Rabbi Mendy's Blog

 I am back from my trip to Israel, and it was amazing! While there will be time to discuss the trip in detail with you, suffice it to say it was tough to leave. So many wonder how I can so enthusiastically take my family to Israel at this time. The lack of Americans traveling to Israel this summer, which is characteristically overflowing with visitors, tells me this perspective is unfortunately widespread. So, how do I respond? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Re'eh. There, Moshe continues his address to the Jewish people, emphasizing the importance of the land of Israel, which will serve as a place of joy and jubilation for them. Did Moshe not know what was to come in the future? Had he not prophesized of the death and destruction that would come to pass when the Jewish people failed to heed G-d's word? 

The answer lies in the word Simcha and its essential role in Jewish life. Simcha means joy, not happiness, which is a personal feeling but joy, something only felt when celebrated with others. The Jewish people are told throughout the Book of Devarim of the importance of joy in our service to G-d. Why? Joy isn't the absence of pain and suffering but rather the knowledge that through connection, I can overcome anything, no obstacle can stand in my way, and no tragedy can destroy me because I am more than just one person. I am a part of the Jewish people, and we're all directly connected to our creator. This is the Jewish people's story and why Simcha, joy, is critical to our survival and success. 

Now, you might understand what Moshe meant when he foretold that Israel would be the ultimate source of Joy for the Jewish people—not despite the painful tragedies she should experience but because of them. Israel, more than any other place in the world, is a source of joy because there, one can feel the ultimate sense of connection to our divine creator and each other, our Mishpacha. For this reason, the people of Israel continue to be joyful, hopeful, resilient, and strong in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The land fosters a connection and a joy that can overcome anything. 

When Dina and I decided to take our family to Israel this summer, we hoped our children might feel this joy, and we were overjoyed that they did. Yes, we were confronted with many painful, sad, heartbreaking moments, but through it all, we felt joy! Now, we come back to Tampa overflowing with love for our people and our homeland and a simple message. Go! Go to Israel and feel the joy; bring your love and support for the land and its people, and you will be rewarded with unbridled Simcha like nowhere else on earth. 

Mission: Get Joyful. Get connected. Get to Israel.

 Humans are intrinsically very independent; we crave the freedom to do things independently, fueling our development and growth. Yet, when times are tough, we must acknowledge that we can't control what happens around us. This realization can be pretty jarring. How do we make sense of this dichotomy? How do we harness the human drive while at the same time accepting our limitations?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Eikev, where we learn the second chapter of the most fundamental Jewish prayer, Shema. In contrast to the first paragraph of Shema, which we learned in last week's Torah portion, the second stanza makes some critical changes. We are taught the concept of reward and punishment should we fail to follow G-d's directives. Additionally, the Torah addresses us collectively as a people rather than individually as a person. These nuanced modifications tell us that the two paragraphs are elementally different and essential to connecting with Hashem and living Jewishly. The first step of the Shema highlights the greatest gift that G-d gives us: the ability to transcend our own finite existence and channel the infinite into our lives. This week, the second paragraph highlights the importance of our contribution to the relationship and our willingness to earn the connection to the almighty by overcoming challenges and elevating ourselves through hard work. That is why this week's section introduces reward and punishment, which can only be earned, not gifted. Ultimately, both sections come together in one prayer as a guide to living the ultimate Jewish life.

A person of faith must recognize that first and foremost, G-d runs the world, and what needs to happen ultimately will come to fruition according to Hashem's infinite plan. Then, that same person must embrace that G-d empowered us to be active partners in this process through the choices we make and the actions we take. Thus, reward and punishment are based on doing as much as possible to complete the mission we've been given while knowing that G-d will ensure it gets done even if we forget our responsibilities.

As I prepare to welcome my second Shabbat in Israel, I am amazed by the incredible strength of her people, our people, the Jewish people. Our ability to keep pushing forward no matter the challenges we face stems from knowing that Hashem is behind everything and lovingly allowing us to partner in creation. All we must do is our part, and the rest G-d will bequeath our world, bringing us to the ultimate reward of Moshaich with peace and harmony for all.

Mission: Do all you can to complete your mission, knowing that the ability to participate in world development is a gift from G-d. Suddenly, your challenges will feel more like a blessing and less like a curse.

 To live as a Jew isn't easy. It's not a secret; no matter where you are, there's a target on your back. Living with this kind of angst isn't easy and can drain you of a desire to live Jewishly. For our children, this challenge is even more significant. Many of them have grown up without ever being confronted by this horror, and the new reality we all now face threatens to drive them away from actively participating in Jewish life. How do we face this threat head-on?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, V'eschanan. The Torah continues telling us about Moshe's last speech to the Jewish people before his death and their entrance to the land of Israel. Moshe pauses from telling them how to live Jewishly by observing the Torah and Mitzvot and begins telling them why we must live Jewishly and why our mission is essential to the world. To highlight our relationship with our creator and channel the divine presence into our world through every action we take. This remains our raison d'etre, our why.

To maintain our Jewish identity in today's climate and grow stronger rather than weaker from the adversity we face, we must share not only the what of Judaism but the why of Jewish life. This is the only way to overcome fear and find joy despite our obstacles.

As I prepare to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem, I am reminded of the why of the Jewish people. No matter what the world may say about the dangers we face, the Jewish people, and especially the people of Israel, are living and loving even more than before. The overwhelming feeling of faith in G-d and faith in each other is inspiring and can only be explained as a testament to the unique relationship with Hashem we have cherished over thousands of years.

Now is the time to remind ourselves not only what makes us unique but also why and how essential this mission is in the face of the incredible darkness surrounding us. Tonight, as I stand at the Kotel, I will pray for you and your families, our people, and our homeland. I will pray for true peace, lasting peace for all people everywhere. Then I will dance joyfully, knowing that G-d has placed me here on earth to be a light unto nations, and I feel honored to do so in spite of the target it may put on my back. I hope you'll join me in dancing and spreading the joy of Jewish life.

Mission: Learn the what of Jewish life and the why, and start living Jewish joyfully!

 How can we help each other improve and move our lives forward in a world so divided? How can we hope to overcome the external challenges we face if we cannot work with each other internally? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Devarim, where Moshe begins his last address to the Jewish people just before his passing and their entrance into the land of Israel. Moshe's last testament fills almost the entire fifth book of the Chumash and, at times, reads as a stern rebuke of the Jewish people's forty-year journey through the desert. How is it that they were willing to accept such harsh words from Moshe without becoming defensive and resistant, as humans often are? The answer lies in a strange word and its associated commentary. The Torah tells us that Moshe began his critique next to a place called Di Zahav, which translates as "enough gold." This name stems from the fact that Moshe argued with G-d that the golden calf wasn't entirely the fault of the Jewish people since Hashem had provided them with an excess of gold when they departed Egypt. Indeed, this narrative is indicative of Moshe's leadership, constantly defending his people and asking G-d to judge them favorably. Time and again, they sinned, and time and again, Moshe stood up for them and begged Hashem for mercy. 

This is why they were so receptive to his brutally honest review of their sojourn in the desert. They knew it came from a place of love and respect and was born out of a pure desire to see them improve and grow into the nation they were destined to be. 

We, too, must learn from Moshe's example and establish a foundation of love without judgment of one another. This transformative power of love and respect, when nurtured, can inspire hope and bring about positive change. Only then will people be receptive to your encouragement and guidance. We are rushing to correct each other before we acknowledge the true beauty and value that lies within each of us, our Neshama, our divine soul. Once we reveal and celebrate this unifying light, we can genuinely help others and be helped by others without any reluctance, concern, or hesitation. 

As we prepare to celebrate Tisha B'av this Monday evening and Tuesday, a day when our Temples were destroyed because of senseless hatred, let us resolve to pause incriminating each other and work on loving each other unconditionally. And don't worry about your criticisms; if they reappear from a place of love, they will be more effective, and if you forget them, they probably weren't that accurate to begin with.

Mission: Stop criticizing and show some love. You'll be shocked at how receptive people become. 

 Life is a journey, not a destination. That sounds great, but sometimes you get tired of constantly traveling and just want to be home. That's the way our people have felt for thousands of years. As I prepare to travel to Israel, our homeland, together with my family and members of our community, I feel the pull, the longing to end the journey and finally arrive at the destination, to live in peace in our homeland in a world that celebrates the divine. So, how do we keep the drive going? How do we motivate ourselves to maintain the course? 

The answer lies in this week's double Torah portion, Maatos-Masai. There, we learn about the various stops of the Jewish people over their forty-year journey from Egypt to the promised land. Each encampment was essential to the nation's maturation process and taught the future generation a lesson they would need for inhabiting the promised land and realizing their destiny as a light unto nations. This is why the Torah says it was one long journey, not forty-nine journeys, since each step was a necessary part of their growth and eventually brought them exactly where they needed to be. 

We, too, are on a collective journey as the Jewish people and individually, each in our way. While the road has been long and tiring, we can see the horizon in the distance. Our nation settled peacefully in our homeland. Yes, we face a few more obstacles in our path, but we are so close to bringing Moshiach that we must strengthen our resolve and push ourselves to get it done. The promised land is in sight; it's time we rally together to support each other and finally finish off this exile of thousands of years by bringing peace and harmony to the entire world. 

Mission: We are close to completing the journey. Let's motivate each other to overcome the last few obstacles and bring peace and harmony to the world. 

 Where is your passion? The answer to that question speaks volumes about who you are. While we often do various things and wear many different hats, our passion uniquely reveals our essence. So, while many in our community might say they're proud of being Jewish, the truth can be seen in how they live their lives. Their willingness to take action even when others won't is the true expression of our passion, our core. 

This week's Torah portion, Pinchas, emphasizes the importance of action. We learn about Pinchas, a man who took action when others froze because, as the Torah says, "he was passionate" about his faith in G-d and G-d's Torah. While others claimed to care about upholding Jewish faith and tradition, he demonstrated commitment through his swift response to the events around him. Pinchas knew that talk is cheap, and a passion for Jewish life meant being bold when others failed to do so. 

Today, we are in a crisis, with challenges threatening our homeland and our people worldwide. We are being asked to step up and take action when so many seem set against us. How we respond to this moment will determine how passionate we are about our Jewish identity and the survival and success of Jewish life. 

Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. So each of us must ask ourselves and demand of ourselves to step up and show the world the integrity, joy, and pride in who we are. The beauty of passion is that it's contagious, so let's reveal it within ourselves and watch it spread to others. 

Mission: Reveal your true passion for your Jewish identity by acting even when others won't. Then, let your passion ignite others.

 Life is tough. There always seems to be something challenging us to the point that we question why G-d would do such a thing to us. How do we manage when we face such obstacles?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Balak. There, we learn about Bilaam, an evil prophet who was hired by Moabite King Balak to curse the Jewish people. Bilaam knew that everything comes from G-d, including his ability to curse the Jewish people and channel destruction down upon them. Even as he traveled to the mountaintops to carry out the task for which he was hired, he continued to ask Hashem for permission to curse the Jewish people. Ultimately, G-d forced him to bless the Jewish nation, and some of his blessings would go down as the most profound in the Torah. 

This story highlights the simple truth that everything comes from Hashem. Even when difficulty comes your way, it's part of G-d's plan and serves a purpose that is possibly beyond comprehension. We must focus on our part and continue to move forward in our mission, and when we do, then G-d will transform the seemingly "curses" we face into blessings. 

Hashem loves us and wants only what's best for us; when we know this, the challenges we face become less daunting, and we are empowered to overcome the obstacles, using them to propel ourselves to new heights. 

This world is not for the faint of heart. We know that from the University of Life. G-d created you with tremendous intellect and emotion and encouraged us to use it to better ourselves and the world around us. Yet, the events of this world regularly test the limits of our mind and heart. Knowing that everything happening in our world is by G-d's hand only further challenges us. So how do we manage? How do we not only cope but succeed in our mission of bettering ourselves and making the world more divine?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Chukas. There, we learn about Moses's siblings Aaron and Miriam's death and Moshe's failure to draw water from the rock, which led to his consequence: not entering the land of Israel. Such a heavy Parsha truly boggles the minds. These three leaders were giants of the Jewish people. Each of them contributed to the birth of our nation and our liberation from Egypt. Yet, small, seemingly trivial mistakes led to giant consequences and their ultimate death in the desert.

The only way to comprehend these events is not to comprehend them and train yourself to accept that. That is why this week's portion is named Chukas, a reference to the Torah's ultimate statute to cleanse people from ritual impurity using ashes from a Red Heffer. This "Chok" decree is beyond comprehension and tests the faith and commitment of our people to adhere to this commandment despite its irrationality. This Mitzvah is a stark reminder of the necessity to accept G-d's decrees when we can't understand them. To train ourselves to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This seeming paradox is only possible because we possess a soul within each of us that is inextricably linked with its source, G-d almighty. This Neshama forms an unbreakable bond with Hashem that transcends logic, rationale, comprehension, and feeling. Similar to the connection a parent shares with a child. While they might better enjoy each other's company when their actions please the other, their relationship is such that even when they don't appreciate the behavior of the other, their love for each other is unchanged.

The Torah's guide for life in this world demands that we use our intellect and emotions as much as possible to further our relationship with G-d and fulfill our mission. Yet, we must not miss a beat when events transcend understanding. We can do this, and we must; together, we will reinforce each other and explore the depth of our connection to G-d, going beyond rationality to the depths of our souls.

 What is power? They say you only know if you have it. The truth is power has inspired and motivated people since the beginning of time, but power is overrated; the lust for it usually corrupts us and pains those around us. How do we resist it temptation?

The answer lies in this week's Parsha when Korach rebels against Moshe and Aaron, complaining that they have placed themselves above the rest of the nation. Moshe, rather than defend himself, is wholly focused on his mission and simply says everything I've done has been by G-d's command. Essentially, he is telling them that it's not about me but what I can do to fulfill Hashem's desire to make the world more divine and a better place for all people. 

This week, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing; I hope you'll join us on Tuesday evening for a special event in honor of this occasion. The Rebbe, like Moshe, was utterly uninterested in power, though it was readily available to him. The Rebbe's only desire was to help others better themselves and empower them to help others. Influence, not power, is the true measure of a person, and not the kind you find on Instagram. The Rebbe constantly asked the question what can I do to help this person in front of me? How can I use this moment to improve G-d's world? When you place these intentions at the heart of who you are and the guiding force in every choice you make, you will create a legacy that inspires others to follow your lead. 

Let us take a lesson from Moshe and The Rebbe and stop thinking about ourselves and how much power we have. Instead, let us consider how the right choices can elevate those around us and bring our whole world closer to the coming of Moshiach, with peace and tranquility for our world.

Mission: This week, choose influence over power and devote your life to the service of G-d and your fellow humans. There's nothing more powerful than that. 

 Do you feel that life demands more of you than you're capable of? Do you feel stretched beyond your limits? I know; I feel it, too. What do we do? How do we manage life when it seems overwhelming? This classic challenge has two general solutions. Either reduce your workload and take things off your plate or expand your capacity, and you'll find the strength to do more than you imagined possible. So, which one is preferred? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Shelach. There, we learn about the spies Moshe sent to scout the land of Israel before their arrival at their new home. The spies observed the people that lived there, the cities, and even their produce; the spy's conclusion was definitive: we can't inhabit this land. They suffered from the same challenge facing many of us today: a lack of self-belief. They didn't realize the extent of their abilities. 

Hindsight is 20/20, of course, but in the moment, how could they have known they could conquer and pacify a land teeming with giants and fortified cities? The answer is simple because G-d told them, "Go up and inherit your land." This clear directive from Hashem should have been enough to ignite their personal confidence that success was not only possible but guaranteed. As long as they did everything in their natural power to conquer the land, G-d would ensure their success. Their self-doubt led to a horrible report to Moshe and the Jewish people and their eventual punishment: their entire generation would wander the desert for forty years and never enter the land of Israel. 

How often have we let ourselves down, not living up to our true potential because we were afraid of our greatness? How many times have the Jewish people resisted their destiny simply because others said they couldn't do it? We must hear G-d's voice calling us to be the nation we were chosen to be, a light unto nations, a people of purpose who live unconcerned by popular opinion and instead focused on Hashem's plan and what we can do to fulfill it. 

Today, we face numerous challenges as a people and, no doubt, much more individually. Don't make the mistake of undervaluing your abilities and seeking the easy way out—retreating from community and responsibility and focusing only on yourself. This is not the time to lose faith in yourself. If Hashem puts us in this position, it means we have what it takes to succeed. We need only realize and actualize it, and a bright and beautiful future for the Jewish people is guaranteed. 

Mission: When you feel stressed, take a minute and ask yourself why. Consider that the stress is a sign you are using muscles and abilities you've never used before and are growing stronger. 

 It's time we stopped playing defense and started playing offense. What do I mean? The Jewish people have been around for thousands of years, but our identity has morphed over time. So who are we today? What defines us as Jewish people? Is it our enemies and their baseless hatred? Or is it something else? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Behaaloscha. There, we learn that the Jewish people are referred to as both a "camp" and a "congregation." Of course, every word is specific and intentional, so why use different terms? They have two different meanings that tell us everything we need to know. A camp is something many different species employ to protect themselves from predators and environmental dangers. We know this definition well, as our people have faced the threat of persecution time and again, and at times, we've allowed ourselves to become defined by these evil empires. This is a travesty and sells ourselves short, denying our true greatness. That is why the Torah provides a better description Eida or congregation. The connotation is a group that shares a purpose and vision for the world, a people that unite to accomplish what no one can do alone. This definition speaks to our impact on the world and the true reason for our existence. 

Today, we, too, face overwhelming challenges in Israel and around the world. We can easily fall prey to victimhood and allow the tyrants and terrorists of the world to define us by their hatred. This would further drain our morale and defeat us from the inside out. We must remind ourselves and our people that the Jewish people were first defined at Mt. Sinai when G-d gave them the Torah, and their mission in this world has never changed. We have been tasked with illuminating the darkness and elevating the mundane by revealing its holy potential. This is what should always unite us and define us, no matter what the hatters may say. 

We are a congregation of lamplighters, a people that celebrate life and all of its potential. Now is our time to set aside our differences and celebrate the common goal we all share of making this world a home G-d with the coming of Moshiach speedily, amen! 

Mission: Think of our purpose as Jewish people and find partners you can work with to fulfill our mission.

How do we bring equality to our fractured world? In a society that seeks to apply its various metrics to the populace, how do we ensure everyone counts equally in our community?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Naso. The portion continues examining the census of the Levites, but it uses a peculiar word to say "count" Naso. Naso literally means to lift, so what connection does it have to the counting theme? The answer tells us all we need to know about civilization. Each person sees themselves in a certain way; better or worse, we're all an extension of our own self-image. Often, life has a way of pulling us down. As much as we try, the everyday travails of life can drain us of our energy and leave us demoralized about the future. How do we break this downward spiral? We need a friend to reach out and raise us up by adjusting our perspective and our point of view. A good friend can elevate us by reminding us of our inherent worth and G-d-given talents. When we reframe our lives, we begin to recognize our amazing limitless potential, and then we can start actualizing it. 

If you want to bring equality to the world, start by recognizing your amazing potential and then helping others find it within themselves. Sometimes, it's hard to see it in yourself; if that's the case, focus on raising up your fellow human, and the feeling of helping others will restore your faith in yourself. Either way, take action and rise up. It's time we started viewing life from a higher plane. 

Mission: This week, take a minute to help others see their full potential, and begin to see your own potential dramatically increase. 

Ask someone how many Jewish people there are in the world, and you might get numbers like 50 Million, 100 Million, 600 Million, or a Billion, as evidenced by the survey conducted by Humans of Judaism. Of course, we know the truth: we're less than 15 Million worldwide, or 0.2% of the world's overall population, still not back to our pre-Holocaust numbers.) This chasm between what people believe and reality boggles the mind and begs the question, why? Why do we seem to be more numerous than we actually are? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Bamdibar, the first of the fourth eponymous book. There, we learn about the census taken of the Jewish people as they travel through the desert. G-d tells Moshe to instruct them to each contribute a Half-Shekel coin, which will then be counted, rather than have them counted directly. There are a variety of reasons why Hashem instructed them to do so; one in particular really touched me this week. G-d is teaching Moshe and the Jewish people that they are measured not merely by their existence in this world but by their contribution to improving it. 

This becomes our creed and motivation: our numbers don't matter, our impact does. We have taken this lesson as a guide in every industry we've touched, influencing, impacting, enhancing the world, and making our contribution felt beyond our existence. 

This is not a mere theory but a reality that generations of Jewish people have exemplified throughout history. In recent years, few have embodied this principle better than Rabbi Moshe Kotlaskrsy, a beacon of inspiration, a pillar of support, and a mentor to thousands of Chabad Rabbis worldwide. In his role as Vice Chairman of Chabad International, he has tirelessly championed the growth of Jewish life, leaving an indelible impact on our community. As one man, he only counted as one, but his contributions measure in the hundreds of thousands, all because he dared to ask what else can I do to help others. What else can I do to further the mission of making this world home for G-d? What else can I do to bring Moshiach? 

As his earthly mission sadly came to an end this week, we must rally to his cry and carry this mantle forward, constantly asking this question: what else can I contribute to the world around me to make it the divine dwelling G-d intended it to be? May his memory be a blessing for his family and us all, and may they find true comfort in knowing his incredible mark on this world. 

Mission: Approach every moment as an opportunity to contribute and make an impact. Make the most of each positive possibility, and you'll leave an impact on this world you may never fully know. CLICK HERE for a story exemplifying this quality.