Rabbi Mendy's Blog

It has been a long journey for our people and often a painful one. Even when we had thought we were finally out of the woods, we have continued to face challenges and obstacles, hate and persecution. How do we maintain our optimism and hope for a better future and a better world? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Vayakhel. There, we learn about the construction of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle in the desert, and the enthusiasm for building a place where G-d's presence can dwell in this world. Though the Jewish people had experienced decades of suffering enslaved in Egypt, they excitedly embraced the opportunity to further their mission of making the world more divine. The mission empowered them to move forward no matter how traumatic the past was. 

Today, we have been living in constant turmoil. Since October 7th, we have experienced pain, sadness, joy, and Jubilation as our people in Israel and around the world continue to fight against the forces of evil. Sometimes, it can feel like we're fighting a losing battle, and we might feel depleted by this prospect. The key is to focus on the mission and the progress we're making every day in our communities. So many people are reconnecting to Jewish life and choosing to light a Shabbat candle, put on Tefillin, hang a Mezuzah, learn extra Torah, and help another human in need. These are the actions that advance our cause of bringing meaning and purpose to every part of G-d's universe. Yes, the going is tough, but look how much good we've done and how much more we do every day.

When you make your life into a Temple for G-d, then you become impenetrable to the negative forces around you. So invest yourself in Jewish life, and the pain of our past will never hold you down. 

Mission: Which Mitzvah will you choose to strengthen your temple? Make it a big one to counteract the forces of evil that seek to hole you back

Today is Purim, a day on which we celebrate our ability to overcome persecution and annihilation repeatedly. Some may wonder what is our secret. How have we grown stronger and stronger in the face of adversity?

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Ki Sisa, and the holiday of Purim. The Torah tells us that after G-d gave the the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, the Jewish people built a golden calf, thinking that Moses had abandoned them. Of course, Hashem was very disappointed with them, and Moshe argued they should be forgiven for they are a stiff-necked people. The commentary explains that Moses was illuding to our people's determination to stand true to our faith and tradition even when put under fire. This, of course, can be seen clearly in the story of Purim when many Jewish people completely abandoned their heritage and joined King Achashveirosh for a party of non-kosher food, promiscuity, and debauchery. Yet, when Haman conspired to kill us, everyone rallied together as one nation to support and defend each other. There was no daylight between observant or non-observant, learned or non-learned Jews. We were one people united by the soul we all share.

Our obstinance through history has often been used in one of two ways: a determination to blend into our surroundings and shed our Jewish identity in exchange for acceptance by the general public, or a determination to live Jewishly without compromise even in the face of tyranny. Today, we are once again being called to action in the face of the latest iteration of Jew-hatred in Israel and around the world. We are a stiff-necked people, but each of us must decide if we will use this characteristic to unite in strength or hibernate in fear. I know that ultimately, we will all feel the power of our soul inside of us and answer the call of our time to unite in light and defeat the darkness. Let's not wait a minute longer and use the unique energy of Purim to shine proudly and illuminate our world, bringing harmony, joy, light, and love to our world.
ngth of our routine, our disciplined approach to life, and the detailed structure of Jewish life. 

Today, when the world tells us to rush and produce or be left behind in the dust, we say slow and steady wins the race. We know that as long as we maintain our faith, our way of life, and our respect for tradition, we will continue to illuminate the world as we've done for thousands of years. So don't be daunted by the early success of some; many have flashed for a moment, but fewer have remained shining. Stay the course, and you'll add your light to the great force for good in human history, the Jewish people. 

Mission: Find the stubbornness in your character and channel it towards a fierce determination to live Jewishly, no matter what, no matter who, no matter when, and no matter where.