Rabbi's Blog

We typically start life brimming with energy, curiosity, and a hunger to make a difference. Yet, as we grow older, something shifts. With maturity comes wisdom and a sense of contentment in our accomplishments, but often at the cost of our youthful enthusiasm. Our curiosity wanes, and we risk becoming jaded.

Does maturing mean we must lose the innocence and vitality of our youth? Is it possible to mature without losing that spark?

Before the Jewish people left Egypt, G-d empowered Moses to lead their redemption. In doing so, He affectionately referred to them as “My first-born son, Israel” a term that conveys maturity, as a nation. Elsewhere, however, G-d describes the Jewish people as His “youngest child,” (ki naar yisrael) evoking the pure, unconditional love a parent feels for an immature baby.

So which is ideal? The love for a young child, pure and untainted, unearned by accomplishments? Or the respect and admiration for a mature adult, shaped by growth and achievement?

The answer lies not in choosing one over the other but in combining the two. True maturity doesn’t require sacrificing innocence or purity. Instead, it should build upon these qualities. As we grow, our achievements and talents should be inspired by the sincerity and devotion we possessed in our youth.

This balance is the secret to spiritual and personal fulfillment. To embody the maturity of G-d’s “first-born son,” using our gifts to accomplish great things, while retaining the purity and untainted devotion of a “youngest child.” Our growth should never diminish our humility, nor should our achievements overshadow our sense of purpose.

When we harmonize these aspects, we can remain deeply inspired even as we mature, driven by the same pure energy that first inspired us to make a difference.

We conclude with an urgent prayer that G-d, in His infinite love for each of His children, extend that love to the 98 remaining hostages, including Kfir Bibas who recently turned two. May He swiftly and miraculously reunite them ALL with their families, bringing them home in safety and joy, Amen.

This week, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The path of destruction left by these raging fires is unimaginable, leaving many in a time of deep uncertainty and pain.

For starters, let’s make it a priority to reach out to anyone we know who might be affected or who has family in the area. A simple check-in can provide tremendous comfort and strength. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares is all they need to forge ahead.

Secondly, a number of my colleagues and their Chabad centers and/or communities have been directly affected and are in need of immediate support. Please consider sending relief assistance by clicking here. 

In addition, let us engage in heartfelt prayer that these fires come to an end and that those impacted are granted safety, strength, and peace.

At Rochel’s Bat Mitzvah this past Wednesday, I shared a remarkable story of resilience, faith and which speaks of the power of prayer.

Sapir Cohen, one of the hostages taken during the October 7th attacks, was freed after 55 harrowing days. In a twist of divine providence, six months before the attack, Sapir felt a sense of unease. She sought medical advice but came up with nothing substantive. She stumbled upon an Instagram post encouraging the recitation of Psalm 27 daily for 30 days for health and blessings.

Though it would be her first time ever praying, she committed to the practice and concluded her 30 days on October 7th, having memorized the chapter. To her surprise, Psalm 27 didn’t speak about health but instead about salvation from war. She wondered about its relevance to her, until the 30^th day when she was unfortunately taken hostage.

During her captivity, Sapir continued to recite Psalm 27 daily, which opens with the words “G-d in my light and my salvation”. It gave her the strength to endure and inspired her to find purpose in the darkness. She cared for younger hostages, ensuring they had food, and even the captors recognized her light, saying, “You are my enemy, but you are light.”

This story reminds us of the power of prayer, a tool used by Jewish people in circumstances of joy or sorrow, that transcends time and space. We too can utilize this incredible gift to pray for our brothers and sisters facing hardship in Los Angeles.  Let us pray for an end to the raging fires, for the safety of the people, and that they find the strength to rebuild in due time.

Let us also continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel and the courageous soldiers of the IDF, that they be blessed with an immediate and miraculous victory, bringing an end to the bloodshed. Let us pray that they are shielded from harm and granted strength, courage, and lasting peace. Amen.