Rabbi's Blog - Harford Chabad

Trust

Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 9:10 PM

I have been contemplating the concept of trust. What is true trust? When someone shares something with you, whether they lack concrete proof or if it seems like there is proof to the contrary, you still believe in their honesty and may consider that you might be missing a crucial detail.

The Jewish people were told by Moshe that he would return from Mount Sinai after 40 days. When Moshe did not come down at the expected time, the people created a golden calf and worshipped it, as they doubted Moshe's return.

The people faltered in their trust, leading them to create the golden calf. However, we can learn from their mistake and strive to maintain our faith in G-d, even in challenging times. By doing so, we can grow as individuals and as a community, drawing closer to G-d and fulfilling His divine plan for us.

We must learn to trust in G-d. Trust that He will provide for all our needs. Trust in His word when He assures us that He is watching over our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

Is trust an easy task? No, it is not.

Someone once asked Reb Mendel Futerfas, a renown Chossid, what is the difference between belief and trust? Reb Mendel responded: If you look at a tightrope walker. You admire his skill, and you believe without a doubt that he has trained and is able to make it across without falling. Trust, he said, is your willingness to climb on his back as he walks across the rope.

Let us commit to leaning on the all-knowing, all-powerful, and benevolent G-d, even when we do not fully comprehend His plan.

Have a trust filled shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. Interested in learning more on trust in Hashem? check out www.gateoftrust.org

P.P.S. Watch here Great Cartoon 2 minute about trusting the tightrope walker

A touch of Holiness

Thursday, February 22, 2024 - 9:48 PM

"Whatever touches the Altar will become sanctified" (Exodus 29:37).

While the Torah is talking about during the time of the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash, this principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. This idea suggests that even a mere "touch" of holiness can have a profound and lasting impact on our souls.

In the context of Jewish identity, this principle takes on a beautiful and inclusive meaning. Every Jew, regardless of their level of observance, practice, or self-perception, possesses an intrinsically holy soul. Including the Jew who doesn't engage in religious practices but still holds on to certain traditions or values and may not consider themselves connected or holy.

The holiness of every Jew is likened to the objects brought upon the Altar. While some may argue that only certain individuals are worthy of such a distinction, Judaism teaches that every Jew has an innate desire to fulfill G-d's commands. This inherent desire, often lying dormant and waiting to be uncovered, is the foundation of every Jew's holiness.

Engaging with Judaism can be challenging for those who feel disconnected or unaffiliated. However, every individual can help another uncover their unique and beautiful Jewish identity. By fostering a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment, we can help every Jew reconnect with their roots and embrace their inherent holiness.

Once we have had a spiritual experience or "touch" of holiness, we are forever changed. Our contact with the Divine realm leaves an indelible mark on our souls. We may try to forget, ignore, or run away from it, but the encounter remains a part of us. Just as the objects brought upon the Altar become sanctified, so too do the souls of every Jew become holy through their intrinsic connection to Judaism and the Divine.

What can you do to touch another Jew and uncover their soul?

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Leap for joy

Thursday, February 15, 2024 - 8:16 PM

In just 14 days, it will be February 29th - the extra day we get every few years. Someone asked me, "What are you doing with this extra day? Finding 29 new friends? Starting new projects? Or planning something special?"

Those are all good ideas, but for us as Jews, we celebrate the Jewish leap year, which means we get an extra month called Adar, known as the month of Joy.

Now, let me ask you something similar. What are you doing for the Jewish leap year? How will you make yourself happier? We have 30 extra days of Joy!

In the Torah, it says we should always "Serve Hashem with joy" (Devarim, 28:47). During the month of Adar, we don't just serve Hashem with happiness like usual, but with even more happiness - super happiness!

Our job in this world is to make Hashem feel at home. Just like a person feels at home with their whole heart, we need to make this world a comfy place for Hashem too.

Hashem likes to be where there's happiness. So, if we want to make this world a good home for Hashem, we need to always be happy.

Feeling down? The Talmud tells us, "I was only created to serve my Master," and since Hashem likes happy places, we should always be happy.

So, the secret of the Jewish leap year is to be super happy, even when things are tough.

How will you increase your joy?

Have a great Shabbat,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Love in Two Parts

Thursday, February 8, 2024 - 10:19 PM

A young man named David meets a young woman. They date for a few years and get to know each other. Suddenly, on a warm summer day as they stroll by the water, he gets down on one knee and says the words, "Will you marry me?"

During their engagement, his fiancé tells him; "Dave, I want you to know that in our house we won't have any beige curtains or rugs because I do not like them. and you must take out the garbage." They continue to plan the wedding.

Five years later, David sees beautiful beige curtains and having forgotten his wife's words, he brought them home. His wife was NOT happy about it and said to him, "David, my love for you is deeper than my "desires and rules" but in the future please don't bring home what I do not want".

Something similar happened with G-d and the Jewish people in relation to the giving of the Torah. The way the event is recounted brings out an interesting point. The Torah splits the narration of this event into two. The first part contains the rules (G-d's desired mitzvos/commandments), and then at the end of this week's portion it describes G-d’s proposal to the Jewish people, who then say yes.

This symbolizes two distinct relationships G-d has with His people: 1) I have desires and rules for staying ‘married’ in peace and harmony and 2) The essence of a lifelong, higher relationship which is beyond the do's and don'ts.

Nonetheless, this week's Torah portion, which discusses the second type of relationship is still called "Mishpatim" - laws. The reason for this is because although G-d’s love for us is deeper than anything, and His love is always present, still, when we desire what G-d desires, by following His “laws” and fulfilling His Mitzvos, the marriage becomes better and better.

May we all be blessed with what the Torah says: "And you shall worship the L-rd, your G-d, and He will bless your food and your drink, and He will remove illness from your midst."

Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

It comes with the whole package

Thursday, February 1, 2024 - 9:21 PM

The last of the 10 Commandments says not to want stuff that belongs to your neighbor and then gives a list, like their house, family, or pets "and anything."

Why the detail?

Because while the work "Kol" means anything it also means everything.

Life is like a big story with good parts and tough parts, and you can't just take the good parts from someone else's story without taking all of it.

It means you shouldn't wish you had anything they have, because it comes with everything that they have their whole package.

You don't want to go through all the things they go/went through, so don't be jealous.

Have a good shabbos and join us with the Yeshiva Boys.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman