Rabbi Alyesh

Humanity, with all its remarkable achievements and intellectual prowess, remains inherently bounded by certain limitations. Even the most brilliant scientists or those who possess double Ivy League degrees in engineering find themselves reliant on professionals like accountants for tax assistance and doctors for medical diagnoses. This interdependence is a prevalent theme throughout the human lifecycle, vividly exemplified when a newborn depends entirely on their parents for sustenance and safety. As the infant matures and evolves, they embark on their unique journey towards success and personal development.

We find ourselves nearly a month into the tragic conflict between Israel and Gaza, which was provoked by the sadistic and bloodthirsty acts of Hamas terrorists. The horrors of that day weigh heavily on our hearts, and we continue to pray daily for the return of the hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. We pray also for the swift and decisive success of the Israel Defense Forces, a quick resolution to the fighting, and a sustainable peace between Israel and Israel’s neighbors.

During Rosh Hashanah, we meditated on our dreams, ambitions, and goals for the New Year. On Yom Kippur, we contemplated our imperfections, and we atoned for the ways in which we mistreated others. Between the two holidays, we ascertained what we wish to achieve, and we prayed on how we can aspire to be the best versions of ourselves. We were constantly looking inward and outward, reflecting and dreaming. Now, it is nearly time for Sukkot.

Recently, the Torah in Parshat Ki Seitzei teaches us about a fascinating law and the subject of appropriate moments for leniency. First, let us put the story in context. Unfortunately, there will be times in our history when we will need to go to battle to fight enemies who seek our demise and want to annihilate us.

This year we commemorated Tisha B’Av, which began July 26th at nightfall, for a full 25 hours until the night of the 27th of July. It is a day of intense mourning and lamentation; we sit on low chairs, fast for the entirety of the day, read elegies and dirges, follow strict limitations on washing and rubbing ointments, and restrict the physical with our spouses. Overall, it is a very somber day when we grieve the loss of both the first and second Bais Hamikdash, our holy Temples.

The Three Weeks, commencing on July 5th at sundown this year, bear immense significance in Jewish history and observance. A fasting day, known as the 17th of Tammuz, falls on July 6th, commemorating five catastrophic events, including the breach of Jerusalem’s walls by the Romans. This event marked the onset of looting, burning, and murder within the city, plunging it into chaos

As the summer heat envelops us, we are reminded of the challenges that often accompany this season and how they can easily distract and disrupt our lives. In our pursuit of productivity in our careers and nurturing meaningful relationships, we find ourselves facing the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the allure of scandalous narratives.

Pesach has ended. The matzah is cleared away, and the real carbs are back on the table. And what do Jews around the world begin to do? We count.

Kimcha D’Pischa (Wheat of Passover) is the custom before the Passover holiday of distributing monies to purchase wheat for the poor people. Today we fulfill this Mitzvah with giving charity to a fund that specifically helps the needy purchase food items for Passover. 

Rabbi Yisroel Salanter (1809-1883) founded the Mussar movement, a stoic approach to Jewish self discipline and personal betterment.

Purim begins on the evening of March 6th this year, just around the corner. It is a story of miracles masked as coincidence, of God’s love for his people disguised as good fortune, and of individual Jews fulfilling their destiny veiled as mere happenstance.

As the Torah progresses, we begin to hear more stories about humans interacting not just with God, but with other people and, by extension, the tremendous breadth and capacity that human beings have for kindness and cruelty.