Rabbi Mendy's Blog

 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.