Our week started off with devastating news that six hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were murdered by Hamas in cold blood, after surviving terrible conditions in their captivity for over 330 days. Not to mention the additional four Israeli police and IDF officers that were killed that same day in different terror attacks. 
There is something so helpless about knowing what torture and terror these fellow Jews are being put through — as we speak!!! and yet it feels there’s so little that me and you can do about it. 
For many this week felt like another October 7 magnitude blow and it’s really put many of us in a downer. 
It’s for this reason that I want to talk about something that might bring a little comfort, a little light, something the Jewish people ought to be very proud of. 
Right before the school year started, we welcomed our daughter Rochelle back from the 7 weeks she spent in the famed “heaven on earth” known as Camp HASC in upstate New York. 
A fifty year-old institution that provides volunteer opportunities to Jewish young adults to be counselors for a 300 camper camp of children and adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities. 
For Mussie and I, not only is the respite from the incredibly demanding job of parenting a child with special needs, a tremendous help, it is also incredibly invigorating and emotional to watch our precious daughter being loved on, and cared for, and truly seen for what she is; a special, beautiful, fun, vivacious, curious, unstoppable, friend. 
More than anything, in Camp HASC, the children are viewed more than skin-deep. They are viewed as the souls that are deep inside, because all our souls are actually the same. We might be covered with different skin tones, intelligence levels, and social classes, but inside, our souls are identical, as they all come from the same source, and are literally a piece of G-d. 
When we visited her there this summer, it felt like we were walking on hallowed grounds. In a place that is all about viewing the other as the soul they really are, and all day this is being tried, tested and put to action, that is what you will feel.
At the same time as we found out the news about the murdered hostages, we received a gift from Rochelle’s counselors. A beautiful pillow with a picture of them together that made her smile from ear to ear. Although she can't vocally articulate, and it may be hard to know how much she understands right now, the amount of times she snuck a peek at the picture, and the huge smiles that followed told us all we needed to know.
We are so grateful that she had that experience, as a precious human that deserves respect, care, friendship, and an incredible summer, and so proud of our Jewish family that looks out for each other and creates programs such as these to take care of families like these and children and adults that need these services.​

During these final weeks of the summer before Rosh Hashanah, we read the last section of the Torah, in the book of Devarim. There, as the Jewish people prepare to enter the Holy Land with Joshua, Moses offers his final address. 
The Kabalsitic book of Zohar and Hasidisim teaches that Moses' true role is to nurture his people's faith, instilling in them a deep understanding of and unwavering commitment to G-d and His purpose for them.
We therefore find in his farewell speech that Moses reminds the people that even though they are entering the Promised Land, challenges will still arise. He says, “You shall know in your heart that just as a man chastises his son, so does the L-rd, your G-d, chastise you.”
Moses wants the people to understand that even in difficult times, they must remember that they are G-d’s chosen and treasured people, and He is always with them.
So, what should they do when faced with challenges that shake their faith, such as seeing the wicked prosper or flawed ideologies gaining popularity. How could they reconcile that with their belief? 
Moses offers a simple answer: “G-d is testing you to determine whether you truly love Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
When we witness a lack of the Divine favor we assume is owed to those who follow G-d's will, our faith can be tested. Voices from both within and outside mock what seems like a naïve belief. The Rebbe explains that in these moments, when G-d's presence seems hidden, it is because He wants to bring us into a closer, more intense relationship with Him. To maintain our faith during these tests, we must draw on deeper levels of commitment than usual.
Once we pass the test, its purpose is fulfilled, and our once-hidden, deep connection with G-d becomes our new, everyday consciousness. What better way to prepare for the High Holidays, then by exploring and enhancing our faith in G-d.

Last Shabbos, we held our first services at our new location—a significant milestone and an exciting time for the Jewish community in South Dakota.
The morning service, the Torah reading, musaf, and the Kiddush lunch that followed, were well enjoyed and full of inspiration. The community prayed, sang, and shared a meal as we celebrated anniversaries and welcomed Jewish traveling guests from Chicago and Israel. 
One of the special highlights of Shabbos lunch is always the Grace After Meals, commonly known by its Yiddish term, "bentching."
This practice of thanking G-d after meals originates from this week’s Torah portion, where Moses tells the Children of Israel that G-d will bring them into the Holy Land—a land of wheat and barley, vines and figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey—where they will lack nothing.
Moses reminds them always to be grateful for their blessings and to thank G-d for providing them: "V’achalta v’savata, u’verachta es Hashem Elokecha"—"You will eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless the L-rd, your G-d, for the good land He has given you."
The bentching consists of four primary blessings — the first instituted by Moses himself in the desert, the second by Joshua when the Children of Israel ate from the first harvest after entering the Holy Land, the third by Kings David and Solomon, and the fourth by the Sages in mishnaic times.
For over three thousand years, whenever Jews come together to eat, we give thanks G-d. This has also been key to our identity as Jews, always remembering to be grateful, and recognizing that our achievements and prosperity are not the result of “my strength and the might of my hand,” but rather “it is He that gives you strength to make wealth.”
We hope you'll join us for Kiddush and lunch at this week’s Shabbat service, and together, we'll bentch and celebrate!

This week we read in the Torah how Balak, the king of Moab, summons the prophet Balaam to curse the people of Israel. Balaam attempts to pronounce his curses; each time, blessings issue forth instead, and he says:
“How can I curse whom G-d has not cursed, and how can I invoke wrath if the L-rd has not been angered? For from their beginning, I see them as mountain peaks, and I behold them as hills; it is a nation that will dwell alone, and will not be reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:8-9)
Reading these verses reminded me of two conversations the Rebbe had on the topic of the people of Israel being "a nation that dwells alone...,” one with Yitzhak Rabin, and one with social critic, author and professor, Harvey Swados. 
Rabin recalled how the Rebbe spoke with him about his position as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, and Israel's position on the world stage, and quoted this verse reminding Rabin that while Israel may have friends, they still would still be “alone” and looked at differently. There was something to embrace about this. During their conversation, the Rebbe explained that what historically kept the people of Israel “alone” was a result of both the positive aspects of Judaism, our faith, and our commitment, as well as the negative forces of Jew-hatred, which helped quell assimilation and kept us together as a people. (Watch Rabin retell it here). 
The conversation with Swados took an interesting turn. What follows are notes taken by Swados, published by the New York Times, read the full piece here:
“...Earlier, you asked me about the future of Judaism. Suppose I ask you how you explain the past, the survival of Judaism over three millennia.”
“Well,” I said a bit uneasily, “the negative force of persecution has certainly driven people together who might otherwise disintegrate. I'm not certain that the disappearance of that persecution, whether through statehood in Israel or through the extension of democracy in this country, wouldn't weaken or destroy what you think of as Jewishness.”
“Do you really think that only a negative force unites the little tailor in Melbourne and the Rothschild in Paris?” the Rebbe asked me.
“I wouldn't deny the positive aspects of Judaism.”
“Then suppose that scientific inquiry and historical research lead you to conclude that factors which you might regard as irrational have contributed to the continuity of Judaism. Wouldn't you feel logically bound to acknowledge the power of the irrational, even though you declined to embrace it?”
The conversations the Rebbe had with Rabin and Swados give us so much to think about. In the meantime, let's embrace our beautiful heritage by deepening our Jewish education, and strengthen our observance of Torah and Mitzvahs so we can live our faith with pride. 

This Tuesday marks the 30th yahrzeit of the Rebbe, on the Jewish calendar the date is Gimmel Tammuz. Scripture records it as the day Joshua stopped the sun from setting. 
I was a young child when I met the Rebbe, but my worldview continues to be shaped by him. This week is an appropriate time to reflect and share inspiration from the Rebbe and his teachings.
The Rebbe spoke about our times being the “Jet Age,” where progress can happen faster than previously imagined, and we can appreciate how each moment is of the essence. He explained that the discovery and development of nuclear energy demonstrates that what once seemed impossible or could take decades to accomplish, can happen instantly and with massive impact. The same can be said more recently about AI. While these abilities always existed, they were just not discovered and realized until now. 
The same is true not only about our spiritual life journey and accomplishments but also our practical capabilities. The Rebbe showed us how to live a higher reality—the true reality—without being tied down by self-imposed restraints and societal constraints.
Once, when a felon recently released from prison told the Rebbe that he was having a hard time getting over his past and incarceration, the Rebbe encouraged him to put it behind him: “It is soon Passover,” the Rebbe said, “If the Jews have gotten past Egypt, it is time for you to get past prison. And even if it is difficult, try your best.”
When we try our best, we are guaranteed to see successful results. Not only because of the effort we put in but because we can tap into the spiritual “nuclear energy” that can propel us even further than we imagined.
Consider the following:

• That a Jew who has not been involved with Judaism in decades, who may have never had a bar or bat mitzvah and can't recognize the alef beis, would still feel a strong sense of spiritual connection and devotion to Yiddishkeit, defies reason and the laws of nature.
• That a young observant couple can relocate to a secular college town where they live differently than everyone else, and within a short time be the home for the hundreds of Jewish students on campus, defies reason and the laws of nature.
• That a people who have been oppressed and subjugated for millennia, can stand strong and proud, continuing their faith, traditions and identity, defies reason and the laws of nature. 
• That in 2024 one can believe in the eternal truths of the Torah and live by them, defies reason and the laws of nature. 
• That all humanity can recognize the purpose G-d has in our creation and that of the entire universe, and live a life of morals and values filled with goodness and kindness, defies reason and the laws of nature. 

Yet, it is happening. The Rebbe believed this was possible, and demonstrated that all this, and more, can be accomplished. Not by defying nature, but by digging deeper within nature itself and revealing its truest essence. When the Rebbe first told us this, some couldn’t see it. But now we are living it. I call this a Moshiach reality, by recognizing the miracle that is. When we do, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
The Rebbe often cited this teaching from Maimonides. Although I’m not good with the data, it may even be the teaching he cited most often altogether:
“One should always look at himself and the world as equally balanced between merit and the opposite, if he performs one mitzvah, he tips his balance and that of the entire world to the side of merit and brings deliverance and salvation to himself and others.” 
The Rebbe urged us to recognize not only the enormous potential we have but also the responsibility and mandate we bear. By unlocking the nuclear energy we all posses and living in that Moshiach reality, it can be done. Now it is up to you and me to tip the balance of the universe.
Today the sun is shining brightly. We are fortunate to live in the Rebbe’s time.

This Sunday is Lag Ba'omer. It is a festive day of Jewish unity and pride. We celebrate it with Kabalistic study, as well as outings, bonfires, BBQ's, parades, live music and other joyous methods.
The background story of this holiday recounts a terrible epidemic that raged in the land of Israel amongst the students of the great sage Rabbi Akiva (50-135 CE), resulting in the untimely passing of 24,000 people. Finally on Lag B'omer the plague ended.
In describing the devastation of this plague, and the time period leading up to the death of these thousands of scholars, the Talmud tells us “they did not act respectfully towards each other.”
As committed disciples of Rabbi Akiva they were each convinced that their understanding and approach to his teachings was the correct one. With their strong opinions, they lacked civility amongst each other, and left no possible room for the other.
The lesson this story teaches us is clear, and very necessary. We need to realize that those who view things differently than us are not necessarily evil, immoral or unintelligent. They may simply have a different perspective or understanding.
Today more than ever, we must be respectful, and indeed love, those with whom we even have profound disagreements. This becomes even more significant when we remember that it was none-other than Rabbi Akiva himself who taught us that  “‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ is the great principle of the Torah.” 
Oh, and one small additional benefit- you may actually learn a new perspective from them and them from you.

Do you ever think it's too late to do what you wanted? To complete your bucket list? To achieve those important goals?
Next week, we will mark the Jewish holiday known as Pesach Sheni, or Second Passover. It commemorates the Biblical story of a group of Israelites who were unable to participate in the Passover ceremonies. They approached Moses saying "Why should we be excluded?"
They could have just moved on with their life and waited until the next year to do Passover. But that wasn't good enough for them. They wanted to do it now, and be included in the festivities just like the rest of the community.
Moses in turn brings this question before G-d, who grants them another opportunity.
Every word in the Torah is true and everlasting. Every verse and story is not just a matter of history, but a practical lesson and instruction to be applied in our daily life. This beautiful story teaches us that no matter what, it is never too late to make things right. Even when errors were done deliberately, or opportunities were missed purposely, one can correct it. As long as we are sincere, there is always a second chance.

The secret of Chabad was written 3336 years ago on a piece of parchment in the desert. We read it this week in the Torah, when told to “love your fellow as yourself.” Rabbi Akiva called it “a major principle of the Torah.”
The Torah is a book of commandments, not suggestions. Yet, this seems contrary to human nature. How can one be instructed to “love” another “as yourself”? Love is an emotion, a feeling, and is not something that can be commanded.
This challenge led to various interpretations among commentators. Some suggest that the mitzvah is not on our emotions but about our actions, urging us to treat others as we would want to be treated, seeking their well-being as fervently as our own. To echo Hillel, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.”
However, every word in the Torah is precise and eternal. And the Torah does not merely instruct us to treat others as we would treat ourselves; it explicitly commands us to love them as ourselves.
Hasidic philosophy offers insight: the difficulty in loving one’s fellow arises when we see them as physical beings, separate from us. Yet, if we delve beyond their physicality, and see the soul, recognize the divine spark within them, we realize they are actually not “someone else”; rather, spiritually, we are both an extension of G-d. In essence, loving them equates to loving a part of ourselves, akin to one limb of our body cherishing another.
As one scholar paraphrased, a healthy body is one where every part works in harmony. Likewise, a healthy Jewish people is one big, caring family where each individual loves the other like his or her own self. Where one Jew faces rough times and the others hold his hands. Where one meets good fortune and all of us celebrate. Where each runs to do an act of kindness for the other, and shuts his or her eyes and ears to the other’s shame.
Love for those closest to home nurtures love for the extended family of humanity, and from there, love for all G‑d’s creatures. But if love doesn’t start at home, from where will it come?
Some three hundred years ago, in a small town in Russia, the Baal Shem Tov taught that “A soul enters this world for seventy or eighty years just to do a favor for another.” If we can live this today, just imagine how much better the world would be. Let’s look at our fellow for who they really are, the very essence of their soul, and then we can truly love the other, just as ourselves, as the Torah commands.

A highlight of the Seder is always the children asking, “Why is this night different?”
In South Dakota, we are blessed that children in Gan have spent several weeks preparing for Passover, and amidst a packed community Seder with over 100 souls, there will be seventeen children proudly singing the Mah Nishtanah this evening.
Education is crucial, especially at a time like this. That's why Chabad places such a strong emphasis on education. We should never be afraid to learn, to ask, and to explore. In the words of the Sages, “A bashful person cannot learn, neither can a short-tempered teach.”
Last year at the Seder, after we sang Vehi Sheamda and recalled how “in each generation they rise to destroy us, but You save us,” someone asked me why it was still necessary to include that passage in the Seder service. In years gone by, this made sense, but now in the 2020s, when the world was more humane and enlightened, it seemed outdated and irrelevant.
Unfortunately, this year we will be reciting this passage with greater understanding, but so too will the final words and crescendo of the Haggadah, “Next year in Jerusalem,” be said with greater fervor and more relevance than ever.
Passover recalls how G-d took us out of Egypt and began the journey leading us to the Holy Land of Israel. It is G-d who created the universe and decided to gift the land to us. Nothing can ever change that. That's why this has been on the lips and in the hearts of all Jewish people ever since. As our sages tell us, in each generation, we are obligated to consider ourselves as if we personally left Egypt.
We can never forget our beginning and how grateful we are to Hashem for making us a free people; to be His people. That is what the Seder service is about. Not grievances at those who wronged us. That won’t get us anywhere. But recognizing the great blessings and privileges we as Jews have received, and continue to receive, despite hardships we encounter along the way.
This is a timely and reassuring message, especially when we look around and see what is going on in the world around us. We must remember that just as it was during the Exodus of Egypt that G-d Himself redeemed us from subjugation to freedom – '”I and not an angel, I and not a messenger, I, and none other than I” – so too, we will merit in our times, that G-d will be with us to take us out of our personal exiles, and ultimately redeem us all from exile into redemption with the coming of Moshiach.
May you be blessed with a joyful Pesach, and merit the true meaning and celebration of “a time of freedom” – free from all worries, concerns and personal limitations, and with good health, happiness and prosperity. 
Next year in Jerusalem!

Today marks the 122nd birthday of the Rebbe. This day is commemorated with intensified Torah study, and increased charitable acts. It is recognized annually as Education & Sharing Day by the President of the United States.
The Rebbe lived through the horrors of Stalinism, communism, and Nazism, witnessing the worst humanity has to offer. Yet he never lost hope in a brighter future. 

In a letter penned on his 53rd birthday, to Israel’s 2nd president Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, the Rebbe wrote: “From the day I went to cheder (Jewish elementary school), and even before that, the vision of the future redemption began to take shape in my imagination—the redemption of the Jewish people from their final exile. A redemption of such magnitude through which the purpose of their suffering, the harsh decrees and persecution of exile will be understood.”
It is this sense of hope, and the possibility of realizing a world where, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “swords will be turned into plowshares,” that the Rebbe not only lived himself, but urged us all, and demonstrated how, we can experience. If only we opened our eyes.

Today, as we celebrate the Rebbe’s birthday, our brethren in Israel face renewed threats of annihilation and increasing international isolation. Just last week the world watched in horror as the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by its evil Ayatollah and cheered on by Jew-haters around the world, attempted to unleash fire and brimstone upon Israel, launching some 300 ballistic missiles and drones laden with explosives. 

Yet, what unfolded was nothing short of miraculous. No lives were lost, and the damage was minimal.

It reminded me of when another evil tyrant, Saddam Hussein, threatened the Holy Land with chemical warfare. In 1990, as the world trembled with apprehension, one lone voice offered confidence and hope. 

From Chabad Headquarters in New York, the Rebbe cited the Biblical verse “the Land of Israel upon which G-d’s Eyes are watching from the beginning of the year to the end of the year” and “the guardian of Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers.” He confidently reassured the world that since that’s what G-d promised, that’s what will be.

He also quoted an ancient Jewish passage that predicted a time when “the nations of the world will threaten each other... The king of Persia will provoke the king of Arabia, and the nations will be thrown into turmoil. Israel, too, will be in turmoil and terror, and will cry: `Where shall we go? What shall we do?'  And G‑d will say to them: `My children, do not fear! All that I have done, I have done for your sake. Do not fear, for the time of your redemption has come...’”

Remarkable footage captured individuals seeking the Rebbe's counsel during those uncertain times. Parents whose children were studying abroad in Israel asked if they should bring them back home, couples who had planned trips to Israel asked if they should cancel them, and a mother whose daughter was in Israel was terrified for her well-being and sought reassurance. To each one, the Rebbe confidently reassured them that Israel was safe and they should not fear to proceed with their plans. “Don’t even tell anyone you thought about not going,” the Rebbe said to one woman.

This also hits close to home very personally. During the height of Saddam’s threats, in January 1991, Mussie as an infant, traveled with her mother to Israel, with the Rebbe’s blessing. 

Just like it was then, when tremendous miracles occurred, the same happened this week. Truly miracles in our times.
There is much to admire about the Rebbe. But perhaps more than anything, the Rebbe’s broad shoulders and the personal responsibility he took for the well-being of others, is the most remarkable and inspiring aspect we can appreciate. He addressed the issues of the day in the most relevant and timely manner and provided guidance to a generation so perplexed. With his deep commitment to Torah and unwavering trust in the eternal word of G-d, he infused faith in a people, comforted the broken, and projected a realistic sense of calm and tranquility.  
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The Rebbe showed us how we can free ourselves of our self-imposed restraints and society-imposed constraints, and vigorously urged us all to open our eyes to see G-d's miracles and experience the future redemption. Today on his birthday, let’s live just one step higher. It is time we open our eyes.​