Rabbi's Blog - The Shul of Bellaire

What resonates with you?

Friday, February 28, 2014 - 2:15 PM

What resonates with you?

Have you ever sat through an hour long lecture only to walk away with one line or idea which resonated with you?

Have you ever left a dinner party intent on finding out the one recipe of the dish you loved most?

Did you ever sit in Synagogue only to perk up for the reading of a specific Torah portion? (Perhaps that of your Bar Mitzvah reading…)

So what’s the deal with personal tastes and interests?

In truth, we each do have our own unique portion in the Torah, “v’ten chelkeinu b’toratecha” – a connection which is specific and unique to each of our souls individually.

With the upcoming dedication event for the New Torah at The Shul of Bellaire, you have a great opportunity to express your personal niche in the Torah.

Is there a section or a passage of the Torah you love most? Is there a Section in the Torah which has significant meaning for you or a loved one?

Here is your chance to dedicate it eternally. Check out the Dedication options by CLICKING HERE.

Looking forward and Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

Why not Pepsi?

Friday, February 14, 2014 - 4:36 PM

Why not Pepsi?

This Tuesday, I was meeting with a longtime friend, Jack, who is one of Detroit’s preeminent Jewish businessmen, community leaders, and philanthropists.

As I sat down across from him in his Detroit office, he offered me a Diet Coke. The offer was quickly followed by “I would never offer you a Diet Pepsi, nor have I even touched a Pepsi product in decades.”

“Why not?” I asked.

Jack explained: “Decades ago, when I traveled to Israel for the first time I noticed that coca-cola products where all over, but there was not a Pepsi option to be found. I was curious, and found out that the Arab countries threatened to boycott Pepsi should they sell to the Israeli market.”

“Since that day,” said Jack, “I have never touched or purchased a Pepsi drink.”

I found Jack’s conviction to be quite inspiring. You see, with politics and diplomacy we can easily get desensitized and confused about how to respond to issues facing the Jewish people and the Holy Land of Israel.

But Jack’s reaction reminded me of how a brother or sister would respond when a family member is being threatened.

As Jews, there may be things that seemingly divide us - but at the end of the day - we are family!

Jack reacted like a brother would. He’s still not drinking Pepsi.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

What did it for her?

Friday, February 7, 2014 - 1:13 PM

What did it for her?

Last week, Esty was having coffee with a woman who is in the midst of her personal journey of rediscovering her Jewish roots.

Esty was amazed at this woman's passion and interest, it was truly remarkable to listen to her.

At one point Esty asked her: "You were living a happy life as a secular Jew. What did it for you? What got you turned on to all this?"

Without missing a beat, she said: "A number of years ago, a Rebbetzin invited me to her home for Shabbat dinner. When I walked into her house, I saw how the Shabbat candles were lit, the entire home was bright. The children were well dressed, clean and happy. The entire atmosphere in her home was charged with this glowing spirit of peace, happiness and Shabbat."

Instantly I thought to myself: "One day, I would like to have this too!"

This story is yet another great reminder of the awesome power of Shabbat and the unique role of the woman in creating a sacred atmosphere in a Jewish home.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky