tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336813423808202272024-03-14T02:31:20.793-04:00International Kosher CouncilRabbi Zev Schwarcz of New York City, blogs about being Kosher in today's world.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-92015618298229174652015-02-26T18:37:00.002-05:002015-02-26T18:39:39.458-05:00FOR PURIMA Very Happy Purim to ALL!<br />
We're getting closer to the greatest Purim celebration.<br />
Just a thought.<br />
I find it completely amazing and extremely significant that our modern Mordechai, Benjamin Netanyahu, is confronting our modern day Haman, by speaking before Congress the very day before Purim.<br />
This is not an accident. Things are happening that we are not aware of, just as Mordechai and Esther weren’t aware of things when Hashem was preparing to rescue the Jews of ancient Persia. Mordechai just knew we should all repent and come together. We have our chance now. Let’s get ready. <br />
Something is going on. Just as Hashem turned around a seemingly impossible situation and subsequently, turned Haman from favorite to dead man in less than 36 hours. So too Hashem can do the impossible and turn the world situation around to our benefit in no time.<br />
RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-79011717866986468002013-08-30T11:44:00.002-04:002013-08-30T11:44:52.751-04:00We're Almost There! Stay strong!Have a great Shabbos!!<br />
I know many of us are worried about events in the world.<br />
I believe, however, that it will all be good for Israel, with Hashem's help.<br />
Hashem says in the Haftora of Va'etchanan, "He turns the leaders of countries into nothingness and the judges of the world into emptiness." All the leaders of the world think they are in control and that they can effect outcomes. Hashem says that they are nothing.<br />
Let's keep that in mind.<br />
I believe that Hashem is in the mode of redeeming us and not hurting us.<br />
If we take a look at the Paragraph of Teshuva in this week's Parsha, Chapter 30, verses 1-10, we see an exchange with Hashem we do a little of Teshuva and Hashem does a lot for us in return. The Malbim says it is a 10 step process to getting closer to Hashem. If you look closely you will see that we, at this time in history, are already at verse 9!!! We are almost there!!<br />
Just a little more.<br />
That should give us great strength and motivation to work on ourselves during this Rosh Hashana. Because we are almost there. Just a little more improvement, a bit more correction and working on our Torah and spiritual goals and we can reach it.<br />
Shabbat Shalom and Shana TovaRRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-40072846767231006552013-08-09T11:50:00.003-04:002013-08-09T11:50:46.245-04:00Judge Not Until You Judge YourselfNow for a Dvar Torah on This week's Parsha - Shoftim<br />
The Torah tells us that we should set up a system and structure to communicate, clarify and enforce the laws.<br />
But it uses an extra word. Instead of saying "You should assign judges and officers" it says “You should assign FOR YOU judges and officers”.<br />
Many of the commentaries explain that this means that each and every person should do self-reflection. And you should constantly be judging yourself to see if you are doing what you should.<br />
Rav Yeruchem Levovitz explains that it is divided into 2 things:<br />
Judges and officers. And we should apply that to our own self-reflection and development.<br />
Judges teach and clarify the law - <br />
So we must make sure we do what we can to learn and know the laws<br />
Officers enforce the law - So we too must work on ourselves to correct where we need correcting and improve where we need improving.<br />
But the trick is (and this is what truly will make someone unique) is being real honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and what needs improvement.<br />
This is especially our work for this time of year as Chodesh Elul has started and Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur approaches.<br />
RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-17734220735331759092013-08-09T11:14:00.002-04:002013-08-09T11:15:24.710-04:00It's Really All Up To YouLast week’s Parsha is Re'eh. Moshe has just reviewed for the Bnei Yisroel the past 40 years of travels and before he starts to review some of the rules, he gives them words of inspiration.<br />
He tells them that after all I have said, what you do is up to you. And "See you have before you Bracha and Klala" which is inaccurately translated as blessing and curse.<br />
Rabbi Hirsch explains those words beautifully.<br />
He says that Bracha comes from the word for "moving forward" or progressive development.<br />
and Klala comes from the word "digressing".<br />
And the message of the 2 mountains opposite each other from the same valley, one very arid and dry and one very lush and green, is extremely powerful.<br />
The 2 mountains have influence of the same exact environment, yet one uses it to the fullest, to become lush and green. And the other doesn't take advantage and has become empty and dry.<br />
We too have the ability to move ahead and grow from what life gives us or complain and digress.<br />
We can take the things that Hashem gives us, and even though it may not be the best situation we still can grow from it and turn it into Bracha. Or we can choose to think it is bad and digress from it.<br />
The choice is ours completely. As they say if life gives you lemons you can make lemonade and maybe even profit greatly from it.<br />
RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-11055119102488766982013-07-12T10:16:00.000-04:002013-07-12T10:16:05.532-04:00The Themes of The Book of DevorimThis Shabbos we will start reading the Book of Devorim. Which is Anglicized as Deuteronomy (which means basically, review) <br />
but is translated as "words".<br />
It is Moshe Rabeinu's final words to the Jewish people who he faithfully led for the past 40 or so years.<br />
Every year I try to find the pattern and themes of the Book of Devorim.<br />
<br />
I have not been successful. <br />
<br />
I do not believe this is the uncontrolled ramblings of an old man. <br />
I know that there is a rhyme and reason for how and why Moshe says what he says and when. <br />
There needs to be a theme for each Parsha, for example. And even though there are repetitions of certain concepts many times, they have to be repeated for a contextual reason. <br />
The choice laws that Moshe reviews here have to be done for a certain purpose. Why certain laws were reviewed and others not. Why that particular Parsha in which those laws are reviewed is chosen, also has to have meaning. <br />
For instance why the Laws of Kashrus in Parshas Reah, etc.<br />
<br />
In this week's Parsha, Moshe recounts the story of the Jewish people in the desert, going in order, starting from before the receiving of the Torah when he structured the Court system, then the spies, and then suddenly at Chamishi, he jumps approx 40 years to the end of the the Bnei Yisroels travels to the conquering of the various lands that were conquered. Why? <br />
<br />
So I think that basically over the years I have come to understand maybe the theme of the first 3 Parshas. <br />
Devorim - the Am Yisroel, the people.<br />
V'eschanan - the Torah<br />
Ekev - The land of Israel.<br />
But it is not exclusive or conclusive.<br />
And then???<br />
Your thoughts are welcome.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-39942410214435614822013-06-21T07:29:00.002-04:002013-06-21T07:29:14.536-04:00So We Should Know Who We AreMy how time flies!!!<br />
I haven't written anything here for a very long time! I gotta stop that.<br />
To ALL a wonderful Shabbat.<br />
Don't forget Tuesday is the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz<br />
This Shabbat we read Parshat Balak.<br />
Balak was the Moabite King and he and his people were afraid of the Bnei Yisroel due to the power they showed as they made their way out of Egypt to the Land of Israel.<br />
To deal with that, Balak hires Bilaam, the Diviner, to try to find a way and time to send curses onto the Jewish people. Instead however, he praises and speaks glowingly about the Jewish people.<br />
What is the Torah trying to tell us? What is the point of devoting so much space to what a practicer of the dark arts thinks of us? Even though he beautifully describes the qualities and uniqueness of the Jewish people, but do we need to hear it from him?<br />
One thing is that it is nice sometimes to hear what others think of us and it is nice to get a recommendation from others about us. But that should not be our real motivation and actually we should not do things just to please others.<br />
I think a story my Father ZT”L told me fits in very well. After WWII my father went back to Hungary to learn in a Yeshiva, awaiting approval to go to America. After a time he found out he was able to go to the US and went to his Rabbi for a letter of recommendation. The Rabbi told him to come back the next day.<br />
When he came back the Rabbi told him, “Here is the letter. The truth is that you really won’t need this where you are going, they won’t care about what’s in this letter. But I am giving you this letter so YOU should know who you are. It’s not going to be easy over there, so I never want you to forget who you are.”<br />
The Jewish People were about to go into Israel out of the direct influence of Hashem and Moses. G-d didn’t want them to ever forget who THEY are.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-544821665022310452012-10-25T21:54:00.000-04:002012-10-25T21:58:46.316-04:00An Important Kosher Conversation <i>Shalom,<br />
<br />
Writing re kosher supervision. There are many things added to foods, that are harmful to health though they have been certified as kosher, GMO is extremely damaging but it is certified as kosher and etc. The question and request is since it is Torah law to not do things that harm health, how can all these harmful additives, GMO etc. be certified kosher, and also animal food products from animals that are badly mistreated, it is not just how they are shechted, it is how they are treated and live their lives before being shechted and the conditions also at the time of shechting… Torah is against cruelty to animals but this is not considered when animal food products are certified as kosher. Please, our people are getting sick unnecessarily because of the food they are eating which is making them sick. People trust that if something is labeled kosher it is healthy and OK to eat, but it is not so. Please, think the requirements for kosher certification need to be changed not for profit, for care of am Yisrael. Thank you for your consideration.<br />
Person</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Person,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your email. You have raised wonderful points.<br />
<br />
And the answer is, that kosher is not a HOLISTIC approval of all 613 mitzvot, commandments, but rather a SPECIFIC approval of those mitzvot that apply locally to kosher law. The misconception is that kosher means EVERYTHING is ok, and that is not the truth at all. "Kosher" means that it adheres to those narrow rules that apply. Kosher does not check for all the mitzvot and health concerns. Very fattening or high cholesterol foods can be kosher, but not healthy for you. Therefore, those concerns that you mentioned, although important laws, are not part of the kosher inspection.<br />
<br />
It would be similar to going to the doctor and getting a full physical and passing with flying colors and therefore deciding you do not need to go to the dentist or the eye doctor. But the doctor just checked his parameters. He did not check your teeth or eyes. So to be completely healthy you ought to check those things too.<br />
<br />
I agree with you that a person should take care of his health and should make sure that the food he eats adheres to all healthy standards and that the people preparing it must be moral.<br />
<br />
Perhaps there needs to be another type of certification that checks for those other concerns. And perhaps it should be made clearer that Kosher does not necessarily mean healthy or that all the 613 mitzvot have been checked for. Maybe there should be a checklist of ALL the aspects that one needs to check for before he eats his food.<br />
<br />
As far as the shechita goes, and this may sound contradictory, but I have been in a few slaughterhouses and great care is taken not to treat the animal cruelly. Even though the animal is killed, there is a great reverence for the life that is taken.<br />
<br />
Thanks again and please let me know if this answer suffices and please feel free to ask any other question you have.<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
<br />
Rabbi Zev<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-58668399675276157792012-03-02T11:47:00.000-05:002012-03-02T11:48:14.805-05:00IN THE PARSHA: A Message for the AgesThis week is a double Parsha Tetzaveh and Zachor<br />In Parshas Tetzaveh basically the command to light the Menorah daily, the Priestly garments and Golden Alter are described. <br />In Parshas Zachor we are told about the command to never forget what Amalek did to us.<br />The Jewish people had just left Egypt, happy in their salvation and confident in their purpose. They were not threatening anyone, keeping to themselves and doing what they were supposed to do. Yet there are always some people who are bothered by that, either because of jealousy or pure evil. And as I mentioned in a previous post, the Amalek isn’t always from without. Sometimes the Amalek is from within; sadly many Communities have been devastated by conflict and maliciousness from within.<br />Amalek saw the Jewish people in their splendor and although being evil they were cowards and attacked the Jews from behind, attacked the tired stragglers, attacked sneakily. Cowards can do a lot of damage too. <br />But the answer to combat Amalek was to STAND STRONG and LOOK UP! <br />Moses went to stand on top of the hill with his hands up defiantly. <br />The message is that we must remain firm in our morals and principles. <br />STAND STRONG and LOOK UP to Hashem.<br />Often we drift along in life without the need to stand up and commit to what we believe in and require. Events like Amalek help us to define who we are, to solidify our convictions and compel us to further our goals and purpose in the correct Torah way.<br />That’s why it is a commandment never to forget. That’s why it is a message for the ages.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-74555775003749106112012-02-28T15:00:00.001-05:002012-02-28T15:01:37.621-05:00We Must Remain Focused On Our GoalsWe are now almost 1 week into Chodesh Adar. It is the month of Joy. But it also is the month that Haman tried to destroy us. The modern day Haman is the one who tries to divide. There are Hamans from without and unfortunately Hamans from within.<br />We must not let Haman take control, we must not let Haman turn us around from what we want to accomplish. We must keep om marching ahead focused.<br />Then we will truly be able to rejoice in the Geulah.<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta6UmkqzZA0RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-23988945260830268162012-02-28T14:38:00.000-05:002012-02-28T14:39:40.086-05:00WE MUST REMAIN UNITEDPurim is almost 1 week away and I was thinking about the Purim story and an important message. During the time of Purim the threat to the Jews was worse than ever before or since. EVERY Jew was in danger. In every other instance the threat was in one or more countries yet there was always a place that Jews were safe. During the time of Purim, since Achashverosh ruled over all the known world, every Jew was under his control and therefore in danger.<br />And yet it all got turned upside down and all the Jews were saved.<br />What happened? How were they able to fight against it?<br />Because they all came together.<br />The Megillah tells us that in order to get his decree passed Haman told the King that the Jews were "spread out and divided". The commentaries tell us that this means that they were not united and all the diferent factions were not getting along. In order to save themselves Mordechai managed to get everyone to come together. קיימו וקבלו היהודים - Keemu V'kiblu Hayehudim. It was nothing short of spectacular. It doesn't say that all the Jews became the same, that all the Jews became Sephardic or Ashkenazic, so to speak, no. Despite their differences they embraced, respected and understood each other.<br />So the message is clear. Strife brings destruction and unity brings joy & salvation.<br />ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה וששון ויקר אמן כן יהי רצוןRRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-82077126278091405872012-02-07T23:35:00.001-05:002012-02-07T23:36:43.197-05:00Tu Bishvat - A Man is aTreeAs it is Tu Bishvat, the new year for the trees, we are technically celebrating the trees. But there is a strong connection between a tree and a human being. And that allegory is made throughout the Talmud. There is a Possuk, verse, in the Torah, where it discusses the rules regarding how to act in a war when entering an enemy's territory you're conquering. The Torah tells us we may not cut down any fruit bearing tree, because "Ha'adam eitz hasadeh". Which is translated to mean that the tree of the field is indispensable to the man. However, the literal translation is "the man is a tree of the field" From there go all the teachings which compare the human to the tree. And all the lessons we learn from that.<br />Today someone taught me a new comparison with a wonderful lesson.<br />He said that a tree cannot move, yet it is able to spread it's influence far and wide.<br />It can spread it's seeds all over to plant new trees and it's fruit can be enjoyed all over the world.<br />Sometimes we think we are only successful in influencing others if we go out and around "influencing", and sometimes we need to, since we are mobile. Yet the tree teaches us that we can still do a lot of positive, inspiring and motivating, by staying right where we are and being a proper role model doing what we're supposed to do.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-33480972508036700032012-02-03T00:39:00.000-05:002012-02-03T00:40:36.178-05:00Parshas Beshalach - Moshe's HandsThe Jews just left Egypt, barely cohesive as a nation and Amalek decides to attack them.<br />Moshe tells Yehoshua to go the next day to fight with Amalek and he will go up and stand on the mountain.<br />Whenever Moshe, on top of the mountain, raised his hands Bnei Yisroel were stronger but when he put his hands down Amalek was stronger.<br />The Mishna in Rosh Hashana asks, "V'chi yadav shel Moshe osos milchama?"<br />"Do the hands of Moshe make war or break war?" Was it actually magic hands of Moshe which made Israel win or lose the war? <br />"Rather it showed the Bnei Yisroel that when they looked up to Hashem for their answers and devoted their hearts to their Father in Heaven they would succeed, they would win" <br />Also I believe that the message is that one, especially a leader, needs to stand strong and firm in his principles. Not being wishy washy but being upright and definite in his morals and values. Then the people will follow him and do the correct thing. When Moshe showed strength and conviction by keeping his hands "up", the people were able to be follow and fight the war successfully.<br />It is really important to know that we must look up to Hashem for our assistance and guidance, and that we must remain determined and resolute in our morals and principles.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-11317045946210270642012-01-13T00:32:00.003-05:002012-01-13T00:36:11.521-05:00Parshas Shemos - Hashem Heard?Moshe is charged with the task and mission of saving the Jewish People and taking them out of Egypt.<br />Hashem tells Moshe, "The cries of the Jewish people have come to me..... and now go and I am sending you to Paroh and take out my people from Egypt"<br />And Hashem says that he knows Paroh will need a little "encouragement", but after that the Jews will go out in style.<br />Sounds like a done deal. Yet Moshe goes to Paroh who doesn't seem so impressed.<br />Paroh says, "These Jews are lazy! That's why they have the time for this talk" and he makes things worse.<br />The Jewish people are livid and Moshe was so frustrated that he asked Hashem, "Why have you made it worse for these people, why did you send me for this? From the time that I spoke to Paroh in Your Name, it's become worse for the people and you haven't saved them!"<br />Hashem says, "Oh you'll see what I'll do to Paroh! He'll be forced to send them out."<br />So what's the point? Hashem had already said before that he heard the Jewish people's cries and that he'll save them and it became worse?<br />So Rabbi Moshe Chait said that the lesson is a very profound one. That even after Hashem has decided to answer you, even after he has already started the process, it sometimes has to get worse before it will get better.<br />But that is a part of the salvation. A part of your redemption. Not Hashem ignoring you but rather responding to you.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-25283193948065076652011-12-30T08:17:00.001-05:002011-12-30T08:19:17.613-05:00Parshas Vayigash - Make Even That Small Move in the Right DirectionThe two future leaders of the Jewish People square off in this week's Parsha and show why they and their descendants were destined to lead the Jewish People for all time.<br />Interestingly, Yosef showed his leadership as he ruled from a more secular venue as Viceroy of Egypt, staying true to his Torah values, and Yehuda lead from within his family and stood up to Yosef.<br />That trend continued throughout history.<br />Yehuda also comes into his own as "Vayigahs Ailav Yehuda" as he moves away from the pack and steps up on his own and comes close to Yosef.<br />This is where he finally rose to his status as Family leader and set the DNA for his future generations.<br />A "small" move, a huge statement.<br />Let's look out for those "small" moves which could have huge impact for us and our future generations.<br />Sometimes the small moves take the most strength.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-33753778973071056482011-12-24T22:03:00.002-05:002011-12-24T22:09:56.374-05:00Meikaitz - Chanuka - HaftorahParshas Meikaitz always falls out as Shabbos Chanuka. So I was trying to find a connection and not only did I find one to the Parsha, I found a connection with the Haftorah as well.<br /> In keeping with the theme of my last post, I see the same thread appearing. I believe this message is one especially for us as we maybe start our own (Chanuka) re-dedication.<br /> In the Parsha we read of the success of Yosef. But we must remember what he went through to get there.<br /> He was a very talented and brilliant leader but had a hard time finding his calling. A lesser person may have given up long before. As a young man of 17 he meant well with his brothers but they took it wrong and betrayed him horribly. He was given up for dead. He gets a job and is successful but again is betrayed and sent to jail. In all he meant well and never wanted to do wrong. And the same in jail, although he is respected and good, when he tries to rely on the butler after he is kind to him, he is again forgotten. All of this through no fault of his own. He even says this to the butler, “I was kidnapped from the land of the Ivrim and also here I didn’t do anything wrong for them to put me in this jail.” But after 13 years, at age 30, he persevered and eventually saw great honor, success and accomplishment. This is the same message of Chanuka, of not giving up even though it seems hopeless. <br /> Similarly, in the Haftorah, Yehoshua The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and Zerubavel return to Israel to rebuild it and the Temple. Only it doesn’t go as planned and they are ready to give up. Yehoshua feels unworthy and “stands still” doesn’t move forward with the seemingly impossible project. Hashem tells him “to take off those unclean garments” forget those feelings of unworthiness. Repent and look to the future. Make for yourself a future of “pure garments” of good deeds, free from sin, and move ahead and you will be successful. Zerubavel thinks the task is a mountain in his path and Hashem tells him that what you think is a mountain is really a plain. And he tells him the famous words, “Lo b’chail v’lo b’koach ki im b’ruchie amar hasem tzvaos”, success is not from the might of weapons or physical strength but from my spirit says G-d, who commands the forces of creation.<br /> And that must be how Yehuda Macabbi felt and nonetheless continued on to demolish the huge forces against him. And that is how we may feel in our mission in life.<br />Fittingly, Rabbi Hirsch in his commentary on the Haftorah ends with these words, on the above verse:<br />“Therefore, as it is not material but rather spiritual and moral forces which are called upon to be used for the completion of this building, no material or physical obstacle can hinder that completion. <br />Even the most powerful enemy forces, as well as the “mountain high” difficulties which may seem to tower before it, will dwindle to nothing against the spiritual-moral, the Divine power.”<br />May it be His will.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-76261104094974594432011-12-21T21:51:00.000-05:002011-12-21T21:52:19.373-05:00A Chanuka MessageChanuka is probably the most powerful of all the holidays. Although it is only from the Rabbis, it has an energy and longevity that many of the other holidays don’t. Although many Jews have never heard of Shavuot and a good number don’t know what a Sukkah is, almost everyone knows what Chanuka is.<br />The story of the Macabees, of the few standing up for their principles against seemingly insurmountable odds, resonates well with every person no matter what their denomination.<br />And the story of the little jug of a day’s worth of oil lasting for 8 days appeals to all of our magical minds.<br />But there is a lot more. There is another reason that Chanuka remained the most celebrated holiday during the course of this long exile. Because the message of Chanuka always hit home the most in the past and is needed more than ever for us now in these very trying and uncertain times. <br />The message is of the little light in the blackest darkness. Chanuka always falls out during the darkest part of the year, during the shortest days and longest nights (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Although one may feel that there is no end to the darkness, in a couple of weeks the days start to get longer and then it’s summer again when the days are real long.<br />We are living in very volatile times and it looks like there is no natural solution to the world’s problems. And maybe there is no natural solution but Chanuka teaches us that miracles CAN happen. Just follow the directive of Yehuda Macabee “Mi la Hashem Ailay”, “who that is for Hashem come with me!” <br />Stay true to your Torah principles<br />Don’t give up even though the odds don’t look good<br />And do that good deed, light that light, even if you think it can’t accomplish too much in face of the great darkness. Because Chanuka teaches us that even the smallest action can accomplish, “Me’at min ha’or doche harbe min ha’choshech”, “A very little bit of light can push away a lot of the darkness”.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-88429378965937763012011-12-15T22:25:00.002-05:002011-12-15T22:28:19.089-05:00Parshas Vayaishev - The ends do NOT justify the meansContrary to the common saying, in Torah the ends definitely DO NOT justify the means. Even though one wants to save ones own life you do not have the right to embarrass another person. Tamar did not embarrass Yehuda in order to save her life. She got the message across to Yehuda in a subtle way.<br /><br />The daughter of Potifar wanted to be "connected" to Yosef and thought that to be able to accomplish it in the end, will justify the means of going about doing it. It wasn't the case she lost all credibility and any chances for her goal. And it was her daughter instead who became Yosef's wife.<br /><br />A person's actions do not "balance out" in the end. You are not allowed to do 2 wrong things if you will do 2 right things to even it out. You will be rewarded for the good and punished for the bad.<br /><br />The Torah is full of examples of how one's EVERY action must be accounted for regardless of what good was done as a result. And especially when it comes to a person's feelings. If someone else's feeling are hurt due to what you did, you will have to answer for it.<br /><br />So be careful, especially when you are "helping" or "correcting" another.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-65108660938316630432011-12-15T22:20:00.002-05:002011-12-15T22:24:33.260-05:00PARSHAS VAYISHLACH - HAFTORAHLast week's Haftora was the whole book of Ovadia. It's actually the shortest book of the Prophets, it's only one chapter but so fundamental. It's no wonder that it is a book by itself because it packs in the one chapter the whole history and future of the Jew among the nations. What has and will happen and what we can do about it.<br /><br />It talks about Edom (Eisav) and prophecies about Rome. And the similarities or rather, exact mirror, to what we are now seeing in the US and Europe is striking.<br />The moral breakdown of Edom, Rome and now the Western World (all in the name of humaneness, mind you) was the cause of their downfall. Along with their arrogance and disregard for their allies and citizens. <br /><br />But the main message and opportunity for us is the necessity for us to rise up to our responsibility and ability to be a proper example of Torah and moral values. <br />(It’s not an accident that this message and that of Chanuka is so similar)<br /><br />What may seem to be a horrible thing may just be our opportunity.<br /><br />Toward the end of the Haftorah is the famous verse, 18, "And the House of Jacob shall become a fire and the House of Joseph a flame (which will come out of the fire), and the House of Eisav will be straw. And they (the flame from the fire) will light up the straw and consume it. And there will be no remnant of Eisav."<br />Rav SR Hirsch points out that the House of Joseph always refers to the part of the Jewish Nation which is more assimilated and not so connected to the Torah. And yet it is their "flame" which will go out and light up Eisav.<br /><br />Rav Hirsch says ," Does it mean to say here that even those descendants of Jacob that have assimilated and been estranged from Judaism still have a strong enough "fire" alive within them with a spirit of justice, humaneness and love that even in the midst of the Eisav world they will be able to prove themselves to be the "flame"?<br />Never discount anyone, never belittle anyone's "observance" or passion. Least of all your own. <br /><br />Anyone can be that "flame" to rise up and accomplish to overpower the corrupt Edomite or Roman principles that govern.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-71874359616819171202011-11-26T18:30:00.001-05:002011-11-26T18:32:45.847-05:00Belated Parsha Thought - ToldosA Gutte Voch and a Gutten Chodesh<br />Even though it's after Shabbos here I still want to write something about the Parsha. Time got away from me Erev Shabbos and besides it's still Shabbos in Chicago and west.<br />In these Parshios the challenge isn't so much what to say as what not.<br />In this Parsha there is so much to discuss, perhaps we should have a class.<br />But I'd like to highlight the story of the wells. Yitzchok was in the land of the Pilishtim and was digging up his father's old wells that the Pilishtim stopped up. The age-old battle for water rights.<br />The first 2 he dug they argued with him about and he abandoned them. The third one he dug up unchallenged.<br />The commentaries ask that of all the stories of Yitzchok's life what insight to his character is so important here to mention this story instead of others?<br />The Ramban therefore says that this story is hinting to us about the Jewish temples (Beit Hamikdosh) in the future. The first 2 were "challenged" and destroyed but the 3rd will go unchallenged when Moshiach comes.<br />I think, though, that this does show the very essence of his character. Everyone of our forefathers had a specific character trait.<br />Avrohom - Chesed, kindness<br />Yaakov - Emes, truth and Yitzchok was Gvurah, strength. <br />To walk away from a fight is not weakness but the ultimate in strength, self - control.<br />All too often we are ready to fight and battle for our rights, honor, etc. when we should rather continue and find another way which is unchallenged.<br />Yitzchok had the rights to that water, it was stolen from his father. But he kept on going until he found the way to get his water without argument.<br />We too should rather find the way to our goals or what is rightfully ours, without fighting if possible.<br />That's a very important lesson for our lives. <br />Yonatan in the Haftora shows that same strength of character in his loyal friendship with Dovid, his rival (and brother-in-law).RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-20872171722704110532011-11-22T18:12:00.007-05:002011-11-22T18:34:56.715-05:00Beautiful Thank you note from Pie in the Sky Bakery in PV, MexicoWe just kashered a Bakery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, called "Pie in the Sky". Our Mashgiach, Yossi, had just spent quite a few hours kashering everything. After which the owner, Susan, sent us this moving thank you note:<br /><br />I want to thank you for helping us here at the bakery become Kosher. It was hard work, Yossi was great, and I felt like I had accomplished something very important to me and my family and my family who is no longer with me. Oddly enough, I felt something spiritual, something I couldn't put my finger on, maybe a rebirth of the memory of my childhood, joy and happiness, Sunday School, Hebrew School, the Synagogue and all that goes with my being Jewish. It feels good!<br /><br />Thank You and Yossi<br />Susan DrexlerRRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-69121321239260360772011-11-18T11:42:00.000-05:002011-11-18T11:43:51.465-05:00Parsha Thought - Chayai Sara - פרשת חיי שרהI wanted to write a thought about the Parsha and I welcome comments and questions.<br />This week's story is about Eliezer going to find a wife for his master's son Yitzchok.<br />BUT, I believe, there is so much misinformation and misuse of this story.<br />Yitzchok doesn't choose his own wife and doesn't even have a chance to get to known her well before they are wed. The Possuk (verse) tells us that after he married her he loved her.<br />So many use this as proof that "there is no such thing as love before marriage" and that it is the best when the Parents choose the spouse for their child (arranged marriage)...<br />HOWEVER, they conveniently forget that in just a couple more Parshiot is the VERY romantic story of Yaakov falling in LOVE with Rochel, Yaakov is told by his parents to find himself a wife and he falls in love with Rochel. Also Moshe chooses his own wife, Tziporah. And many other in Tanaach choose their own.<br />So at best both ways are valid. BUT there is NO proof from Yitzchok at all because there was no choice for him to choose his own wife since he couldn't leave Canaan and he was forbidden to marry a Canaanite woman.<br />Unfortunately, many of our Jewish youth are told, "there is no love before marriage".<br />How sad. That's like saying, "there is no taste and smell to food".RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-15125810009695114562011-10-23T18:06:00.003-04:002011-10-23T18:14:28.384-04:00From PortugalI know it's been a while. But I was very busy and didn't always have internet access.<br />I have been in Portugal setting up a Jewish Community in the Algarve, South Portugal.<br />It's been a thrill and very rewarding. <br />(Don't worry our establishments are being well tended to by our Mashgichim)<br />There is so much to tell and I will little by little as I can.<br />Just to start we had a Minyanim (with a Sefer Torah) for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succos, with a Sukkah and Lulav and Esrog here where there hasn't been for almost 100 years and maybe more.<br />It was emotional and fulfilling.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-87444457853466766382011-03-24T18:11:00.004-04:002011-03-24T18:22:31.454-04:00On the Parsha (a few weeks late)On Parshas Tezaveh, a few weeks ago, I actually meant to mention that for me the quintessential source for the extent of privacy in Jewish life is the Gemarah in Pesachim 112a on the posuk "V'nishma kolo b'vo'o el hakodesh" that the bells on the M'eel (jacket) of the Kohen Gadol (High Preist) would announce his coming into the Haichal (Great Hall of the Temple). The Gemara says that we see from here "a person shouldn't enter even his own house suddenly (without knocking) etc." . The Kohen Gadol was "boss" in the BH'M and still had the bells to announce himself. A person who is the "boss" of his own home must knock to announce his presence. We are not meant to know everything that goes on behind our backs. We are not meant to "catch" those in our households but rather instill in them the morality and decency to do what's right on their own.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-42569670038296302382011-03-06T20:11:00.003-05:002011-03-06T20:16:08.214-05:00WOW KOSHER MARSHMALLOWS!!!We are VERY pleased to announce we now certify SWEET & SARA VEGAN MARSHMALLOWS !!<br />they contain NO gelatin (hence they're Vegan) and they are truly delicious. You won't miss the gelatin at all.<br />AND they are available all over the country at the locations on the following link:<br />http://www.sweetandsara.com/locations.php <br />Enjoy!!!RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133681342380820227.post-79936102071589670532010-12-15T17:15:00.002-05:002011-03-24T18:20:01.925-04:00for the last day of ChanukaI wanted to post this for the Last Day of Chanuka but I was out if the country and not readily computer accessible. So here it is now:<br /><br />Today is called in Hebrew "Zot Chanuka" meaning "This is Chanuka" <br />and it has (at least) 2 meanings:<br /><br />1) THIS is the last chance to take advantage of the Power of Chanuka for this year.<br /><br />2) This day has ALL the power of Chanuka in it. THIS is Chanuka. THIS day has the power of ALL the lights and, if we try to tap into it, the ability to help us accomplish very much.RRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17062138379289977368noreply@blogger.com0