Rabbi's Blog

Have you ever felt super happy for no special reason? That's what we call the joy of just being!

On the holiday of Purim, we celebrate this special kind of happiness. We read the story, give gifts and presents, eat yummy food, and have fun together. This helps us feel a happiness that's bigger than anything we can touch or see.

Most days, we're busy with school, chores, and activities. We forget to notice how amazing it is to just be alive! But during Purim, we need remember this special feeling.

There are different kinds of happiness we can feel:

Body Happiness: When you run fast or build something cool
Feeling Happiness: When someone gives you a big hug
Thinking Happiness: When you solve a tricky math problem
Soul Happiness: When you feel connected to God
Just Being Happiness: The best kind! This is when you're happy just because you exist

As Purim approches, try to notice moments when you feel happy for no reason at all. Maybe when you're quiet, or laughing with friends, or just looking at the sky.

Remember - you don't need to do anything special to deserve happiness. You're amazing just because you're you!

Happy Purim!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. I hope you can join us www.harfordchabad.org/purim 

Orthodox means ordinary, normal.

I have always been fascinated by the Think Different ad from Apple.

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

The Mishkan, the tabernacle, was made mainly with "atzi shittim", acacia wood. The word shittim comes from the word shtus, foolishness or silliness.

It is important to follow ordinary Jewish law, the "orthodox" interpretation, without trying to find loopholes to make the law fit my wants. Still, at times, we need to be foolish and uncalculated.

A friend struggled to follow the Rebbe's OB"M directive to learn the daily portion of Rambam, Maimonides. Despite it not making sense with his schedule, he foolishly accepted upon himself to learn just the first book, even though he fell behind many a time. Giving in to his foolishness allowed him to accomplish something he thought he'd never do. Tomorrow, Friday, he will finish the entire cycle! Learn more at HarfordChabad.org/Rambam.

To build a home for G-d, we may need to do irrational things. Not stupid actions, but Supra-rational ones.

E.G. My day is full, and I don't have time to study. Commit to not go to sleep any night without having learned something (harfordchabad.org/dailystudy is a great place to start) and watch how time makes itself available. Moreover, notice how the learning has an effect on you.

So yes, it is the crazy ones who change the world.

Are you ready to do something crazy and make this world a home for G-d?

Have a good Shabbos.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

 One of the important aspects of observing kosher is keeping milk and meat properly separated. This prohibition is derived from the verse, "Do not cook a kid in its mother's milk". This verse appears in the Torah three times, twice in Exodus and once in Deuteronomy. The Sages explain that the repetition of the verse teaches us that it is not only forbidden to cook meat and milk together, but also to eat or derive benefit from the mixture.

While the Talmud teaches that this is a “Chok” commandment, one we do not know the reason for, there is one explanation that I found quite interesting.

Milk and meat represent opposites. Milk itself is liquid and flowing, symbolizing giving without accounting. Milk induces calm and tranquility (to the point of drowsiness). Meat (beef) is red, solid, and served hot. Red creates pressure and density, and meat itself causes desire and passion to break boundaries.

Sometimes, in the name of peace we try to mix two things and create a third thing.

Suppress the calm, suppress the passion, and live a life of quiet desperation. Take two good things that when separate can be amazing but together cancel each other out. This type of peace never lasts.

It’s important to be you. To be proud of who you are and to be peaceful. Shalom (peace) in Hebrew comes from the word shalem, which means complete. The first step in peace is knowing who you are. The second step is to find compromise.
This is perhaps one of the reasons why milk and meat together are always forbidden. Instead of allowing each to exist fully, it nullifies them into non-existence and suppresses each one’s identity.

As we navigate the world, don’t suppress who you are. Be a proud Jew, a proud American, a proud _______ (fill in the blank).  Once you do that, see if there is place for compromise where you and the person you are in disagreement with can each exist in their full self, and still find a middle ground.

Have a peaceful Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. A telling story: An angry and bitter husband and wife stood before the Maggid of Kozhnitz. The man complained: "My wife makes delicious kugel for Shabbat, I love the kugel and look forward to it all week, but my wife torments me. She insists on serving the fish first, then the soup, then chicken and potatoes, and only when my stomach is full, and I can't take another bite - she brings the kugel!"

The wife replied: "This is how my late mother, peace be upon her, would do it, serving the kugel only at the end of the meal, and I cannot violate my mother's custom."

The Maggid suggested making two kugels: one to eat right after kiddush as the husband wished, and the other to be served at the end of the meal according to the wife's custom. The couple left happy and satisfied.

Chassidim related that from that day on, two kugels were served at the Maggid's table: one after kiddush, at the beginning of the meal, and one, as usual, with the meat at the end of the meal. The first kugel was called "the kugel of peace in the home".

When young Tel Aviv was preparing for a visit from Winston Churchill, the British Colonial Secretary, Meir Dizengoff, Tel Aviv's mayor, wanting to impress the distinguished guest, ordered city workers to uproot a row of trees from the Mikveh Israel school and replant them in front of his house on Rothschild Boulevard.

The reception appeared green and festive. When the orchestra began to play and the large crowd pressed forward to greet the honored guest, the rootless trees toppled to the ground. Churchill, with his characteristic insight, told Dizengoff something profound: "Mr. Mayor, without roots, nothing will grow here..."

What do we do when things appear to be falling apart, when the world seems to be in upheaval and craziness? How do we use the “rotting” of the world around us as a catalyst for growth? How do we solve problems with fresh eyes?

Light cannot illuminate light; it simply dissolves into it. To receive new light, we must first create space by releasing our attachment to previous understanding. For a seed to grow, it needs to decompose into the soil and only then when it is dark, can it birth a tree.

However, that tree only grows when we invest deeply in nurturing their roots. The journey often requires letting go of our protective layers to unite with something greater than ourselves. To create something far greater than itself, the seed must empty itself and open to the infinite power of growth. As long as the seed maintains its current form, it can only produce results of similar size. But, to give rise to a majestic tree capable of bearing countless new seeds, it must sacrifice its outer layers and connect with the infinite force of growth itself.

The challenge with this is that it is uncomfortable.  This spiritual vertigo isn't just uncomfortable, it can be frightening. Into this emptiness might creep doubt and uncertainty, challenging our sense of security. But this very uncertainty is the birthplace of renewal.

No one wants or asks to be challenged. Yet, when we are, we need to look at it with the lenses of growth. 1) This darkness, this job loss, this world upheaval is an empty space on the path for greater light and 2) If our roots, our trust in G-d, are strong then nothing can topple us.

Have a good Shabbos and a happy Tu B’Shvat! (Today, Thursday, is the 15th of Shvat - the new year for trees)

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. Did you ever wonder why the dove in Noah’s ark came back with an olive branch? The olive tree has deep roots, spread horizontally, growing tough and strong, penetrating deep into the earth and between rocks, preserving them through time. Through these resilient roots, the trunk continuously renews itself.

Noah's dove managed to find one stubborn, resilient olive tree whose trunk and roots have survived the flood's pressure (perhaps it stood at a higher elevation where the water pressure was less intense). In the brief time since the water began receding, it had already sprouted fresh leaves - a powerful symbol of renewal and resilience.

The weight of financial responsibilities can feel overwhelming. The costs of maintaining a Jewish lifestyle, from kosher food to yeshiva tuition, from community obligations to daily necessities, can create a deep sense of fear.

When the Jewish people cried out in fear of starvation, Hashem's response wasn't punishment for their lack of faith. Instead, He provided the manna precisely to create the conditions for spiritual growth.

The Midrash's teaching that "Torah was given to be expounded upon only by the eaters of manna" reveals a fundamental truth: When our basic needs are met, we gain the mental and emotional space to connect with something higher. Just as the manna provided physical sustenance, it also created the foundation for receiving and understanding Torah.

This wisdom speaks directly to our daily struggles:

• When we hear voices of doubt about dedicating time to Torah study
• When we feel pressured to prioritize material success over spiritual growth
• When we worry about providing for our families while maintaining our commitment to Jewish life

The message isn't to abandon practical efforts entirely. Rather, it's about finding the balance, having "basic work" that creates a vessel for Hashem's blessings, while maintaining our primary focus on spiritual growth and Torah study. Just as the manna came daily, teaching dependence on Hashem while requiring action to gather it, we too must combine our practical efforts with deep faith.

The same Hashem who sustained our ancestors in the desert continues to provide for those who dedicate themselves to His service. When we shift our perspective from anxiety about tomorrow to gratitude for today's provisions, and dedication to what Hashem wants from us, we create space for both material and spiritual abundance to flow.

Have an amazing Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

"The whole world is a very narrow bridge, but the essential thing is not to be afraid." Don't be afraid to face your oppressors or demons.

As I began studying this week’s Torah portion, I noticed that when it says "Bo el Pharaoh" - come to Pharaoh (Exodus 10:1), it echoes an earlier text from Parshat Noah, "Bo el haTevah" - come into the ark (Genesis 7:1). 

The Hebrew word "Teiva" תיבה.has two meanings: ark and word 

Just as the ark sheltered Noah from the flood, the words of Torah shelter us in times of spiritual turbulence. 

Pharaoh represents the oppressor - both external and internal. When we're called to "come to Pharaoh," we're invited into a spiritual process of confronting that which enslaves us. 

Every soul has its own "Egypt" from which it must be liberated. However, we're not meant to face these challenges without protection. 

Just as Noah built an ark before the floods came, we are to build our spiritual sanctuary before confronting our personal Pharaohs.

When facing our own "Pharaohs", whether they be abusive people, internal struggles, or systemic challenges, we can draw strength from this ancient wisdom.

We must alternate between engagement with challenges and retreating into a sacred space.  We need to ‘come to Pharaoh’, recognize our challenges honestly and confront them head on while ‘coming to the ark’, building and maintaining our spiritual shelter through Torah study and prayer.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Sometimes the most profound lessons come from unexpected sources. The frogs that invaded Egypt infiltrated every corner of Egyptian life, but the Torah specifically mentions their presence in the ovens, revealing a deeper spiritual significance about our journey of growth and G-dly connection.

The Talmud tells us that these frogs demonstrated extraordinary self-sacrifice by entering the burning ovens, going against their very nature as cold-blooded creatures. This teaching tells us about our own spiritual growth. Just as the frogs demonstrated that true dedication might require going against our natural inclinations (as frogs naturally shy away from hot places), we too need to examine where we direct our enthusiasm and energy.

In a spiritual sense, frogs symbolize our ability to "cool down" our passionate drives for matters that don't align with divine purpose. 

Transformation often requires letting go of certain attachments to make room for deeper, more meaningful pursuits. As we navigate our own paths, may we find the courage to follow the example of those determined frogs, willing to go beyond our comfort zones in pursuit of higher purpose. Through this lens, every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, every sacrifice a step toward elevation.

In the words of our sages, "According to the effort is the reward" (Pirkei Avot 5:23), reminding us that our spiritual journey, while sometimes demanding, leads to profound transformation and fulfillment.

Have a restful shabbos, 

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman 

In G-d We Trust – it’s printed on every US currency!

Do you trust in G-d? Do you encounter moments that test it? I do. Even Moses, who was as close to the Divine as you can get, struggled with trust.

Trust isn't just positive thoughts or just believing in good outcomes. True trust is completely surrendering to Hashem and recognizing that He has our back. Always. Not only when circumstances appear challenging, where "there seems to be no natural way out”. Even in our regular day to day lives.

How is trust created between people? When I share something and am vulnerable with you and you take care of me, I now trust you more.

Rather than seeing a challenge as a setback, it can be a moment to deepen our relationship with Hashem. When we place our trust completely in Hashem, that He has our back and will take care of us like a loving parent, He comes through and fulfills our need and desire. We then lean into Him again, building and strengthening our relationship with Him.

Trust is a challenge. It’s not something that can be lip service. When we have true trust, we are calm. Moses was not calm, when Pharaoh found out he was protecting his fellow Jews. He ran away as he was worried that Pharaoh would have control over him and punish him. This was a momentary lack of trust that Hashem would have his back, after all, he was protecting Hashem’s children.

I work on my trust and think it is one of the most profound spiritual experiences. Not because it comes easily, but precisely because it challenges me to grow beyond my natural inclinations of fear and control. To “Let go and Let G-d”.

I pray to never be tested. However, through each challenge (or perceived challenge), we're invited to discover a deeper level of trust that connects us more firmly to Hashem.

May we all find strength to navigate our trust challenges with grace and wisdom, knowing that each difficulty carries within it seeds of greater spiritual growth.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. Want to learn more? Check out gateoftrust.org

In the blessings of this week’s Torah portion, it talks about laundering clothes in wine. A metaphor for infusing our spiritual behaviors with joy.

Every mitzvah we perform creates a spiritual garment for our souls. However, these garments must be "laundered in wine". Our observance must be imbued with joy. This joy isn't merely superficial happiness, but rather a deep awareness of our real personal connection to the Divine, even in challenging times.

Watching the devastating fires in California, reminded me of life's inherent impermanence. Our physical "garments", our homes, possessions, and sense of security are temporary. True security comes not from stuff but from our relationship with Hashem. We also need to recognize that everything we have (or don’t have) is ultimately in Divine hands. 

Yet, paradoxically, this recognition of impermanence can lead us to the deepest joy. When we understand that our true wealth lies in our connection to Hashem through Torah and mitzvot, we transform our perspective. Each commandment we fulfill becomes not just an obligation, but an opportunity to "connect to Hashem". 

The siege of Jerusalem that we commemorate today, the 10th of Tevet, (Friday 1/10/2025) also teaches us about impermanence. Yet, it also teaches us about resilience and the enduring nature of spiritual connection.

In times when physical security feels uncertain, whether from ancient sieges or modern disasters, our tradition offers us this profound wisdom: true joy comes not from the illusion of permanence, but from the understanding that we can connect to something eternal through daily spiritual practices. Each mitzvah, performed with joy, creates a garment that transcends the physical world. A garment that is indeed "laundered in wine”.

May this bring us comfort and strength as we navigate our own challenges, helping us find joy even amidst uncertainty, knowing that our true security lies in our eternal connection to the Divine.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

In our world, which sometimes feels chaotic and full of darkness, it's natural to question why bad things happen. But there's a profound truth that can change how we view negativity: nothing in G-d's world is purely evil. Even what appears as wrongdoing or sin has a deeper purpose in the divine plan.

Think about it like this: G-d, who created everything with infinite kindness and wisdom, wouldn't allow something to exist solely for destruction. What we see as "bad" in the moment is often like a seed being buried in dark soil – it looks like decay, but it's actually the beginning of new growth. Every challenging situation, every misstep, has the potential to awaken something greater within us and in the world.

This is why we approach G-d with hope and trust, asking Him to see beyond our surface-level actions to the potential for transformation hidden within them. Just as a parent knows their child's true nature beyond their mistakes, G-d sees the spark of goodness within every situation, waiting to be revealed. When we view our challenges through this lens, we can begin to understand how even our struggles can ultimately lead to greater light and blessing in the world.

I heard a great story: Almost ten years ago, Daniel Cohen was just waiting for a bus in Rishon Lezion when ... A terrorist attacked him from behind, stabbing him viciously. As Daniel was rushed to Asaf Harofeh hospital, something incredible happened. While repairing the damage from the stabbing, doctors discovered a life-threatening tumor that would have gone undetected. In saving his life from the attack, they ended up saving him from cancer too.

Here's what really got me thinking: When the terrorist was brought to trial, he actually quoted from the story of Yosef in the Torah. You know, where Yosef tells his brothers who sold him into slavery: "You intended evil against me, but G-d designed it for good." The terrorist tried to claim this justified his actions. Of course, it doesn't work that way – he chose to do evil and must face the consequences. But the parallel teaches us something profound about how G-d works in our world: even in our darkest moments, there can be a hidden purpose we can't see yet.

Sometimes life's biggest blessings come disguised as our greatest challenges. While we never justify evil actions, we can find comfort in knowing that G-d can weave even our hardest moments into something meaningful. It's not about understanding why bad things happen – it's about trusting that even in our darkest moments, G-d has a greater plan.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

 A millionaire held a pool party at his mansion, with sharks swimming in the pool. Suddenly, he announced that anyone brave enough to swim across the pool would receive a million dollars in cash. No one volunteered. He raised the stakes: he would also give away his yacht and massive villa, totaling fifty million dollars.

Suddenly, a figure was seen in the water, carefully swimming between the sharks, and emerging on the other side. The stunned millionaire asked, "Who should I make the check out to?" "I don't want a check," the swimmer replied breathlessly, "I want to know who the scoundrel was who pushed me into the water..."

The Hasmoneans teach us a powerful lesson about trust in Hashem. Why do we celebrate Chanukah for eight days when the miracle of the oil flask lasted only seven days? On the first day, they had the natural oil which was found, the miracle occurred only in the seven following days when the oil didn't run out.

The miracle of the first day is that the Hasmoneans jumped into the water (or oil). They didn't let tomorrow's shortage prevent what needed to be done today. They didn't sink into realistic worries of "what will be?" Why should we light the menorah tonight if the oil is only enough for one night and seven more days will pass before new, pure oil can be brought? Instead, they took all the flask's contents and poured them into the menorah branches. They were one hundred percent certain that He who had helped them until now would help tomorrow to fulfill the commandment of lighting with pure oil.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote to someone: Miracles happen after someone jumps into the water, but the problem is that people avoid jumping into the water. The depth is frightening, and they stay outside. There is a video of the Rebbe where a woman asks for a blessing for spiritual strength. She aspires to advance in Torah and commandments but fears she won't withstand the greatness of the challenge. The Rebbe answered "There are two ways to learn swimming: to stand outside and observe how to swim or to jump inside and strive to manage. The second approach is much more effective..."

The first day of Hanukkah reminds us of a miracle greater than the one of the oil. The miracle of the human beings who rose above and were willing to open themselves to trust in the all-powerful G-d.

The Hasmoneans understood the foundation of existence: Life is a partnership between humans and Hashem. Humans do everything in their power, and then Hashem does everything in His power, in an infinitely greater way. Humans create a natural vessel and preparation for blessing, and then the blessing comes from above in a way that's incomparable to the vessel itself.

Today, make that first move to increase your Torah and mitzvah experience. Celebrate the miracle of Chanukah by taking the step that you are scared to take.

Happy Chanukah and Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Have you ever noticed how life has perfect timing? Just when you think you can finally relax, another challenge appears.

This week, I faced this personally. Should I make a whirlwind 32-hour trip to Toronto for a family bar mitzvah? After returning, should I immediately jump into another celebration of the Chassidic Holiday 19 Kislev?

My ego (my desire for control?) wanted one thing, but my authentic self - my soul - pushed for another.

Like a peaceful lake that masks turbulent depths below, our desire for "peace and quiet" might actually be avoiding necessary growth and authentic self-discovery. True tranquility isn't about avoiding challenges. It's about finding peace within them. It's about recognizing, as Jacob did when he said, "Surely G-d is in this place, and I did not know," that sometimes our greatest moments of growth come precisely when we let go of our ego and trying to control everything.

The chaos in our lives isn't happening TO us - it's happening FOR us. Each challenge is an invitation to peel away the layers of who we think we should be and discover who we truly are.

Next time life throws you a curveball just as you're settling in for some "peace and quiet," ask yourself: Is this an invitation to find a deeper, more authentic tranquility?

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. What helps you find authentic tranquility in challenging times?

Have you ever felt like you're so far from your spiritual path that returning seems impossible? In the past few weeks, I met with several locals who are reconnecting with their Judaism. However, over the past 50 years or so, they felt lost, disconnected and were taking detours.

I recently read a talk from the Rebbe describing the challenging times of the Mitteler Rebbe (the second Chabad Rebbe). During that time, Jewish children were being forcibly conscripted into the Russian army from a very young age. A devastating experience that seemed to tear Jewish souls away from their heritage.

While in such darkness during their captivity, they felt disconnected, unable to perform mitzvot and many forgot their Judaism.

You might wonder: What's the purpose of their soul's journey if they are not in touch with their essence, not engaged Jewishly with Torah and mitzvot?

No matter where one is spiritually, there's always hope. Even if you've strayed far from your spiritual roots, G-d orchestrates moments where you'll discover at least one single mitzvah you can perform with incredible enthusiasm. That one moment of genuine connection can be so precious and may be the reason for your entire soul's journey, making it all worthwhile.

It's not only about how many mitzvot one performs, but the passion and self-sacrifice behind them. Even if someone can only keep a few commandments, the spiritual value of those actions, done with complete dedication, can outweigh everything else.

Whatever your current situation, never give up! You can always get back on track and continue to grow. Start with one action; learning one more verse of Torah (weekly torah class?), performing one more mitzvah (Shabbat Candles? Mezuzah?) or starting the day with the Modeh Ani prayer. Each step builds momentum, each action bringing you closer to your true soul identity.

Have a good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. The previous Rebbe would say a person's true age isn't measured by their passport, but by the years they've genuinely engaged with spiritual growth. We might be forty or seventy on paper, but spiritually, we could still be learning and growing like a child.