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)