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.
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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:
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. 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. This week, we mourn the passing of Joe Lieberman. He served four terms as U.S. senator from Connecticut and in 2000 was nominated for vice-president on the Democratic Party ticket, becoming the first Jewish candidate to represent a national party platform. Like many Jews, I will never forget seeing that make headlines.
Much has been written about his policies, and tributes have poured in from allies and rivals, all of whom recognize his uniqueness as a decent and honorable man, dedicated to his faith, family and country, and a staunch advocate for the Jewish people and Israel. The part of his story I would like to highlight today is that Joe Lieberman was also a very proud and observant Jew. As a man who kept Shabbat, there was a time he famously walked five miles from his home in Georgetown to Capitol Hill for an emergency vote on a Saturday. Less known is that he also kept kosher, wrapped tefillin every weekday morning, prayed three times daily, and regularly studied the weekly Torah portion. He was a regular synagogue attendee, and even during the busy campaign seasons, everyone knew that on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, he would not be on the trail, but at services. He had a deep commitment to Torah observance, and he showed all of us that it’s really possible. In a public address several years ago, he related a humorous anecdote about how he managed to keep kosher while campaigning for vice president, and even while traveling abroad. “When I traveled, the Secret Service kept my hotel location classified for security reasons. Yet somehow, in city after city, when I arrived at the secret location, there was a kosher meal waiting for me there from the local Chabad.” Lieberman said he was never sure how Chabad accomplished that; did they have a connection at the CIA, or perhaps his mother told her Chabad rabbi where her son was going? His life and dedication can be a good lesson to all of us. We are not being asked to walk five miles to keep Shabbat, nor do we need to perform security gymnastics to keep kosher. Let us honor his memory by doing an additional mitzvah. This week let's be like Joe. This Sunday, we will celebrate Purim and read the Megillah. The two most famous words in the Megillah are “venahpoch hu - it was reversed,” alluding to the overturning of Haman’s genocidal decree against the Jews. More broadly, these words encapsulate the essence of the Purim miracle when everything was turned upside down.
It was these words that came to mind this week when I read a letter from over 1000 Jewish Hollywood figures, proudly standing up in defense of the Jewish people and steadfastly refusing to renounce or refute their Judaism. This stands in stark contrast to the actions of three infamous university presidents who couldn't bring themselves to condemn calls for the genocide of Jews. The irony that there could be more moral clarity and human decency in Hollywood than in today's academia, which clearly suffers from moral decay and ethical erosion, certainly took me by surprise. But then again, if that isn’t an example of “venahpoch hu,” I don’t know what is. Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi explained that Haman’s genocidal decree had an interesting loophole. If Jews renounced their faith and identity as “Mordecai's people,” Haman would leave them alone. Yet, remarkably, not one Jew even considered the option! This profound sense of faith and commitment stemmed from Esther, who risked her life to approach the king. Contrary to what may have seemed more rational, popular, or less risky behavior, Esther didn't abandon or refute her Judaism; she stood firm. As Mordechai told her, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and rescue will arise for the Jews from elsewhere, and you and your father's household will perish; and who knows whether it was for a time such as this that you ascended to the throne.” The lesson for us from Esther is clear. When we find ourselves at a crossroads or facing an important decision, where proudly expressing true Jewish values matters most, we must realize that we may have been gifted with our unique set of talents and abilities specifically “for a time such as this.” It might just be the very thing that you or I say or do at that moment, that will prove to be pivotal and alter the course of history. Queen Esther requested we read the Megillah on the 14th of Adar. Her wish has been honored by the Jewish people ever since, and the Book of Esther is included in the canon of our sacred texts. Join us on Sunday, March 22nd, the 14th of Adar, and hear the Megillah just as Esther requested. I recently participated in the signing of a bill that will make it easier for South Dakota law enforcement to hold antisemites accountable. Though anyone can stand in the street and say whatever they’d like, HB1076 makes it easier to protect Jews in our state from hateful conduct.
If sometime in the future, a Jewish child in South Dakota will be safer and more protected, it will be because of this bill. That is why I wholeheartedly supported it and am grateful to the South Dakota legislature for their overwhelming and bipartisan support, and to Governor Noem for making it a top priority this session. Will it destroy the haters and completely eradicate antisemitism? Unfortunately not. So what, if anything, can be done to stop Jew hatred? Some argue we should be less visible and hide our mezuzahs, megillas and menorahs. Others suggest we need to be less supportive of our brothers and sisters in Israel and that Israel should defend itself less, to pacify and win over the rest of the world. The news and rhetoric today can be frustrating and isolating. During the time of the Purim miracle Jews were threatened with genocide by the evil Haman. It all changed when Mordechai met a group of children and asked them what they learned that day, and they began reciting verses of Torah to him. It was at that moment that Mordechai knew the Jewish people would be okay. When there is proper Jewish education, there are knowledgeable Jews. When there are knowledgeable Jews, there are proud Jews, and where there are proud Jews there is a Jewish future. Incidentally, it was at that moment that Haman also knew that, try as he might, he would not succeed in getting rid of the Jews. When it comes to finding a career and making a living, we understand this idea well; if we want our children to succeed we must provide them with an education. We know this for their lifestyle and hobbies too. A parent recently told me they want their child to show an interest in soccer. So they started showing soccer games and championships on their TV screen at home and hope will build an interest in the child to sign up for the neighborhood soccer team. The same applies to Jewish identity and lifestyle. When a child can hold a siddur the right way up and read the Torah in its original Hebrew, they will be passionate as a teen and adult to attend services and participate in Torah classes. If they introduce themselves to their college friends as a proud Jew, it will only happen if they've been educated as one. This is also our best weapon against antisemitism, as we say in the Passover Haggadah “In every generation they rise up to destroy us, but the Torah that has stood by our ancestors and for us, and You (G-d) save us from them.” Yes, we must always do what we can to ensure hateful perpetrators are held accountable, but as individual Jews, we can’t forget that the most important thing is to focus on and invest in Jewish education. Imagine what the Jewish community would look like if every dollar spent on educating the world about antisemitism was spent instead on educating Jews about Judaism; Jewish education. Think about the astonishing fact that you and I are here today as Jews continuing our 3,500 year old heritage and tradition. Answer these questions to yourself Who are we? What in fact is our heritage and tradition? What makes us Jewish? The “Chosen People”? What is our purpose here on earth? What is our privilege and responsibility as a Jew in 2024? When we have a good sense of our Jewish identity, we may not be able to change the haters, but we will accomplish something far greater: We will have changed ourselves in ways that the antisemite will no longer be able to instill fear in us as they did before. When we are fully confident and proud of who we are, much of the antisemitism won’t matter anymore. And if there is indeed any way to change how others look at Jews, this itself might be the best approach after all. In the words of the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, "Non-Jews respect Jews who respect Judaism." |
Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz BlogServing the spiritual needs of the South Dakota Jewish community. Based in Sioux Falls and travels the state. Archives
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