Rabbi's Blog

The age-old question: who is better, humans or animals? Can we truly claim superiority over the natural world, or are we just another species in the grand tapestry of creation? The Torah offers a fascinating perspective on this topic, one that challenges our assumptions about our place in the world.

In the early days of humanity, G-d 's instructions were clear: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and rule over... all the beasts" (Genesis 1:28). But what does it mean to "subdue" the earth? Is it a call to dominate and exploit, or to work in harmony with the natural world? The answer lies in the context of G-d 's original dietary instructions: "Every green plant I give you for food, and you shall have them for food" (Genesis 1:29). Humans were originally meant to eat like animals, only vegetables. In the times of Noah meat was added to the diet.

G-d 's rules are not meant to be arbitrary or oppressive, but rather to guide us in our relationship with the world. As creations of G-d, we are called to be responsible stewards of the earth, not a dominant dictator but a benevolent ruler.

The Hebrew word for "rule over" (רדו) is closely related to the word for "fall" (ירדו). This is no coincidence. True dominion over the earth requires humility and partnership with G-d. When we approach the world with a sense of refinement and responsibility, we can "dominate" in the sense of elevating the physical world for spiritual purposes. But when we forget our place and succumb to hedonistic materialism, we risk falling into the trap of exploitation and destruction.

So, what does it mean to be human? Are we simply stronger and smarter animals, or are we something more? The answer lies in our relationship with G-d and the world around us. By embracing our role as co-creators and stewards of the earth, we can fulfill our potential as humans and find true fulfillment in our relationship with G-d and the natural world.

So go control the world around you - and elevate it.

Looking forward to seeing you over the next few days,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman 

I wanted to share with you a powerful story from my father's book, "Why God Why - How to Believe in Heaven When it Hurts Like Hell." In the book, he recounts a conversation he had with one of my brothers who was struggling to understand why G-d allowed a family member to die from lung cancer. Instead of trying to provide a theological explanation, my father asked, "Do you want an answer, or do you want a hug?"

My brother's eyes welled up with tears and he replied, "I want a hug." This story resonates with me. It makes me think about the importance of Sukkot and Simchat Torah in our Jewish tradition.

Just as most Jews wouldn't eat a bagel without the lox or cream cheese, attending synagogue on Yom Kippur without participating in Sukkot and Simchat Torah is like a bagel without cream cheese.

These holidays offer us a chance to reconnect with Hashem and with each other.

After confessing our sins on Yom Kippur and being blessed with a new year, we sometimes doubt if we are we truly okay. Will our relationship with Hashem remain strong?

We ask Hashem, "Do you still love me, even though I made mistakes?" And Hashem's answer is, "Do you want an answer, or do you want a hug?"

In the sukkah, surrounded by the walls of Hashem's embrace, we find comfort and reassurance.

We shake the lulav and etrog, symbolizing our connection to all types of Jews.

We dance with a closed Torah on Simchas Torah, representing our shared connection to the Jewish tradition.

I hope to see you at one of our Sukkot events, where we can come together and experience the warmth and love of Hashem's embrace.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman 

“Researchers in Denmark have developed a new drug that mimics the effects and benefits of strenuous exercise without moving a muscle!”

When I came across this paragraph of clickbait on the news, I knew I had to continue reading. After all, I am a big fan of strenuous exercise. Yes, you read it right: I am a big fan (just like “baseball fans” who like to talk and watch baseball but leave the playing to other people, I am also leaving strenuous exercise to others…)

But whom am I kidding? I heard that strenuous exercise is good for you. So if I can have my cake and eat it too, and avoid exercising—that sounds like a good deal.

The article reports that “... the drug has been shown.. to flush toxins and strengthen the heart.” 

“Flush toxins and strengthen the heart.” Why does this sentence sound familiar?

Oh, I know! It reminds me of a talk by the Rebbe in honor of Yom Kippur, where he discussed the question: how does Yom Kippur work? We all know it’s considered a day of atonement, but how do we achieve it?

Here is a quote from that discussion (from Likkutei Sichos, volume 4):

“Yom Kippur reveals within every Jew the essence connection of their soul with the Creator, and when this level is revealed, all flaws automatically fall away.”

So Yom Kippur is “strengthening our heart” (our connection to G-d) and “flushing all [tox]sins!”

There is one big difference between the new medicine and the much older Yom Kippur “pill”. Unlike the medicine, which mimics the 10k run, Yom Kippur, when we strengthen our connection to G-d, it’s not mimicking; it’s revealing our true essence. And then, our sins flush away. Oh, and it also has no negative side effects. Some positive side effects are happiness, torah study and connection with Gd)

May this Yom Kippur bring with it a stronger, revealed connection to G-d, and may all of our prayers be answered.

Wishing you a Gmar Chatima Tova, have an easy fast, good yom tov, good Shabbos, sending love, praying for the hostages, the safety of our brothers and sisters in the holy land, and for world peace with the coming of Moshiach!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. My gratitude to Rabbi Mendy Kaminker from Chabad of Hackensack for this article which inspired me - I did make minor edits