Rabbi's Blog - The Shul of Bellaire

Can We Slip Him An Envelope?

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - 3:01 PM

Before traveling to Israel last April, I sought support from the community to help provide financial assistance to families and communities in need, which we successfully accomplished. However, even as we distributed the funds, the people of Israel repeatedly emphasized that our personal presence and hugs meant more to them than the financial assistance itself.

This week, we learn how Moses reminds the people of G-d’s desire for them to stay on the straight and narrow. In this context he says that G-d “Won’t accept bribes.” It seems clear that we can’t simply slip Him an envelope to regain favor. So, what kind of ‘bribes’ are being addressed here?

The answer lies in the idea that a person may be in a position where they had a weak moment and now need to engage in genuine self-reflection, repentance, or character refinement. Instead of doing this internal work, they might choose to ‘redeem’ themselves by donating to a charitable cause, hoping to avoid the difficult task of self-improvement. In response, G-d says: “Giving charity is commendable, but it cannot substitute for the essential work of confronting our shortcomings and striving to better ourselves.”

G-d wants not just our contributions, He wants us!

This Shabbat, the 20th of Av, marks 80 years since the passing of the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, z”l. He served as the chief rabbi of the city of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, during the brutal Bolshevik revolution and communist oppression. To this day, he remains a stellar example of a Jewish leader who, despite facing severe persecution, went ‘all in’, dedicating himself entirely to the welfare of his community and the Jewish people at large.

Tear Up Your Notes

Monday, August 19, 2024 - 10:35 AM

In our daily lives, we generally rely on the ordinary skills we’ve developed through experience and upbringing. These skills help us handle most of what life throws our way.

However, when faced with extraordinary challenges, G-d forbid, like sudden financial hardship, unexpected health issues, or the loss of a loved one, our usual resources may fall short.

So where are we to turn?

In such moments, we need more than our conventional strengths or possessions. We need to access a much deeper source of resilience.

The giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai was a once in history, transformative event. According to Rashi, G-d revealed the essence of divine truth by tearing open the heavens and earth, allowing all Jewish souls, including all those present in spirit, to experience this profound reality, beholding the truth and oneness of G-d.

When confronted with life's unexpected trials, we likely won’t be able to rely on our usual tools.

With the Sinai experience embedded within us, we were each gifted the ability to ‘tear open’ our own personal inner reality, to uncover the very core of our soul. There lies a deep reservoir of faith, strength and confidence that can help us navigate and overcome even the most challenging situations, emerging stronger on the other side.

This is true for us as individuals and all of us as a people. With the power of Sinai, we are unbeatable and unstoppable!

Stagnation is Regression

Monday, August 12, 2024 - 10:55 AM

In an ideal situation, a businessperson invests extraordinary amounts of time, energy, and resources into a given deal or project and is rewarded by successfully closing the deal and reaping the benefits of their hard work.

However, basking in that success for too long and resting on one's laurels can be a mistake. Stagnation is a subtle form of regression.

When Moses begins recounting the Jewish people's forty-year journey in the desert, he starts by saying, “You lingered too long at Mt. Sinai.” His message was clear: even if someone achieves something incredible, akin to receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai, remaining in that space without aspiring to the next challenge is compromising one's mission in life.

If you have mastered a particular goal in your spiritual life, celebrate that achievement, but do not dwell on it for too long. Whether you have contributed significantly to charity, mastered an element of Kosher diet or Shabbat observance, these are impressive beginnings. Now it is time to set a new goal and continue moving forward.

Me Comforting G-d?

Monday, August 5, 2024 - 9:38 AM

Are you also feeling anxious?

As we closely follow the news of Iran and its proxies threatening Israel, especially after the successful elimination of notorious murderers, and with our hostages still in Gaza, one can’t help but feel anxious. How do we stay positive?

We are about to enter a more intense period of national mourning with the arrival of the new month of Av, the 9th day of which marks the fast of Tisha B'Av. But did you know that this month is actually called 'Menachem Av'? In fact, that's how it will be identified tomorrow morning when we bless the new month.

The term 'Menachem Av' means 'Comfort the Father'. But wait a minute, while we, the Jewish people, are suffering in exile, witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism, and still reeling from the deadly Hamas attack nine months ago and who knows what the coming weeks will bring, G-d protect us. Isn’t it us, the people, who need to be comforted and consoled by G-d, rather than us comforting G-d? Does G-d even need comforting?

The saying goes, ‘You’re only as happy as your least happy child.’ Every parent knows that when a child is in distress, the parent shares in that distress, often experiencing even greater anguish than the child.

So too, our Father in heaven shares in the struggles of His beloved children, the Jewish people. We never suffer alone. During this season, when we seek comfort from G-d and reassurance of His love and protection, we are also called to, so to speak, return the favor and console G-d Almighty due to His pain from seeing His children suffering.

In these precarious times, let us increase our prayers and acts of kindness so that G-d protects His people, especially those in Israel. May we see the eradication of every last vestige of evil and may these days be transformed into joy and happiness. Amen.