Parshas Shemini

The pig is non kosher even though it has one of the qualities of a kosher animal. When it stands, it sticks out its split hooves as if to show off and say, "Look at me! I have one sign!" 

Hashem has gifted each of us with many things. We shouldn't feel the need to flaunt the good we have. When we are satisfied with our blessings and acknowledge that our talents come from Hashem, we won't need to show off. We can feel grateful and even share the good we have with others!

May we be able to use the good we have been blessed with to bring happiness to other people and never feel the need to flaunt the extras that we have!

Parshas Tzav

The korban todah was given to express gratitude to Hashem. It had to be eaten on the day it was sacrificed. It couldn't be left to eat for the following day. 

We should not wait to show people our appreciation for the things they do. When feeling grateful, we should express it right away. We never know when our last chance will be...and we don't want to look back and regret the things we never said. 

May we be able to be open and expressive to all the people who we appreciate and may we always feel grateful to Hashem for the good He blesses us with!

Purim Poem-Lottery

Here's my Purim Poem for this year. Enjoy the message!

Purim is here, a day of happiness and fun for all,

We dress up in costumes whether big or small.

Yet there is a deeper message in this special day,

About connecting to Hashem in a truly meaningful way.

The name פורים comes from פור, which means raffle or lottery,

And that is a random selection, that’s what it seems to be.

But the תורה tells us that a raffle is an expression

Of what Hashem wants to tell us, it’s His specific instruction.

The two goats on יום כיפור as well as dividing ארץ ישרא-ל among the tribes,

Were done byגורל  to see what were Hashem’s true vibes!

And whenיונה  was in the boat that was twisting and turning,

Lots were cast to see who was at fault for all that churning.

So the message we can take is that things that seem random,

Are all part of the bigger picture of details working in tandem!

And on Purim we are supposed to look for Hashem in everyday things,

And appreciate the many gifts we have from the King of all kings.

When we go shopping and there is more than enough at the store,

We should know that Hashem set aside one for us and there’s extra, there’s more!

It’s only when there’s just one left of the very thing we need,

That we take the time to thank Him, oh yes indeed.

We learn this from when רבקה metיצחק  for the very first time,

And if we look closely, we’ll see the תורה records a very curious line.

ויצא יצחק לשוח בשדה –The walk was in גן עדן, a very holy place,

And then ותפל מעל הגמל-Rivka fell off the camel and covered her face.

The reason she fell was because she saw him walking-yes-upside down,

His feet were in the air and his hands were on the ground!

Why was he walking in such an unusual way?

Because He represented finding Hashem in the earthly, regular and everyday.

So on Purim, it’s thisונהפוך הוא , an unusual way to connect,

We thank Hashem for the “random” bounty with which we are blessed!

He hides Himself in the plenty so it takes effort to notice and see,

That the things He gives us are a gift for each of us individually!

This is the message from the name פורים which means lottery,

That nothing is random, it’s just that Hashem is hidden, we cannot see

And on this day we should look out and try to find Him in the regular things

So we can connect with gratitude and happiness to the King of all kings!

A Freilichen Purim!

Taanis Esther

Many people say perek chaf bais, 22, today. As she approached Achashveirosh after 3 days of fasting, Esther said these words, "Keili keili lama azavtani." She turned to Hashem when she felt abandoned and asked, "Hashem...why did you leave me?" Instead of turning away from Hashem, she turned TO Him.

When you feel abandoned or hurt by someone you used to be close to, instead of turning away from them, turn to them. Speak to them. Try to understand why they are acting this way. Maybe there's something going on inside of them that will explain their behavior. Opening up a dialogue gives you the opportunity to fix the relationship and restore peace.

May we be able to maintain peaceful relationships always!

Parshas Vayikra

It is forbidden to put honey into any of the karbanos. The way Hashem commanded us to offer the sacrifices are perfect and they do not require any additional sweeteners.

We must remember that we were created with perfection. We have talents and qualities that make us great. We should not allow the negative comments of others bring us down. It would be nice if we didn't need compliments to feel good, but since many of us do, we should make an effort to see the good in others and verbalize it to them. Remember, every person's essence is pure since we come from such a holy source!

May we be able to notice the positive about others, tell them when we see it and internalize our inner value so we don't need to be told we are great to know how special we are!

Parshas Pekudei

The Kohen Gadol wore a Tzitz on his forehead with the words "Kodesh LaHashem" engraved on it. He was always reminded that he had a purpose, his job was holy and He was standing before Hashem.

We don't wear special garments with holy words that remind us of our purpose in this world. But if we woke up this morning, that means Hashem has an important role for us to fill that no one else in the world can complete. If we can think this thought, even once a day, we can inject a sense of meaning into our existence. And if we want to take it one step further, we can remind ourselves to put Hashem before us and that He is watching us, so we act properly no matter who is around to see us.

May we be able to keep that godly image before our eyes so we resist temptation and make a kiddush Hashem wherever we go! 

Parshas Vayakheil

The men and women gave so much to the mishkan that Moshe Rabbeinu had to tell them to stop. They understood the value of their contributions and that everything they gave would be used for a building so special and so holy.

When we give tzeddakah, we need to realize how valuable our donations are. We have the ability to help people we know and to help complete strangers by giving generously to organizations who help our fellow Jews. If Hashem blessed us with extra money, we should feel lucky to be in the position to give to others. And if we don't have extra, we should realize that giving things that don't have monetary value is just as important.

May we be able to use the money and qualities Hashem blessed us with to help other people with positivity!