Rabbi's Blog - Chabad of Malibu

How a Traffic Ticket Inspired a Resolution

Friday, August 31, 2012 - 3:23 AM

I am announcing my implementation of a stricter and more effective phone usage regimen while I am driving.

It was early Thursday evening and it had been a very long day. As I was making my way home on the Pacific Coast Highway my mind began to wander away from the present moment and onto my next task, a meeting regarding the importance of early childhood education.

It was a long day because of what it had entailed. It is never a walk in the park, when called upon to lead a funeral service. Having to bury a young man of only 52 years is heart wrenching. It seems so much more painful when a life is cut short at such a young age and acceptance of the loss takes so much longer.

As a Chabad Rabbi I am a student of the philosophy of the Baal Shemtov. Central to this path is the core belief that there are no mistakes in this universe and that all occurrences in our lifetime and before have both a reason and meaning attached.

In my case I was coming home from performing such a service for the second time in one week, when in my rear view mirror I see the flashing red and blue lights. This is when my mind kicks into Yiddish "oy" what have I done? I try so hard to be a safe driver, perhaps not hard enough! The car I was driving was not my own. Thank G-d my friend had told me where the registration papers were. In fact at the time I was wondering why he told me.

After giving the requisite documents to the officer, I rallied up the courage to ask him the reason for being pulled over. As it turns out I was observed driving with my cell phone in my hand. I have no doubt that his eyes were not deceiving him. Indeed, it has become second nature to transition from dialing a number to checking new "urgent" arriving text messages. The trap is huge just to take a “quick peek" at the "urgent" message.

Obviously before discussing the education of children, I needed to receive some education of my own. I am grateful that I was afforded this wake up call by the kind officer and for the ticket. The making of the resolution to stay focused on the road, especially the Pacific Coast Highway, that is fast moving and bicycle filled, is one that can change the course of life.

I was taught, by my teacher, that when one makes a resolution, if made to the public it is less likely to be violated or forgotten. So as part of this year’s Rosh Hashana resolution, I am announcing my implementation of a stricter and more effective phone usage regimen. One that will prevent me from making this mistake again. So for those of you who may be wondering why I am not taking your call or responding to your text message, it is most likely because I am focused on the road and perhaps the scenic view, while I cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Happy and safe Labor Day

Shabbat Shalom!

Reflections on Renewal, Rejuvenation

Friday, August 24, 2012 - 5:06 AM

In a few weeks from now, the shofar will be sounded in synagogues the world over. In preparation for these special days, we take the time to reflect.

A while back, I read a story which went something like this:

There was a young boy of 15, who at the completion of the year received a report card that was filled with poor grades. The boy was very worried what would happen when his parents saw it. His mom was the forgiving type, but his dad ... That was a different story. Dad was a semi-retired man from the Navy. He was as straight as one can get. The boy knew that when dad saw the report card there was going to be some drama.

The next morning, Dad walked into the boys' room, and on the neatly set bed, there was a white envelope with a letter in it that read:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I really thought this one through, I really have become an adult man. Rachel and I are looking for a place to move in together. The apartment she was in is not going to work since she is expecting her third baby. I know you think I am crazy and immature, but I realy have grown up in the last couple of weeks, and I know that for most 15 year olds, that's too young for something like this, don't worry, Rachel has a business that could take care of us, all I have to do is deliver packages to people, and because it's about private matters I have to make sure no one is around and it's easy because the packages are small.

Ok before I go any further... Mom, Dad, i was just kidding, I just wanted to put my failing grade report card in perspective. You can see for yourself it's under my pillow case.

A few days ago, we entered into a special time, the Hebrew month of Elul the lunar month that is connected to renewal and rejuvenation. In a few weeks from now, the shofar will be sounded in synagogues the world over. In preparation for these special days, (while the Rabbi's are looking for the best jokes for their sermons) we take the time to reflect, on the changes we made and the ones that are still on the waiting list.

The simple, wordless, sound of the shofar is reflective of the inner sound, simple flow of life, within us. It is at this simple state where true renewal is possible. At that inner wordless space, the words that emerge are all new. Think of it like a blank white piece of paper with the space and possibility of your choice.

Are you up for an update?

If you would like to experience the shofar you can click here to hear a recording.

Shabbat shalom!

Over the Rainbow

Friday, August 17, 2012 - 12:50 PM

I have always been fascinated with the rainbow. And my fascination has grown even stronger once I learned more about its esoteric meaning.

A few weeks ago, I was enjoying some time with my children and all of the sudden out of nowhere there appeared the most magnificent rainbow conjoined in the sky with the sunset.

Quickly, I called to my children to witness this moment. Luckily I had a camera device on hand to capture the picture above. I admit I don’t see rainbows that often, perhaps I am too busy to notice, but when I do see them I believe they mark important events.

I have always been fascinated with the rainbow. And my fascination has grown even stronger once I learned more about its esoteric meaning. The first time the Torah mentions a rainbow is after the famous flood of Noah (you can click here to learn more about this).

The rainbow was used as a sign for a future covenant, never again to flood mankind. The chief educational editor of our website Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, is the author of 365 meditations, "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: Meditations and Everyday Wisdom from the Teachings of the Rebbe, Menachem Schneerson”

Here is his meditation on the rainbow and commentary on the Torah:

134. The Rainbow

Our world is a world where a rainbow could be.

At first, there was a world that only received and returned no dividends. Its inhabitants took no ownership. They lived with their Creator’s benevolence, they did what they did with no need for excuses, and eventually died as they died. And that was it.

With the Flood, this world was re-created. The earth was cleansed, the atmosphere purified. It became a world that could take the sunshine that poured in from above and refract it into many colors.

It became a world where a created being could be born, take the soul, body, share of the world and all the sustenance its Maker gave to it, use that, do something with that -and then return it, saying, “See what I have done with that which you gave me!”

And so, G-d vowed to never destroy the world again. For, if the inhabitants would go wrong, they might always turn around and clean up their own mess.

To me, the rainbow is like a prism comprising variation and unity all at once. The many colors of the rainbow are the constituent spectral colors of the same one unifying light. The rainbow is a metaphor for people distinguished by color, race and creed, yet ever unified by the One force that unites us.

In Hebrew this force is represented by four Hebrew letters, י - ה -ו -ה . These letters are the letters used when writing the past ( היה ) the present ( הוה ) future ( יה׳ ). The main book of the Kabbalah, the Zohar, states: "...at the time the rainbow appears then they are revealed. The beaming colors of the rainbow represent the shining of the attributes Chesed (kindness), Gevura (boundaries) and Tiferet (harmony/beauty) into the world. And at that time [when the rainbow appears], "The time of song has arrived," Perhaps we must think of the rainbow beyond the scope of that which we see in the sky.

Imagine the many variations of people, each with different backgrounds, remaining in their "constituent color" yet unified in perfect harmony. Now that would be the ultimate rainbow!

Shabbat Shalom!

Over the Rainbow

Friday, August 17, 2012 - 2:33 AM

I have always been fascinated with the rainbow. And my fascination has grown even stronger once I learned more about its esoteric meaning.

A few weeks ago, I was enjoying some time with my children and all of the sudden out of nowhere there appeared the most magnificent rainbow conjoined in the sky with the sunset.

Quickly, I called to my children to witness this moment. Luckily I had a camera device on hand to capture the picture above. I admit I don’t see rainbows that often, perhaps I am too busy to notice, but when I do see them I believe they mark important events.

I have always been fascinated with the rainbow. And my fascination has grown even stronger once I learned more about its esoteric meaning. The first time the Torah mentions a rainbow is after the famous flood of Noah (you can click here to learn more about this).

The rainbow was used as a sign for a future covenant, never again to flood mankind. The chief educational editor of our website Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, is the author of 365 meditations, "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: Meditations and Everyday Wisdom from the Teachings of the Rebbe, Menachem Schneerson”

Here is his meditation on the rainbow and commentary on the Torah:

134. The Rainbow

Our world is a world where a rainbow could be.

At first, there was a world that only received and returned no dividends. Its inhabitants took no ownership. They lived with their Creator’s benevolence, they did what they did with no need for excuses, and eventually died as they died. And that was it.

With the Flood, this world was re-created. The earth was cleansed, the atmosphere purified. It became a world that could take the sunshine that poured in from above and refract it into many colors.

It became a world where a created being could be born, take the soul, body, share of the world and all the sustenance its Maker gave to it, use that, do something with that -and then return it, saying, “See what I have done with that which you gave me!”

And so, G-d vowed to never destroy the world again. For, if the inhabitants would go wrong, they might always turn around and clean up their own mess.

To me, the rainbow is like a prism comprising variation and unity all at once. The many colors of the rainbow are the constituent spectral colors of the same one unifying light. The rainbow is a metaphor for people distinguished by color, race and creed, yet ever unified by the One force that unites us.

In Hebrew this force is represented by four Hebrew letters, י - ה -ו -ה . These letters are the letters used when writing the past ( היה ) the present ( הוה ) future ( יה׳ ). The main book of the Kabbalah, the Zohar, states: "...at the time the rainbow appears then they are revealed. The beaming colors of the rainbow represent the shining of the attributes Chesed (kindness), Gevura (boundaries) and Tiferet (harmony/beauty) into the world. And at that time [when the rainbow appears], "The time of song has arrived," Perhaps we must think of the rainbow beyond the scope of that which we see in the sky.

Imagine the many variations of people, each with different backgrounds, remaining in their "constituent color" yet unified in perfect harmony. Now that would be the ultimate rainbow!

Shabbat Shalom!

90265 is a Zip-Code in Heaven

Thursday, August 9, 2012 - 10:59 PM

Just the other day our children went hiking with their preschool in Solstice Canyon, where they had the opportunity to discover the qualities and differences among the variety of trees and plants learning which plants are edible and which are poisonous.

There is a teaching in Chassidism that states "a pleasure that is constant is no pleasure." The simple meaning of this seems obvious enough, if some delight is always available then the "pleasure" is diminished in comparison to a pleasure we experience rarely.

There are many Malibu mornings at the water where I find myself next to a tourist from another part of the world. Often, when this occurs, my son David’s award winning music video titled "90265 is a Zip Code in Heaven,” pops into my head.

Indeed, how often do visitors come into our home or the adjacent and marvel at the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean with the famed in the background? Living every day with this expansive view of the ocean makes it into a constant pleasure that, of course, somehow manages to lessen the "pleasure" component.

Once in a while, though, I am reminded how blessed we are when these very same visitors whip out their cameras and start capturing "Kodak Moments." While the Chabad house where I grew up was wonder filled, it certainly wasn't as picturesque or the type of place were people felt the need to snap a picture. Here in Malibu people from all over the world seem to agree where we are located, is the quintessential must have photo opportunity of Los Angeles.

In fact the more I am reminded of the extraordinary delights we are blessed with living here in Malibu, an abundant sense of gratitude floods my heart. Just the other day our children went hiking with their preschool in , where they had the opportunity to discover the qualities and differences among the variety of trees and plants learning which plants are edible and which are poisonous. They enjoyed walking along the stream, rock hoping and creating a whole new set of memories. All of that was followed by a picnic by the ocean and a swim in the school pool and then finally they called it a day. Imagine, so many wonders of nature and so much fun to be had all in one day and all within fifteen minutes from our home. What a paradise we live in

If only there could be a formula, a way, to re-experience the pleasure of taking in all the beauty and wonder around us, every single day? And what if you could see the ocean every single day as if it was the first time you had ever seen it?

Just contemplating these questions has given me a whole new perspective and new level of gratitude. I remember as a child, when we had the rare opportunity to go to the beach or the chance to take a walk in nature, the calming effect it had on us. It allowed a wild bunch of kids to be “conflict free” for those few hours.

Similarly when we stop and allow ourselves a moment to experience the miracle and pleasure in the magnificent power of the Pacific Ocean and the divine feeling of serenity and peace in the natural setting that surrounds us, we give ourselves the gift of recognizing the gift from G-d we live in, each and every single day. Perhaps, then, 90265 really is the zip code of heaven!

Shabbat Shalom!

Life in the Happy Zone

Friday, August 3, 2012 - 2:18 AM

Rabbi Levi Cunin shares a powerful story from the Chassidic masters that captivated his imagination as a child.

Every once in a while, I have the good fortune to encounter the descendants of great Chassidic masters.

I recall the feeling first time I met a descendant of the Baal Shemtov, living right here in Malibu. It was similar to a child’s delight upon recognizing a favorite superhero. I liken it to superheroes because it was the powerful stories of the Chassidic masters that cherished and captivated my imagination as a child.

This week I had another such encounter with the family of the well known brothers, Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk and Reb Zusha of Anipoli. In their memory and honor, I would like to share this story:

The great Rabbi DovBer the famed "Maggid of Mezeritch," was the prize student of Rabbi Israel Baal Shemtov. After the passing of the Baal Shemtov, Rabbi DovBer was chosen as the new Chassidic master.

A man once came to Rabbi DovBer, with the following question.

"The Talmud tells us," asked the man, "that ‘a person is supposed to bless G-d and be thankful for the bad with the same enthusiasm he has for the good.' How is this humanly possible?”

The man continued, “Now if the sages were to tell me that one must have acceptance for all matters, and refrain from complaining or bitterness -- this may not be an easy task, but at least I can understand. But how can a human being possibly react to what he experiences as bad in exactly the same way he responds to what he experiences as good? How can a person be as grateful for his troubles as he is for his joys?"

Rabbi DovBer listened attentively and replied, "Please go see my disciple, Reb Zusha of Anipoli. He will help you in this matter."

The man, eager to find solace in the answer to his question, set out to the forest of Anipoli in search of Reb Zusha.

The man arrived in Aniploi, just as it began to pour. Reb Zusha ushered his guest in from the rain and invited him to make himself at home. The storm afforded the man the opportunity to observe Reb Zusha for several days before posing his question. He had never witnessed a life such as this. Reb Zusha was a humble man. Water leaked everywhere; it was cold and dank; there was barely enough food to feed his family, who were beset with afflictions and illness; yet Reb Zusha was always in good humor and cheerful; constantly expressing his gratitude to the Almighty for all of His kindness.

The man realized that his gracious host, Reb Zusha, epitomized the Talmudic dictum to which he sought an understanding. He could think of no one who suffered more hardship than Reb Zusha.

What was is his secret? How did he maintain such an exalted state? The visitor finally gathered the courage to ask his question."I wish to ask you something. In fact, it is the purpose of my visit. Our Rebbe advised me that you could provide me with the answer."

"Please ask your question," responded Reb Zusha.

The visitor repeated the question he had asked of the Maggid. "You raise a good point," Reb Zusha said thoughtfully. "I wonder why our Rebbe sent you to me? How would I know such an answer? I have so much joy and light in my life! Perhaps if he had sent you to someone who has experienced suffering..."

The simple and profound response of Reb Zusha, provided the seeking man with a new found perspective and realization on how to live life in the happy zone, regardless of the circumstances.

Shabbat Shalom!