Devotion & Passion

This week's parsha is a continuation of the life of Abraham. Telling of his complete and total devotion to the Jewish people. In my own life and community this example is one of great significance, particularly now.

In our lives we have to be passionate about something. We have to have a devotion to something. Whether is be our family, job or community, or all the above. What is life without feeling so strongly about one of them that we would fight for it?

We are not here simply to have external pleasures and creature comforts, and call those things our life. If all those things are gone what do you have? There has to be a fire within to give us life. To what do you feel devoted and passionate about?

Without that we are just going through the motions, and not living to your life's potential. Good Shabbos!

This week's parsha is Chayei Sara.

Shabbos In The Sukkah!

This week is parsha Chol HaMoed Sukkos.

We will be having Shabbos dinner in our Sukkah, and it is perfect weather for the evening. Love fall and winter!

The last few weeks have been chock full of yom tovim, and Shabbos always comes when you need a break most.

Good shabbos, and yom tov.

Excercise in Futility

This weeks' portion is a song, a poem that Moses teaches to the Jewish people. It retells the story of the 40 years in the desert, and all its trials and tribulations. Part of the lesson was learning the futility of rebelling against Hashem.

The portion then ends with Moshe being told to ascend Mount Nevo to see the Promised Land before he dies, and is gathered to his people.

Learning that all things are in the hands of the Almighty is one of the most difficult lessons in life to learn. For everyone. But I will tell you this...life is a LOT less stressful when you realize Hashem is indeed in control. In fact I would say I have gotten less gray hair in the last few years figuring that out.

Good Shabbos!

This weeks' parsha is Ha'azinu.

So Close You Can See It

How many times in your life have you worked so hard for something to have it come within your reach, and miss it by seconds? The feelings you have for all your work, time and effort only to miss the brass ring.

So imagine someone who has made a 40 year effort toward a goal, only to be told that you will not be able to have the one thing you yearn for. This is what happened to Moses.

It's the 7th day of Adar, 2488, the last day of Moshe's life. Exactly 120 years earlier the world was graced with the birth of a child who brought redemption to his people and the light of Torah to the world. He became a prophet of unparalleled greatness who led his nation through a miraculous 40 year journey to the edge of the promised land.

And we think we have it tough. We live in a world where everything is easy, and instantaneous. Moshe waited all his life to enter Jerusalem, only to learn he would die before setting foot in the Promised Land. Yet still, he continued to do the work of Hashem, and prepare the Jewish people for what lay ahead.

Today we are not strong enough to stand on our own. We need agencies, government, talking heads, newspapers, etc. to tell us what to do, where to go, what to think, how to live. Still we claim we are standing on our own. We're independent modern society of people who make our own choices. Yeah, right.

Our world would be so much better off if we lived by the example Moshe set.

• Don't be selfish
• Think of others before yourself
• Trust and love G-d
• Do what is right
• Have a love of self from knowing who you are, and where you are going.

This week is Shabbos Shuva, and the Parsha is Vayeilech.

Last Shabbos of the Year

Wow, that sounds weird doesn't it? Hard to believe we are at the new year again.

Becoming a frum Jew is not a choice anyone should take lightly. It is not easy, or popular. However, it is a journey I would do all over again, and again.

The other day I said something that I've never said in my life. I love my life. Sounds simple, but at no time have I been able to say that before wholeheartedly.

Don't get me wrong I liked my life, and can even say how truly fortunate I have been. But to be able to say that every aspect of my life I love, is an amazing feeling! It is all due to being ba'al teshuva. Baruch Hashem!

A good Shabbos, and a very sweet year in 5769.

This weeks parsha is Netzovim.

Deep Breath, and a Sigh of Relief

This week has been a very difficult one for our community as a whole, and for almost every individual. This particular event has the potential to devastate whole families, and indeed affect our community negatively.

At times like this when you become even more thankful for your faith, and come to realize indeed how much Hashem is in control. Well, now comes the time to take that breath breath the sigh of relief, and relax for Shabbos.

Tonight I have 15 guests for Shabbos dinner, and tomorrow 10 for lunch. Baruch Hashem it shall be full of D'var Torah, davening, good company and zemiros.

This week's parsha is Vaeschanan.

Good Shabbos.