As the holiday month comes to an end, we must say that we still have the holiday buzz. The energy that charged JLA this month is beyond words, but we feel we must try and recap some of it. But first, thank you all for making these Holy Days the best yet.

Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur were packed, organized, and inspiring. Every chair was taken(and we ordered 50 more folding chairs. That means 150 total) and we were still short! A big thank you to the Cohanzad family for installing those much needed fans. We would not survive the heat without it.

The "HUGE!" thank you goes to Rabbi Yehudah Zavdi, our awesome Chazzan, for doing such a great job keeping the service entertaining, fun, and yes, short.

Sukkot began with a bang. Our Open Sukka Party at home attracted over 100 people.
And Simchat Torah - those who missed it, here is some advice for next year: DON'T!
We celebrated two nights of Hakafot. First night was a special kids' Hakafah, with a kids meal and great prizes and an abundance of little smiles. Second night was insane. We had a few hundred people dance until 1am. If you were not there...Words cannot describe it. We ran out of food, drinks, but never out of energy!

Thank you to Jacques and Jody Stambouli for donating all the wonderful prizes for the kids.

Thank you to Ester Atri for all the wonderful food. And thank you to the JLA staff for making it possible. Melissa Blatt, Yehudit Borbely, Jenny Hahn, Sara Crighton, Leah Shamouni, Shaina Shamaouni, Erin, David Rokah and Arnofo!

Thank you to Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy & his wife Miriam from the Friendship Circle who joined us for Simchat Torah. They added much life to the party, the singing, and the dancing. Thank you to Nathan Halevy for all the Torah readings. Even when his voice was gone, he still sounded great.

And a Thank you to our kids Avremy, Shiffy, Chana & Gitty, for being such troopers and partnering with us this amazing month..

May we all take the positive energy from this month to the rest of the year, and may we all know only goodness and peace.

Sincerely,

Eyal & Tzippy Rav-Noy
JLA

The Rebbe, Binjamin Netanyahu & the UN

The 9th of Av

Jews love the holidays, but every once in a while we commemorate a tragedy. This coming week is the 9th of Av, Tisha Be'Av, marking the worst day in the Jewish calendar. Lot's of bad stuff seems to happen to us on this day. But, as the Rabbis point out, Mashiach was born on that day as well. Out of the depth of despair, hope can emerge.
May we only know happy and good times.

My Week With the Girls

Tzippy has been out of town this whole week. The girls (Shiffi, Chana, Gitty) and I chilled out this week. To be honest, nothing memorable happened save one. During breakfast, Gitty reminded us all:

"Tatty, we really DO miss mommy. But we don't cry because we are not babies anymore."

Pretty good for a four year old.

Come this Shabbos and let's hear the stories and lessons 8 of our women have learnt in Minn. I can't wait myself to hear them.

A big Yasher Koach (more power to you) to:

Tzippy Rav-Noy
Melissa Blatt
Brigitte Rossi
Lisa Ansell
Diana Cohanzad
Antonia Bennett
Gishe Chodorow
Samantha Barnett

Things Happening

2 quick thoughts. Avremy, went to camp for a month in Montreal. Wow. Hope he comes back in one piece. But this is good ... build some character.

On the other hand, Tzippy is leaving to Minnesota for a few days with 8 JLA women. They will be learning full time in a great program. We at JLA believe that women must study Torah just as much as men do. I hope they all have a great experience and a good time. If you are interested in joining a future trip, let us know. Here is a link to the details. Click Here.

The Hebrew Reading Crash Course

For over 10 years I have been teaching people how to read Hebrew. It is one of the easiest language in the world to read, and learn. Over the years I have researched and dug up interesting information about the Hebrew alphabet. Did you know that the first nine letters describe things in or around the home:

Alef –– Ox (Phoenician) General, Teach (Hebrew)

Bet –– House

Gimel –– Camel

Dalet –– Door

Heh –– Window

Vav –– Hook

Zayin –– Weapon

Chet –– Wall (Phoenician)

Tet –– Mortar

I have discovered interesting things about the rest of the letters as well.

I usually teach Hebrew three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring).

But many have asked us to run a summer Hebrew course so they will be able to pray this coming High Holidays from the original. So starting next Wednesday we begin the five-week course.

To register, click here.

The Rebbe

I try to keep this blog postings short and simple (but never
simplistic). This week is no different, although the subject is heavy
and serious.

This week we commemorate the Rebbe's 15th yartzait (the Lubavitcher
Rebbe's passing). People were worried what would be with Chabad, but
after 15 years the answer is in: Chabad is growing faster than ever,
sending out more Shluchim and Shluchot (young Chabad couples) to more
places and farther locations. These Chabad organizations are fueled
and motivated by the Rebbe's unique teachings. I would like to
summarize them for you, you will immediately recognize them (because
they are practiced in JLA on a regular basis):

1. Every Mitzvah is Important: The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the
Chassidic movement, once said that a soul can come down here for 70-80
years just to do one favor to another. In other words, every action
counts. That is why Chabad rabbis don't try to change people and make
them into clones that look like us. That is not the point. The point
is to get someone to do just one more Mitzvah.

2. Every Jew is Precious: A Jew is Jew, and we can't lose a single
one. No matter who they think they are, how little they know, what
they look like, and how they dress, every Jew is welcomed at Chabad.

3. Never Bend the Rules: The Torah is truth, the mind of G-d, and
therefore should not be bent, changed, or dropped depending on the
circumstance. It is our job to encourage people to get closer to the
Torah, not to water the Torah down so people will accept it on their
own term.

It is these three simple secrets that explain the phenomenal success
of Chabad. The message is clear: Every Mitzvah counts, every Jew is
important, and the Torah is true, alive, and real.

May we continue to grow and expand until every Jew finds a way to
connect to G-d and Judaism.

--
Eyal Rav-Noy
JLA (Chabad)
(310) 282-8286
9581 W. Pico Blvd.
www.JLAonline.org
www.jlaonline.blogspot.com/
www.KreativeKidsLA.org

Things We Learn by Being a Parent

My wife (Tzippy) was approached by someone who is compiling a book on parenthood. She asked her to write a short thought in some lessons she learnt from being a parent. So, enjoy:

Things We Learn by Being a Parent by Tzippy Rav-Noy

Having children in your life is an amazing gift. Aside for the loving and nurturing, and the many other rewards of being a parent, I must say that these little people can teach us many lessons.

My three-year child has these one-liners that she constantly says that shock me by their

profundity.

"Its good morning time!"

Mornings are a time for great new things.

"Is today tomorrow!?"

Always looking ahead with excitement

"I feel a tantrum coming"

Being in touch with our emotions.

"Mommy I appreciate you"

Being appreciative.

"That's hilarweeis"

Finding the humor in everything

"How did G-d make those windows?"

Understanding that there is a G-d that created everything.

“Mommy is it true for real life”

Understanding that not everything in life is what it is seems.

"Sister you have to give me one of your ices or else it will evaporate"

Learning to bargain with reason.

Sibling Rivalry

It is kind of strange to hear that even Moses was criticised by his siblings (Numbers Chapter 12). G-d did not like it either. The entire episode raises many questions, and many wonderful ideas have been learnt from this story. Here is one:

Unfortunately, some of the worst criticism we encounter in life comes from close family members. The notion that "brothers" got each other's back is not a Biblical idea. Cain and Abel were brothers. So were Joseph & his brothers. The list is endless. There is a reason for this.

Siblings are natural rivals. Rivalry breeds competition, and competition brings envy. Envy can make us better by making us work harder. But if one is unable to, or too lazy or intimidated to compete, there is another choice: "Criticize." Knock the other down.

But this is the easy way out. The Torah is clear about what it thinks of people who tear down others. They end up disfranchising themselves, and end up alone.

On the opposite extreme we have Moses. A person with all the ability, yet enough humility to appreciate and root for others' success.

Read Numbers Chapter 12 again.

Three Bad Charachter Traits

Rabbi Joshua said:
The evil Rabbi Joshua said:
The evil eye, the evil desire and hatred of his fellow creatures
put a man out of the world.
--Pirkei Avos Chapter 2 Mishnah 11

I believe these three character traits were chosen for the following reason. There are three control centers in every person:

Mind - Thinking
Heart - Feeling
Gut - Instinct

The mind sees, the heart feels, the gut reacts.

Eyes are related to the mind (hence the expressions "the mind's eye"). The expression "evil eye" always means a jealous person. This is one who cannot stand seeing others succeed.

The evil inclination is our narcissistic self, the part of us that is only concerned with our needs and appetites. This is related to out hearts (desire).

Lastly, our gut is concerned with protecting us, which when expressed negatively, turns into hate.

So all humans posses three charachter traits which are sure to alienate others from us, and ensure that we will be alone and miserable:

Jealousy (Mind)
Selfishness (Heart)
Hate (Gut)

On the positive side, if we control our "thinking", "feeling", and "instinct", others will love us. I believe the positive of these are:

Goodwill (Mind)
Selflessness (Heart)
Acceptance of others (Gut)

Post Marathon Thoughts

So survived anther LA Marathon. This time I had two JLA people running with me. Bence Orlai, and Hershel Mcnabb. Both did better time than I. I am very proud ow them. For all the details on how I did, click here.

Last week I gave 10 general reasons for why I think that a Marathon is a good thing, for the runners, for he audience, and for the entire city. Check out my last posting.

I want to share with you a couple of my many personal observations on the Marathon.

Observation #1
I believe that the Marathon is unique in that it is an accomplishment that (almost) everyone can do, yet all those who haven't, believe that it is not in their realm of possibility. What this means is that those who finish running the marathon, truly feel that they have done the impossible. This explains why people get very emotional when they cross the finish line. Therefore, finishing the marathon sends the runner (and only the runner) the clear messege that almost anything is possible.

Observation #2
There are a number of qualities that are necessary to complete a marathon. All of them good qualities to posses:

• Planning: Everything about the marathon is planned, months in advance. The training is very methodical. One must experiment with the food & drink during the run. When injuries pop up, they need to be dealt with. Proper gear needs to be tried out. No planning, no marathon!
• Perseverance: There are setbacks. And the process is long.
• No pain no gain. This is a direct quote from Ethics of our Fathers (Pirkei Avot).
• Humility: You have to know your place. You reach for too much too fast, and you will crash and burn.
  

There are so many more things to write about. G-d willing, next year.

One more thing. A couple of years ago, Tzippy's brother, Peretz, a Chabad Rabbi in Boston, decided to run the marathon. I helped him get ready for it, and he did great. This year he is planning to run with a number of students. Turns out the NY Times found out about him. Click here to see it.

Have a wonderful Shavuot.

JLA Runs LA

BH

The LA Marathon is scheduled for this Memorial Day weekend, and knowing that many will kvetch and moan about the traffic closures, I would like to offer 10 reasons why I believe that both running and supporting the LA Marathon is not only fun and exciting, but a Mitzvah (good-deed).

I have always been aware of the first 2 reasons given below. But I only learnt about the other 8 while I ran my very first marathon.

1. The LA Marathon inspires people to be healthy: There is no local event that inspires more people to take their health more seriously. Out of the millions who will notice the runners, whether from their cars, or from their homes, many will say to themselves: “I will probably never run 26.2 miles, but I can and should start exercising a little.” I had to lose 30lb. and stop smoking to get the job done. A healthier person is a more productive person, and more productive people are good for LA.

2. The LA Marathon makes people happier: In addition to getting into shape, and inspiring others to do so, we all know that regular exercise makes you happy. A happy person is a better person. (Who would you rather work with, or be married to?)

3. The LA Marathon creates jobs: Jobs are good.

4. The LA Marathon generates revenue for LA: We can all agree that this is a better way to generate revenue for LA than the alternative, i.e. raising taxes.

5. The LA Marathon encourages volunteering: Over 10,000 volunteers join the LA marathon, giving people an opportunity to give unconditionally.

6. The LA Marathon enables people to inspire others: Every marathon runner has countless relatives and friends who are inspired by their effort. As an elderly and physically disabled student of mine once said: “Eyal, if you can run 26.2 miles, then I can take a walk around the block.”

7. The LA Marathon motivates people to transcend their limitations: In addition to the runners, there is also a Wheelchair and a Hand Cycle race. Seeing these guys go inspires everyone, including the marathon runners.

8. The LA Marathon fosters unity: There is a level of unity that is achieved during the Marathon that cannot be duplicated in any other type of get-together. Whites, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, men, women etc. are all in the same boat, running together, in perfect harmony. I will never forget seeing people pick up perfect strangers off the floor, and helping them to the finish line. Why? Because when we are of one purpose, no one is left behind.

9. The LA Marathon allows us to experience our diverse neighborhoods: The LA Marathon takes one to places in LA they would otherwise never go, nay, to places they never knew existed. This is why I am thrilled that the marathon was switched to the old rout, taking us initially through poorer neighborhoods. I am sure I am not alone in saying that I enjoyed running in the poorer neighborhoods more than the rich ones. The smiles on the kids’ faces are impossible to forget. And I have never high-fived so many little kids in my entire life.

10. The LA Marathon helps our kids: Lastly, if you still have doubts about whether the street closures are worth it, I urge you to pay close attention to the runners, and you will notice hundreds of teenage boys and girls wearing matching shirts. These are kids enrolled in “Students Run L.A.,” a group whose mission is “to challenge at-risk secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health by providing them with a truly life-changing experience: The training for and completion of the Los Angeles Marathon.” (Taken from their website srla.org.) These kids, and their mentors, are heroes.

This year the LA Marathon occurs in the Jewish month of Iyar. This has great significance for me personally and in Jewish tradition.

There is an old tradition that claims that “Iyar” in Hebrew is an acronym for the words: “I am the Lord, your healer” (Ani Hashem Rof’echa”). Iyar is a time of healing, both physical and spiritual. Furthermore, the sign for the month is an Ox, a symbol of physical strength (exercise). The month of Iyar is also the month Jews thank G-d for their Barley and Wheat (a marathoners’ staple diet: Carbs). The city of LA couldn’t pick a better month for the Marathon. A month that is infused with healing energy for both body and soul So this is a month one should really think about regular exercise, and a proper diet.

There are two things one needs to complete a marathon: a. Good legs, b. A Healthy heart. So exactly four years after my dad injured his legs in a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, and 8 years after my mother was blessed with a new heart, I very much look forward to running my 4^th LA Marathon. With every step I take of those 26.2 rough and treacherous miles, I will be thanking G-d for my healthy legs and heart.