Rabbi's Blog

Every Shabbat is special.  It is meant to be.  But some are extraordinary.  This Shabbat was one of those.

We had a group of thirteen Yeshivah students up from New Haven.  They ranged in ages from 15 to 21.  They live in places from New York to St. Louis, and from Columbia, South Carolina to Columbia the country.

Anyhow, it made the entire atmosphere quite lively and very interesting.  Starting from Friday night and all the way through Saturday, much learning was going on.  The songs during Davenning were much louder and even more enthusiastic than normal.  Surely, when we declared "Chazak, Chazak -- Let us be strong!" at the conclusion of the Torah reading, it was, well, strong...  And during the Kiddush, every one of them shared a thought or a story.

From Avot:

Shimon the Righteous would say: "The world stands on three things -- Torah study, prayer worship, and acts of kindness."

The commentators explain that the centrality of these three things stems from the fact that by their means a person can elevate the three main elements of life: a) Study of Torah refines the self, b) Prayer allows us to perfect our relationship with G-d, and c) Kind deeds allow us to solidify our relationships with other human beings.

The complete opposite of these three are the three sins for which we are instructed to give our lives: 1) Adultery, which proves that the person is unrefined, following his animalistic instinct, 2) Idolatry, by which one denies the existence of G-d, and 3) Murder, the ultimate cruelty.

Further, it is said that these three "pillars" are personified by our Patriarchs: Abraham represents kindness, as this was his entire life mission, Isaac personifies worship, as he himself was offered up at the Binding, and Jacob typifies Torah study, "the one who dwells in the tent..."

It was not supposed to end this way.  At least not the way we planned it.

But today was our last day of the year at Wesleyan.  In addition to our regular class, I had the opportunity to catch up with some students and say goodbye for the summer.

Now my task is to spend these next few months planning an expanded roster of programs for the coming academic year.  This campus can sure use a lift, or as we say -- "Chizzuk."  We must do our part.

Antignos, "of the city of Socho," is the second Sage mentioned by name in Ethics.  He succeeded his teacher, Shimon, as leader of the "Sanhedrin."

Two of Antignos' students ended up rejecting his teachings and rebelling against the Torah.  In the Mishna, Antignos teaches us not to do the Mitzvot merely for their reward, but rather because that is what the "Master" desires.  He closes: "Let the awe of Heaven be upon you," suggesting that although we are commanded to love G-d, we ought get to "comfortable" or casual with G-d.  Rather, our relationship with Hashem must always contain an element of awe.

Phones ringing off the hook. First got back to Alan. “Did you hear about the ‘Jewish connection’ to the shooting?”

Make contact with on-campus acquaintances. Troubling thoughts…

11:09am – Inquiries

Shlomo called. “What’s going on?”

Gotta return some calls. I’ll get back to you.

11:14am – Yerachmiel I

Where’s Timnath?

Contacted Rabbi Gorelick. “Do you know the family?”

He’ll look into it.

11:21am – Lubavitch.Com I

“Can we talk?”

Soon.  I have to get back to some students.

11:35am – Community Orgs.

Spoke with Rabbi David.

Left messages and email for ADL.

Left message for Cathy at Federation.

12:05pm – Concern

Eyal called. “Did you hear? Is all well?”

Yes, yes.

12:11pm – Students I

Mitch. All is well. Staying in building.

Zach. In room. Security outside.

Rachel. Did not know her. Has friends who did.

12:15pm – Rabbis I

Rabbi Gopin and Kaplan called. Concern. Will call.

12:46pm – Yerachmiel II

So soon? It will take longer. Things don’t move so quickly in this side of the country…

1:09pm – Lubavitch.Com II

10 minute interview. Details? Will keep them updated.

1:37pm – Community

Marvin called.  Is there anything here can do.

Jeff. Knows people on campus.

2:41pm – Yerachmiel III

Cannot ascertain with certainty. Does not know where to turn, but will try.

2:12pm – Yeshiva Students I

Zevi called. Will tomorrow’s Middletown schedule be normal?

Cannot answer now. Do not go without green light.

2:15pm – Chabad.Org

Is now a good time?

5 minutes.

2:33pm – Yerachmiel IV

Has news. Learned “by mistake” of an Israeli friend of the family. Will get number.

2:46pm – Yerachmiel V

Got number. Tried to call. Left message with open offer.

They already left town.

2:59pm – Alan

More news and info from campus and community.

Should he talk to Chabad.Org?

3:09pm – Kol Yisrael I

Israel Radio called.

Can they follow up at 11:30pm for their morning news?

3:11pm – Federation

Some details (and frustrations). Will stay in touch.

3:15pm – Lubavitch.Com III

More details.

Klein will be calling from LA to handle media bookings.

3:18pm – Klein I

Details. NBC. Fox. CBS. More.

3:31pm – Community Members I

Nate, Sarah.

3:32pm – Rabbi David

Checking in.

3:35pm – Students II

Return calls. Did the rounds. Everyone is where they should be. Urged calm and communication.

3:41pm – Family I

What’s going on? Is everyone fine?

All is well, and crazy.

3:49pm – Faculty I

Good work. Stay in touch.

3:52 – Klein II

Interview schedule. (5-5:30 NBC 30).

3:54pm – Community Members II

Naomi, Greg, Jake.

3:57pm – Students III

Did the rounds. Return calls. Sending messages. Everyone’s calm.

4:04pm – Family II

Just stay in touch.

4:27pm – Rabbis II

Names of students on campus.

4:54pm – Lubavitch.Com IV

News and info.

4:59pm – Yerachmiel VI

They called back. Had brief conversation.

5:07pm – Faculty II

Off campus. All is well.

5:09pm – Media

NBC interview at Chabad.

CBS over the phone. Will meet in Middletown.

5:25pm – Minnesota

Called Nachman. Can he contact the family? Suggested to call Rabbi Feller. Did.

5:27pm – Harriet

Ready to help in any way. Thanks. Will throw inquiries her way.

Gave me number to Elliot. Will call.

5:46pm – Rabbi Feller

Made contact. Spoke to grandmother. Understands.

5:55pm – Rabbi Kaplan

People in Wallingford want to know what’s going on and what they can do. Will call back.

6:02pm – Police

Lieutenant Press Conference.

Spoke with her inside about family sensitivity, etc. Understood and responded well.

7:11pm – Class

Called (a bit late) to cancel lecture.

7:15pm – Family III

No news.

7:18pm – Yeshiva Students II

Same thing. Stay put.

7:50pm – Visitors

MC called to say that a group of students is coming up from NYU for support. Can I call them?

Did.

Returned a bunch of calls.

11:12 – News

The guy has been caught right here in Meridan. Campus sighs.

11:34 – Kol Yisrael II

Interview with Israel.

Not as depressed as they thought.

Let them know about capture.

After taking the kids to school, I returned home to find Joe, our landscaping guy, ready to get to work on our lawn.  I was a bit surprised because, usually, if it rains earlier in the week, he will be a day late.  But I was pleasantly surprised because, hey, this means the spring is fully here!  This did cause me to spend the better part of an hour cleaning up the yard, but I'm proud of that, too...

At noon, I headed out to West Hartford, where we have our weekly Parsha Roundtable at the offices of the Jewish Ledger.  This is a nice mix of people that get together each week.  The first Wednesday of the month, however, is always special because Ricki sponsors a delicious lunch.  Today was no exception.  Lunch was elaborate and delightful.

Yehudis went to pick up the girls today because there was some party at school.  That meant that I was to teach the first few minutes of Hebrew School at the Center.  When Yehudis came by, I took over with our kids.  Today, for the first time this year, we had a BBQ for supper -- on the new grill, in the newly trimmed lawn!  How exciting...

In the evening, we started a new series called "Biblical Reflections."  It is a very interesting course that explores the early stories of the Torah and their application in daily life.  It got off to a good start, with a quality group of people actively involved.

Every Tuesday morning, I have a "Kosher meeting" at Margery Gussak Catering in Manchester.  So, that's how my day got off -- Good!

Afterwards, I got to the Center for some "office work."  But not for too long.  At lunchtime, we have our weekly "Jewish schmooze" at the Gottesman residence in Manchester.  Today, however, it was moved next door to the home of the Buchs.  We had a lovely discussion about the "Second Passover," the Laws of the Kohens, and the Holidays.  (This week, Mushka came along with me.  She was home for a dentist appointment).

In the evening, I presented a one-time class on the history and meaning of the Kabbalah.  This was dedicated in honor of "Lag B'Omer," which is next Tuesday.  A nice group got together and we discussed how the history of the Kabbalah is inseparable form that of Judaism.  We also explored some "sample teachings."

Today was one of those days where, although much is going on, everything revolves around one central issue.  For me (in addition to one personal item), it was the course I am giving on the counting of the Omer and its spiritual meaning.

In the morning, I finished editing, designing, and printing the textbook for the series.  I am quite pleased with the way it came out.  It is designed as a guide, a workbook really.  Titled "49 Steps," it goes through each week -- and each day -- of the Omer counting, suggesting what that day means for us in our spiritual development.

At lunchtime, I got together with the group from the Hartford (insurance company).  We meet every second Monday for an early afternoon Torah discussion.  Usually, we discuss business ethics from a Torah perspective.  Today, however, we discussed... the practical and spiritual meaning of the Omer.

Mid afternoon, I went out with my brother Shmuli at Eden Wok, a nice Chinese restaurant in New Rochelle.  Needless to say, we had a good time.

In the evening, after spending some time at home, I delivered part two of the "49 Steps" series.  This session focused in on the characteristic of "Chessed," and how in order for giving to be good it must be integrated and balanced.  [That's, sort of, the "Cheat Sheet" version of it].

They say that the sign is a real man is one who will shovel the snow in order to get to, and ignite, the grill!

I say this because today was grill day for us!  Our old grill gave us many happy moments with friends and family.  Today, we said goodbye to it and picked up our new edition.

Although it was a bit rainy today, we still made sure to use our new grill.  The whole family is quite happy, and we look forward to many good times with friends and family, new and old!

Before Shabbat, Rabbi Yaffe (from Chabad of the Shoreline) called to say that a family from Providence called him asking if he could help them arrange for a graveside Minyan.  The father of the family, a US veteran, passed away about a year ago.  For whatever reason, Kaddish was never said at the grave.  Rabbi Yaffe wanted to know if I can come, and bring along some friends.

So today, at 1:00pm, Marvin and I went down to the Veterans' Cemetery in Middletown.  Alan also came to do this special Mitzvah.

A nice group of people -- family, friends, and "plain Jews" -- got together to pay their final respects.  I felt like I was doing a double Mitzvah: Helping make the Minyan for Kaddish, and showing gratitude for a veteran who served this great country of ours.

This past Shabbat was truly special.

Firstly, we had a lovely crowd over for "Shabbat in the Spring Garden."  In addition to setting the tables and the decorating the room in true "garden form," Yehudis prepared a stellar menu, including: Garden salad (edible flowers included), corn soup (the first time I had it -- surprisingly good!), chicken with a delicious mushroom sauce, asparagus, zuchinni quiche, and for dessert -- blueberry sorbet.  Sounds good, eh?

[My brother] Moshe came up from Yeshiva in NY for Shabbat, along with three of his friends -- Aryeh, Shimon, and Yisroel.  They added a very nice element, and much liveliness.

We had a nice size Minyan on Shabbat morning, with lots of insights and discussion. During the Kiddush, we sang many songs and the boys each shared some "words of wisdom."  I might record them at a later date.

This morning I am taking Batya to NY in honor of her birthday.  We will visit the Rebbe's Ohel (resting place) , get a bite to eat, visit my father's store, and maybe Crown Heights.  I should be back mid-afternoon, with some time to prepare for Shabbat.

Every Thursday when school is in session, I go down to Middletown for a roundtable Torah discussion at Wesleyan (know as the "Torah Buffet") with a lively group -- students, faculty, and community members.  Today was our last session for this semester.

With the help of this group and other friends, we have plans to expand our activities on campus.  Every time I am there, I am amazed at the number of beautiful "wandering souls" at Wesleyan.  I know they can benefit from a greater offering of Jewish programs.

It seems as though every week, I am stopped by a student with a question in some area of Judaism.  Who knows?  If we are more present, maybe more souls will get their answers...

Today is the fifth day of the month of Iyar.  In two months, my family and I will commemorate the sixth Yahrtzeit of my Zaidy, my mother's father.

After his passing, we dedicated three special programs in his memory: Hot Food/Warm Words (delivering nourishment and encouragement to anyone who might need it), a special Annual Lecture Series (usually on a topic related to self-improvement), and a Judaic Library.

These tributes seemed to be most appropriate as my Zaidy, "Rabbi Wilhelm," was always concerned with helping others, especially in material -- and food -- matters.  Also, my siblings and I always remember him sitting and reading or studying.

When we built the Chabad Jewish Center, a nice room was set aside for "The Zaidy Wilhelm Memorial Library."  With so many other good things going on, it has yet to been filled and dedicated.

My goal is to have this special library up and running by his Yahrtzeit.  The way we are going to do this is by asking people to dedicate a book or books (for $36), a shelf (for $500), or an entire bookcase (for $1,800).

This is a big Mitzvah for the community, as many local people will benefit from this collection.  It is also a project that is very close to my heart.  I hope people will respond generously.

The first Sage mentioned by name in the Book of Ethics is "Shimon the Righteous."  Who, exactly, was this man?  Here are some highlights:

* He served as leader of the "Sanhedrin" (Central Council of Rabbis)

* He served as High Priest in the Holy Temple for 40 years!

* When Alexander the Great came towards Jerusalem, Shimon, wearing the priestly garb, went out to greet him.  Upon seeing Shimon, Alexander bowed.  His servants asked him: "Should a king like you bow to this Jew?"  Alexander replied: "Whenever I go out to battle, I see his image and I am victorious..."  [From the Talmud, Yuma 69b]

* During the 40 years in which he served as Kohen Gadol, the lot inscribed "to G-d" always came up in his right hand (considered a good omen).

* During these 40 years, the strip of red-dyed wool tied to the "Azazel" goat would turn white (a sign of Divine forgiveness).

* During these 40 years, the western lamp of the Menorah would always remain lit the longest, although it was lit first.

* On Yom Kippur of the year he died, Shimon said: "This year, I will pass on.  Every other year, an old man dressed in white would great me as I entered the Holy of Holies.  He would enter and exit with me.  Today, the old man was dressed in black.  While he enter with me, he did not exit with me.  After Sukkot, he fell in for seven days and passed away.

* Shimon was the last Kohen Gadol to preside over the pronunciation of the "Tetragrammaton" (Hashem's Name).  [Yuma 39]