Rabbi's weekly messages - Chabad of Olney

Nitzavim-Vayelech- Why is raising children so tiring?

Friday, September 15, 2017 - 12:54 PM

How would you best describe parenting?

If you said: Serene, peaceful or relaxing, you are probably describing the mood after the kids fall asleep. :)

But what about before those little angels doze off? Why is raising a child so often tiring and taxing?

I believe the secret is found in this week's Torah portion, Nitzavim-Vayelech. When Moses gathers the nation on the day of his passing, he brings them into a covenant with their creator, and leaves the young generation with some of the educational messages that were crucial for the continuity of our people.

"Not only with you am I making this covenant and this oath, but with those standing here with us today before the Lord, our G-d, and [also] with those who are not here with us, this day." (Deuteronomy 29, 13).

Who is he including that is not present for this event? The commentaries explain: "Also with future generations" (Rashi).

Moses realizes the enormity and the magnitude of the moment. True, at the time, the nation was already some three million strong, but it was actually much much greater than that. In addressing them, Moses sees the future generations who would be born from them, and by extension is addressing them too.

This past Wednesday, when 32 children walked through the door to begin a new year of Chabad's Hebrew School of the Arts, we realize the weight each one of these children carry. They are the key to countless individuals who will come as a result of them, and will be influenced, directly or indirectly, by them.

So, the next time you feel run down with educating a young child, realize that you are not just educating one child but thousands of children. No wonder it is so tiring, and at the same time... all the more important!

Ki Tavo- How to cultivate gratitude

Friday, September 8, 2017 - 12:47 PM

We're the midst of a ferocious hurricane season. We've witnessed thousands people, just like you and me, left homeless and displaced. Millions of others, like my brother's family in South Palm Beach, Florida are evacuating, and waiting in bated breath for the storm to pass, praying that their roof be spared. It is a time when we don't take things for granted. A brief moment to pause and reflect should suffice for us to be overcome with a sense of gratitude for all the blessings that have been granted to us by G-d.

But do we need Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Jose to move us? Or is there an easier method to cultivate a sense of gratitude throughout our life?

In this week's Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we are introduced to a beautiful Mitzvah called 'Bikurim', in which every farmer (almost every family in Israel at the time), would make their way up to the Temple in Jerusalem annually with a decorated basket of the choicest fruit of the harvest, gifting it to the Cohen (priest), and declaring their gratitude to G-d for the gift of a home, a land and it's bounty.

But here's the key to fulfilling this Mitzvah and allowing the attitude of gratitude to sink in: Don't just take any fruit to express your appreciation, "V'lakachta Mereishit" - take from the first fruit.

Because, what you choose to do first, is an indication of your true priorities. It also sets the tone and inspires all that follows.

So dedicate a few minutes each morning to thank G-d for all the blessings in your life. Whether you choose to pray for a minute with the Modeh Ani prayer, or five minutes with the Shema prayer - do it first thing in the morning, before reaching for your phone, or reading the paper.

This will ensure that we don't take life for granted, but as granted!

Ki Teitzei- Harnessing Harvey

Friday, September 1, 2017 - 12:50 PM

I don't know why hurricanes happen.

I will not attempt to explain it to you scientifically, as my understanding of it is very limited.

I certainly cannot explain or understand theologically: Why does G-d allow such tragedy and loss to occur. Nor will I accept an explanation from anyone that professes to understand, for it is not in the capacity of the human mind to comprehend the mysteries of G-d's ways.

But I believe I do know why human beings respond the way they do to the chaos, destruction and tragedy that hurricane Harvey blew our way this past week.

What motivates a first responder to literally sacrifice their own life in their attempt to rescue a total stranger?

What drives people to wait in line for hours, in order to be dispatched on a volunteer mission?

What compels an individual living in Connecticut to give up his vacation days and drive a truck loaded with relief supplies, for the 30 hour trip down to Houston?

The answer is simple. The depth and capacity of the soul. It is far deeper then it appears. We are more loving then we ordinarily think we are. And we are much more righteous than we claim to be.

It is why in the opening verse of this week's Torah portion "Ki Teitzei", we read: "When you go out to battle on you enemies...". The Chasidic masters understand this to refer also to our daily battle and struggle called life. The hardships and distractions are our enemies. But the battlefield isn't even, for we are not equal forces - the good against the negative. We don't battle "against our enemies" but "On and above our enemies". We carry a piece of the Divine within us, the battle is rigged, and we have a lopsided advantage over the negative force.

What happened in Houston is heartbreaking, how ordinary people responded to it is heartwarming.

After the storm water in Houston recedes, and we busy ourselves with our personal lives, and get ready to take on a new year, we must remember how noble and virtuous we truly are, and translate that into our personal relationships with our families, neighbors and friends.

P.S. Follow the extraordinary work being coordinated by Chabad of Houston and support their efforts at http://www.chabadhouston.com/relief