presence will be with us, even in the midst of our suffering. Let us speak in G-d’s ears, all that troubles us, even offering our very selves as servants, as Judah offered to be a servant in place of his brother, Benjamin. Let us serve as surety for our brethren, K’lal Yisrael (All of Israel), and lead the way, towards redemption from Galus (Exile). Just as Joseph was reconciled to his brothers, may all of Israel be reconciled to H’Shem, through the unity that will be brought about only through Moshiach.

Light Will Prevail

The Eighth Day of Chanukah

Light will transcend the darkness in our lives when we cast our gaze towards the flame of truth, the eish tamid (eternal light). The light of the Menorah in the temple is the light of hope and renewal.

A little known midrash connects a small cruze of oil to the renewal of mankind, creation, and the earth itself, after the Mavul (Flood). When the dove brought back an olive branch in its mouth, according to the midrash, Noah pressed enough olive oil to place inside a small container. This cruze of oil was passed down to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

When Jacob returned to Beth El, he anointed the foundation stone with this oil. Then, according to the midrash, he hid the small cruze of precious olive oil. This Place (HaMakom) was none other than Mt. Moriah, where the Temple was eventually established. Because of the miracle of light that lasted for eight days from this precious oil, we celebrate Chanukah today.

“Just as the dove brought light to the world, so too, you will bring olive oil and light it before Me” (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 5). This message of hope will be like a small flame illuminating the darkness, despite whatever circumstances may cast a shadow over our lives. Yehi ratzon. May it be His will that the light of hope and renewal throughout the ages will always prevail over darkness, especially today, amidst the encroaching darkness upon the land.

Challenges in Life

“So we that are Thy people and the flock of Thy pasture will give Thee thanks for ever; we will tell of Thy praise to all generations.”

– Psalms 79:13, JPS 1917 Tanach

We are the sheep of your pasture, we will continue to express our gratitude, even as we suffer in exile (Psalm 79:13). L’dor vador, generation after generation, we will speak of our praise to H’Shem, despite our circumstances. For, the flow of time and history does not always appear to be favorable to us. While ostensibly, this seems to be the case, if deep within our hearts, we search in earnest, we shall find that all is for our ultimate good. As is implied elsewhere, that our journey is for our own good (Genesis 12:1).

How can we recognize this essential truth, in order to not backtrack upon our commitment made at Sinai – na’aseh v’nishmah (we will do, and we will understand)? Consider, that as we continue to observe the commandments, we will not only begin to better understand the nature of their benefit in our lives; rather, also, we will be able to comprehend how remaining on the derech (path) will continue to serve as a buttress against all the nisyanos (challenges) in our lives.

Hope Surfaces

Hope, is the mainstay of my life

and the fruition of my thoughts.

Hope, will outweigh the strife

that weighs heavily upon my heart.

Hope, the champion of the future,

a prelude to ultimate victory.

Hope, is enough to suture

the wounds inflicted by misery.

Hope, will mend the broken fragments

of a life unduly shattered.

Hope, will diminish the lament

of those whose clothes are tattered.

Hope, designed to stich each patch

and sew together the unraveled strands.

Hope, will help to gather all who are lost,

like collecting so many grains of sand.

Hope, will meld with faith,

bridging the gap in between.

Hope obtained, will never fade,

always realizing the dream.

Let Faith Reign

And there’s a slow, slow train comin’ up around the bend.
Slow Train, by Bob Dylan

When society is upended,

and people are tormented,

take heart in your faith,

don’t let your soul go to waste;

there will be a slow train

coming around the bend.

Let faith reign in your heart,

don’t pretend to play the part,

when the mind is sincere,

and the pathway is clear,

there will be a slow train

on the tracks ready to start.

Let’s dare not be hesitant,

when opportunity prevails, take that first step,

look, the passenger door is open,

these tired souls that appear to be broken,

will be renewed on the slow train,

moving along the tracks.