Dear Friends,
Last week, we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of Dan Kramer at 83 years old. It was a moving and powerful experience. While I was sharing a few words and blessing him, just after he was called up to the Torah for the first time in his life, he turned to me in front of the entire crowd of over a hundred people and asked, "Rabbi, can I give you a hug?" I said sure, and he gave me a huge hug. We then honored him with "Gelilah," the wrapping of the Torah. As he was wrapping the Torah, I noticed that he was also giving the Torah a hug. This is what it means to live by the mitzvot; it's never too late. Especially now, we need it more than ever.
Throughout our history, the way that we, the Jewish People, have always responded to adversity and atrocity is not by backing down from who we are and what we are, but by doubling, tripling and quadrupling down on who and what we are!... For every bit of darkness in which others may seek to engulf our world, we seek to counter that darkness with more and more saturations of light.
Despite all the hate and antisemitism in the world, it's crucial for us to live and be prouder and more joyful Jews. As we delve into this week's Torah portion, we encounter a captivating verse that encapsulates the essence of our Jewish journey: "You shall observe My statutes and My ordinances, which a man shall do and live by them. I am the Lord." The Torah is reminding us that these divine instructions are not meant to burden or confine us. No! They are the keys to unlocking a life overflowing with meaning, purpose, and joy. Each mitzvah is an invitation, a celebration, and an opportunity to truly live. It's like a cosmic nudge, urging us to embrace life in all its glory.
Judaism offers us the ultimate guidebook to seize every precious moment. Embrace life with all your heart, soul, and spirit! So, let's toast to life itself, proclaiming "L'chayim!" with every breath we take. Judaism encourages us to go beyond survival mode, beyond mere existence, and instead, to dance, sing, and revel in the symphony of life.
Remember, the mitzvot are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones to a life well-lived. They are the secret ingredients that add flavor to our days, purpose to our actions, and depth to our relationships. They are our compass, guiding us towards acts of kindness, justice, and compassion, ensuring that our every step resonates with the melody of righteousness.
So let's embrace the mitzvot, not as a burden or a duty, but as a divine gift that enhances our existence. L'chayim! To life, to love, and to the magnificent tapestry of experiences that await us all.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos