Rabbi's Blog - Harford Chabad

Reflections on our recent conversation - building a stronger relationship

Friday, May 31, 2024 - 10:37 AM

To my dear child,

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our recent conversation and the consequences that followed. As your parent, it's hard for me to see you struggle with the choices you've made, and it's even harder for me to be the one to discipline you.

Our actions have consequences which sometimes can be difficult. But I've also been thinking about the importance of recognizing our own significance in the world. When we feel unimportant, we can start to make choices that might not be in our best interest.

Moses was called humble even though he was the most important leader. True humility comes from recognizing our importance in the eyes of Hashem, our Higher Power. Imagine you were in a king's palace, and suddenly you find yourself...before the king! No one says a word. The king looks at you, watching with interest as you come near. Imagine how you would feel!

That is exactly how we stand all the time before Hashem, the king of all the world! (Tanya, Chapter 41). When we feel that we are constantly seen, valued, and important, we're more likely to make choices that align with our values and principles.

As your parent, it's my job to guide you and help you make good decisions. Although it's hard for me to see you struggle, I’m committed to helping you grow even when it’s difficult. It's like the verse says in this week's Torah portion, "If you will not hearken to Me, and walk casually with Me, I too will act casually with you." It's a reminder that our actions have consequences for us and those around us.

I know that punishment can be difficult. Yet, it's not about the punishment itself but the lessons we can learn from it. As the Chassidic masters say, "The most terrible of punishments is for G-d to indulge the sinner and say: 'All right, have it your way, I don't care about you. What you do and what happens to you is of no significance.’

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me that I need to discipline you and to work with me to build a stronger, more loving relationship. I love you more than words can express.

With all my love,

Your Father

One small act by man, a giant leap for mankind

Friday, May 24, 2024 - 6:21 AM

Have you ever wondered how we can make the world a better place? The greatest leaders and visionaries of the past, from our patriarchs and matriarchs to the prophets and Talmudic sages, were not successful in perfecting the world, so how can we do it?

The Lubavitcher Rebbe ob"m told us that we are the final generation to make the world a better place. We are empowered to be the ones who would bring about the final redemption. But how can we do it?

In this week’s Torah portion, we read regarding the sabbatical year: If you shall say: What shall we eat in the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our produce! But I will command My blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years . . . (Leviticus 25:20–21)

The sixth year when the land is worn out and drained from producing non-stop for 6 years, G-d blesses it to produce enough for three whole years.

We are now in the "sixth year", the sixth millennium, right before the coming of Moshiach. Specifically in this "sixth year", after the giants before us doing the work, we are to be the ones to finish the job and actually bring about the final redemption, making the seventh year amazing!

Although we may seem weaker, when we make the effort to overcome our challenges, no matter how infantile they make look comparatively to the previous generations’, G-d cherishes our effort and supercharges the impact.

By doing one small act of kindness to make the world a better place, no matter how small it seems, it may be the catalyst for the giant leap for mankind!

Have a great Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Coexistence the Holy and the Mundane

Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 9:54 PM

At the Education Summit this week in San Diego, I discovered a fascinating intersection of faith and technology. As a Rabbi, I was thrilled to share my passion for connecting spirituality with data-driven solutions. One conversation stood out. A woman and I explored ways to leverage technology to enhance K-12 education and foster a sense of spirituality in students. As we wrapped up, she remarked how amazing it is to solve spiritual problems with data. This resonated deeply with me as this isn’t a new concept for me. My entire upbringing I was taught that spirituality and physicality are not in conflict, they must coexist and complement each other.

In Judaism, we recognize two types of holy days: Shabbos, where holiness is determined by Hashem, and holidays, which are appointed times to connect with the Divine.

The Torah refers to the Jewish holidays as "Moed" (meaning "time" or "appointed time"), highlighting the significance of these holy days. They're not just dates on the calendar but focused times to connect with the Divine. We're not always in a state to be spiritually connected, hence time is fused with sacredness and the mundane.

The takeaway? We should try to solve secular problems with holy solutions and vice versa. By embracing this balance, we can create a harmonious blend of the spiritual and mundane. Just as I did by laying tefillin with fellow attendees and exploring innovative ways to connect students with their spiritual roots. You too can find ways to infuse your mundane day to day with spirituality and enjoy Shabbos with physical enjoyment.

Have an amazing Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Holiness in Everyday Life - The Power of Giving Up

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 7:06 PM

Kedoshim Tihiu - You Shall Be Holy Leviticus 19:1-2.

When is one referred to as holy? When one does any action that brings honor, respect, and glory to Hashem, thereby sanctifying His name. When praying for the souls of those who were killed or murdered just for being Jewish, having had the ultimate self-sacrifice for G-d, they are referred to as kedoshim, holy ones.

When one is willing to make self-sacrifices for G-d, it is referred to as mesiras nefesh, giving over of their souls. Interestingly, Rashi, the foremost commentary on the Torah, translates the word nefesh as desires. When I give up doing something I want to do because Hashem tells me to do otherwise, or because by doing so I am giving up a bit of myself to make Hashem's name greater, I am kadosh. I am holy.

The above verse has us ask ourselves what is one thing we want to do but will hold back on, just in order to be holy?

As we reflect on this concept, I encourage you to ask yourself: What is one thing I can do today that will bring me closer to Hashem, even if it means giving up something I desire? What is one thing I can do to make Hashem's name greater?

May we all strive to be kedoshim, holy ones, and may our actions bring honor and glory to Hashem's name. May we remember that we can be holy while remaining alive, and may our daily choices reflect our commitment to sanctifying Hashem's name.

Wishing you an amazing Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman.

Intentional Living - Balancing Energy Efficiency and Shabbos Observance"

Friday, May 3, 2024 - 9:40 AM

“Sorry, there is no way you can avoid motion sensors. I understand that Jewish law doesn't allow you to turn on lights on Shabbat, but the law is clear. The law doesn't allow for religious accommodation. I would love to help, but my hands are tied.”

As we work on the Capital Campaign and the Chabad Building, we've encountered some unexpected twists and turns. One challenge we faced was the discovery of a law requiring motion sensors for all lights, to reduce energy consumption. This law presents a problem for Shabbos observance, as it's not allowed to turn on lights on Shabbos according to Jewish law.

However, we're pleased to report that, with the help of State Delegate Mike Griffith, the State Attorney General's office, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin from Agudath Israel of Maryland, and the Baltimore Jewish Council, we've made progress. A new law has been passed, allowing local jurisdictions to seek guidance from the Attorney General's office to accommodate Shabbos observance. This means that we can find alternative ways to reduce energy consumption, such as using preset timers.

We're grateful to live in a country that values religious freedom and allows us to observe Shabbos. Even if you're not Shabbos observant, consider making a commitment to avoid using light switches on Shabbos. Many lights can be set to turn on or off automatically, and some ovens have a Shabbos mode that prevents them from beeping or staying on indefinitely.

As a side note, the Baal Shem Tov taught that every experience or encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow in our service to G-d. One takeaway from this story is the importance of intentionality. If we want to bring light into the world, we must be intentional in our actions.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman