Rabbi's Blog

We are not perfect.

The Jewish people are tasked with being a light onto the nations. Every Jew is a part of this mission, simply by being part of the Jewish people.

By being a light onto the nations, we make the world a place where G-d is comfortable. None of us are too high or too low on the ladder of spiritual status to work together with another.

A community is a group of individuals. Each and every individual is essential to the community. Just as every detail of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was essential to its operation, so too each and every one of us are essential to this mission of operating a G-dly world.

We are all unique. We each bring our individuality and intrinsic worth to the world. However, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Just like two people can lift more than the sum of each one separately, we are also better together when identifying with the entire Jewish people as a whole. The individual parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) did not begin to function until the Mishkan was completed. The same way, we can't really transform the world until we are all doing it together.

Lastly, and dare I say most importantly, the Torah instructs how to build the Mishkan and then repeats those instructions when the Jewish people actually built it. The Torah repeats itself to show us that even though implementation might be different then the perfect G-d given plan, the imperfect version is where G-d’s presence rested. So too, despite our own shortcomings and imperfections, we should never feel too inadequate to fulfill what G-d wants, as G-d wants us with our blemishes.

It was the real-world imperfect Mishkan that the people built that G-d chose to dwell in. Being imperfect is not only ok and part of the G-d designed nature and reality we live in, it is where G-d wants to live. In our imperfection!

If we act with warmth, sincerity, and enthusiasm, G-d crowns our efforts with success and dwells in the Tabernacle that we build for Him in the way we live our lives.

So don't be perfect. Join your fellow Jews in building the best home for G-d.

Have a good G-dly Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Don't observe Judaism, celebrate it! - Shlomo Schwartz AKA Schwartzie

One can look at the tasks required to raise healthy, independent children (cleaning, cooking, diaper changing and bed making etc.) as chores, as things I have to do. Alternatively, one can look at them as something to celebrate! If I choose to celebrate raising children than I am not cleaning, I am raising children who are responsible, I am not making beds, I am creating a generation that values being neat.

When we treat the tasks we need to do with an excitement and happiness, those who look up to us want to follow in this path. When we view it as a chore, we risk imparting the feeling of "do as much of it as we absolutely have to to survive" and "get away with as little as you can".

The same thing is with Judaism. When we just observe Judaism, without celebrating it, we sometimes do as little as we can get away with. Think about the message we are giving off?  Is it how little observance can I get away with "observing Judaism" and still say I am involved? What is the minimum I can get away with? Can I get away with less?

However, when we celebrate Judaism, while we may be doing the same mitzvah, it's a whole different experience. The celebrating of the mitzvah shows us, and those around us, that Judaism isn't something imposed upon us, but an expression of ourselves, our inner core. We are showing how to celebrate Judaism as much as we can! After all, if my soul wants to celebrate Judaism, and my soul is my core identity, who doesn't want to celebrate themselves.

So focus on the JOY instead of the OY!

Have a great Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. to sum it up, replace “S’iz shver tzu zein a Yid” (It’s hard to be a Jew) with “S’iz gut tzu zein a Yid” (It’s good to be a Jew).

“S’iz shver tzu zein a Yid” was coined in 1920 Yiddish-language comedy play by Sholom Aleichem and the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged people to replace it with with “S’iz gut tzu zein a Yid” 

The effects of a person’s attire have been studied outside the doctor’s office. Clothing have been claimed to have some influence over numerous factors.  Most notably, it is clear across a number of contexts, that more formal attire generates an impression of status and power. 

This week's Torah portion talks about the clothing that is worn by the Kohen in the Holy Temple during the performance of their duties. These clothing were specific to their service, and not worn at other times.

Different clothing are worn at different occasions and circumstances. From PPE in the hospital to jeans when working in the field. The clothing we wear tells others a lot about us.

One needs to ask themselves:

• What am I wearing? 
• What is the message that my clothing is giving off? 
• How do my externals affect what’s going on inside?
• How do my externals reveal what’s going on inside? 
• Are there times that I need to dress differently to help me act differently?

In the Kabalistic terminology: our thoughts, speech and action are like clothing. They are external and can be changed liked clothing.  

• What are we thinking about? 
• What are we speaking about? 
• What are we doing? 

Which of those need to be changed or modified to make sure that they are in line with the person who we are and the person that we want to be?

Looking forward to seeing what you choose to wear this Purim

Have an amazing Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Here is a quote from the book Positivity Bias which shows how the words we use shape our internal.

"The Rebbe consistently sought to avoid locutions that expressed attitudes of contempt, derision, or negative judgment. Even more strikingly, he would actively rephrase common words and colloquial phrases that many of us speak or write without a second thought.

For instance, he disliked the word deadline, with its connection to death, preferring due date, with its connotation of birth. He wouldn’t call a spiritual getaway a retreat, because “retreat” connotes regression and surrender; in the Rebbe’s playbook, there was only one direction: onward and upward. He didn’t “undertake” projects, possibly because he saw a connotation to half-heartedness in the prefix under or because he associated the word undertaker with death."

There are frugal people and there are spendthrifts. Irrelevant to how much money is in their bank account.

In this week’s Torah portion, Hashem asks the people “to take for him an offering”. To donate to the building that will be a home for G-d. (We are in middle of a similar campaign at www.HarfordHaven.org). 

Why is it hard for some to part of their money? If we see money as our sweat and blood, giving away our money can feel like giving away a piece of ourselves. We see this in the Shma prayer: Love Hashem with all your might. The word might here is explained to mean money. Our sages go on to explain, “There are people who value their lives more than their money…and there are people who value their money more than their lives.”

Indeed, there are people who would rather lose a limb than lose their money, including even great tzaddikim. The Talmud reports regarding Abba Chilkiya that when he would pass through thorns, he would roll up his garment because he would say, a scratch on the body heals by itself, but if his garment were to be torn, he would not have the money to buy a new one.

A different approach is to see ourselves as trustees of Hashem. He gives us His money, allowing us to use what we need on ourselves, yet the rest is for us to use as Hashem sees fit. With this perspective, it is less painful to give away the money, as it was never mine.

Why does the Torah tell us about the Mishkan fundraiser? Perhaps Hashem is telling us that if we want to make this world a “home for G-d”, we need to do it together. We need to all give a part of ourselves. We need to realize that whatever we have really isn’t our own, that we are solely trustees. Most importantly, this project isn’t a top down “c suite” driven initiative. It is a joint effort which takes each and every person to get involved, in whatever way they can, to make it a home for G-d. 

• When I wear the fundraising hat that means – give of your money and make a donation for Hashem.
• When I wear the spiritual guide hat that means – give of your time, energy and or self to do a mitzvah for Hashem.
• When I wear the relationship expert hat that means – spend quality time in Hashem’s home connecting.

 None are easy as they take a part of us, but all are important.

 Have a wonderful Shabbos,

 Rabbi Kushi Schusterman 

Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Meaning, that change, even extreme change, is possible by gradually taking on, just a little bit at a time.

Let’s say someone wants to become fully  Torah observant. The whole deal; kosher, Shabbos, daily tefillin, daily study, tithing and charity, praying 3 times a day etc. I used to think that Judaism would say go for it, take it all on!

I thought it was not sustainable. Therefore, I often encouraged people to take things on in smaller bites, while always growing in their connection to Hashem and spirituality. 

This week, while learning a midrash connecting the end of last week’s Torah portion to this week’s, I discovered that this thought process is a Torah based belief.

Last week’s Torah portion ends with the mitzvah not to make steps going up to the Altar in the Holy Temple. This is explained to mean that the Kohen should go up a ramp and should not walk in large strides but should only take baby steps. This week’s portion begins with the words “And these are the laws” (referring to the justice system).

The midrash explains that the reason why the section on judicial laws immediately follow the mitzvah of baby steps going up to the Altar, is to teach us that just like the Kohen needs to take baby steps, so too when making rulings in Jewish law, one should not pass sweeping legislation that make major changes or causes waves, but small, incremental changes based on Torah, to slowly make a major impact.

As we each grow in our connection to Hashem, we need to do it slowly. We take on one practical mitzvah at a time, leading towards a continued connection with The One Above.

Have an amazing Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. we will have a big contingent of yeshiva students this Shabbos, join us for a lively prayer service at 10 AM.

• Can thin people might not understand the struggle of overweight people.
• Can Mild-mannered people might not appreciate the battle of those who are easily triggered.
• Can naturally-confident people might not value the effort insecure individuals have to put in every single day.

So often, the answer is no.

And can we blame them? Not really, because so many of us do this all the time! G-d gave us abilities and skills, and we are so used to them that we might not realize that others do not have the same competencies we enjoy.
That, of course, can lead to significant relationship challenges.

When others don't feel that we understand their challenges, they may feel ignored, unsupported, and as though their feelings don't matter. This can make them feel invisible.

Let's be kind to ourselves, though:

Many times, when we act in ways that may seem insensitive, it doesn't mean we only care about ourselves. It often stems from a place of love and concern for others. We can't bear to see them struggling, and in our desire for their happiness and well-being, we might wish they could handle their challenges as easily as we can.

We find the same idea in this week's Torah portion.

When Yitro comes to visit the Israelite camp in the desert, he notices how Moshe is the only one who judges the Jewish people.

Yitro finds it quite disturbing and admonishes Moshe: "Why do you sit by yourself while all the people stand before you from morning till evening?...

"You will surely wear yourself out both you and these people who are with you for the matter is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone!"

What was Moshe thinking in the first place? Didn't he realize that it would be impossible to be the sole judge of over three million people?

Moshe's holiness was so profound that it positively affected everyone around him. If two people were in the midst of a disagreement and came before Moshe, they would be uplifted and know what to do.

With such a fantastic court system, you can quickly resolve all disputes!

However, this system can work only for Moshe. This is why Yitro suggested that Moshe implement a new system to empower many low-level judges.

These judges would have the same life experiences as the general population and could understand their struggles. As a result, they could provide personalized advice and rulings.

Since we are not like Moshe, we must stick the Yitro's advice and take off our glasses put on the glasses of our friends and acknowledge, validate, and appreciate their struggles.

Hopefully, we'd be able to be supportive of their journeys upward.

Wishing you a Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

At times we stand at the edge of an ocean, trying to make a decision.

In this week’s Torah portion, The Jewish people are standing at the edge of the Yam Suf, deciding their next move. Do they jump in (suicide) or do they go back (surrender) to Egypt? Do they go to war or do they pray?

Whether it’s work, spiritual or family life, we often must make decisions that are scary. All the options don’t seem to be great. One of the messages of this week’s Torah portion is to move forward. Take a step toward your goal; make a move to get closer to your destination. 

Many times, the issue is that it looks frightening, and we feel paralyzed. However, once we go forward, the obstacles disappear. True, we don’t have G-d telling us to go forward. Nevertheless, we can ask a mentor or an objective friend if going forward is the correct path. Do they see that it’s fear (Fake Evidence Appearing Real) holding us back or is moving forward dangerous or suicidal?

The Talmud tells us the back story “Rabbi Yehuda said … this tribe said: I am not going into the sea first, and that tribe said: I am not going into the sea first. Then, in jumped Nahshon ben Amminadab, and descended into the sea first, accompanied by his entire tribe, as it is stated: “Ephraim surrounds Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit, and Judah is yet wayward toward G-d [rad im El]”(Hosea 12:1), which is interpreted homiletically as: And Judah descended [rad] with G-d [im El]. And in this regard, the tradition, i.e., the Writings, explicates Nahshon’s prayer at that moment: “Save me, G-d; for the waters are come in even unto the soul. I am sunk in deep mire, where there is no standing…let not the water flood overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up” (Psalms 69:2–3, 16).”

Nahshon’s prayer is one where he jumped in first. He made a move, a step in the right direction. But the water came up to a point that it seemed like it’s all over, the sea didn’t split right away! Then Nahshon says, “Save me G-d”. I am doing as you asked, that we travel toward Sinai, the water is up to my soul. (Maybe up to his neck or his nose?) And then the waters separated.

The same is with us. In general, it is the people who take action that reach their goals that truly succeed in life.

So next time you need to make a move, take action. Just do it and see the miracles unfold!

Have an amazing Shabbos.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

When we read the constitution, we read about Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

A Chabad Rebbetzin asked her teen group: ”If a teenager skips school, plays video games and does whatever he wants, is he free?” The response was a unanimous no with the teens saying they’d feel like a loser wasting their time without purpose. 

We conclude then that liberty is not doing whatever you want.

The Jewish people during the time of Stalin’s Russia and the Spanish inquisition, and in similar other situations where they were oppressed, celebrated Pesach and asked the four questions saying then we were slaves and now we are free. 

Liberty is also not when you are physically free and not oppressed. 

So, what is liberty?

What do we celebrate when we celebrate the liberation from Egypt which we read about in this week’s Torah portion?

Are we liberated today?

Liberty is the dignity to be able to choose and the desire of each individual to create a world where the human being can take a piece of the physical world and infuse it with G-dliness or spirituality. 

Liberty is the ability to desire and hope for a better world. 

The person who is not free is the one who can’t even imagine a world where they won’t be oppressed. The free person can be in the same challenging situation, yet is hopeful and can see an oppression free future.

To quote Viktor Frankl “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

As we read about the Jews leaving Egypt, in this week’s Torah portion, and as we celebrate this upcoming week the Chassidic holiday of Yud Shevat (the anniversary of 7th Chabad Rebbe’s becoming the leader of Chabad) here is a message: You are free despite your challenges! You don’t find yourself in a situation, G-d put you in that specific situation to make a difference in the world around you. You can choose to take the opportunity to convert the piece of earth that was given to you to be a piece of heaven as well.”

Now go change the world as only a free person can.

Have an amazing Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

Q: What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? A: I don't know and I don't care - source unknown

Animals can be broken down into three groups: those that benefit mankind, those that harm mankind and those that seem irrelevant to mankind.

The dog is man’s best friend. The mosquito is an annoyance. The frog seems irrelevant.

People can be broken down into three groups: those that recognize a Higher Power, those that deny a Higher Power and those that the whole discussion of a Higher Power is not relevant.

Person one and two are engaged (see stories below) in the Higher Power. The third type of person should learn from the frog.

The frog that seems irrelevant to man is used to teach Pharoah that there is a Higher Power. The frog, which is cold, sacrificed its life to enter the hot Egyptian ovens, to teach them an important message: G-d is relevant and meant to listen to even if it means going against one’s nature. Even when I feel cold, apathetic or ignorant, I can follow the message received from the Egyptian frogs, as eloquently stated by Kermit the Frog:

Take a look above you,
Discover the view,
If you haven't noticed,
Please do
Please do
Please do.

Have a great Shabbos,

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman 

P.S. The story I promised you:

Famed Talmudic scholar Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz invited a professor to his Talmud class at a Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He asked the professor: “Why don’t you join the class? All of your colleagues come. It’s in your building — right down the hall”. The professor responded: “I don’t belong in the class; we have nothing in common”. “What do you mean we have nothing in common?” asked the Rabbi. “You don’t understand!” said the professor. “I only eat pork! On Shabbat! Exclusively!” “Only on Shabbat?” asked Rabbi Steinsaltz. “Specifically! Spitefully! On Shabbat!” “Ahh, in that case,” said Rabbi Steinsaltz, “we do have something in common.” “What do you mean?” asked the professor. “I have my way of observing Shabbat and you have your way of observing Shabbat.” Both men are talking about celebrating Shabbat. Clearly, they both believe it is important or they would not bother to engage in the ritual and/or to object! So they actually agree on that point — Shabbat is important. They just do not agree on precisely what should be done about it!

Have you ever had a job that you loved and gave you meaning and purpose

How about a career that used your talents and was so exciting it gave you a thrill to get out of bed?

When the jobs you do are a daily grind; they don't use your talents or give you value and purpose, even if it's an "easy job", the Torah refers to them in this weeks torah portion as backbreaking labor.

The same is true about our G-d given powers, unique to our soul to fulfill our mission in this world. Using these powers simply for mundane purposes or to gain popularity, can lead to us feeling upset and, dare I say, miserable. It feels like backbreaking labor with no importance or intent.

We need to have our healthy physical needs fulfilled. However, infusing these mundane aspects of our life with spirituality and meaning, elevates them and adds value to them. Doing mitzvot and learning Torah accomplishes this on a regular basis, provides us with a focus, meaning and purpose to our lives.

By experiencing the physical within a G-dly spiritual framework, permeates it with meaning and purpose.

By connecting to G-d using our unique talents, makes them even more meaningful.

Have a meaningful Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

 In this week’s Torah portion we read how Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather, and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days….”

By divine providence, I am going to be in California this Shabbos with all my siblings, celebrating my father’s 75th birthday. It’s amazing to be blessed with such a diverse group of siblings. We don’t always agree on everything:) but together we are make a wonderful family, thank G-d.

One of the best messages that I have heard about Jacob gathering all his kids, before his passing, and then giving each one a unique blessing (sometimes cloaked as rebuke) is that at times we need to seek out G-d as a community and at other times as an individual.

Jacob gathered all his children as a community and then gave each one their own tailor-made blessing. At the end of the blessings, all of them together said “Shema Yisroel HaShem Elo-Keinu HaShem Echad”.

Jacob was teaching his children that each one is needed with their unique talent and personality to create a beautiful community. Despite their individuality, they still need to work together, taking each one’s colors and creating an artist’s masterpiece. Living harmoniously together, and taking advantage of each one’s talents to build up this world as a place for G-d to live in.

Let’s try to create that fusion; to connect to G-d together with each one bringing their uniqueness and let's create a warm, inviting and inspiring community here in Harford County.

Have an amazing Shabbos,

Reminder: there will not be prayer services at Chabad this week.

There is regular Hebrew school on Sunday.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

We all make mistakes. 

We say something we shouldn't have and unintentionally hurt someone we love. It happens that I send a solicitation email and forget to exclude those who asked to be marked "No fundraising" and I frustrate them. We drink too much at a party and feel we can't show our face. We sell our brother and are embarrassed to stand in front of him.

It's not ok to do any of these things. However, doing most of them are human and normal. Mistakes are natural.

The problem begins when we feel shame and embarrassment. When we define ourselves by the wrong thing we did. You made a mistake? Apologize, commit to trying to avoid a repeat performance and don’t allow the mistake to be a source of shame.

In this week’s Torah portion, we read how Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Following his disclosure, he tells them: אַל־תֵּעָ֣צְב֗וּ, usually translated as don't be sad or don't wrestle. Joseph was telling his brothers that G-d has a plan, and your mistake is part of the plan. There is no need to wrestle anymore about what you did. Joseph continues to say that he understood that their mistake was in order "for it to preserve life that G-d sent me before you."

We should not allow our mistakes to be a source of shame. You made a mistake? OK! Apologize and try not to do it again. You are a good person who made a mistake.

Welcome to being human! Get rid of the shame.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

When was the last time somebody went out of their way for you?

How did it make you feel?

Imagine the CEO of a major company leaving their ivory tower to reach out to you because you were struggling with a particular business issue. You would feel that they truly cared about you.

It's quite amazing. Every one of us has a soul, yet many of us are not in touch with it.

Our souls leave the comfort of basking in the light of G-d only to enter a lowly world in order to elevate it and make it a more spiritual and G-dly place.

Think about the sacrifices our souls have made so that we don't live a meaningless or a mundane life in this lowly world. 

Meditate about the journey our souls have taken into our bodies and the sacrifices that they have made! 

Let us show compassion to our soul and its journey and respond in kind with passion and gratitude. How can we do this?

When we get inspired, we get fired up. When WE get fired up, we need to use that inspiration to fire up others! This is the way that we are able to keep our own inspiration going and keep that inner flame alive. As we get closer to the end of Chanukah, let's fire each other up!

Our gratitude and emotional response should be one which should fire us up to ensure that our souls can express themselves and fulfill their missions of brightening up the darkness of the world.

Together, through acts of goodness and kindness, we can build a movement that is so on fire, it will melt all the apathy and the cold. It will light up the darkness, so that we can see how everything around us is even brighter than it was before we arrived.

Have an amazing, fired up Shabbos.

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman