Rabbi's Blog

All of us can benefit from introspection, especially at a level that questions truth in our thoughts, words and actions.

"When I am finishing a picture, I hold some G-d-made object up to it— a rock, a flower, the branch of a tree or my hand—as a final test. If the painting stands up beside a thing man cannot make, the painting is authentic. If there's a clash between the two, it's bad art." —Marc Chagall

David, a 19th century follower of Chasidic philosophy had waited patiently for more than a year for a private audience with the great Chassidic master, Rabbi Dovber Schneuri of Lubavitch. The accumulated thoughts and the build-up of emotions were suddenly awakened within him as the fateful day approached. He thought about the opportunity to pour out his soul to this legend of a holy man.

Ever since he received the notice with the date and time that the Rebbe would be able to see him, David had been a nonstop path of deep introspection. He was hoping to use the precious one-on-one time with this great spiritual guide in a way that would have an everlasting positive impact on his life.

Upon entering the room, he had none of the anticipated awe of being in the presence of such light. Instead, the Rebbe's eyes seemed to open David's heart, and David felt a tug at his very essence.

"Rebbe, I have come to the sad realization that all the good that I do in my life, I only do to serve a superficial agenda of personal vanity," David said. "I want people to like me, so I do nice things. I want people to think I am sincere, so I act a certain way before them. But deep inside, I know that it is all about me!"

He continued, "I have come to seek your guidance, please Rebbe, help me. I want to be more authentic in my ways. I desire that all my thoughts, deeds and actions should not be done with the intent just to impress others, but to be true and pure from within."

The Rebbe's non-response tugged deeper into David's heart.

David continued, "Even the fact that I have bared my internal truth before you, this in itself that I have spoken is also just to impress you! I can't even be authentic in my pursuit of authenticity!"

And, as David continued pouring out his heart and thoughts, the Rebbe sat in silence.

"Even what I have just said," David found himself asking rhetorically, "Is it possible that this too is another possible way just to get attention?"

The Rebbe sat in silence, allowing David to discover internal truth on his own. David was overcome with emotion, and he simply fainted!

It was after David awoke that the Rebbe finally spoke.

"Now, David," the Rebbe said, "That was authentic."

All of us can benefit from introspection, especially at a level that questions truth in our thoughts, words and actions. Such introspection, while often painful and humbling, can produce internal growth as the foundation for a new beginning.

This coming Wednesday night will mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the days that the Jewish faith celebrates our very first beginning, the creation of man and the purpose of our existence. Rosh Hashanah gives each person the opportunity for a new beginning. We are reminded of the importance of being simultaneously humble and authentic.

Rosh Hashanah is filled with many exciting opportunities for new beginnings. The sounding of the shofar is a unique time to meditate on the deepest part of self. What does this mean? The idea of "self" actually transcends the very barriers that otherwise keep us from our true essence.

In our vulnerability, consider this: "The light of the eyes makes the heart happy." (Proverbs 15:30)

At the deepest level of introspection, we are no longer limited to the ideas and thoughts of our past. Rather, we only look ahead to begin a new journey. Such light brings the inevitable relief from doubt. When that happens, can there be any outcome other than true joy and unadulterated happiness?

If you would like to participate in the annual shofar experience, I welcome you to join me and our Chabad community for the sounding of the shofar at our "no tickets/no charge" High Holiday services. We just want to know that you will be there. Please let me know that you are coming by making a reservation at www.jewishmalibu.com

With best wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy sweet New Year!

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments below or at [email protected]

The key to change is to take stock of our personal journey, be happy that we discovered the areas that need change and proceed to improve.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. —Victor Frankl

There is no debate about it; the times in which we live are in need of major transformation. And that transformation can only begin from within each of us. While each day presents a window of opportunity for change, never is there a more powerful moment to harness the collective consciousness toward transformation than during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (corresponding to the secular dates of Sept. 28 through Oct. 8). It is a 10-day spiritually intensive journey, tailor-made for our decidedly short-attention span population.

If you're new to this, let me break it down. Rosh Hashanah is the day we celebrate the birth of all humanity. And like our personal birthdays, Rosh Hashanah is welcomed in as a day of reflection, meditation and resolve.

Chasidim are taught that serious and joyous are not contradictory. Thus, one can be immersed in reflection, but still dance! Nevertheless, the joy for our Jewish New Year is welcomed during this period with a thoughtful sincere review of the past and a hopeful look forward to a greatly improved future.

Why didn't I wait a couple of weeks to write about these days that are both solemn and joyous? For me, as I get older, each year seems to go by faster. And, as I found people saying to me, "It can't be Rosh Hashanah again," I thought I would give advance notice for those who want to join me for the annual "birthday" preparation journey of self-assessment and improvement.

It is worth repeating the obvious—we all make mistakes. Much of our personal growth is because of those mistakes. I was taught that the key to change is to take stock of our personal journey, be happy that we discovered the areas that need change and proceed to improve—even if it is only baby steps. Every baby step in the right direction is a giant leap forward.

We all have hopes. Some want to become better parents, others to become better children. Some want to become more trustworthy, others to become more trusting. Regardless of who we are and what we want to become, we must stop, ask and answer some tough questions and make a plan. Surely, we do not want to become a caricature—the delusional self-improvement guru whose unfulfilled birthday resolutions remain in a fantasy world. That's why a reasonable plan of action is the key.

Part of us resists taking any account. Faults? Who wants to admit them? Such discoveries seem painful. But introspection is the basis for renewal, and that is what the season of Rosh Hashanah is about—evaluation, resolve and renewal. We use these precious preparation days prior to the High Holy days to welcome true change in our life.

The simple cry of the Shofar, the ram's horn played on Rosh Hashanah, transports us to the simple, continuous sound of life within, where all of our possibilities are on the table. On these days, we symbolically eat sweet foods so that our journey of change can be one filled with only sweetness. And we pray that our resolve to personal change becomes actualized, and be the opening channel for the types of changes that will alter the world for the good.

A great rabbi once said, "When I was 20, I had plans to change the world. At 40, I realized I no longer had the time, so I changed the plan to change just my own country. When I turned 60, I was forced to be realistic and commit to change just my city. And now that I am 85, if I could only just change myself."

You are welcome to join me on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for an experience of change. For more information, please go here.

Nearly all Americans, except for the very young, remember that terrible day and how it affected them.

My wife and I long ago made a decision that our home would be a "television-free zone." It is truly amazing how much more you can live without what has become for many an intrusive medium. And our children are more likely to be part of the family when there is no television to watch. 

It is always important to be aware of what is happening in the world at large, our own beautiful country and specifically our community.  Here in Malibu, it's important to monitor local road conditions or, more recently, water leaks that threaten our major transportation artery—Pacific Coast Highway. And with storms, fire and even earthquakes, it's critical to keep informed. But with the Internet, the Cunin family has never felt, here in Malibu, metaphorically or practically adrift. 

There is one uniquely tragic day that stands out. And because it is so memorable, we must be able to remember all of it—vividly and immediately. And not just to remember; we must actively do everything we can to make sure that such a horrific tragedy should never occur again.

It is not hyperbole to describe what I write about today, and what we as a nation commemorate this week, which for most of us became a life-changing moment. For some, it may have been a one-time flash that was soon extinguished as they returned to business as usual. I hope this week they will reconsider and reflect on one of the early defining days of the 21st century.

Of course, I am talking about 9/11. It is now 10 years later. But does it seem like a full decade has passed? On that day, a friend active in —knowing that I did not have a television—called me. As he briefly alerted me to what was happening at the World Trade Center in New York City, I assured him I would quickly bring myself up to speed. I called other friends who live a few minutes away, and I hurried to their home to watch the events unfold.

Like many Americans, I watched intently, almost fearful to leave. I was not glued to an original soap opera or highly dramatic series. I was watching history unfolding. We were all beyond shocked, glued to the TV in suspense, as we were watching with horror not knowing what to expect. Could this be for real? What will this lead to? 

Ask my parents and the people of their generation, they may not recall the date when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, but they most surely remember exactly when and where they heard the news. The same is true for those who remember the attack on Pearl Harbor.

And so now, for 9/11, nearly all Americans, except for the very young, remember that terrible day and how it affected them.  

The horrific drama seemed surreal. The endless replay of the collapse of the towers seemed like Hollywood special effects. But this was happening—in real time. And no one really knew what has happening next. As the day continued, and in the ensuing days, we began to grasp the diabolical evil that was so intense that it transcended all talk about issues and policies, ideology and politics. If humanity could not agree that wiping out innocent lives to make a political statement was not absolutely and unquestionably evil and immoral, then could we ever have a consensus on anything?

"One who is quick to understand and quick to forget—his flaw cancels his virtue" —Avot 5-12

In recollecting that fateful day, there is so much to remember. The innocent lives that were taken and those who were left wounded. The heroes who gave their life for others and the families of all who perished.

"Knowing the sickness is half of the cure." —The sages

In trying to understand the "sickness" that produced the events of 9/11, we must be cognizant of the forces of darkness that preach and teach hatred to innocent children in the name of religion and G-d.

And as we forge forward for a better tomorrow, I recall what I have been taught by my teacher: Proper education of true values is the greatest and most potent weapon against the doctrines that produce hatred and extremism.

May the pain of 9/11 serve as a constant reminder. May the memory of those who perished be a source of light for their families and for all true peace- and love-seeking human beings, wherever they may find themselves.

One people under G-d.