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Rabbi's Blog

Thoughts and Musings by Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

Bloom Where You Were Planted


You know how it is, some people call it the: ‘same old, same old’ syndrome. When the thrill for the people, places and things around you begins to fade and boredom sets in. Sometimes, this leads one to wonder: ‘Perhaps it’s time to move?’

And then, inevitably, it’s just a matter of time before, ‘same old, same old’ kicks in for another round…

Interestingly, Jewish law mandates that one who lives in the Holy Land of Israel, is not permitted to abandon its sanctity by leaving Israel. But, the law continues, generally one should not leave and abandon their location regardless of where they live, even outside of Israel (obviously, this excludes moving for a legitimate reason.) But what is so significant about a person’s location? And what about the age old longing to make Aliya to Israel if possible?

The answer is very simple. Where you are is exactly where you need to be. Where G-d needs you to be. As the saying goes: ‘Bloom where you were planted’. Your location is not a random accident, but rather by Divine design. Your entire soul’s purpose is very much tied up to exactly where you find yourself, and therefore, without a very good reason, Jewish law does not support: ‘Moving, just because.’

By tuning into your purpose and aligning your lifestyle with goodness, kindness and sanctity, in the very place you find yourself, you are ultimately ‘Making Aliyah’ without having to fly anywhere!

Until 120 - Then what?


Several months ago I set a personal goal to wrap Tefillin with 120 Jews, in honor of the 120th birthdate of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
 

Yesterday, I was thrilled to have reached my goal of Tefillin Selfie #120, with Benjamin Samuels, Chairman of the Jewish Federation of Houston.

It has been a wild ride tracking these Mitzvah wraps over the past few months.

From hotels to parks and Costco aisles. Mid flight bar-mitzvahs, homes, offices, parties, funeral homes and even lifeguards at the Bellaire pool. 

I have had the great merit of participating in, quite a few, not so ‘random’ meaningful Jewish experiences. Now, As we mark the Rebbe’s 28th Yahrtzeit this Shabbat, I am reflecting on his legacy of unconditional love and leadership, and how he would certainly encourage me now to set a NEW Tefillin wrapping goal for another 120 Jews. So heads up people!

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