Rabbi's Blog - Chabad of Malibu

Embracing Our New Reality

Friday, May 25, 2012 - 4:47 AM

Technology was supposed to make communication between people easier and to help them understand each other beyond their differences. Yet, in reality, we don't see these results.

It is a platitude to say that the world has become more complex. People have been saying this for years, and with good reason. Certainly since the beginning of the twentieth century there has been an explosion of knowledge.

There have been, and are ongoing, amazing innovations in all areas; science, medicine and technology. Moreover change is moving ahead at an unprecedented progression.

I perceive an irony, because technology was supposed to make communication between people easier and to help them understand each other beyond their differences. Thus, in theory we should feel less isolated and less likely to be deceived by divisive forces like nationalism, race, gender and class. Yet, in reality, we don’t see these results.

People may know more and be able to express themselves universally, even instantly, but, the mental quiet and serenity, seems more absent than ever. For example the connection between overworked parents and over-stimulated children, is as elusive as the connection between today’s busy spouses. There are more places to turn for information and audience; there are fewer places to turn to for comfort.

Remember that letter your mom saved from when you were in summer camp? The feel of real paper, the misspelled words and the broken syntax, they all contributed to the authenticity of the personal communication. Isn’t it ironic that in pursuing efficient communication we have lost the personal touch, the heart and soul?

This is not an appeal to the enemies of progress, nor to enlist a platoon of Luddites. I merely want to ask the question; is humanity becoming a binary system with a bunch of zeros and ones?

To some, it may seem counter-intuitive but in this era of high-tech, perhaps it is time to go, as in the movie title, ‘back to the future’, to look to a more .

What are your thoughts about how to embrace and utilize to the fullest new technology without loosing our soul?

I was about to suggest you send me an email, but instead, why not stop by so we can discuss this in person?

This coming Saturday night I will be amongst a group of students and together we will be doing an all night study session as part of our annual observance of the Shavuot holiday, commemorating the Receiving of the Torah. We will be going until 4 a.m. You are most welcome to join as we discuss and explore ancient ideas in a modern world.

Ancient Teachings in a Modern World

Friday, May 18, 2012 - 3:49 AM

On Sunday, May 27, we will be re-experiencing the magnificent story of the receiving of the Torah as we read the Ten Commandments for the 3,324th time, right here in Malibu.

There is an ancient document, 3,324 years old, that claims the power to save you from any situation. This document is respected and revered by the three most practiced religions in this country. It has been recognized throughout history by scholars of all three religions and is the most sold book in history. Do you know what its name might be? By now you most likely guessed, it is the Torah. For some it is known as the Bible or the five books of Moses.

My intellectual journey has led me to real travel. I am always amazed by different cultures. For example, I recall being warned that on the shores of Sydney Australia, when I was studying in the Rabbinical Seminary there, I was not to give anyone the thumbs up (apparently an offensive sign there).

Indeed, people have developed a variety of different tastes. These differences run across the spectrum, from the food to the dress, to the “rules of proper etiquette.” As a student of history and as a Jew, one of the important destinations on my list is the local synagogue.

Many ancient synagogues were destroyed in World War II but some survived, and we can see reflected in their design a hint of the culture of the host country. The style in the synagogues varies greatly, and every country has prayer books in its respective languages.

In contrast, the one part of the synagogue that is absolutely consistent, whether it be Moscow, Russia, or Malibu, California is the Torah scroll. Her words and message are always the exact same.

This year, May 26 at night, will mark the 3324th anniversary of the giving of the Torah and the Ten Commandants on Mt. Sinai. It thus marks the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

There is the well known story of the famous Jewish sage named Hillel and a person who wanted to convert, requesting Hillel to teach him the Torah while standing on one foot. Hillel answered: "What is hateful unto you, do not do to another. This is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary.

This statement is, of course, another way of saying what is commonly known as "The Golden Rule."

Most of us have a deep desire for a kinder and brighter world. The ancient yet timeless formula from the Torah is; if each of us made it a daily effort to do an additional act of goodness and kindness we will experience a world that is beyond our current imagination's reach and more beautiful than any beauty we can conjure.

On Sunday, May 27, we will be re-experiencing the magnificent story of the receiving of the Torah as we read the Ten Commandments for the 3,324th time, right here in Malibu.

You are most welcome to join us, please email us ([email protected]) if you would like to participate.

A Poem to my Mother

Sunday, May 13, 2012 - 3:48 AM

Rabbi Levi Cunin wishes a Happy Mother's Day to his mom and others in Malibu.

I wrote this poem in tribute to my mother, Odel Miriam Cunin, who indeed treats me and each of my twelve siblings as an only child.

A poem for my dear mother -- may she live and be well!

My sincere gratitude
To The One above
For providing us a mother
With so much love
Who nurtures each of us... as an only child

Her words are like honey,
Her smile full of heart
Her patience is priceless
Her style is an art
Even when we are trouble... and running wild

A woman of valor
You inspire in us awe
When we are in your company
It is difficult to withdraw
The comfort you give has no match...at all

We may be many in numbers ()
And impossible in needs
That never stops you
From your warmth and your good deeds
Your presence brings us comfort... especially when we fall

Many have done worthily
But you surpass them all
A G-d fearing woman
Your vision is tall
We pray that your dream
become realized... without delay

May you experience joy
Beyond limitations
May you be filled with light
For many generations
On behalf of all your children... Happy Mothers Day!

Unity in the Community

Friday, May 4, 2012 - 4:44 AM

Rabbi Levi Cunin shares that everyone not always agrees, but disagreement should never get in the way of building great community.

My mother's family fled Russia during the Second World War. Prior to that, her family had lived in Moscow for many years. Life in the former Soviet Union was difficult. In the communist system, if you were not somehow associated with the government -- part of the leadership, or you were not stealing -- then day-to-day life was worrisome.

In addition, when the Soviets took control, they closed most of the religious institutions, transforming many churches into "museums" and old synagogues into social venues. The communist hoodlums made it extremely difficult to live a dedicated religious life. Jews were forbidden to provide a Jewish education to their children, to observe the Sabbath or have any gatherings without prior government permission.

Yet, despite the great difficulties, my grandparents, and the other members of their community, found a way to keep the idea of “community” healthy and vibrant. When someone in the community fell ill, the rest of the community members would snap into action to make sure that the family in need was fully covered. Whether it meant someone cooking meals for the family or making sure that the patient was receiving the best of care, somehow, at every one of life’s important occasions, the community came through.

Some may argue that it was precisely the poor conditions in which they lived that forced them to be there for each other. The fact remains however, that the vibrant sense of community helped them flourish and allowed for the children to experience true joy.

It is becoming more difficult to define “community.” For some it is a sense of cohesiveness among a group of people; for others it’s a communal support system. Most recently the term “community” has taken on a whole new life form, i.e., your online life. One thing is for certain, the benefits of neighbors getting to know each other and working together for public safety and better education are immeasurable!

Unity produces energy, with the potential of illuminating much darkness and bringing tremendous beneficial and much needed light, far beyond the physical limits of the community.

This week, I received an email from Skylar Peak, one of our new city council members. The email was a survey in wanting to hear the voices of Malibu. I applaud Skylar for his quick movement in taking the steps to bring our community together. We may not all agree, but disagreement should never get in the way of building great community.

Shabbat Shalom!