January 2018
New Year Resolutions
New Year’s Day is not Rosh Hashanah but adding a Jewish aspect to our New Year’s resolutions would certainly enhance them.
How about lighting candles more consistently on Friday nights, attending services once a month, or maybe laying Tefillin weekly? Perhaps such resolutions will increase the chances of staying on course.
This year, add a Jewish flavor to the secular New Year.
February 2018
The Dreamers
Jacob was a dreamer. Joseph was a dreamer. Jacob dreamed of a ladder that connected heaven and earth. And in the end, he himself was that ladder that connected our nation to G‑d. Joseph dreamed of being a leader. And he ended up as the ruler of Egypt.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe once commented that the secret of Jewish survival was that we are dreamers. Dreaming of a brighter future gave us the strength to endure all the suffering of the exile.
Never stop dreaming!
March 2018
The Russian Influence
Many wonder where Chabad takes its strength, dedication and unwavering commitment to enhancing Judaism in the far flung corners of the world.
Russia could rightfully be called the cradle of the Chabad movement for that is not only where it originated but the seventy years of communist oppression against Jewish life, was the “boot camp” for the Chabad Chassidim.
By the time the Rebbe embarked on the campaign to send emissaries all over the world, there were scores of Chassidim who were ready to join ‘The Rebbe’s Army’.
April 2018
The average Facebook user spends between 5 and 7 hours a week on Facebook but interestingly enough, many users report feeling sad after their time on this social media site.
I can’t tell you how many hours a week the average person spends studying the Bible, but I’ve been teaching Torah classes for over 25 years and can attest that after learning, people walk away uplifted and inspired.
How about ‘stealing’ an hour from your Facebook or other social media time, and spending this time studying the ‘Original Book.’
May 2018
A New Prince
Duchess Kate Middleton took over the news with the arrival of a 3rd child born to her and Prince William.
The Talmud tells us that every Jew is considered a royal prince, as it is written in the Torah, “You are children to G‑d.“
The fact that the Royal couple had 3 children may serve as an inspiration to the Jewish couples, who are all royalty, to follow suit.
If the British Monarchy can afford to raise three kids, the King of all Kings can certainly provide for even more!
June 2018
82 games
This season, LeBron James broke his own record by playing all 82 games. Some say that it was his consistency that brought the Cavs to the Finals.
Consistency is the name of the game in Judaism too. The synagogue is one of the very few institutions in the world that are open day in and day out. 365 days of the year.
If we want to make it to the championships, we need to make Jewish ritual a daily habit.
July 2018
A Child’s Cry
A young Rabbi once was so engrossed in his studies, that he didn’t hear the cry of his baby who had fallen out of the cradle.
His father, the first Chabad Rebbe, heard the cry from upstairs. He came down, soothed the baby and then told his son, “No matter how engrossed you may be, never remain insensitive to the cry of a child.”
The Lubavitcher Rebbe told this story and said that in our generation there are many Jewish souls that are “crying out” for a spiritual connection and we must do everything in our power to provide them with their Jewish needs.
August 2018
The Fallen Stone
On July 23rd, a day after Tisha Bav, the Fast day designated to mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple, a 220 lb stone fell out of the
Kotel-Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Miraculously no one was hurt but Judaism teaches us that everything that happens in our lives, can be turned into a message and used for the service of G‑d.
A stone in Hebrew is called EHVEN, which is a combination of two hebrew words, Av & Ben. (Father & Son)
When an “Ehven” falls out of the wall, maybe it’s a sign that we need to strengthen the relationship between the Av (Father) in Heaven and the Ben, His children - the Jewish People.
September 2018
The Coronation
On September 10th Jews all over the world will be gathering for a very special event. The coronation of G‑d as King of the Universe.
Contrary to popular belief, Rosh Hashana is not just the Jewish New Year. It’s really the day that we ask G‑d to once again show His leadership to the world.
Just as in a coronation, the trumpets are blowing and the atmosphere is festive, so too, on Rosh Hashana we blow the Shofar, dress in our best and gather with our community to
celebrate and “crown” G‑d as King of the World.
You are invited!!
October 2018
Homecoming Dance
October is Homecoming Season. It begins with crowning the King & Queen, then the big game, and culminating with the homecoming dance.
We have our own Homecoming this month too. Rosh Hashana is the crowning of G‑d as the King of the Universe, Yom Kippur is the ultimate ‘homecoming’ - where Jews return ‘home – to G‑d. And Simchat Torah, is the dance.
You don’t have to be a teenager to attend the Jewish homecoming dance. No matter your age, you are invited to join on Monday night, October 1st, as we dance with the Torah.
November 2018
Pittsburgh
“Eleven is the stars in Joseph’s dream.” These words came to my mind as I was reflecting on the horrifying tragedy that took place this weekend.
These eleven individuals who died just because they are Jews, are sparkling stars in this dark moment in the history of Jews in America.
Just as stars shine forever, these special souls will live on as they inspire us to continue to build our Synagogues and to strengthen our commitment to Jewish life.
Chazak Chazak Vinitchazek!
December 2018
One more candle
According to the last National Jewish Population survey, 72% of Jews in America celebrate Chanukah. This may be true about the first night, but how many of them are still lighting the Menorah on the 8th day?
The whole message of Chanukah is about spiritual growth, and we must add a “candle” each night. What was enough for yesterday, is not enough for today and what was enough for today will not be enough for tomorrow.
Sunday evening, December 2nd we will light the first Chanukah candle. Keep it going all eight nights.