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Rabbi's Blog

In the Face of Obstacles

 Often a person's life comes to a sudden halt because of an unexpected obstacle. And this new impediment exhausts all of his or her energy, such that there is no more time for anything else in life.

Life is filled with difficulties and obstacles. Like it or not we have to deal with them. They present themselves in a wide array of forms such as psychological obstacles, emotional obstacles, financial obstacles, and then there are the everyday, ordinary obstacles. Some of the obstacles take us by surprise, while others are “expected,” and still others “just happen.”

To deal with the myriad of stumbling blocks we are faced with there are infinite approaches. Walk into any bookstore, name your problem, and you can be assured to find someone’s advice on how to deal with it. In fact there is a whole segment of our society who make their living by helping people move through their obstacles.

Often a person’s life comes to a sudden halt because of an unexpected obstacle. And this new impediment exhausts all of his or her energy, such that there is no more time for anything else in life.

The great Chassidic master, Rabbi Shmuel of Chabad had a favorite aphorism which in the Yiddish language goes like this, “Lechatchila Ariber.” Literally translated, “To begin with Jump over.” The Rebbe was famous for inspiring those who came to seek his advice with this principle. He used to say, “The world says that if you cannot crawl under an obstacle, try to leap over it. However, I say do not even try to bend down and pass under it; leap over it in the first place!"

In other words when faced with an obstacle, rise above it. There seems to be a common reaction that allows the obstacle to consume us. An otherwise happy person can easily be thrown into deep depression or a prolonged state of confusion. And to these people the Rebbe would respond; If by Divine Providence, you are suddenly found with an obstacle before you, the sign before your eyes should be, leap over! Don't let things stand in your way. The way is not around it, or through it, or under it. You must go over it!

It could be that the obstacle before you has come to teach you not just to jump, but to show you that you can jump even higher! 

Shabbat Shalom!

The Joy of Forgiving

 During the Ten Days of Repentance that fall between Rosh Hashana and the day of Yom Kippur, we are asked to look deep within our hearts to forgive and make amends with those who may have contributed to our pain and caused us suffering.

During the Ten Days of Repentance that fall between Rosh Hashana and the awesome day of Yom Kippur, a day known for atonement and forgiveness, it is appropriate to take an introspective journey.

More specifically it is a propitious time to scrutinize our failings over the past 12 months and take responsibility for all of our conduct in thought, speech and action. Are there people for whom we have carried negative thoughts in this past year? Did we participate in gossip or cause damage to another person’s reputation? Have we behaved in some way that caused harm to another? These are the types of questions we are meant to ask ourselves.

Additionally, we are asked to look deep within our hearts to forgive and make amends with those who may have contributed to our pain and caused us suffering. 

Would you like to begin this journey together right now? Begin by pausing for a moment and join me in the following five-step meditation. 

Step 1. Think about the people who have brought you pain, those whom you have a difficult time forgiving. Create a list in your mind of the people in your life who have taken actions that have caused you unhappiness. 

Has the speech of others, through rumors or gossip brought you pain since last year at this time? Are there people who carry negative thoughts about you who are unwilling to enter into a peaceful dialogue? Are there people who may have taken advantage of you in business? Do you have your list ready? Now, visualize each person and the pain they have brought upon you, one by one, and say out loud "I forgive you (insert name)." Can you do that? 

Step 2. Pray that no one suffers as a result of the distress they have caused to you. Pray that their life be filled with joy and light! (Even if this seems hard to do.) 

Step 3. Now take ownership of your own errors. Make reparation for the errors you are aware of and be open to thoughts and feelings of others. If you discover that you have harmed someone in thought, speech or action this is the opportune time to begin the journey of correction and ask for forgiveness. Sometimes it is necessary to ask a person for their forgiveness in person.  

Can you do that?

Step 4. Fervently beseech our Maker and call out the words of the famous song of peace:"Oseh Shalom Bimromav, Hu Yashe Shalom, Aleinu Vaal Kol Yisroel, Veimru Amen,” which translates to, "May He who brings peace in the heavenly abode, make peace amongst us, and all of Israel and let us say, Amen."

May we and all seekers of forgiveness be forgiven for of our errors including the errors between us and our Maker. Granted, there are times that people don't merit our forgiveness, and there are times where we have not yet earned such forgiveness for ourselves, but when we take this true journey of introspection, we realize, that in most cases, there really is room for forgiveness.

It is important to recognize that we are the ones who ultimately benefit when we truly forgive. If you are among those who believe, as the Baal Shemtov does, that there are no mistakes perhaps that person who you are reluctant to forgive was actually playing a role in order to teach you an important lesson, which will make you grow and make you stronger. Think about it. 

Step 5. Fill your heart with the joy of knowing that by taking the steps of this meditation you have added to the much-needed light in this world!

Do you have a story of forgiveness that you would like to share? Please email me at [email protected] I welcome you all to join me, and the Chabad of Malibu community, in prayer for Yom Kippur Services.

Shabbat Shalom!

In Search of the Higher Note

 The process of reflection and committing ourselves out loud gives us the opportunity for feedback from our close friends and colleagues.

Today I joined the MaliJew Club at . My heart was filled with admiration to witness David Bozin, who started the club over six years ago, now the club’s mentor, give the talk to the students about Rosh Hashanah. David explained that Rosh Hashanah is a time to set goals for the coming year. He invited the students to first reflect on both their accomplishments and shortcomings of last year and to share their Rosh Hashanah resolutions for the New Year.

The process of reflection and committing ourselves out loud gives us the opportunity for feedback from our close friends and colleagues. When we communicate openly, regarding our personal journey, it provides us with the opportunity to eliminate our blind spots and open ourselves to true growth and improvement.

The process that David led the students through prepared them well for the moment of renewal that Rosh Hashanah provides, for each of us to become the great people we truly are.

On my drive home, I was once again reminded of the horrific tragedies that have occurred over the last few days in the Middle East, particularly in Libya. I cannot help but wonder what kind of abomination could instigate so much rage, cause such deep pain to innocent people, and spawn ensuing fear throughout the world.

In such situations, especially being so far away, perhaps we feel helpless. After all, what can we do? As Rosh Hashanah is upon us, we can put aside our differences and remember who we really are as human beings, the only of G-d’s creatures who have the potential to bring tremendous light into the universe.

For thousands of years we have observed Rosh Hashanah as the ultimate opportunity to reach deep into our hearts and pray for the removal of our flaws and forgiveness for our wrong doings.

This year, by Divine Providence, we were also made aware of our power as human beings, a power that can be easily be abused. On Rosh Hashanah, we can use this power to open our hearts and pray for a higher light to shine on all of humanity. The simple sound of the Shofar produced by the breath is a reminder of the breath of life that unites us as humans, regardless of race, religion, color or creed. Following David’s lead, before the Shofar is sounded on Rosh Hashanah, I will invite all present with me to join me in prayer to invoke true peace for all of humanity, and for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to make this a reality in our lifetime.

I welcome you to join me during this auspicious time. May we merit this higher light and may it endure forever.  Shabbat Shalom!

And Shanah Tova!

Shalom! שלום!

Energy Efficient Life

As we approach Rosh Hashana, we take a step back to scrutinize and assess every aspect of our life, including practices and behaviors.

A Rabbi painstakingly prepared the sermon for Rosh Hashana over the course of three months proceeding the High Holidays. All of the diligence and hard work paid off, however, because after the service one the congregants came forward and congratulated the rabbi on the fine speech.

He said, “Rabbi you gave an amazing speech. By the way, I am one of the producers for 60 minutes and your talk would make a perfect news story.” He continued, “The catch is you would have to condense it to 15 minutes. Do you think you could do that?”

Immediately the Rabbi responded, “No way José!” The producer reminded him that 60 minutes draws a large and diverse audience and the Rabbi knew he was right. It was a great opportunity. It would be his 15 minutes of fame to quote Andy Warhol. He continued to consider the possibility and scheme in his mind how he could cut the message back. For at least an hour the two of them went back and forth discussing the options. Finally the Rabbi said, “I think I can pull it off in 15 minutes.” To this, the producer responded, “Terrific! So tell me Rabbi, if you could pull it off in 15 minutes, why did you have to waste an hour of our time?”

Recently, I began driving a hybrid car and it struck me that I had wasted years and gallons of gasoline, before I figured it out. Why hadn’t I taken the plunge sooner? If you think about it, hybrid vehicles use two or more power sources for propulsion, combining a combustion engine with an electric motor, and energy, which would otherwise be lost to heat during braking, is recycled as electrical power. Pretty nifty! This amazing technology allows us to be more efficient with our resources.

This got me thinking, especially with the "" approach what are the lessons that can be learned here? How could I be more efficient in all aspects of my life?

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As we approach Rosh Hashana, we take a step back to scrutinize and assess every aspect of our life, including practices and behaviors. As we focus on the many blessings we have been given, including the benefits that technological advances afford us, we can adopt the idea of increasing productivity, orderliness and effectiveness and conserving energy, in all aspects of our lives.

The list of possibilities is fathomless. Now is the time to reassess ourselves, after all this is what Rosh Hashana, is all about!

You are welcome to join us at Chabad to hear the sound of the shofar. For more information regarding the High Holidays please visit us at www.jewishmalibu.com. May you and yours be blessed with a year of health, wealth and true contentment.

Shabbat Shalom! 

 

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