Does Hashem See?
Undoubtedly, the Akeida, when Avrohom was seemingly commanded to sacrifice his son Yitzchok, was a momentous and decisive event in our history. He was challenged to offer up his son as a sacrifice which would have been the end of his lineage and brought his movement to a abrupt end! He was halted from that and the mountain where this occurred, Mt. Moriah, is the place where the Beis Hamikdash was built.
Did Avrohom Observe Pesach?
In the parsha we are told of Avrohom’s bravery. His nephew Lot is captured by a powerful alliance of kings. He pursues them and soundly defeats them rescuing his nephew. His reliance on Hashem’s assistance is so strong that even at night, before any night-time combat goggles were available, he doggedly fights on and is victorious.
Spiritual Ecosystem
This image of the empty Shabbat table is set with 203 seats, representing the 203 hostages that are still being held by terrorists in Gaza.
To Save A World
The creation slowly but surely degenerated into pandemonium. The morality of the generations deteriorated and respect for others declined as well, as minor robbery became the norm. It seems to resemble the United States of 2023 which also apparently in sliding into an abyss of social and economic decay. Noach couldn’t save the world but he did have merit to save himself and his family.
Moving Forward Together
The words we say matter now more than ever, in the eyes of the world turned pointedly at us right now, and also to lock in the beautiful solidarity and love Jews are feeling and showing each other in Israel, here in Colorado and around the world.
This Week in Pictures
This week has been difficult for everyone in our global community. The Jewish Experience team, including our Sunday Experience and our Olami divisions, all came together to unite and support our Brothers and Sisters in Israel. Here is a look at this week, in pictures.
Rise
What a crazy week it’s been. Everyone is coping differently, but I find many are feeling quite similar. Missing appointments, loosing important items and not being able to focus has been a common complaint.
With that introduction, I wanted to share one meaningful mindset shift I experienced this week.
A letter from Ellyn Hutt
My dear friends,
I, along with the rest of the Jewish people everywhere, am in shock and reeling in pain and grief over what has happened and what is happening in the Land of Israel. There really aren’t words to convey or describe the difficulty of the situation. Thank you to those who have contacted me and our family, wanting to know if we are safe and hoping we’re okay
To Save A World
The creation slowly but surely degenerated into pandemonium. The morality of the generations deteriorated and respect for others declined as well, as minor robbery became the norm. It seems to resemble the United States of 2023 which also apparently in sliding into an abyss of social and economic decay. Noach couldn’t save the world but he did have merit to save himself and his family.
With tear-filled eyes turned to Heaven
In utter dismay and grief, we add our expression of sorrow and solidarity with the all of the Jewish People in this bitter moment of pain and turmoil.
Just as our uplifting holiday season was reaching its crescendo, the news came crashing down upon us that we had been stricken with the worst single day of brutality and loss since the holocaust.
We are heartbroken and overcome with concern for the men, women and children taken captive, for the recovery of the thousands of wounded, for the bereaved families of hundreds of murdered loved ones, and for the welfare of the valiant soldiers of the IDF. May the Almighty shower us all with compassion, healing, consolation and a speedy end to this sorrow.
Externally Internal
Man is made of different shades. Certain actions we enjoy doing while others run against our grain. The Torah in its all-encompassing manner addresses the entire gamut of our being. Meshech Chochmah explains that certain mitzvos although aligned with our basic pattern of behavior further assist us in enhancing our conduct and elevating us to a higher plateau in serving Hashem.
A cure for anything
An engineer who was unemployed for a long time decided to open a medical clinic. He puts a sign outside the clinic: “A cure for your ailment guaranteed at $500; we’ll pay you $1,000 if we fail.”
A Doctor thinks this is a good opportunity to earn $1,000 and goes to his clinic.