The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

This coming Shabbat we read Parshat Vayechi -- the final Parshah in Breishit, thereby completing the first book of the Torah. This is quite an accomplishment after weeks and weeks of consistently reading the parshah in shul from when we started with the first chapter of the Torah three months ago on Simchat Torah.
Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of the book of Breishit (and at the conclusion of each of the five books of the Torah for that matter), the congregation calls out in unison: "Chazak chazak v'nitchazeik" "Be strong, be strong, and we will be strengthened." The power of the words coming from the entire community usually gives me the chills.

But what exactly is so powerful? The truth is, the statement is pretty repetitive and would probably undergo some editing if any of my English teachers got a hold of it. Can't we just say, "Be strong" once? And isn't it obvious that if a person is strong that he will be strengthened?

But the line is teaching us something deeper: that if each individual becomes strong on his own, then the community as a whole will be strengthened. As soon as one individual becomes stronger, he raises the status of the entire community to new heights and his actions raise the bar for those around him. You can think of it as "peer pressure for the good." One person's positive actions to strengthen himself affects the entire community, raising expectations and bringing them to a level beyond where they were before.

As we move forward to the next book of the Torah, and recommit ourselves to learning G-d's word week by week, we turn to the community to support each other in this endeavor. We encourage everyone to let the completed book of the Torah take him to new heights, using what we've learned these past months to strengthen each individual's actions for the future.

We must realize that our actions don't stand alone, but that our entire community is behind us and depending on us.

So we ask every individual: Be strong, be strong! Because if you are, then WE will be strengthened!

[Looking forward to seeing the strength that each one of you brings to NCSY at Conclave!]

Post by, Sarina Miller

Time

As 2012 comes to a close, I've been thinking a lot about my own perception of time. We often find ourselves saying "there should be more than 24 hours in a day" or "that seems like forever" or "where did the time go?" We often question how quickly or slowly time passes.

2012 has been a year of public highs and lows, which have been mirrored by personal highs and lows for many. In particular, in the last few days of 2012, I often find myself thinking about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and other tragic events that have happened.

In only seconds, one person, one young adult, changed the lives of millions. He directly affected every person in the school and every person in Newtown. He indirectly affected every school administrator, every teacher, every policeman, every parent, every child, nearly everyone who heard the news of the shooting. In only seconds, so much damage was done.

Can you think of the last time that that much GOOD was infused into the world?

Tragedies are blatantly tangible and breathtakingly terrifying; goodness is harder to see: it is women into the fabric of every day interactions, of subtle smiles shared between people, of seemingly minute conversations, of family functions, of outbursts of laughter, of simple moments.
Although I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with how scary with this world can be, I am then overwhelmed by just how beautiful this world can be; each and every one of us can help tip the balance far more to the "good" side.



How much good will you add to the balance today, this hour, this minute? How can you make the most of the time Gd gave us?

PostSecret

Recently, I was browsing the Facebook page of "PostSecret" of a specific college. PostSecret is an online community in which anyone can anonymously submit secrets which will then be displayed to the public. I came across this post and it really made me think.


I am culturally Jewish, but not religious at all. I grew up in an area with many “Jews,” but very few that actually practiced Judaism—or at least to a serious extent. Before coming to [college], I have to admit that I had some preconceived prejudices—not about different religions or minorities—but about religious Jews. For whatever reason, I thought they might be weird, and that believing in God or seriously adhering to a religion in this day and age was stupid—and that people who did so might be boring or not fun. However, since I got here, I have met many religious/orthodox Jews, and they are some of the coolest people I have ever met. Contrary to what I had thought, many of them are very similar to me and have become close friends. While being religious might not be right for me, I have gained a totally newfound respect for those who are.



We never know what impact we can have on people by simply being ourselves.

Life Changing Moment

Having a Bar Mitzvah at the Wall in Israel is a life changing event because it helps increase understanding of one's heritage and Judaism. 
I had my Bar Mitzvah at the Wall in Israel, and it changed my life. I was able to have it in Israel, my homeland, and in the most holy place in world. It takes me back to the summer of 2012 on my trip to Israel with NCSY and JSU (two Jewish groups that I belong to). 
The trip was called TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey). This was the best summer of my life and I had lots of friends on my bus and in other programs in Israel too. I was fortunate enough to have my Rabbi, Rabbi Gershie, as the head of Bus 2 . There were nine buses filled with teens from all across the world and my bus had teens from all of the Midwest. While I knew the whole time that the time would come to have by Bar Mitzvah at the Wall, I slowly prepared with Rabbi Gershie for it. The more I prepared, the more nervous I got. The day came and I could not stop thinking about what was to take place in a few hours. My life would change forever!

One hour before my Bar Mitzvah my NCSY adviser, Michael Kahn, joined me from another program and brought two of my good friends with him, Ricardo and Joey. I ran up to them and gave them a hug and said “Thanks so much for coming.” They replied, “We would not miss it for the world.” Then unexpectedly I ran into NCSY’s National President from two years ago, Amanda Esraelilian. This was so much fun to see her because I have not seen her in a year. Unfortunately, she could not make it to my Bar Mitzvah because she was interning with the OU ( Orthodox Union). I also had another special treat. One of the greatest Rabbis that I know, Rabbi Nissel, came to the celebration with me. I knew at this time that soon I would be Bar Mitzvahed and was once again very nervous.

Everyone walked over to the Wall through the Old City. When we approached the Kotel I heard whispering others praying. At that point the only thing running through my head was this is really happening. As we approached the Wall, I eagerly started preparing for the day that changed my life. As I put on my Tefillin, with the help of Joey and Michael, I felt a feeling of belonging and also felt a welcoming as it was an opening to a new journey. The service started. I was clueless when I was going to go up but then I got the cue. I approached the altar and was sweating and nervous. We called my parents so they could hear me recite some of the Torah. This was the time. I grabbed the tzitzis from my side, pulled them up and touched them with my lips and placed them on the Torah. This was the moment that it all came down to. Then, from the place I touched with the tzitzis I recited the Torah after Rabbi Gershie, “Barchu et Hashem hamevorach (Bless G-d who is the Blessed).” When I finished reciting the Torah I pulled my Tallis over my head everyone threw candy. I smiled and I started to dance as I heard some music beginning to play. Then I danced around the Torah with my friends, This was the start of my new journey.

Post by, Lee Goodman

This Commercial May Change Your Life

Post By, Arieh Levi

Never Say Never

Post by, Sarina Miller

It is safe to assume that over the past week we have all in some way by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. I know I have been thinking about it a lot. We have heard about both the evil and the heros in the story....

This video is a very powerful one... and something to think about.

Cloud Waves

Here is another post showing the incredible beauty of nature. 

Sometimes all we need to do be inspired is to look outside...

Nature

                                   
I am endlessly amazed by the breathtaking nature in and of this world.
                               

How Badly Do You Want It?

The Chafetz Chaim tells over his eye witness account of what happened when the leaders of Brisk came to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik to ask him to be the Rabbi of their community. Rav Soloveitchik refused, saying that he had his share of being a rabbi of a community and now he wanted to spend his days learning. The leaders of Brisk offered him many things in order to persuade him to come, but Rav Soloveitchik was adamant in his refusal. 

Disheartened, the men turned to leave. Just at that moment one of the men thought he would give it one more try and said, “Rebbe I’ll tell you the truth, there are 25,000 Jews waiting for you that are desperately in need of your leadership.” 

The Rav started to shake and said, “Bring me my stick and my hat, I’m moving to Brisk.” 

Rav Soloveitchik immediately accepted the position when he heard that so many Jews were in need of his leadership. The Chafetz Chaim then asks: Could you imagine if mashiach would hear that the entire Jewish nation couldn't live without him? If we truly cried out for mashiach and wanted him badly enough, could you imagine how fast he would come??

Countdown to Conclave: 10 days!
Who still needs banquet dress up ideas???? I have mine already, and it's going to be EPIC!!! Can't wait to see everyone there!

Do We Really Say Goodbye?

Chanukah may be officially over, but do we really say goodbye?

Sometimes when look at the world we see it as such a dark place. Then we think that how can little me make such a difference in a world that's so big and so confusing??

Shlomo Hamelech wrote in Mishlei that a mitzva is compared to a candle. Every time we do a mitzva it is as if we are lighting a candle. And what happens when you light a candle in the dark? The room will become a little brighter. Every candle that you continue to light will light up the room even more until it becomes fully illuminated.

It is now more than ever that we should never give up, because every mitzva we do not only brings us spiritual fulfillment, but will also light up the whole world!

Dreaming in Reality

Many times we caught up in the details of specific events in the parsha. For a moment let us reflect on a general yet significant douple-aspect of Yosef.

Last week we saw how Yosef was a man of dreams. Dreaming of his future leadership and position relative to his brothers. This week we read in Parshas Mikeitz how Yosef is super-resourceful and practical decision-maker in Egypt. 

There seems to be here a dichotomy in Yosef's personality. On one hand he lives with a vision, dreaming about a far-off goal. On the other hand he sees his role in this world as one which is very practical.

To each on his or her own level, we must all strike this balance. We must not be complacent and stagnant in our growth, but rather always strive for more with a goal in mind. At the same time, we must implement a plan to get there and accomplish in a practical way that which we meet in reality. 

Just like the oil in our very special menorah rises above the water, 

the Jews rise above their challenges and their enemies and always succeed. 

When you look at those tiny lights, remember that you are like the 

oil and the flames of your menorah. You have the ability to rise up.

We think its a miracle that the oil lasted for 8 nights. It certainly is. 

But who said oil was supposed to light? That in itself is a miracle.

Those little flames should remind us that HaShem is always there for 

us, and makes miracles for us every single day.

Have an amazing last few nights of Channukah! Take it in, and light 

up the world with your little flame. 

Hey Everyone! Happy Chanuka!

First Off, I am sooooo excited to be submitting on the blog! This is such an awesome website. I saw two things recently that I thought I would share with everyone. One of them is the comic strip, just because it's hilarious.




























Aside from that, I saw a very cool article about the neurological response to prayer that Elisha Karan sent me and I found it very profound. 
It points to the idea that the brain uses the same parts during prayer as it does in the experience of friendship communication. 

In other words, prayer is actually deepening your 'relationship' with G-d quite literally. To see more on this.. here is the link to the article. It's really interesting: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/this-is-how-your-brain-reacts-during-intense-prayer/

Anywho, Happy Chanuka! If anyone has thoughts on it, I'd love to hear from you guys.

Post by, Rabbi Gershie Meisel

Bringing Light into the Darkness

Chanukah is about bringing light into the darkness.

This idea of bringing light has always fascinated me. Partially because I happen to love fire, particularly how one spark of light can make an entire room brighter. Taking that physical phenomenon into an intellectual concept, though, we can infer that even one ounce of "goodness" will light up a room, a school, an entire world. I guess it's no coincidence that NCSY's logo is a flame. It's such a beautiful symbol of passion, intensity, and illumination.



Story time:
I am a freshman at WashU, a secular university in St. Louis (Washington University in St. Louis is its full name, but it's a bit long to use all the time). In my dorm, I am the only Jewish girl who considers herself "religious." In the beginning, it was daunting; in the beginning, sometimes it's hard to be different, to stick to what you believe. As time went on though, I became more comfortable with my floormates, and they with me. We started to have open and stimulating conversations about religion; they were absolutely fascinated with ideas about keeping kosher, keeping shabbos, and being shomer nigea.
After plenty of conversations, and also just hanging out, a few of my new friends even said to me, "Sarah, you're the first Jew that we can really ask questions to!" I was speechless. Although I often see myself as small, as one of billions of people, for my floormates, I have become the one Jew they feel comfortable asking questions to. It's a pretty unbelievable honor, in my opinion.

Sometimes, we are presented with daunting yet awesome opportunities of bringing light into the darkness. Every night, we add a candle, we add more light; with more time, we can spread more light, we can bring more light into the darkness.

The miracle of channukah

In the Jewish calendar there are two holidays which we have that were established by the Rabbis and not by the Torah: Purim and Channukah. However, there is a difference between the two of them that seems strange at first. We know that we have a tradition that when good things happen to the Jewish people we say a special prayer, called Hallel, which gives thanks to HaShem for all the good things He does for us. On Channukah, along with all the holidays from the Torah, we say this special prayer, but on Purim we don't. What is the reason for this difference?

The Sfas Emes offers a beautiful explanation. He writes that on Purim we were, after the war, still under the leadership of Achashveirosh, whereas on Channukah we were no longer under the rule of the Greeks. However, history tells us that we were not completely free from the Greeks after the war. The Sfas Emes explains further that after the war with the Greeks we were able to serve HaShem by lighting the Channukah candles despite still being without a Temple and still in the feeling of Galut (exile), and do so with a tremendous feeling of happiness and Jewish pride. This, says the Sfas Emes, was the true miracle of Channukah that lasted from the very beginning of the first night through to the very end of the last and even beyond-that we were able to overcome the world around us and still realize what was meaningful in the world and that is the serving of HaShem.

We should all merit to take the light of the Channukah candles and internalize it and see the candles as a message to help us remain strong in our serving of HaShem throughout the rest of the year.

Jewish All Stars

Think being an observant Jews conflicts with your career dreams? 9 times out of 10, think again!

Hear from high up there Jews who've made it happen!

Post, by Sarina Miller

Eight Miraculous Days

My daughter came home from school with this question, and I don't have anybody to answer it:

Why is the first night of Chanukah also considered a miracle if there was originally enough oil to burn for the first night of Chanukah? It is understood that there wasn't enough oil for the other nights, but what was so special that we call the first night of Chanukah also a miracle? Thanks.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Your daughter has asked one of the most famous questions in rabbinic literature! Rabbi Yosef Karo (16th century Israel) offered three possible answers, and scholars have offered an endless stream of answers through the years. There is even a book called "Ner L'meah," by Rabbi Yerachmiel Zeltzer, that lists 100 answers to this question! Here's a sampling:

(1) The oil was divided in eight parts, and the Kohanim lit only one-eighth of the oil each night. But this small amount miraculously burned throughout each of the eight nights - including the first night. (Beit Yosef)

(2) Since the Temple had been desecrated with pagan idols, the Maccabees lit their Menorah outside in the courtyard. Normally, a flame exposed to the open air will burn more quickly than one sheltered indoors. Nevertheless, on all eight nights, the oil burned as long outdoors as it would have inside the Temple. (Chasam Sofer)

(3) Having returned to the Temple and found it in shambles, the Maccabees had no reason to think they would find pure oil. But they were so eager to perform the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah, that they began what seemed like a hopeless search - and they succeeded! This commitment to battle all odds for the sake of a mitzvah is what we commemorate on the first day of Chanukah. (Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik)

(4) The first day commemorates the miraculous military victory. (Pri Chadash, Kedushas Levi)

(5) We tend to take "nature" for granted, yet the burning of oil is inherently no less miraculous than would be the burning of water. Therefore, the first day commemorates that even the "normal" burning of oil takes place only because God created it so. (Rabbi David Feinstein)

Have a happy Chanukah, and may your daughter's future be as bright as the Chanukah lights!

-Aish.com

Keep Moving Forward!

The Parsha this week tells us of the story when the brothers threw Yosef in the pit. When the Torah tries to emphasize how hurtful this was to Yosef it adds that "The pit was empty, there was no water in it". Why must the Torah tell us there was no water? It just told us it was empty!

Rashi tells us that the pasuk specified that there was no water to imply that there were other things, like snakes and scorpions. The Gr"a explains that this lack of water may also be a reference to Torah (Mayim zu Torah). If someone lacks the Torah, it does not mean he is the same person just without Torah. If there is no Torah, there are inevitably other, more dangerous things which affect a person.

On a general and conceptual level, this idea is very fundamental to how to guide our Jewish lives. If we do not pursue those things which are fundamentally important, it does not merely mean we stay at neutral and can call ourselves "fine" (as opposed to great). If we do not push forward there will inevitably be something pushing us backwards. 

Have a great Shabbos!

New Maccabeats Chanukkah Song!

SHINE

What Dr. Seuss Taught Me

(Picture from allinfographics)

Jacob and the Guitar Man

Recently, a friend of mine sent me a link to this YouTube video. The video shows the interaction between a street performer and Jacob, a blind eight-year old with autism. The street performer, Tyler Gregory, treats Jacob with utmost respect and even lets him touch his guitar. It's a truly magical performance.

From Tyler Gregory's website: 
"It was an ordinary day, walking to my regular spot to busk when I don't have a gig that night, and play music on the corner for a rotating crowd. When Jacob came over I felt excited about having another kid listen to the music. (Makes my day when kids dance to the music on the street... I already had a couple come over that day so it was already nice). However, unlike most kids that come up to me with curiosity, I felt so much energy coming off of him and I was completely overwhelmed. His hand on my leg was very powerful and about brought me to tears while playing. Not because he is blind or autistic.. but because of a connection I have never felt and one that is impossible to explain. Honestly, a feeling that came from my toes all the way up my body and surrounded me. I can't begin to explain it. I want to try to put it into words, but there is no way to tell how powerful his energy felt."

I never cease to be amazed by the amount of goodness in this world. While headlines might screen of corruption and terror, there are so many moments of breathtaking, pure, and genuine kindness and compassion. To me, these moments are undeniable proofs of Gd's will, Gd's existence, and Gd's intended purpose for us. 

An Unstoppable Spirit

We all have expectations for our lives -- of the life paths and opportunities that should come our way, and where they should lead. But what happens when those expectations come crashing down? Janine Shepherd, an aspiring olympic medalist, tells her moving story of what it means to not let your life circumstances take control of you, but for you take the reigns and take control of your life.

"It wasn't until I let go of the life I thought I should have, that I was able to embrace life that was waiting for me." 

Janine's inspiring and empowering story proves that though our bodies are limited, our spirit is unstoppable.

Post by, Sarina Miller

I Am The Flame

I am the flame!

I am the flame which burns in every Jewish heart.

I am the flame which is kindled in the deepest recesses of the heart.

I am the flame which from a match is kindled and becomes a consuming blaze.

I am the flame which though it may flicker will never be extinguished.

I am the flame which throughout the ages has flickered in the wind of oppression.

I am the flame, which flickers despite attempts to extinguish it.

I am the flame which in the Ghetto burned for eight nights.

I am the flame which burned as a symbol of defiance in the face of oppression.

I am the flame, the flame of burning desire.

I am the desire for a world redeemed. 

By, David Selis

It's almost time for Chanukah!!!

What Do We Have?

In another peculiar dialogue between Eisav and Yaakov Avinu we find a hidden message of how to view our lives. When they reconnect after so many years, Eisav offers Yaakov to take whatever he wants from his possessions because, as he says, "I have a lot" (33:9). Yaakov responds by saying no thank you, "I have everything" (33:11). 

It is fairly clear that Yaakov does not actually mean he has everything. Instead, he means to say that he has everything he needs. Whatever Eisav wants to give him is unnecessary. Yaakov, the "ish tam", man of completeness, is once again showing that he needs no more than what he already has. As Pirkei Avos explains, "Who is rich? He who is happy with his portion" (4:1).

Perhaps we can glean an even more fundamental message from this contrast, other than how to view our possessions. The perspective Eisav had was only in proportion to those around him. "A lot" is only based on the fact that others have less. Yaakov focused on what he himself needed, in which case he had everything. The significance of our gains do not depend on anyone other than ourselves. What we do is not judged based on how we rank amongst others, it's how we rank against our own potential. 

Have a great Shabbos.

Parshat Vayishlach - Surmount the Struggle!

Looking for inspiration? The parsha, without fail, is a great place to start...

So here goes story time:

After leaving the house of his father-in-law Lavan, Ya'akov now heads back home to Israel and is preparing to reunite with his twin brother Eisav. But Ya'akov wasn't exactly anticipating a reunion filled with brotherly love. His last encounter with Eisav before Ya'akov's departure to the land of Charan was not exactly an agreeable one between the two of them. Ya'akov had just taken the valuable blessing of the first born from his father Yitzchak --- a blessing that his older brother Eisav was expecting to receive (despite the deal that was made between them over some red lentil soup, Breishit 25:32). Ya'akov left home in a hurry after the event. Eisav was not too happy about the scenario, and their mother Rivka was concerned that Ya'akov's life might actually be in danger if he stayed around for too long. 

So now, four wives and twelve children later, Ya'akov is facing his brother once again and is not sure how his brother will greet him. Ya'akov sends men to check out what Eisav's up to, and it turns out that he's approaching with 400 men! 

Afraid of what Eisav might be intending with such a large group, Ya'akov prepares for every possible scenario. In case Eisav is ready to go to war, Ya'akov splits his family into two camps -- hopefully even if one camp falls, the other will survive! He prays to G-d for protection, and he sends gifts of animals to his brother to appease him.

But perhaps even more interesting than the actual encounter that ensues between the two (don't worry, Ya'akov and the future of the Jewish people leave the reunion alive and well), is an encounter that Ya'akov has just beforehand with a mysterious someone. Ya'akov ends up in a struggle one-on-one with a nameless individual until dawn, and commentators have to bring in all kinds of explanations as to what's actually going on, because it's just so unclear! (The often quoted interpretation is that it was actually an angel of Eisav that Ya'akov was fighting with!) 

Rabbi Blau of Yeshiva University told me a powerful message that comes out of the line up of these two stories one after the other -- of Ya'akov and his preparations to meet Eisav followed by his personal struggle. 

The moral of the story was that we have to be like Ya'akov.

And here's why:

Ya'akov was someone who anticipated challenges that he might face in his future and did everything that was in his power to prepare for them to the best of his ability. And we should do the same! But it is also important to realize, that as much as you prepare, there is always those challenges that you can't predict -- that struggle with an unknown individual, be that someone else or yourself, that you never saw coming. Life is all about the struggle! A life without challenge is a life without accomplishments.They say that if a fish isn't swimming against the current, that means it's dead. In more positive terms, the surest sign of life is if you're up for the challenge.

There's an important ending to this story. Even though Ya'akov gets injured in the struggle, he ultimately comes out on top and leaves as an individual who is so much greater because of it -- he doesn't just survive the struggle, but he leaves with a new name: Yisrael. This is the name that is a source of pride to our people. It is attached to our nation, our homeland, and should inspire us daily to overcome every struggle we face.

Post by, Sarina Miller

Life is a journey. And like any journey we take- we need to plan and think. We need to plan and think about the decisions that we make, and why we are making those decisions. If we aren't sure where we are headed- we need to ask for directions and discover the trail for ourselves.

Ask. Discover. Think. Plan. 

What Would You Attempt To Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?

Many times when people speak about courage they describe scenarios of heroic bravery, like the selfless Israeli soldiers who at a very young age put their lives at risk to protect our people and our country. Sometimes we may become disheartened, thinking that if we can never achieve that kind of courage then we can never call ourselves heroic.

But in fact there is a kind of courage that we experience every day of our lives. These are the moments when we are faced with the question: Do I want to live a life of mediocrity or do I want my life to be extraordinary? These are the day to day decisions that impact our very being and the challenges that we face as individuals to improve our very lives.

Morrie Schwartz says in “Tuesdays with Morrie”: "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." 

Choosing to live a meaningful life, that is courage.

Pray for Your Haters

I am part of a student group at college called Beat Therapy, which focuses on music therapy and music education. With a few other members, I went a few days ago to a local public school and played rhythm games with the students there. We had a blast, the music they created was incredible, the discussions were enlightening, but something above all else left a lasting impression on me. One of the students was wearing a sweatshirt with words on it. The words were: Pray for your Haters. I was really taken aback by this; what does that even mean? Then I started pondering it and realized how unbelievable it was that those words were on a sweatshirt.

The message just floored me: instead of doing harm or even wishing harm on your "enemies," pray for them.  Instead of increasing the negative emotions in this world, bring positivity to everything you do. I've thought about it for days. In every situation, we have more opportunities to bring good into this world than we can count. We have endless chances every day to bring good into this world- to bring Gd into this world in a very real way.

So, pray for your haters. Don't wish for something bad to happen; pray that something good will happen, pray that Gd will help them.

In the wise words of Qui-Gon Jinn in the Phantom Menace: "There is always a bigger fish." I think this can be use metaphorically towards our lives. No matter where we are or what position we are put in, there is always someone, or something, higher. 

Celebrate Your Appreciation

When we go somewhere, we know where we leave from. In the case of Yaakov Avinu, however, in this week's Parsha, the pasuk tells us first that he left B'er Sheva and then that he went to Charan! What is the significance in telling us that Yaakov left B'er Sheva?

Rashi tells us that the Torah emphasizes how Yaakov's leaving was more than a geographic relocation, but it also left B'er Sheva empty, deprived of the splendor that Yaakov provided.

The sad part of the story is how they only realized this after he left. Shlomo HaMelech says in one place that "He who found a wife has found goodness" (Mishlei 18:22). In another place, however, he says "And I find more bitter than death, the woman"(Koheles 7:26). The difference is in the tense of the statement. The Vilna Gaon explains that according to human nature the first pasuk speaks in the past tense- how things were good. The second is in the present, how one is constantly reminded of the bad.

In the spirit of giving thanks, let us not take anything for granted. Rather, let us recognize and outwardly appreciate all the good we have in our lives. Shabbat Shalom. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

:-)

Ki Va Moed - The Time Has Come

The following was written by a friend of mine who is in Israel for the year. I found it to be incredibly inspiring, and thought it might have the same effect on you.



As we all know it is not an uncommon phenomenon for Israel to be met by threats and danger by her vicious enemies. In an expression of concern we find ourselves perusing news channels, papers and websites for information and facts about the situation. Whilst facts are important, people are more so and it is for this reason that I am writi

ng this.

Being in Israel at this time is nothing short of a privilege. Whilst the threats are immanent and the people weary; there is an undeniable spirit of resilience and unity that presides, one that no journalist or report will ever capture. The sirens drone and rockets fly, yet I have found myself truly memorized by the morale of the people, pressed to find someone void of courage, hope and faith. I am not for one moment trying to negate the great danger and tragedy of the situation that faces Am Yisrael here in Israel, but rather wish to try and demonstrate the true heroism of our people, for whom this is but normal. Ironically all too many “out of towners” have said they feel safer here than they ever have in Chutz La Aretz, the answer, as to why is quite simple. In Israel fellow Jews, not hostile strangers, surrounds us. Media stations do not try and vilify the IDF, but rather send out the names of the wounded so people can daven for them. Jews do not feel vulnerable, but united, empowered as a people in our land. Perhaps the most reassuring of all is the people’s faith. Named operation “Amud Anan” by secular army officials, after the pillar of smoke that guided Bnei Yisrael out of Mizrayim in the Torah, it is impossible to think that Hashem is not with His people at this dire time. On the contrary, we join together and sing… “Atah Takum, T'rachem Tsiyon, ki et l'chenanah ki va moed.” “Rise up, comfort Zion, because it is time to be gracious to her, because her time has come!”

The time has indeed come. The time has come for Am Yisrael to defend itself. The time has come to end the ongoing terrorism that plagues our people. The time has come for Am Yisrael to live in peace.
Ki Va Moed.

How can I do something?

Throughout the past few days, we have been hearing about the tough situation that has been going on in Israel. We have all been going through many emotions. One of them being distance. I feel that this is a very present emotion for myself and many others. We all feel for our brothers and sisters in Israel, but we are at a loss of what to do.  I came across something that looks to me like an amazing opportunity.

On this site, you can fill out a very simple form about yourself, and in return you get a name of a solider or resident who is in need of your help. This is your special partner. You can do anything you want, in his merit, to help him through this time. Acts of kindness, learning, davening, saying brachos etc... are all acceptable!

By having this one name become a part of you- I think that we will all be able to feel a little bit closer, and hopefully with HaShem's help we will be able to accomplish GREAT things! 

Here is the link:
http://www.shmiraproject.com/SignUp.aspx

Self Realization and introspection

I believe that we are not just the sum of our actions. Rather, we are the summation of our actions and our perspectives, our thoughts and our intentions, our direction and purpose. We are judged by what we do and how we treat people, and with this in mind, we should consider how we treat people. I was always taught before one says something, one should think if it is helpful, true, and kind. These, I think, are principles that we should all try to live by. More than that, because we are not just the sum of our actions, but rather the combination of our actions and thoughts, then our actions should reflect our thoughts. Our actions should be intended for the betterment of self as well as the benefit of those around that person's said self. May we all continue in the pursuit of bettering ourselves and the respect of other people through our actions and thoughts.

The Inner Life Of A Cell

Ever learn biology and think this is super cool, but I can't really picture how this would work??

Students from Harvard made a video showing what's really going on inside us.

If you watch this video you'll be completely blown away by how miraculous the human body is!

Here is a link to the full 8 minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrXykvorybo&feature=related
Here is the link to the full video with narrations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GigxU1UXZXo

We Are Unlike Any Other Nation

And Eretz Yisrael Is Unlike Any Other Land

"Eretz Yisrael is not something apart from the soul of the Jewish people, it is no mere national possession, serving as a means of unifying our people and buttressing its material or even its spiritual survival. Eretz Yisrael is part of the very essence of our nationhood; it is bound organically to its very life and inner being. Human reason, even at its most sublime, cannot begin to understand the unique holiness of Eretz Yisrael; it cannot stir the depths of love that are dormant within our people. - Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook ztl

We Will Stand With Israel Forever

Overview on the Parsha- Toldos

Taken from Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

After 20 years of marriage, Yitzchak's prayers are answered and Rivka conceives twins. The pregnancy is extremely painful. G-d reveals to Rivka that the suffering is a microcosmic prelude to the worldwide conflict that will rage between the two great nations descended from these twins, Rome and Israel. Esav is born, and then Yaakov, holding on to Esavs heel. They grow and Esav becomes a hunter, a man of the physical world, whereas Yaakov sits in the tents of Torah developing his soul. On the day of their grandfather Avrahams funeral, Yaakov is cooking lentils, the traditional mourner's meal. Esav rushes in, ravenous from a hard days hunting, and sells his birthright (and its concomitant spiritual responsibilities) for a bowl of lentils, demonstrating his unworthiness for the position of firstborn. A famine strikes Canaan and Yitzchak thinks of escaping to Egypt, but G-d tells him that because he was bound as a sacrifice, he has become holy and must remain in the Holy Land. He relocates to Gerar in the land of the Philistines, where, to protect Rivka, he has to say she is his sister. The Philistines grow jealous of Yitzchak when he becomes immensely wealthy, and Avimelech the king asks him to leave. Yitzchak re-digs three wells dug by his father, prophetically alluding to the three future Temples. Avimelech, seeing that Yitzchak is blessed by G-d, makes a treaty with him. When Yitzchak senses his end approaching, he summons Esav to give him his blessings. Rivka, acting on a prophetic command that the blessings must go to Yaakov, arranges for Yaakov to impersonate Esav and receive the blessings. When Esav in frustration reveals to his father that Yaakov has bought the birthright, Yitzchak realizes that the birthright has been bestowed correctly on Yaakov and confirms the blessings he has given Yaakov. Esav vows to kill Yaakov, so Rivka sends Yaakov to her brother Lavan where he may find a suitable wife.

Loving Every Jew

"If only I would love the greatest tzaddik (righteous person) as much as Hashem loves the greatest rasha (wicked person)!"

-Baal Shem Tov

“Courage is... the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared.”
-David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister

As we keep Israel in our thoughts and prayers, we must remember that life in Israel continues. Although times can be devastating- too much time spent in bomb shelters, too many sounds of rockets- we cannot live in fear. We must remember that as we unite, we become stronger. Together, we ignite the beautiful flame that is the worldwide Jewish community. Together, from wherever we are in the world, we support Israel.

Prayer for Israeli Soldiers - Remy Kaskel

Please pray for the Israeli soldiers fighting in Gaza right now.


מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הֲגַנָּה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל, הָעוֹמְדִים עַל מִשְׁמַר אַרְצֵנוּ וְעָרֵי אֱלהֵינוּ מִגְּבוּל הַלְּבָנוֹן וְעַד מִדְבַּר מִצְרַיִם וּמִן הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל עַד לְבוֹא הָעֲרָבָה בַּיַּבָּשָׁה בָּאֲוִיר וּבַיָּם. יִתֵּן ה' אֶת אוֹיְבֵינוּ הַקָּמִים עָלֵינוּ נִגָּפִים לִפְנֵיהֶם. הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יִשְׁמֹר וְיַצִּיל אֶת חַיָלֵינוּ מִכָּל צָרָה וְצוּקָה וּמִכָּל נֶגַע וּמַחְלָה וְיִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה וְהַצְלָחָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיהֶם. יַדְבֵּר שׂוֹנְאֵינוּ תַּחְתֵּיהֶם וִיעַטְרֵם בְּכֶתֶר יְשׁוּעָה וּבְעֲטֶרֶת נִצָּחוֹן. וִיקֻיַּם בָּהֶם הַכָּתוּב: כִּי ה' אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּכֶם לְהִלָּחֵם לָכֶם עִם איבֵיכֶם לְהוֹשִׁיעַ אֶתְכֶם: וְנאמַר אָמֵן

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God, from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighters from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under our soldiers’ sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is the Lord your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Inspirational Poems by David Selis

I am the hope 

(Inspired by Jewish history and HaTikvah)

I am the hope of two thousand years

I am the hope!
I am the hope that carried the Jewish people through troubled times---
through the trauma of the destruction of the temple.

I am the hope--- the hope for a return to our homeland.
I am the hope-- the hope for the continuation of the Jewish people.

I am the hope that was fulfilled with the return from Galut Bavel under Ezra and Nechemia.
I am the hope that sustained our people as roman troops sacked the Holy city!
I am the hope which has sustained our people for two thousand years!

I am the hope which grew stronger as our enemies stood upon us to destroy us.
i am the hope which drove the pioneers to begin reclaiming the land .
I am the hope which has sustained, sustained and will sustain our people!

I am the hope which despite the horrors of the ghetto, did yet live in our hearts.
i am the hope for a better future in which our children will no longer  face persecution.

I am the hope that inspired Jews to fight in the Warsaw ghetto.

I am the hope--- the hope of two thousand years.
I am the hope- the hope for a return to our land.

I am the hope;
the hope which drove the burned remnant of the shoah to flood the gates of the land of our fathers.

I am the hope, the hope which is not lost and will never be lost.

I am the hope; the hope which is passed on to our children as they journey to the land of our fathers.
I am the hope; the hope that Jews and Arabs will one day live in peace.
I am the hope; for a better tomorrow; a tomorrow free of terror, war and violence.

I am the hope; to be a free people in our land!
I am the hope which brings us closer to the days of the Messiah!
I am the hope; the hope for live in a world which will be fully redeemed!

I am the flame

(Inspired by my experiences on NCSY Yarchie Kallah)

I am the flame

I am the flame which burns within each Jewish soul!

        I am the spark which when given fuel and air,

------------------blossoms into a flame which starts a blaze.  

    I am the spark which is lit at Yarchie Kallah.

I am the flame of Torah which consumes everything.---------

I am the inferno which overpowers all that confronts it.-------------------