Anthony’s Jewish “Roommate”

This piece is dedicated to Akiva, who reminded me to start writing again.

A few years ago, a Chabad rabbi entered a local computer repair shop to solicit an ad for a Jewish art calendar that he was going to publish. When the proprietor saw that the calendar was published by Chabad, he said, I love Chabad! I’ll do an ad with you!

* * *

25 years earlier, Anthony was minding his own business on a cold winter evening in downtown New Haven, when he was approached by a Yeshiva student.

Excuse me sir, are you Jewish?

No, but my roommate is!

It’s Chanukah tonight. Do you know if he has a Menorah?

No, I’m quite sure he does not.

Here, give this to him, and tell him to light it!

The Yeshiva student handed him a box that included a tin Menorah, a box of candles, and instructions. Anthony thought it was really nice of Chabad to extend themselves to others in this manner.

* * *

Time passed.

Anthony met a nice Jewish girl, they decided to marry, with the understanding that he would first convert. He began to attend classes, until one day when his grandmother called him and explained that it wasn’t necessary.

I’m Jewish, she said. So is your mother, and so are you. After the war, we’d decided to keep it under wraps…

* * *

Now, Yeshiva students visit Anthony regularly. He has Mezuzahs on his doors, his own pair of Tefillin, and a growing personal library of Jewish books that he reads, saving his questions for the next Jew that enters his shop.

* * *

Spread the light. Shabbat Shalom, Chodesh Tov, and happy Chanukah!

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Can You Cash In Your Treasure Today?

By Y.Y. Hodakov

The so-called “Nazi gold train” is in the news again, as actual excavation was begun at the site where some believe the train is buried.

What’s in it for me (the news story, not the gold)?

* * *

First, a quote from “Hayom Yom”, 2 Elul: The Jewish people are called “a cherished land,” (Malachi 3:12) for they possess many precious qualities… But like treasures buried in the earth, the revelation of these positive qualities depends solely upon the person who evokes them. It is obvious that springs of fresh water exist in all parts of the earth. The difference lies only in how close or far they are from the surface. If so, everything depends on the digger and his patience and deliberateness.

* * *

Secondly, a quote from this week’s Torah portion, the paragraph of Shema (Vo’eschanan, 6:6): “These words, which I command you on this day, shall be upon your heart”.

Rashi explains that the approach to Torah and its Mitzvos must be as something that G-d gives us “on this day”, today, the day on which you are reading this. They should not appear to you as an antiquated edict, but as a new one, which everyone hastens to read!

The Talmud (Eruvin 22a) expounds, “This day” you are to do them, but you cannot postpone doing them for tomorrow; this day you are in a position to do them, and “tomorrow” is reserved for receiving reward for doing them.

* * *

Every day, G-d presents us with opportunities to connect with Him, and with our deepest, truest self. We should know that this treasure exists, and it is real. We should do the work it takes to discover, uncover, and utilize the treasures buried within us and in His world (deep, though, they might seem to be). And, we should do it today.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

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Stop Trying To Be Different!

Stop Trying To Be Different!

By Y.Y. Hodakov

A father was giving his son advice. “When you look for a soulmate, try to find someone who comes from a similar background, enjoys the same food, music and books as you do, and, of course, shared ideals and goals. The more the two of you have in common, the better.”

“That’s so old fashioned”, said the boy. “Today everyone knows that opposites attract.”

“Son”, said the father, “you’re a boy, and she’s a girl. That’s all the opposite you need!”

* * *

Somewhere in the old country, a rabbi passed away, and his son was invited to take his place. The new rabbi had his own style, his own way of doing things.

Some of the community leaders expressed their concern that these changes were a show of disrespect to the old rabbi. The young rabbi insisted he was behaving exactly as his father did. As time went on, and it was very obvious that he was doing things quite differently than his father, they again approached him, only to elicit the same response.

Finally, challenged him with specifics, pointing out exactly what his father did, and what he was doing differently. The rabbi explained, “My father didn’t copy anyone else, and neither do I!”

* * *

In this week’s Torah portion, Nasso, we read of the gifts that the leaders of the tribes brought to inaugurate the Mishkan, the sanctuary in the desert. Each leader brought the exact same items as the others. Yet, rather than summarizing that they each brought these very same gifts, the Torah enumerates each one individually, in all its detail.

Why?

Our sages explain that although the physical objects that they brought were identical, the manner in which they brought them was unique, and individual. In representing their own tribe, each leader came with their own personality, feeling, and intent.

* * *

You want to be different? Stop trying so hard.

On the outside, you might be saying the same prayer, studying the same text, and doing the same Mitzvah as the person next to you. However, if you fully invest yourself – your own, true entire self – in what you’re doing, you are already unique, just by being who you are.

Shabbat Shalom.

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If You Want, He'll Get You There

By Y.Y. Hodakov

"If You Want, He'll Get You There" -By Y.Y. Hodakov
Last Thursday night, after I was done with my local Lag Ba’omer activities and responsibilities, I visited the Ohel.

(Lag BaOmer is a special day to have prayers heard, especially at a holy site, especially at the resting place of righteous men who continue bringing the teachings and inspiration of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai - whose life we celebrate on Lag Ba’Omer - to the world).
On the way there, I considered how fortunate I have been during the past 16 years, being able to conveniently hop into a car at the end of a day, visit the Rebbe's Ohel, and be back home within a few hours. At the same time, I came to the realization that as I will soon be moving, and I will not be able to come here as easy, or as often.
This was on my mind and weighing heavily on my heart, as I arrived at the Ohel, and was pleasantly surprised to meet "Eli", a friend of mine from Israel.
We "Farbrenged" a bit, and I asked him how he managed to come here so often. He told me that somehow, things work out. In fact, he had not even planned to be here at this time, but - paraphrasing Ezekiel 8:3 - "G-d took me by a lock of my hair, and a wind picked me up between the earth and between the heaven, and it brought me here".
Then, he shared the following story.
Ten members of a community near his were planning to be here for Lag Baomer, to pray at this holy site on this special day. On the Shabbos prior, a festive Kiddush was being hosted in their honor, "to see them off".
Eli attended, and happened to be sitting next to the patron who was subsidizing the trip. At some point in the afternoon, after a few Lechayims, soul-stirring Chassidic melodies, and real camaraderie, the patron turned to him and said, “Eli, I’m sponsoring 10, it may as well be 11. Go along with them, I’ll pay for your trip!”
* * *
I know that it will not be as easy for me to come here once I move. Yet, as Eli’s story reminded me, G-d will always provide us with opportunities to do the things that we want to do, and to be where we want to be.
* * *
For more information about the Ohel, please visit: www.OhelChabad.org

Do You Hear the Helicopter?

By Y.Y. Hodakov

This past Shabbos afternoon, Rosh Chodesh Nissan, two sixteen year old girls on a Shabbaton with their high school at a Florida resort went missing. Even when they were finally spotted late Sunday morning, it took rescue teams a couple of hours to cut through the thicket to reach them and bring them to safety.

The fact that these girls were found, so soon, virtually unharmed, is a miracle.

One need only think of the unthinkable fears that went through people’s minds when they first heard the news, imagine what other possible mishaps the girls might have experienced in the woods, or talk to people familiar with the real dangers of the terrain, to appreciate how thankful and joyful we must be.

What kept them going through their ordeal?

According to reports, the girls were constantly hopeful, because they trusted that they were being looked for, especially when they heard the sound of the helicopter flying above them.

*

Sometimes we feel like we are facing darkness in life’s forest, feeling threatened by its challenges. We hold out by knowing that we are being looked out for. In every situation, He is up there, keeping an eye on us.

But sometimes, we may wonder. We look up to the heavens and ask G-d for a sign. Please, we pray, let me know that You’re there for me, let me know that You’re here, with me. Can’t You give me a sign?

That’s the function of miracles.

Every once in a while, G-d shows his hand. Something extraordinary occurs, that reminds us that He’s there, and that He’s been there all along.

Just as the sound of the helicopter encouraged the girls in the forest, their miraculous rescue can serve as the “sound” that encourages us. “Stay put”, he says “I’m coming to you!”

*

Shabbat Shalom.

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Nu? What’s New?

By Y.Y. Hodakov

An old Jewish anecdote tells of a beggar who approaches a fellow leaving the synagogue after morning services.

“Could you spare some change?” He pleads.

“I already gave you a dollar on my way into the synagogue!”

“Please”, the beggar responds, “stop living in the past!”

*

This week, a friend of mine in Israel was invited to attend the Bris (circumcision) of an immigrant from Uzbekistan, who is almost 80 years old. Gregory had only recently discovered that it was still possible for him to be circumcised, and was determined to go through with it, despite his age and physical condition.

After the Bris, when asked how he was feeling, Gregory jubilantly declared, “I feel like a Kosher and happy Jew!”

*

Are you comfortable with the current level of your Jewish learning and living? Does the routine ever begin to feel stale? Or, does it help you feel grounded, secure in your predictable behavior?

This Shabbos, we take out three Torah scrolls.

In the third, we read what is known as “Parshas Hachodesh". It includes the Mitzvah of setting the Jewish calendar, month by month. When the moon is once again visible, having begun its new (= “Chadash”) cycle, the Jewish calendar begins a new month (= “Chodesh”).

Unlike the solar calendar that follows the more routine cycle of the sun, our lunar calendar highlights the need for constant renewal.

Most of us are not called on to face the challenge of considering having a Bris at 80. Yet, we would do well to regularly challenge ourselves to go beyond the comfort zone of what we have already achieved, and infusing our activities with new energy and vitality, reflecting the regular rebirth and renewal of the moon. We can do this by both adding to what we already do, and to infuse our ongoing activities with renewed vigor and energy.

Shabbat Shalom, Chodesh Tov.

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Think You Can't? Think Again!

By Y.Y. Hodakov

I have no idea who my grandfather was talking to on the phone that night, or what the topic of conversation was. All that I remember is hearing him say, in his inimitable tone, Vus Heist Du Kenst Nisht? Un Vus Kenstu Yeh? What do you mean you can’t do it? What are you capable of doing? Without G-d’s help, nothing is possible. With G-d’s help, anything is!

*

Once, the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples were asked to help pull a wagon out of a ditch. When they said they were incapable of doing it, the coachman retorted, “You can, but you don’t want to!”

*

Once, 1^st century sage Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa saw his fellow townsmen going to Jerusalem with various offerings. He wished to do the same, but there was little he could afford. Outside his town, he found a large stone, which he smoothed and polished, but could not possibly move, let alone carry it to Jerusalem. Nor could he afford what average workers would charge to transport it. At some point, five men appeared, and offered to bring the stone to Jerusalem for a nominal fee, as long as he would also put his hand to the stone and help. This he did, and suddenly found himself in Jerusalem. He turned to pay his “helpers”, but they were gone.

*

In this week’s Torah portion, Pekudei, we learn that when the work on the Miskhan (sanctuary) in the desert was completed, they brought it to Moshe.

Throughout their 40 years in the desert, a skilled crew of Levites would dismantle the structure when it was time to travel, and swiftly assemble it once again as soon as they arrived at their next camp site. However, when they first inaugurated the Mishkan, G-d had instructed that Moshe himself put it up.

Moshe was daunted by the size and weight of each of the planks that made up the walls, and he asked G-d, “How is it possible for a human being to erect it?”

G-d replied, “You involve yourself with your hand”, put your hand forward to put it up. It appeared as if he had set it up, but it had stood upright on its own.

*

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life? Are you inundated with seemingly insurmountable tasks?

Do what you can. Put your hand forward. Get involved, and know that G-d will help you succeed beyond what you yourself are capable of.

Shabbat Shalom.

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Related links:

For more about my grandfather, Rabbi C.M.A. Hodakov, click here.

To hear the Rebbe tell the story of the Baal Shem Tov, click here.

Man Thinks. And G-d... Smiles?

By Y.Y. Hodakov

Do you have any great ideas that haven’t yet materialized? Do you ever experience genuine inspiration that doesn’t seem to evolve into something more tangible? Do you ever wonder if sometimes it’s just best to stop dreaming?...

*

There were five frogs sitting on a log. Three decided to jump into the river. How many frogs were left on the log?

Five.

Just because three decided to jump, doesn't mean they did…

* 

Someone once approached the 6th Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn (1880-1950) of blessed memory, with an idea for a project. The Rebbe responded by quoting from Mishlei (Proverbs, 19:21), "There are many thoughts in a man's heart, but G-d's plan, that shall stand".

The Rebbe explained: At times we may have a good idea, but its time has not yet arrived. However, if it is G-d’s plan, this idea will materialize. Eventually, it shall stand. It will come to be.

*

In this week's Torah portion, Vayakhel, we learn about the Mishkan (Sanctuary) that was built in the desert. In measured detail, we learn of its structure, furnishings, and coverings.

We already learned all of this information, as G-d, atop Mount Sinai, instructs Moshe of the plans. Now, however, we learn of Moshe transmitting all this information to the Jewish people, and – subsequent to what was, arguably, the most successful appeal in Jewish history – the Mishkan actually being built.

Why all the extra ink? Could the Torah not simply have stated that Moshe transmitted G-d’s instruction to the Jewish people, and that they built the Mishkan according to His instruction?

One answer is that we are being taught the importance of actually getting things done, in real time. It was not sufficient for an abstract, spiritual Mishkan to be created in a realm where Moshe alone talks to G-d in heaven. A concrete sanctuary for G-d must be made by everyday people, here on earth.

Perhaps, however, there is another answer as well. Perhaps we are being taught that if our intention is pure, if we devote our minds and hearts – indeed, our very selves – to do G-d's work, we will, eventually, succeed in making it happen.

The Torah is not only telling us how important it is to make it happen. The Torah is also teaching us that if we truly want to, we will succeed in making it happen.

Shabbat Shalom. And, if you "Like" it, "Share" it!

Look Again. What Do You See?

I was long overdue for an eye exam, so one morning, as my schedule allowed me to leave work for a little bit, I rushed over to a nearby Sam's Club, and asked if I had to make an appointment, or if they accepted walk-ins as well. The nice fellow behind the desk informed me that this was actually one of only two days of the week that the optometrist came in, and that although the rest of the day was booked solid, the very first appointment was available, right now!

"Wow", I said, "I hope the rest of my day works out as well for me as this did."

"Aren't you a man of G-d?" he retorted. "You should know that everything He sends your way is good. The inconvenient moments are only tests!"

As he began to enter my information into his computer, his phone rang.

"Well", he said as he hung up. "There's your test! The doctor just called to tell us she'd be coming in late today. Would you like to come in next Monday at 2:00?”…

*

At the end of this week’s Torah portion, Ki Sissa, Moshe descends from the mountain with the second set of tablets. Having spent all this time in the presence of G-d, Moshe’s face was so radiant, that the people were afraid to come near him.

The commentators point out the power of sin. A few months prior, these same people stood at Mount Sinai without fear, as the glory of G-d appeared “like a consuming fire atop the mountain”, and now they recoiled in fear from Moshe’s rays of splendor.

It seems that not everyone is able to look at, or see, everything.

*

Although I did not have my eye exam that morning, I was happy for the reminder that we not only need to be able to see, but we need to learn and remember how to look at things as well.

Shabbat Shalom!

Do You Exist In Your Children's Life?

Do you ever wonder if it's worth all the bother?

You invest time, effort, "blood, sweat and tears" to raise your children properly. Yet, their reaction - or lack thereof - might test your patience, and resilience... You want them to behave properly, study well, reach their potential, be all they can be, even (especially?) what you, yourself, could not. Yet, it's a constant struggle, and the results are not always immediately so obvious.

Then, one day, someone casually mentions that they met your child. So sweet, so nice, so kind, so respectful... For a moment, only half in jest, you wonder if they're talking about your kid. Then, it dawns on you, that they might have, indeed, absorbed something after all. And you realize with hope, that as much as you - at one point or another in your life - began to live the ideals that your parents instilled in you, they will, hopefully do the same as well.

Even if they don't know, or acknowledge the role you play in their life, you will always be very much part of it.

* * *
Moshe's name is not mentioned at all in this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh. Yet, in both the content of the Torah portion itself, and in the reasons that his name is missing, his presence cannot be ignored at all. In fact, it is arguably there - where his name is not seen, that his real impact is felt.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

The Trees in Egypt, and Rabbi Gordon

(In honor and in loving memory of Rabbi Yehoshua Binyomin, son of Rabbi Shalom Dovber Gordon, of blessed memory, who passed away on Monday, 29 Shevat, Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar 1, 5776. By an ever-grateful cousin).

In this week’s Torah portion, Terumah, we learn of how G-d instructed Moses to collect materials from the Israelites, with which they would then build a sanctuary, and “He would dwell in their midst”.

Being in the desert, where would they get the wood they needed?

Rashi quotes Rabbi Tanchuma, who explains that our patriarch Jacob foresaw with his holy spirit that the Israelites were destined to build a Sanctuary in the desert, so he brought cedars to Egypt and planted them there, and commanded his sons to take them with them when they left Egypt.

The Rebbe points out that during the 210 years of the Egyptian exile, these trees served as a source of comfort for the Israelites. Throughout the slavery, the Israelites not only knew of the promise of redemption, rather, they had a physical reminder of their true origins, and a tangible source of inspiration and hope for their future redemption.

Rabbi Yehoshua Binyomin Gordon was a “cedar” that the Rebbe “planted” in the Valley. He stood tall and proud, serving as a beacon of inspiration to his “own” community in Encino, as well as to all the communities being served by their own Chabad rabbis under his auspices, in addition to countless other Chabad rabbis whom he mentored, and his thousands of devoted students around the world.

***

The Talmud tells the story of a man who was planting a tree that would take many years to fully bear fruit. When asked if he hoped to live long enough to enjoy the fruit of his labor, he responded that he himself was born to find similar trees ready for him. “As my forefathers planted these for me, so, too, I plant these for my children”.

Rabbi Gordon was a unique, gifted and talented man. He gave of himself. His love and devotion to his own family was boundless. His dedication to his community, his students, and every Jew who came his way was immense.

Ultimately, however, his motivation to serve others was rooted in his own commitment to those who came before him. He was dedicated to the Rebbe, his teachings, and his mission. He drew on the influence of his parents and predecessors.

Rabbi Gordon gave of himself to others, invested so much in the future of the Jewish people, because he, himself, appreciated, was connected to, and was deeply rooted in the past. When one has a genuine appreciation of the past, he is concerned with, and invests the effort for the future.

***

As we read the Torah portion of Terumah, may we internalize its eternal messages, and create inner, personal “sanctuaries” that radiate holiness, positively impacting those around us. May we draw strength from our ancestral roots, and renew our commitment to the next generation, in the hope that our efforts will soon bear fruit, and G-d will wipe the tears off every face.

May G-d grant the Gordon family comfort and consolation, and may the merit of Rabbi Gordon’s Torah and good deeds stand them all in good stead.