Graduation Nachat

How do you define the word Nachat (or Naches)? 

Pride? Pleasure? Satisfaction?

Jewish parents often express the Nachat they derive from watching their children grow up to be good people with a strong Jewish identity and a desire to contribute to the world.

But sometimes Nachat can become more like bragging rights. "Your son is a Lawyer? Very nice. My daughter is a Doctor!"

I think Nachat is less about Pride (though there is certainly a pride a parent feels seeing their child develop their potential) and more about Peace of Mind. [Nachat may be related to the word LaNuach - to rest] Knowing that your child has internalized the values with which you raised them, and seeing them take off and fly, allows a parent to breathe and to feel a sense of calm that, no matter what challenges life brings, all will be well with them, B'ezrat Hashem.

Yesterday we had the special Zechut of watching our oldest daughter Shira graduate college from Yeshiva University. It was very moving, especially given the challenging circumstances of learning during Covid. We have watched her develop over the years and it is truly amazing to see her emerge into this incredible person with so much talent, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence.

It was also very special to see her graduate from Yeshiva University, where we both studied and graduated as well. In addition to inculcating an integrated Torah U'Maddah worldview in their students, YU also allows them to feel their Jewish pride as well as their connection and responsibility to Am Yisrael. It was so moving seeing the entire student body erupt into dancing while singing "Simcha L'Artzecha V'Sason L'Irecha." This connection to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael is celebrated and emphasized, and the speeches at graduation talked about Kiddush Hashem, Eretz Yisrael, and each person doing their chelek to bring the Geula.

On a personal level, it was so touching to see friends whose children were also graduating from all parts of our past: Boston, Washington Heights, Boca Raton, Houston, and Silver Spring.

It is a little surreal to see Shira graduating college. It feels like we were just students at YU yesterday. [I guess I am still a student, as I just finished my 3rd year of my Doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at Azrieli.]

This summer Shira is planning to spread her wings and fly even further, by making Aliyah! We are so proud of her in so many ways!

So many family members, teachers, and friends have helped Shira grow into the person she is becoming. We thank each of you for your part on her journey! And we thank Hashem for looking after her as she takes her next steps on her path.

So yes, we feel a great deal of Nachat from Shira (and her siblings). Because we know that, whatever happens in life, she has the values, the mindset, and the intelligence to make the best of everything, to look to help wherever she can, and to feel Hashem in her life at every moment.

Mazal Tov!!!

Inauguration Day

A Tale of Three Wednesdays

Wed 1/6/21 - Attack on the US Capitol

Wed 1/13/21 - Impeachment of President Trump

Wed 1/20/21 - Inauguration of President Biden

Wow! The Capitol building has seen a lot over the last 15 days! I will leave it to the pundits to share perspectives on the politics of our country right now. But I do want to take a moment to reflect on the concept of a peaceful transfer of power. We take so many things for granted in life and in America. But there are places in the world where not everyone has the right to vote, where rulers maintain control for decades, and where dissent, disagreement, and protest are crimes. For all our challenges and divides, we should remember that what makes America great is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and perspective. [What we are not entitled to is violence and anarchy]. We educate ourselves about the issues and the candidates, we vote at the ballot box, and then we hope for the best for whoever wins the election. It is not about any person or party. It is about the American People. It is about the American Democracy. 

Every four years, when we get to Inauguration Day, it always gets me. The pomp and circumstance, the songs, and flags, the traditions and ceremonies. It always feels hopeful, like Opening Day of the baseball season, even if the person in office is not the one for whom I voted. Because the very act of inaugurating a President signifies that the Union is still strong, that Democracy is still alive and well.  As the confetti is swept away and we get back to the daily business of trying to keep America strong and safe, I wonder how long this inspiration and feeling of unity and hope will last. Will we descend right back to division, cynicism, opposition, and mistrust? Or will we debate the issues, try to understand each other's perspectives, fears, and hopes, and then work together to help people? We have all heard politicians from both sides say things like "these are not Red states and Blue states, these are the United States." But I feel like so many of them, on both sides, are so worried about fundraising and reelection that they often lack the courage to vote for their convictions. And so many of us, average Americans, fall too easily into an Us vs. Them mentality where compromise,  cooperation, and unity are not the goals; winning is. I know not everyone feels inspired on Inauguration Day. There are elections where our candidate wins and others where they lose. And it can feel disappointing or scary if our view does not prevail. But somehow I always feel it on Inauguration Day, no matter who wins, because I believe in American at its best; not its worst.

It will take time and hard work to start to heal this country right now. We need to heal from the Pandemic. We need to heal from the Political and Social Justice  unrest. We need to heal our economy. But I choose Hope over Despair. I choose Unity over Division. I choose Pulling closer over Pushing away. May Hashem watch over this country and guide its leaders to make wise decisions that will bring healing, unity, and prosperity to all. May we appreciate this great Democracy and never take it for granted. May we seek to listen and understand rather than argue and convince. And may we remember that we are all Americans.

Happy Anniversary

Dear Kids (This blog is really for my kids to read when they are older),

I know that you know this already but I want to tell you again how much I love your Ima. Today is our 23rd wedding anniversary! We met when I was 3 and Ima was 1 (no photos to prove it!) thanks to our parents meeting and becoming friends in Eretz Yisrael. And we reconnected 16 years later when I stopped in London and stayed with the Shaffers on the way back from Yeshiva. Your Savta suggested that Ima skip school that day to accompany me on my double decker tour of London. We didn't know each other and felt kind of awkward, but off we went exploring The Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben. We quickly clicked and I told someone back home that summer that I was going to marry that girl one day. We were so lucky to find each other, a girl from London and a boy from Boston, and it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.

You see, your Ima is not only the best Ima in the world, an amazing educator, a friend to so many, and someone who is always Osek B'tzarchei Tzibbur B'Emunah. She is that and so much more. But for me she always has been and always will be my best friend. Ima is kind, humble, creative, supportive, strong, giving, and much much more. When no one else believes in you, or when you doubt yourself, she is there to remind you how special you are. She always puts others first and makes everyone she speaks to feel like they are exactly who she wanted to be speaking with at that moment (it's not an act - she really does!)

God knows we have been through a lot in our 23 years of marriage. But through it all I have been so blessed to have your Ima at my side. I thank Hashem for this unbelievable gift every single day. I wish for you guys not only to realize what an incredible, loving Ima you have, and to try to be as much like her as you can, but also to one day find someone to share your life journey with who will love you and be there for you like Ima is for me. If you do you will have the most incredible journey of love and friendship.

Happy Anniversary Elisheva! Here's to many more, B'Ezrat Hashem, happy and healthy years to come...

וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־אֱלִישֶׁ֧בַע בַּת־עַמִּינָדָ֛ב אֲח֥וֹת נַחְשׁ֖וֹן ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה
(Shemot 6:23) 

I'm Scared Too

Normally, the beginning of a new school year would bring its usual mix of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. This is true for both students and teachers (parents too). But in the age of Coronavirus I think it is fair to say that many approach this new school year with even stronger emotions and anxiety than usual. There are many opinions out there about whether schools should open in person or through distance learning. The point of this post is not to debate that question. But I do want to capture this moment in time so that years from now my kids will be able to look back and get a sense of what it felt like. I also want to say before I get into it that this post is an attempt to reflect on some of the questions and feelings that I think many may be going through in communities all over. It is not meant as a commentary on any specific community or school. I am proud to work at a school that is full of reflective and supportive educators. And truthfully, all our schools are blessed with caring and thoughtful people. This is a crazy time and we are all trying our best to figure out how to navigate these choppy waters. To be honest, I am scared to write this blog. Vulnerability, though often praised as a virtue, can bring judgement from others. Despite this risk, I think the potential benefit of others feeling seen and validated makes it a risk worth taking. So here goes... Dear Student, I know you are entering a school year feeling scared. You have a lot of questions on your mind. Will I be safe if we go back to the building? Will I be lonely if we do not? Will anything feel normal anytime soon? When will I be able to just hang out with my friends, or go to a restaurant, or sit together on the floor with our backs to our lockers? Will I have to sit staring at a screen all day long, and then be assigned more homework on the screen to do at night? Will my classmates judge me when they see my zoom background or bedroom? Will my teacher be able to see me over the computer if I have something to ask or share? Will my teacher be able to "see" me and get to know me if we are not in person? Will I get enough exercise if I sit at my desk at home all day? Will I actually learn everything I need to learn this year? Will I get help if I am struggling? Will I miss out on all the fun things I was looking forward to, like sports, Shabbatonim, school trips, and Color War? And if we do go back to the building, will it feel normal? Will I see any classmates outside of my learning pod? Will I be allowed to leave class here and there just to blow off some steam? Will wearing a mask all day make it hard to breath, to talk, to concentrate? Will I be able to understand what the teacher is saying behind their mask? Will anything this year feel normal? Those are all very fair questions. And they (and you) deserve an honest response. The truth is, I don't have all the answers. Usually parents and teachers are supposed to answer your questions. And we can talk about some of the technical answers of how things will work and what we can do together to have a great year. But I get the sense that you are not really looking for a specific answer to a specific question. I think what you may really be seeking is validation. Is it ok for me to feel nervous, anxious, and scared? And the answer to that is definitively, YES. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this. After all, I want to reassure you and comfort you; not make you more nervous. But the truth is that I'm scared too. I am also wondering about how I will succeed this year and how I will stay safe. Teaching is not easy even under normal circumstances. The idea of meeting brand new students each year, getting to know each one individually, and figuring out how to help facilitate their learning and growth is a lot harder than it sounds. When people ask me "what do you teach?" I don't answer "Tanach." I answer "I teach x number of amazing young people and try to help them on their journey of self-discovery and growth." This is what makes education such an amazing calling. It is complex, interesting, and meaningful. But one thing it is not is easy. And teaching in the age of Coronavirus is even harder. How will I get to know my students through a screen or a mask? How will I make sure that I am safe if we return to the building? How will I create opportunities for my students to learn in Chavruta or work collaboratively if they must stay 6 feet apart and if some choose to stay learning from home even after we return to the building? How will I assess what you have learned and give you meaningful feedback that will be helpful? How will I develop not only your Tanach skills, but your Social-Emotional learning competencies as well? How will I help you feel inspired and connected spiritually? How will I feel comfortable and relaxed if we are in the building? How will I balance work and family if teaching from home? I'm sure if we wanted to we could each add many more questions to our lists. And if we invited parents into this conversation they would have a whole list of their own questions as well (I know this because I do have lots of questions as a parent this year, even more than usual). While we are at it, we could invite the school leadership team to join us. I guarantee you they have a million questions as well, including how can we keep everyone safe, learning, and happy, knowing that whatever we decide will please some and disappoint others? Here's what it boils down to: what we are all going through now is not normal. And none of us have all the answers. But, and this is key, this year can still be an incredible year. If we are a little more patient, and understanding, and caring with each other. If we communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully. If we realize that we are all in this together and are on the same team. I'm not going to tell you not to feel scared. I'm scared too. What I want to tell you though is that a) it's ok to feel that way, b) you are not alone, c) I am here if you want to talk, and d) we can do this. I hope and pray that we will find a vaccine as soon as possible and we can get back to the normal issues of life. But we do not have to wait for that to have an incredible year. This year will also have lots of fun and funny moments. This year, even while practicing social distancing, we can grow closer than ever through this shared experience. This year, we can grow through adversity and build skills like grit and resilience that will help us for the rest of our lives. This year will make us stronger, kinder, wiser, and braver. This year we will learn together. We will laugh together. We will grow together. I'll make you a deal. If you are having a tough day just give me a signal and I will understand. If you want to talk about it I am always here for you. If you don't want to talk, that is ok too. You see, being brave doesn't mean pretending that you aren't scared. It means going forward even when you are scared. One step at a time, one foot after the other. And you are not alone. We are all on this journey together.

A Bar Mitzvah To Remember

When I was growing up in Newton, MA our Modern Orthodox shul did not yet have its own building. For a few years we actually rented space in the gymnasium of a church. And so, whenever I am invited to play the game Two Truths And A Lie I always win because the statement "I had my bar mitzvah in a church" doesn't sound true.

This weekend we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of our son Simcha and he too will one day be able to tell people about the unusual Bar Mitzvah he had over Zoom. Like many others these days, we were unable to celebrate this special occasion in person due to the social distancing required to stay safe from the Coronavirus. Although this was hard for many reasons, including not being able to celebrate with friends and family, and Simcha not being able to receive an Aliyah and leyn his Torah portion in shul, it was still such a special and meaningful weekend. Let me share some of the things we did so that years from now, when telling his kids about his Bar Mitzvah, Simcha will be able to share the details.

Simcha is an amazing young man. He is smart and funny and kind. In addition, Simcha and his twin sister Rina were miracle babies and, while every Bar Mitzvah is so special, this one is especially meaningful. We heard from several people this week who reached out saying how they will never forget the twins' birth and how special that was.

To prepare for his Bar Mitzvah Simcha did a bunch of things. Firstly, he learned with his Uncle Matt who taught him how to leyn. Simcha is a natural and picked it up beautifully. He never needed to be persuaded to practice his leyning and he enjoys it and is good at it. Simcha learned his entire Parsha (Shelach) and Haftara. Simcha also learned about his parsha in school this year and wrote a beautiful Dvar Torah connecting the Mitzvah of Tzitzit, which appears at the end of the parsha, with the Cheit HaMeraglim, which appears at the beginning. He focused on the word "Taturu," which appears in both sections, and developed the theme of looking for the good rather than the bad. Simcha did a Chesed project in which he baked cakes and cookies for Shavuot (he loves baking) and donated the proceeds to Yad Yehuda. Simcha taught himself Hilchot Tefillin using a workbook of questions based on Rav Eider's book. Finally, Simcha and Rina learned Mishna with me all year long, completing the entire Seder Nezikin (last year we learned Seder Moed). That's 685 Mishnayot! Suffice it to say, Simcha put a lot of prep into his Bar Mitzvah!

While we were hoping that maybe, somehow, we would be able to at least have a small minyan over Shabbat where Simcha could leyn, it wasn't in the cards. So instead we tried to make the entire week feel special, culminating in the big zoom celebration on Sunday. Our family prepared beautiful surprises such as a Mazal Tov Simcha yard sign, a Simcha Standard newsletter, a Shabbat scavenger hunt, a Tefillin cake, and much more. 

On Friday morning (his Bo Bayom) Simcha put on Tefillin with a bracha for the 1st time. Simcha received the incredible gift of his great grandfather's Tefilllin from my father, which is so meaningful. Every time he wears them you can literally see the Mesorah being passed down through the generations. Simcha also has the most beautiful Tefillin bag, lovingly designed and crafted by his Savta, with the pasuk "Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha Bou Lefanav Birnana" on it. We invited Simcha's friends to our driveway where they could sign a poster for Simcha, say a quick hello and mazal tov in person, enjoy a Krispy Kreme donut, and receive a goody bag with mini basketball hoops and a Seudah Shlishit Slow Shira booklet that we designed in Simcha's honor (he loves Slow Shira).

We also hosted a family only zoom on Friday in which grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins could share nice words about Simcha (a family tradition normally held after Kiddush but before lunch at family simchas). Simcha's sister Shira had also organized a really fun Simcha song in which many family members filmed themselves singing different parts of the song. And Simcha leyned Rishon and shared how much each of his family members means to him. We also presented Simcha with a booklet of life advice letters written to him by many family members called Pirkei Avot V'Imahot Shel Simcha. In order that family who could not be with us over Shabbat feel connected we sent out a Simcha themed Mad Libs for them to read at the table, as well as a mini shiur about the concept of Simcha. And of course, the Slow Shira booklet. Right before Shabbat we took some really nice photos of the 5 of us in the backyard. [And we did a few more nice ones in shul Sunday morning].

To make Shabbat feel special we let Simcha choose his favorite foods for the menu and we decorated the house. We also went by ourselves into our empty shul on Shabbat morning so that Simcha could read his entire parsha from a Sefer Torah. Right after Shabbat we invited family and Simcha's classmates to a Havdalah and Kahoot game about Simcha, which was really fun.

Which brings us to the big event on Sunday. One of the silver linings of this unusual bar mitzvah was the ability to include people from all over the world who would not otherwise have been able to celebrate with us. It was really incredible to see friends from every stop on our journeys, including London, Israel, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and Maryland. As people logged on to the zoom we had a playlist of songs with the word Simcha playing and a Sim's Club logo with the schedule of what would take place on the zoom meeting. Elisheva welcomed everyone and shared how special this moment is for us. Our shul Rabbi, Rabbi Brahm Weinberg, shared some inspiring words of Torah with Simcha. Simcha then leyned Shevii and delivered a beautiful Dvar Torah. We then showed a really fun video where family members and Simcha's classmates wished him mazal tov in a cool way. We asked them to send in videos where they opened their refrigerator, with their phone already inside recording, and took something unusual out. People were really creative with the types of items they took out and SImcha loved it! After that Simcha and Rina and I learned the final mishna of Pirkei Avot and made a siyum on Seder Nezikin. I had a hard time holding it together, as I know how many hours we put into this project. I am so impressed and proud of them for this tremendous accomplishment at such a young age. And, bli neder, with Hashem's help, we hope to keep on going and, B'ezrat Hashem maybe even make a Siyum Hashas before their High School graduation in 5 years. We have completed 2 sedarim and have 4 to go! We finished with an unbelievable Simcha photo montage put together by Shira in which we saw Simcha's amazing growth over the years from the cutest baby to the incredible young man he is today.

Overall, I think Simcha felt really good about his Bar Mitzvah. It still wasn't the same as having it in person. But he understands why and feels good about what he accomplished. We have this vision of a Shabbat, at some point down the road, in which we can celebrate all these boys and girls who have not been able to celebrate their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in person. But for now, we are happy that we were still able to mark this special turning point, share it with so many friends, and spotlight this incredible young man. We thank all the family, friends, and teachers who have helped Simcha become who he is today, and we ask that Hashem continue to look out for him, guide him, inspire him, and support him for many years to come.

May the day come soon when we can all celebrate together with a hug and a L'chayim. In the meantime, it is enough to know that so many people care and that Simcha is on the right derech to live a life of purpose. Mazal Tov!

Chazak Chazak V'Nitchazek

This Shabbat will be the 10th straight Shabbat at home. With the Corona virus still spreading, our shuls and schools have been closed, and it will be a while still until we can enjoy a Shabbat morning hearing Kriat HaTorah, learning from an uplifting drasha, and sharing a Lechayim at Kiddush. While it has been nice to have more family time, I think we all look forward to being able to reconnect with each other in person.

The number of deaths just in the U.S. is staggering and tragic. As of this writing the reported number is just under 86,000 people. The emotional and economic impact is tremendous as well. I think we all believe that ultimately the world will find a vaccine and treatment. But we wonder, how long will that take, how many will die in the meantime, and how different will our lives be when we emerge?

One inspiring video that I want to share looks for some positive developments that could come from all this, if we learn and grow from this experience:

https://youtu.be/Nw5KQMXDiM4 

I don't know about you, but I suspect that I am not the only one who goes through moments when I feel optimistic and hopeful and other moments when I am anxious and worried. I have learned over the years that this is (for me at least) a normal way of processing challenges and growing stronger. Whatever challenges we have endured in our lives (Pregnancy losses, Hurricanes, Diabetes, Floods...) this has been a common coping strategy for me. And yet, I always have to remind myself that it is ok to feel whatever I am feeling and that, like a runner running a marathon, there will be times of exhaustion and doubt and other times of strength and confidence.

I am thinking about all this as we enter a Shabbat when we receive the mitzvah to give Chizuk ( VaYikra 25:35 - "V'Hechetzakta Bo") and when we will finish reading Sefer VaYikra and recite the words "Chazak Chazak V'Nitchazek." Why do we say this expression with the word Chazak (strong) three times? Maybe the answer is that there are times that we naturally feel Chazak. But when we don't, we need to say Chazak again and remind ourselves to hang in there. It's like the pasuk says "Kaveh El Hashem Chazak V'Yaametz Libecha VeKaveh El Hashem." Hope to God, strengthen your heart, and hope to God. When you enter the gap where you start to doubt and worry, close your eyes and remember that Hashem is the source of strength, and your hope will be renewed.

This worldwide challenge will leave tremendous pain and loss. But it will also lead to amazing goodness and kindness. To people sacrificing for each other. To a world that learns how to look out for one another. To people appreciating the little things. To us all reflecting on what really matters to us in life and hopefully letting the rest go by.

We are all in this together. Separate, but united. When you feel down or lonely, just know that you are stronger than you think. And if you send me a telepathic message I will send you a bit of Chizuk to help you remember just how strong you are. I hope you will do the same for me.

Gesher Tzar Me'od

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the famous song, based on a teaching of Rebbe Nachman MiBreslov:

כל העולם כלו גשר צר מאד והעקר לא לפחד כלל

The whole entire world is a very narrow bridge But the main thing is not to fear at all

During this Coronavirus Pandemic the entire world feels at once both deeply connected and extremely isolated. On the one hand this has reminded us how much we impact one another globally, how we are all connected to each other no matter the distance, the language, or the worldview. On the other hand we are told to stay home and practice social distancing. We are unable to pray together or learn together in person. But at the same time our virtual connections (thank you Zoom) are building bridges to people and places with whom we would not normally interact. We are witnessing incredible acts of bravery, kindness, and gratitude. And at the same time, a simple act like going to the supermarket can bring anxiety and avoidance. There is an aspect to life these days that feels like a גשר, a bridge. And there is an aspect that feels צר, like being closed in in a narrow space.

What does Rebbe Nachman mean when he tells us not to have any fear? How can one not be afraid right now when you see the numbers growing at an alarming rate every day? We wonder how long this will last, when things will get back to normal, whether normal will even be the same as it once was. Will this pass after a few months or will it keep coming back? Will we ever be able to get together with friends and family again? When will we be able to get back to school and work? When will sports resume? When will we be able to hear Kriat HaTorah in a minyan with a Sefer Torah? When life does eventually get “back to normal” will people appreciate and help each other more than they used to, or will we retreat into silos looking out only for our immediate circles?

I wrote about this once before, in one of my 1st ever blog posts, back in 2012, but it bears repeating. Any time I have brought teens on an Israel trip, when we go to the Kotel (especially if it is on a Friday night) I ask them to close their eyes and imagine a bridge going all the way from the spot where they daven in their shul at home to this place and time at the Kotel right now. And I tell them that I want them to really visualize this bridge and feel the power of the moment they are now experiencing, feeling so close to Hashem and seeing so many different types of people all connected to one another. So that the next week, when they are back home, they can close their eyes again and cross this invisible bridge back to the Kotel to feel the same incredible connection and inspiration even from home. To be honest, I do not always remember to close my eyes at Kabbalat Shabbat and visualize this bridge. But whenever I do I always feel that connection and inspiration.

I wonder if maybe the secret to understanding Rebbe Nachman’s teaching about fear, which might help us during these scary times, is to build that invisible bridge. Right now things might feel narrow and scary. But we have to remember that we come from people who have crossed narrow bridges before us and come out on the other side. And we have to remind ourselves that if we put one foot in front of the other, even though this bridge in front of us is narrow, and long, and wobbly, we will eventually get to the other side as well.

So rather than give in to the פחד, the fear and worry, I invite us all to close our eyes and imagine that invisible bridge. Imagine what it will look like on the other side. Will we have grown from this ordeal or stayed the same? Will we be more grateful, more giving, more sensitive to the needs of others? Will we each do our part to make this world a little better? Will we care about what happens to others and not just ourselves? When I close my eyes and cross this bridge I imagine a world that feels more connected and caring, having gone through such an ordeal together.

Tonight is Pesach. While we sit in our homes recounting the exodus of long ago it is not hard to imagine our ancestors having similar conversations. The Hebrew word for Egypt, מצרים, comes from the same shoresh, צר. Our ancestors were also stuck in a narrow place and scared. Until one day Hashem led them out and built an invisible bridge for them across the Red Sea. So even though our Seders this year might have fewer people than usual, in some ways I feel more connected to Klal Yisrael and to the World than ever before. I imagine a bridge from my house to each of yours, until we are all connected like a web. As I sing the songs and taste the Matzah I will picture you doing the same and feel connected. May this Pesach bring us the freedom to break out of our narrow world views and see the bigger picture. May Hashem watch over us and send healing and hope. When we open the door for Eliyahu may he greet us all with a vision of a brighter future. And may our prayer of “Next Year in Jerusalem” herald the coming of Mashiach very very soon. All it takes is for each of us to build that invisible bridge.

Coronavirus and the Kiyor

With the Coronavirus dominating the news we’ve all been doing a whole lot of washing hands recently in order to maintain clean hands and avoid germs. So when I saw that this week’s parsha (Ki Tisa) talks about hand washing I decided to explore a little deeper. It says in this week’s parsha:

Shemot 30:18-21

וְעָשִׂיתָ כִּיּוֹר נְחֹשֶׁת וְכַנּוֹ נְחֹשֶׁת לְרָחְצָה וְנָתַתָּ אֹתוֹ בֵּין־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּבֵין הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וְנָתַתָּ שָׁמָּה מָיִם׃

Make a laver of copper and a stand of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. Put water in it,

וְרָחֲצוּ אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו מִמֶּנּוּ אֶת־יְדֵיהֶם וְאֶת־רַגְלֵיהֶם׃

and let Aaron and his sons wash their hands and feet [in water drawn] from it.

בְּבֹאָם אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד יִרְחֲצוּ־מַיִם וְלֹא יָמֻתוּ אוֹ בְגִשְׁתָּם אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ לְשָׁרֵת לְהַקְטִיר אִשֶּׁה לַה’׃

When they enter the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to serve, to turn into smoke an offering by fire to the LORD,

וְרָחֲצוּ יְדֵיהֶם וְרַגְלֵיהֶם וְלֹא יָמֻתוּ וְהָיְתָה לָהֶם חָק־עוֹלָם לוֹ וּלְזַרְעוֹ לְדֹרֹתָם׃

they shall wash their hands and feet, that they may not die. It shall be a law for all time for them—for him and his offspring—throughout the ages.

I. Kavanah/Intentionality

The Kohanim washed their hands and feet every time they entered the Mishkan to perform the Avodah. It was a ritual act which helped them not only to maintain good hygiene, but also to prepare their minds with Kavanah that they were about to do something holy.

We still echo this act today with the washing of the Kohanim’s hands before the Birchat Kohanim. We also wash Negel Vaser each morning, wash our hands before Tefilla (Brachot 16a), and wash Netilat Yadayim before eating bread. And at the Pesach Seder in a few weeks we will wash our hands not once but twice (Urchatz and Rachtza).

Ramban writes that, when a kohen washes his hands before the avodah, it is not for cleanliness; it is a sign of respect, just as the one who serves the king’s meals washes his hands even if they’re clean.

Not only is washing hands a sign of respect to Hashem; it also helps the Kohanim approach their Avodah with the right frame of mind. Washing hands is not just a matter of hygiene in Judaism. It is a symbolic reminder that our actions should be holy and pure. That what we do matters. That if we are intentional in our behavior we can have a tremendous impact on those around us. Imagine if before every conversation, email, or text we washed our hands as a reminder to be mindful and purposeful with our words. So one lesson I take from the emphasis on washing is the idea of Kavanah, of intentionality in our actions.

II. Reflection

But perhaps there is a deeper idea going on here as well. Rashi (30:19) quotes the Gemara (Zevachim 19b) which says that the Kohein would wash his hands and feet simultaneously. He would put his right hand on his right foot and wash them both, and then do the same with his left hand on his left foot. It almost sounds like a crazy game of Twister. What is the symbolism of washing in this manner? Bending over and placing his hands on top of his feet, the Kohain would look up and see his face reflected in the polished copper surface of the Kiyor. And he would remember his sacred duty to represent the people in purity and service to Hashem.

How do we know that the copper used for the Kiyor was reflective? It is based on a midrash quoted by Rashi in next week's parsha (38:8):

וַיַּעַשׂ אֵת הַכִּיּוֹר נְחֹשֶׁת וְאֵת כַּנּוֹ נְחֹשֶׁת בְּמַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת אֲשֶׁר צָבְאוּ פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

“He made the copper Laver… from the mirrors of the legions who massed at the entrance of the Ohel Moed.”

Rashi quotes the midrash that Moshe did not want to take the copper mirrors, used for external beauty, for one of the Keilim of the Mishkan. But Hashem told him that these were the most precious to Him b/c they symbolized the emunah of the women in Mitzrayim who kept hope and faith in a brighter future and built their families despite the challenges of Avdut.

בְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיוּ בְיָדָן מַרְאוֹת שֶׁרוֹאוֹת בָּהֶן כְּשֶׁהֵן מִתְקַשְּׁטוֹת, וְאַף אוֹתָן לֹא עִכְּבוּ מִלְּהָבִיא לְנִדְבַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן, וְהָיָה מוֹאֵס מֹשֶׁה בָּהֶן מִפְּנֵי שֶׁעֲשׂוּיִם לְיֵצֶר הָרָע, אָמַר לוֹ הַקָּבָּ"ה קַבֵּל, כִּי אֵלּוּ חֲבִיבִין עָלַי מִן הַכֹּל, שֶׁעַל יְדֵיהֶם הֶעֱמִידוּ הַנָּשִׁים צְבָאוֹת רַבּוֹת בְּמִצְרַיִם

Moshe thought these mirrors would not be fitting for the Holy Mishkan. But Hashem teaches him that they are the most appropriate material for the Mishkan. Because the Mishkan is a place for hope and emunah. It is a place to reflect on the present and dream of a brighter future (as we see for example with Chana). And just as the women in Mitzrayim were able to see a better tomorrow, the Kohanim must also start their Avodah each day with a reminder that their service is to bring Kaparah and Tahara to the world.

So, while we look forward to the day when things go back to normal and we don’t have to wash our hands every few minutes, in the meantime, perhaps while washing we can reflect on the idea that all our actions should be intentional and that our Avodah, our duty, is to each do just a little bit to make the world around us better. If we do this then not only will we, B’ezrat Hashem, maintain good hygiene; we will also create a brighter tomorrow. A tomorrow in which we look out for each other, realize the impact we have on one another, and encourage each other to have faith in the future.

I See You

Happy Palindrome Day!

Today is February 2, 2020, or 02/02/2020. This is the only time such a date will occur this century. The previous palindrome date came 909 years ago on 11/11/1111. The next will come in 101 years on 12/12/2121 and after that there will not be another until 03/03/3030.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/02/world/palindrome-day-february-2-2020-intl-scli/index.html

Besides being kind of a cool, quirky, feature of the calendar, I think today’s date is most appropriate. Because I have been thinking a lot recently about the theme of Perspective, specifically seeing things from others’ point of view.

As a teacher, a rabbi, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and everything else that I am, the most important ingredient in all my relationships is Empathy. And the key to empathy is to be able to see things (even if you have a slightly different perspective) from the other person’s point of view.

This weekend our family all got together to celebrate the engagement of my nephew. It was beautiful to see everyone together. My sister published a book of my father’s short stories about his grandfather (for whom I am named), so it was a weekend of connecting 5 generations of family.

Over the weekend I spent time with each niece and nephew, catching up on their lives and feeling proud of the people they are becoming. My parents were surrounded by all their grandchildren. Two of them are navigating the mystery of Middle School and two others the humor of High School. One of them is learning in yeshiva. Two of them are enjoying the independence of college. One of them is a brave soldier of the IDF. Three others are starting their careers. And this theme of perspective taking kept coming up. In conversations about school, about professors, about resumes, about summer jobs, about dating, and so much more, it kept coming up again and again.

At one point a conversation I had many years ago came back to me and it is something I will call The Mirror Test. Towards the beginning of my 1st year studying in a post high school yeshiva in Israel, the Rebbe one day decided to talk to us about dating and marriage. He asked us to write a list of all the characteristics we would be looking for in our ideal spouse. After listening to some of our lists the Rebbe then said, “now I want you to think about that girl that you just described and think about what kind of guy she is going to want to marry. Write down a list of all the characteristics she will be looking for in a guy. If you want her to want you then you will have to make sure that list describes you.” It was an eye opening thought experiment for us as we realized that if we wanted the best we were going to have to start working on ourselves to become the best as well (somehow I lucked out and got the best even though I am still working hard on living up to my list :-)

This mirror test applies not only to dating, but to careers as well. If you want a certain job or want to be seen a certain way in your job, then ask yourself the same question: what does someone who has that job or is seen that way look like? And then go become that person.

Very often people feel frustrated in life when they don’t feel seen by the people around them. And this starts at a young age when teens often do not feel seen by their peers or by the adults in their lives. As an educator, I try to “see” who each of my students is becoming. I also focus a lot on helping students “see” multiple perspectives as a way of broadening their understanding and their empathy for others.

In life it can be hard sometimes to find people who really “see” you. People who see your signature strengths. Who see the things that are hard for you. Who see the efforts you are making. Most people just see things from their own perspective. The beautiful thing about our family is that, even if we do not get together in person as often as we would like, we always “see” each other.

So, on this Palindrome day (which is also Groundhog day - another perspective taking idea), let’s remember to try to “see” the people in our lives. Let’s build our empathy by trying to view things from other people’s perspectives. Let’s look at the world around us, full of fascinating and inspiring people, and be amazed at the beauty we sometimes miss right before our eyes.

The Simcha of Yom Kippur

I. Yom Kippur Is The Happiest Day Of The Year

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. We have been preparing for this day for 40 days, since Rosh Chodesh Elul (blowing Shofar, saying Selichot, and doing Teshuva), just as Moshe spent these same 40 days praying to Hashem to forgive Bnei Yisrael for the Cheit HaEigel, the sin of the Golden Calf. 

And it all culminates today on Yom Kippur. We are fasting. We are beating our chests as we recite Viduy (confession). We are digging as deep as we can to unearth who we truly are and what we really want. In some ways Yom Kippur feels like the most solemn and perhaps scary day of the year. And yet, the last Mishnah in Masechet Tannit states:

אָמַר רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל, לֹא הָיוּ יָמִים טוֹבִים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל כַּחֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר בְּאָב וּכְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים

“There were never happier days for the Jews than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur.”

The Mishna teaches that Yom Kippur is the happiest day in the Jewish calendar! 
And the Gemara there (30b) explains:

יום הכפורים משום דאית ביה סליחה ומחילה יום שניתנו בו לוחות האחרונות
      
“Yom Kippur is a day of joy because it has the elements of pardon and forgiveness, 
and moreover, it is the day on which the last pair of tablets were given.”

Yom Kippur is the happiest day in the Jewish calendar because:

1) It is the date on which Moshe came down the mountain with the 2nd Luchot.

2) It is a day of forgiveness for all who come with a sincere heart.

II. So Why Don’t We Feel Happy?

Which leaves me wondering: If it’s such a happy day then why don't we feel happy?

Granted, we are nervous about the Gmar Din, the final judgment. Will Hashem see us as sincere, as worthy, as inherently good despite our faults? But I think it goes deeper than that. Because I think for a lot of people it's not just today that happiness may feel elusive. It's like that for many people every day. We go through life and feel that something is lacking. We are overwhelmed with the many responsibilities of life. We go to work, and do our errands, and take care of our families, and pay our bills, and go to the Doctor. And maybe now and then we find a few minutes to unwind and take a breath. We may experience pleasure here and there, but is that the same as happiness? When people ask us how we are doing we may respond with the Hebrew expression, “Yom Yom,” which is basically the equivalent of something like, “Hanging in there. Taking it one day at a time.”

So on this Holy Day of Yom HaKippurim, the happiest day of the year, I find myself thinking about happiness in general and wondering how do we find true happiness in this world?

III. 4 Types of People

In 2006 Israeli Psychologist Dr. Tal Ben Shachar, a leading researcher in Positive Psychology, taught the most popular course in the history of Harvard University, a course on The Study of Happiness, with over 1400 students enrolled. In his book Happier, Dr. Ben Schachar describes 4 personality types in an attempt to understand what holds most people back from achieving true happiness. 

According to Dr. Ben Shachar some people live in the past, others in the present, and others in the future. And all 3 of them are missing something essential to true happiness. Let’s take a moment to analyze each of these personalities, and then we can identify a 4th approach that leads to true happiness.

Approach #1 - Living In The Past

The person living in the past clings to the Power of Memory to give meaning to his or her life. Even if the present reality does not match their hopes, they can always turn back to happier times for solace. Not only that, this personality type looks to the past for guidance and learns from past experience. Until you understand the past you cannot change your future. You get stuck in the same patterns. There is something powerful about this approach.

A story is told about a person traveling for many days alone. There are no road signs and he has no GPS. Finally, after walking for what seems like an eternity, he sees a crossroads up ahead. But as he gets closer he realizes that the signpost has been knocked down and turned over. And he’s not sure, should he go left, straight, or right? He sits there stuck, unsure of which direction to walk, hoping that someone else will come by and point him in the right direction. Until suddenly he realizes the obvious answer: All he has to do is pick up the sign, find the arrow with the name of his city of origin, and point it to the path he just walked on! That way he’ll know the sign is right and he will know which direction to head next. Sometimes in life we get a little lost, unsure of where we are going. One way to recalibrate our direction is to think about where we come from. That can help give us direction to our future destination as well!

However, the downside to this personality type, which Dr. Ben Shachar refers to as The Nihilist, is that he is resigned to a life without meaning or happiness. He is chained to his past, assuming that if he didn't succeed or find happiness in the past then he has no hope of finding it in the future.

Approach #2 - Living In The Future

The 2nd Personality type is someone who lives in the future. This person clings to the Power of Hope and is always planning, saving, preparing, dreaming, working towards something. This too sounds very good. Chazal tell us that “HaOlam Hazeh Prozdor LeOlam Habah - this world is a corridor to the world to come.” We are here to prepare ourselves for a better future. And they also teach us that “Eizehu Chacham? HaRoeh Et HaNolad - Who is wise? The one who can anticipate the future.” 

And yet, this personality type, which Dr. Ben Shachar calls the Rat Racer, is never satisfied, thinking that each new goal, title, accomplishment, or salary will finally bring him to happiness. The Rat Racer always feels like he is running on a treadmill. He never is able to appreciate where he is because there is always something more. He might take a temporary break here and there. But if you feel like you have to take breaks in order to  "come up for air" that may be sign that you are living for the future at the expense of the present. This is not happiness. This is relief. Dr. Ben Shachar calls this relief from stress "Negative Happiness." But this kind of happiness is only temporary.

Approach #3 - Living In The Present

A 3rd approach is someone who lives in the Present. This personality focuses on controlling what he can right now and taking advantage of what’s around him. He appreciates the moment and does not push off until tomorrow what he can do today. This too has a good side. As Chazal tell us, “Im Lo Achshav, Eimatai - If not now, when?”

However, this personality, which Dr. Ben Shachar calls the Hedonist, has great risk as well. This person who lives in the moment has no concern for the future. It's all about instant gratification. And as soon as the immediate pleasure dissipates it's on to something or someone new. There is no long term commitment or dedication. The hedonist thinks effort = pain and pleasure = happiness. They would rather enjoy what they can now with as little effort as possible.

To summarize the mistakes these 3 personality types make, Dr. Ben Shachar says the following: "The Rat Racer becomes a slave to the future; the Hedonist, a slave to the moment; the Nihilist, a slave to the past."

Approach #4 - True Happiness

So what’s the secret to a happy life? The secret is that it's not about the destination; it's about the journey. It’s not about choosing the Past, the Present, or the Future. It’s about connecting all three. It’s about knowing where you come from, setting your sights on where you want to go, and making the daily choices to progress on your journey. It’s not about arrival; it’s about progress. It’s not about being; it’s about becoming. It’s about living with purpose. It's about growing.

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to conquer Mt. Everest. Did you know that he
failed to accomplish this on his first attempt? Speaking to the Science Academy in
England after his first unsuccessful climb, Hillary stopped in the middle of his delivery,
paused and turned toward the large mural of Everest which was on the wall, and declared, “Next time I will succeed - for I am still growing and you have stopped growing.”

In the words of Dr. Ben Shachar, "Happiness is not about making it to the peak of the mountain, nor is it about climbing aimlessly around the mountain; happiness is the experience of climbing toward the peak."

The past inspires us to plan a bright future. But the future doesn't happen later; it happens now. It is created every moment of our lives. And the only way to succeed is to be present. As the saying goes, “The past is history. The future's a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.”

V. The Time Machine

Which brings us back to today, to Yom Kippur, to this moment. Yom Kippur is the happiest day in the Jewish calendar because it reminds us that past, present, and future are all connected. In our Tefillot of Yom Kippur we recite Viduy, focusing on the past, and we recite U’Netaneh Tokef, focusing on our future. But we also focus on our present. In Avinu Malkeinu we say “Tehei HaShaah Hazot Shaat Rachamim V’Et Ratzon Milfanecha - May this moment be one of compassion and favor before You.” And right after musaf we recite a special Tefilla called HaYom Te’Amtzeinu, in which we ask Hashem to strengthen us, bless us, and accept out Tefillot HAYOM, today.

In fact, this switching between past, present, and future has been a theme throughout the Teshuva season. On Rosh Hashana we fast forward and look to the future, planning the year to come. And then on Yom Kippur we rewind and look back on the year that was, reflecting on where we veered from the path. In a certain sense the entire Yamim Noraim is like a Time Machine that takes us back and forth between past, present, and future, reminding us that life is about connecting all three. 

So if you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you to join me in my time machine for a little trip to the future and to the past. Don’t worry, I’ll bring you back to the present.

Let’s start by looking into the future. Imagine if you knew, Lo Aleinu, that this coming year would be the last one of your life. At 1st glance that sounds scary, and B’ezrat Hashem we will all be blessed with many more years of health and happiness in this world. But just for a moment imagine what your life would be like if you knew you had one year to live. How might you live differently? What things might matter more or less to you? How do you think you might spend your days? For each of us the answer might be slightly different. But I suspect that each of us, in our own way, would find a way to infuse each and every day with meaning and purpose. We would spend time with the people we love doing the things that we find meaningful.

You may be familiar with the story of Alfred Nobel. In 1888 a newspaper obituary reported on his death and described him as a “merchant of death” who had grown rich by developing dynamite. It turns out it was a mistake and it was actually his brother who had died. So Alfred is sitting there reading his own obituary and he realizes that what he will be remembered for is inventing something whose legacy is death and war. At that point he decides he has to do something to leave a more positive legacy and he establishes the Nobel Prize, awarding the most outstanding contributions to the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. So I ask again, if you knew you were going to die what would you do to leave a lasting legacy?

There’s an interesting expression that you may have heard before:

“Adam Doeg Al Ibud Damav V’eino Doeg Al Ibud Yamav. Damav Chozrim. Yamav Einam Chozrim.

“A person is concerned about the loss of his money and not the loss of his days. Money can be replenished; days cannot.”

So as we get ready to reboard our time machine and travel back in time to the past, my question is simple: why can’t we live this way right now in the present? Why do we act like life has no clock, pushing off to tomorrow what we could do today?

Now let’s travel back in time. We are about to recite Yizkor. Each of us can think of people who touched our lives who are no longer with us. They could be family members, teachers, or friends. I want to invite you to close your eyes for a moment and picture a moment from the past when you were with this person and were happy. What did you learn from that person? How did they impact you? When you think about that person what makes you smile? Is there something about that person that you can try to emulate in the way you live your own life? In doing so, you not only honor their legacy; you remember where you come from which will help you on your own journey as well.

I will never forget my Rebbe, Rav Aharon Rakeffet, may he live and be well, a talmid of Rav Soloveitchik, who would always tell us "boys, with one ear I hear my Rebbe 50 years ago and with the other I hear my talmidim 50 years from now." Each of us is on our own personal journey. But we are also a link in a chain that started before us and will continue after us. And this too is the true source of our Simcha, of our happiness. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. And we each have a crucial role to play in this story.

Now let’s return to the present. Today is Yom Kippur, the happiest day in the Jewish calendar. I want to wish each of us that in a few hours, when we finish Neilah, blow the Shofar, and sing “LeShana HaBaah B’Yerushalayim” we should feel not only relief. Relief that the fast is over, and that B’Ezrat Hashem our Tefillot have been heard. We should feel true Simcha, true happiness. Because we will have a clearer sense of who we are and what we want. Because we will know that life is not about the past or the future, but about taking advantage of the present. Of making each day count. Because we will know that life is a precious gift, and that the journey of becoming and of growing is what it’s all about. 

“Tehei HaShaah Hazot Shaat Rachamim V’Et Ratzon - May this moment be one of compassion and favor.” May the simcha of Yom Kippur inspire us not only today but every day, so that we live every day of our lives with purpose, with vision, with hope, growing each day, enjoying the process of becoming who we are meant to be. And when someone asks us how we are doing, may we answer “Yom Yom,” I am making each day count and seeing it as the bracha that it is.

Gmar Chatima Tova