Praying for uninterrupted light

The contrast couldn’t have been more stark. At the gathering of the Jewish Community in Bondi Beach, Australia, two terrorists filled with hate and thoroughly evil intentionally killed at least 16 people. People came together to light the Menorah, and at that moment, so much darkness was unleashed. There are times when one is at a loss for words, and this may be one of those. It was an event supposed to be filled with light. How can you put into words the sheer scope and magnitude of this tragedy? ​ The Torah states that the order of creation was that darkness was created, and only then was light created. Our Rabbi teaches us that on a deeper level, we must experience darkness before we can experience the light. We are familiar with the fact that darkness and light are not only about a time of day or when a light is turned on or off. Darkness and light represent different periods in life during which we experience blessings or curses. Light represents not only material blessings but also spiritual blessings. One can feel the countenance of G-d during this period. As we pray in the final blessing of Sim Shalom in the Amida, בָּרְ֒כֵֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כֻּלָּֽנוּ כְּאֶחָד בְּאוֹר פָּנֶֽיךָ. Translation: “Bless us, our Father, all of us as one with the light of Your countenance.” It is this light that the Chanukah lights reflect. It is well beyond the physical light coming from a candle or a burning wick. Darkness represents the very opposite of this countenance. The face of G-d is hidden during these times of darkness, and much pain and tragedy ensue. For whatever reason, it was divinely decreed that we must undergo the period of darkness before we may merit to see the light. As we continue to suffer in the dark, we look upwards and say to G-d, Have we not suffered enough? When will the era of uninterrupted light finally commence? In this week's Parsha, our Patriarch Yaakov, in his prayers, invokes the name of G-d as שד-י. Rashi explains that this name is associated with the word די (enough). The reason that Yaakov called out to G-d with the name שד-י is that he was pleading, “may He say 'Enough!” to my troubles.” (יֹאמַר דַּי לְצָרוֹתַ) ​ As we gather to light the last few Chanukah lights, let us invoke the same prayer of our ancestor Yaakov, and may we finally have a breakthrough to uninterrupted light. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Light Up the World

The polar vortex is coming again. Meteorologists are forecasting a “triple dip” of sub-zero temperatures in a good part of the country in December. Even the Great State of Florida will not be immune to the frigid air. Temperatures as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit are forecast, increasing the risk of frost and damage to sensitive outdoor vegetation. I know that polar vortex when I see some of the trees in our neighbourhood sporting sweaters. ​ The truth is that it’s not only cold and dark in a physical sense. The Jewish people are once again encountering the cold and dark experiences that our ancestors experienced regularly, but we thought were in the rear-view mirror of history. ​ As we gather on Sunday night to once again light the Chanukah candles, it is an opportunity to bring light into this dark world. Our Rabbis teach that lighting the candles is merely a physical manifestation of our actively bringing the light of G-d into the world. There is an unusual practice related to Chanukah called “Pirsumei Nisa.” (Translation: to let the miracle be known to the public.) We are not merely obligated to light the Menorah, but obligated to light it in public. Even if someone is lighting at home, it should not be inside but rather at the door or window. There is no parallel obligation to any of the other Jewish holidays. One can ask, as we say at the Pesach seder, Mah Nishtana! Why do we light the Chanukah lights in public display when there is such an obligation for any other Mitzvah? ​ The reason for the unusual practice is that it underscores a primary theme of Chanukah. The physical light that we kindle is merely a physical manifestation of the spiritual and Divine light that enters our world. In a space and time rife with societal breakdown of so many of our most cherished values, it is the Divine light of the Chanukah lights that reminds us to be the best versions of ourselves. As we gather this Sunday night to light the first candle, let us remind ourselves that, despite all the chaos and darkness that we find ourselves in, we have the power to bring the most exalted light into our world. All we need to do is light the match. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Dual Citizenship

Political shots have been fired. Freshman Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has introduced legislation to ban dual citizenship in the United States. The “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” would make it illegal for an American citizen to hold dual citizenship with another country. Moreno, who himself immigrated from Colombia, is touting his own renunciation of his Colombian identity as the champion of this cause. Moreno stated,” If you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing. It’s time to end dual citizenship for good.” ​ It remains to be seen whether this legislation will become law or withstand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court (previous court rulings have upheld dual citizenship as constitutional). Regardless, this call to action reflects the political environment. The ramifications for the Jewish community, especially those American Jews living in Israel with dual citizenship, is very significant. The tilt toward nationalism has been picking up steam in the MAGA world, and some in the movement are also calling for it to be illegal for any American to serve in the IDF. One of the accusations of Jews throughout history has been that we have not shown sufficient loyalty to the host country. One of the blessings of the American Jewish story until now has been that we did not have to choose between being a proud Jew and a loyal American. The road ahead in the American Jewish story may be changing, and we are looking for twists and turns in this road that we might not have seen before. In this week's Parsha, our ancestor Yaakov has an encounter with one of history's first anti-Semites. It was his brother Esav. After over two decades of Esav attempting to kill Yaakov, the two brothers arrive at reconciliation. The Torah describes the encounter as warm, noting that Esav even kissed Yaakov. What’s odd is that the Hebrew word for "and he kissed him” is וַיִּשָּׁקֵ֑הוּ, and there are dots over the word וַיִּשָּׁקֵ֑הוּ in the Torah. The placement of these dots is usually there to indicate a deeper message. Rashi quotes the Midrash to the effect that it is known that Esav hates Yaakov. It was just then that Esav was overwhelmed with compassion and embraced Yaakov. It doesn’t mean that Esav was insincere when he embraced Yaakov. It means that it was an aberration of his default of hostility. ​ Throughout our history, we have been accosted by the biological and ideological descendants of Esav who threatened our destruction time and time again. The pattern usually begins on more benign terms and might even be friendly. Usually, at some point, we are given an ultimatum to either give up our faith or else. The call to end Dual Citizenship may turn out to be a blip on the screen that won’t affect us much. Or it may be the new canary in the coal mine. Either way, it requires us to buckle up for the road ahead. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Thoughts for Thanksgiving

As Americans gather around their table to celebrate Thanksgiving, this year will be challenging to feel the feelings of gratitude generally associated with this time of year. With the political realities on both the Right and the Left changing and Jew hatred rising on nearly a daily basis the air is heavy and it's hard to get into the headspace of gratitude in 2025. The reality is that no matter how challenging the environment is, we never lose the opportunity to express our gratitude. There is a fascinating insight on gratitude from next week's Parsha that I believe addresses this point. After the birth of her first child, Rachel names the baby Yosef. The stated reason for this is that G-d has spared me from shame. The basic understanding is that she has been spared from shame because now she has finally been blessed to have a child after being barren for many years. Rashi, in his commentary, offers a bizarre explanation in the name of a Midrash. The comment is that Rachel would have to take responsibility for various mishaps around the house prior to having a baby. Mishaps such as who broke the dish or ate the snacks would leave Rachel feeling sheepish when her husband would come home. With the arrival of a baby in the home, there was now someone to blame for these mishaps. Hence, G-d had spared her shame. The Midrash is incredulous with this interpretation! It reflects an incredible shallow perspective on our revered matriarch, Rachel! After the amazing blessing of bringing a new life into the world, Rachel is thankful for something so mundane! Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, in his commentary, offers insight on this passage in particular and on gratitude in general. One doesn't need to be seeking macro and life-changing occurrences for one to express gratitude over. Granted, when those blessings occur in life it is appropriate to be grateful. However, one should seek to identify minor or even mundane happenings in our daily life to show our appreciation and gratitude. Tamara Levitt, a well-known meditation and mindfulness instructor in her masterclass on the Calm app, suggests doing an exercise whenever you find yourself caught up in negativity or seem to need a dose of gratitude called the Gratitude Countdown. She offered the following ten examples of everyday reasons in her won life for her to be grateful: 1)The comforting bowl of miso soup I had for dinner. 2)The fact that I live close to a park where I can breathe fresh air and enjoy a daily dose of nature. 3)A local tailor was able to fix the zipper on my 25-year-old irreplaceable coat. 4)The voicemail I received this morning from my nephew. 5)The subway system I use to zip across the city to do errands. 6)The birds I heard chirping cheerfully outside my window this morning. 7)The marvel of modern communication and the ease it helps me stay in touch with friends and family. 8)My incredible job and the privilege of doing meaningful work. 9)My network of friends and the support I feel from friendships. 10)My mediation practice helps me stay grounded in the world. This list is particular to her life, but I was struck by how ordinary these items seemed. This year more than ever, let us make a choice to seek out and identify simple things in life for which to be grateful. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Walking Between the Raindrops

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun". These words were written by King Solomon about three thousand years ago. Sometimes we fantasize that painful and tragic moments from previous eras will never be repeated, and we are surprised when ominous indicators appear on our radar. It was about 90 years ago in the United States, when Charles Coughlin, a Canadian-born Catholic priest, electrified the radio airwaves with his rhetoric filled with overt Jew hatred. It is estimated that Coughlin had about 40 million weekly listeners who were glued to their radios, only too eager to digest the poison that he espoused. Coughlin was one of the key figures during the America First nationalist wave of the 30’s that successfully influenced the American government to be neutral in the days leading up to and in the beginning of the Holocaust. We all know too well how that ended. ​ We are living in interesting times amid a new and different America First movement. To be sure, there are versions of this ideology that are not hostile to the Jews and their ancestral homeland. After several years in word and deed, President Trump has demonstrated that one can be a champion of America First and be a friend and ally to Israel and the Jewish People. However, the next generation is emerging, and many of them have made clear that, in their viewpoint, America First and Israel First are mutually exclusive. The traditional view that America stood by Israel because of shared values is now being undermined not only on the left but more recently in the circles on the right. The center is dangerously shrinking and becoming lonelier. One of the most influential podcasters on the right, whose name I cannot bear to mention, has tens of millions of followers who listen and are influenced by his rhetoric. One of the positions the podcaster champions is that no U.S. citizen should be allowed to serve in the IDF, as that would constitute a lack of loyalty. He does not share the same position if anyone is a dual citizen of a country other than Israel. Most recently, the podcaster hosted an infamous Nazi sympathizer on his show and offered little pushback. The Heritage Foundation, a revered think tank in the Conservative movement, refused to distance itself from this podcaster. ​ One of the blessings for American Jews for the vast majority of its time in the United States has been the liberty of not needing to choose to be a loyal American and a proud Jew who is connected to Israel. There are cracks in the armor that indicate an unwelcome change might be coming. ​ In this week's parsha, our patriarch Avraham identifies himself as a “newcomer and a resident.” It would appear to be a contradictory way of describing oneself. If you are a foreigner, then you are not a resident, and vice versa. Avraham was teaching us that we must embrace this dual identity. Yes, we are loyal citizens to the host country, and we have a covenantal relationship with G-d for over 3,000 years. Both ideologies are aligned with one another and not mutually exclusive. ​ As Jews, we live with PTSD from our collective past. Some Jews always make sure to have valid passports, as you can never be sure. Even if someone else might think that it is an overreaction, one must not delude oneself into thinking that all is ok. While the mediums of communication have changed from the radio to the online world and its social media offerings, human nature and its weaknesses remain the same. Sometimes we delude ourselves into thinking that we can just wait until the storm passes. More often than not, the Jewish story has conditioned us to keep dancing between the raindrops. Have Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

The Hostages Teach us About Shabbos

As the freed hostages from captivity in Gaza continue to recount their stories of how they survived about two years in the most horrific and vile conditions, they are telling us about what sustained them. It was faith in G-d that gave them the strength to cope with this hell on earth. Several of the hostages strengthened their commitment to Shabbos in captivity. Eli Sharabi, in interviews and in his book, has said that they would make kiddush every Friday night on a cup of water. They would sing the songs Shalom Aleichem and Aishes Chayil before making Kiddush. Bar Kupershtein, another freed hostage, retells how he and his fellow hostages would raise their voices in the tunnels and sing all the prayers on Friday night. ​ There are many layers to this most extraordinary display of faith and conviction. One of the lessons for all of us is to redouble our own connection in any way that we can. This applies to everyone, no matter how Shabbos-observant or not; one may practice throughout the year. This year, we are once again proud to partner with the Kollel to bring the Shabbos Project to our community. Several years ago, the Shabbos Project began modestly and has since grown into a major global movement. The 2025 Shabbat Project will unite Jews from all walks of life across 1,500 cities and 100 countries to celebrate Shabbat in a spirit of joy and unity. In Israel alone, more than one million people are expected to take part. ​ Here in Jacksonville, over the course of the Shabbos Project, many people have kept the entire Shabbos for the first time. This year, we salute and honor everyone’s commitment to Shabbos, especially those who are coming to our neighborhood to experience the entire Shabbos. ​ As there is increased turmoil and external threats to our people, including the United States, it is so important to turn inward and be strengthened by the power of faith and Shabbos. Bar Kupershtein, upon his release, said his motto that kept him alive for 738 days in the closest thing to hell on earth was knowing he was always in the hands of the Creator of the world. Our commitment and relationship with Shabbos is a declaration to the world that we are always in the hands of the Creator of the world. Now more than ever, we need to once again make that declaration, loud and proud. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

New York has a New Mayor

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal offered a $10 million donation following the 9/11 attacks on a visit to Ground Zero with New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani, on October 11, 2001. Alongside the donation, the prince issued a statement calling on the U.S. to reassess its Middle East policies and adopt a more balanced approach to the Palestinian issue. Giuliani publicly refused the donation and strongly denounced the prince's comments. He stated that equating the attackers with U.S. policy was "highly irresponsible and very, very dangerous.” ​ In 2014, while Israel fought Hamas in Gaza, the FAA, in a politicized decision from the Obama administration, canceled all flights to and from Israel with US carriers. (Hamas later referred to the FAA decision as a strategic victory.) Only El Al was flying, and many were understandably worried about traveling to Israel. One person who was not worried was another NYC mayor, Michael Bloomberg. He traveled on El Al to Israel during the war. Bloomberg said, “his goal was to demonstrate that it was safe to fly in and out of Israel and to protest the US flight ban, which he called a mistake that hands Hamas an undeserved victory". ​ Bloomberg, Guilani, and current Mayor Eric Adams are from a long line of great friends to the Jewish Community and Israel. Given that over 1.3 million Jews live in the Greater NYC area, it makes sense that the Mayor would seek to align with the Jewish Community's priorities. That is why it is so disconcerting to see this once great city about to elect someone who is sympathetic to terrorists who seek to destroy Israel. Oh, and he also doesn’t believe Israel should be a Jewish State. ​ There is much to unpack here, but this unwelcome development has caused much unease and anxiety across the Jewish Community well beyond NYC. One perspective from some people is that it’s time to move out of NYC, as it’s now unwelcome to Jews, and seek a safer place like Florida. It was not too long ago that people saw NYC as a safe and ideal place for Jews to live and thrive. If NYC is not living up to that ideal, then it’s just the latest example of places that Jews, after a while of climbing to the highest echelon of society, are confronted with the unwelcome reality. Simply saying, "let’s move to another state," does not appreciate the historical pattern. Yes, we are very grateful to our Governor and all the elected officials in Florida for being such great friends and allies, but the political winds are always subject to blowing in another direction. ​ We read about our Patriarch Avraham, and he famously referred to himself as a גר ותושב. The basic translation is a “stranger and a resident.” Avraham was teaching us that we must embrace tension as we live as both strangers and residents. It was just about 100 years ago, in the 1922 parliamentary elections in Poland, that Jewish politicians won 34 seats in the Sejm (the lower house of parliament) and 22 in the Senate. While not to draw a clear parallel, to the Jewish story in the USA, it behooves us to always live with our eyes wide open. In this week's parsha, we once again read that G-d told Avraham,”to your descendants, I will give this land.” The parcel of land is not in NYC, Florida, or anywhere else in the diaspora. The current mayoral candidate in NYC, is just the latest figure in the Jewish story of at least 3,000 years of our rich and tortured history to remind us of this uncomfortable truth. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Now He belongs to the Ages

The Yamim Tovim were most joyous, meaningful, and exhausting. (It’s ok to hold multiple feelings simultaneously). Shortly after Havdallah, I turned on my phone and, upon reading a headline, I was in complete shock. I read that Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the Executive VP of the Orthodox Union, passed away suddenly over Yom Tov. I couldn't move for about two hours. I hit the refresh button several times, hoping that the news was an error and would be erased. I was far from the only one who had this reaction. Upon hearing the news, I read about a person and texted Rabbi Hauer to make sure he was okay, hoping the news was wrong. In the several days since, I have been feeling heartbroken by this tragic passing. Rabbi Hauer was someone I looked up to as a role model, and he represented the very best Rabbinical leadership of our generation. He was unusual and unique in the very best way possible. Yes, he was a great Torah scholar, but there are others in that category. He was a champion of unity across a broad spectrum of Klal Yisroel, and there may be others in that category. He was a most outstanding spokesman and advocate for the Jewish Community, and others can claim that distinction as well. However, for all those qualities to converge and be the identity of one individual is exceedingly rare. I have yet to ever hear of someone who passed away for whom heartfelt eulogies were issued from the Chareidi leadership to the leaders of the most progressive circles in Judaism. He was the voice so many turned to when seeking guidance in a cruel upside-down world. Ever since October 7, he has communicated so many poignant messages steeped in empathy, love, and wisdom. Now that he is gone, I wonder where we will find a voice so comforting and healing, steeped in Torah values. On both a personal and professional level, I sought his direction several times, and my life was immeasurably enriched by those conversations. Over the last week, what I knew about him may have just been the tip of the iceberg. There have been countless others who felt so enriched by his wisdom and influenced by his leadership. ​ It may be an overused cliché, but in this case, I think the saying that he is irreplaceable may be true. We just read on Simchas Torah about his original namesake, Moshe, who passed away before he reached his promised land on earth. The nation mourned and was repeatedly told Chazak V’amatz. It was not easy to move on after Moshe passed into a better world, but it was required back then and remains no less required now. Great leaders who live with selfless devotion are a rarity, especially in our times. Our rabbis have paraphrased the loss of a giant in the words of our Prophet Amos as “the sun set during midday.” To paraphrase the words of Edwin Stanton when Lincoln passed away, “Now, he belongs to the ages.” Yehi Zichro Baruch. May his memory be for a blessing. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Keeping the Inspiration

The High Holidays season has been really meaningful. The richness of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur liturgy, combined with an outpouring of meaningful tefila and heartfelt ruach, has been uplifting for our kehila. Yom Kippur was a special gift, allowing us to set aside most physical pleasures for about 25 hours. At the conclusion of Yom Kippur, we were on an incredibly high spiritual level. The shofar sounded and with great elation, we declared, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” A few minutes later, we broke our fasts and began “normal” life yet again. The mundane routine, which includes everything from mortgage payments to carpool lanes and everything in between, was waiting for us as we began another year. How is it possible to retain any inspiration from these auspicious days? ​ It is not a coincidence that Sukkos falls just a few days after Yom Kippur. Sukkos represents the idea of infusing holiness and spirituality into the mundane. One takes some wood and palm fronds and builds a hut, or takes a lulav and an esrog and makes a blessing over these species. That is the quintessential example of infusing spirituality into the mundane. The reality is that we are unable to maintain a spiritual level comparable to our standing on Yom Kippur. G-d does not expect from us something that we are incapable of delivering. However, we are tasked with the responsibility of infusing and elevating our materialistic endeavors with spirituality. ​ Sukkos embodies the pinnacle of this noble idea. Let us harness the holiness of Yom Kippur and instill it into our sukkah walls (lattice, of course, in Florida), palm fronds, and lulavim. Once we learn the art of practicing this on Sukkos, we should have a head start on elevating the mundane for the rest of the year. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

All in the Same Boat

The final Shabbos of the Jewish Calendar boasts one feature that remains unchanged every year. We always read the Parsha of Nitzavim. What about this Parsha of a mere forty verses that makes it a required reading for the final Shabbos of every year? There are various fundamental themes in Judaism, including free will and Teshuva, that are recorded in Nitzavim. I will highlight one central theme of the Parsha, which must be internalized before the New Year begins. ​ These words feature an unusual characteristic marking above the written words in the Torah. It has several dots above these words. Indeed, if you look into a Sefer Torah, you will see these dots above the words וְהַנִּגְלֹת לָנוּ וּלְבָנֵינוּ עַד־עוֹלָם. This is translated as the revealed are to our children and us forever.” This is a continuation of the beginning of the verse, “The hidden belongs to Hashem our G-d.” The deeper meaning here is that the private action of Man is under the purview of the Almighty, for better or worse. However, what Man does in public is the responsibility of the Jewish Nation. The Rabbis have interpreted this to mean we are responsible for one another. In Hebrew, this dictum is famous as כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה. The literal translation is that we are the guarantors of one another. The role of a guarantor carries great responsibility. It reflects a legal commitment for the borrower who has incurred a liability. The Chofetz Chaim writes that if a guarantor sees the borrower acting in a financially irresponsible manner, he will be worried, as he ultimately assumes responsibility. As it’s been nearly two years since October 7 and hostages remain imprisoned in Gaza under the most horrific conditions, it's important to view that as some “other” problem. The notion of being a guarantor means that we must feel this crisis as our own. I know a person who has not slept on more than one pillow since October and another person who has not listened to any music during that time. Similarly, the Chofetz Chaim wrote that if we see the majority of Jews estranged from Torah Judaism, then we bear the responsibility for that. It is unfortunate for us to shrug our shoulders when hearing about the deteriorating numbers of Jews engaged in Judaism. It’s incumbent on every one of us to be the best ambassadors we can be for G-d and Torah Judaism. The notion of being responsible and a guarantor for one another has brought out the best in Jews over the years. ​ As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah to stand in judgment before the Giver of Life and once again need to earn the privilege of life itself, there may be no greater merit than viewing oneself as a guarantor for our fellow Jew and Jewish Continuity. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Learning to Listen

On the eve of another somber anniversary of 9/11, America got a punch to the gut as to where we stand as a nation. Charlie Kirk, a prominent political activist, was murdered in cold blood as he was engaging in dialogue with a group of university students in Utah. Some are calling this a watershed moment in American society, and it remains to be seen whether we have hit rock bottom in our tolerance for people with whom we disagree. Much ink has been spilled by those familiar with the life and legacy of Kirk, as well as the profound impact he had on influencing political discourse. I am not a political pundit and not capable of offering a political analysis, but nonetheless filled with sadness and outrage that this can occur. ​ While, as of this moment, the killer has not been apprehended and the motive not confirmed, this has all the markings of an assassination due to one not agreeing with the views of Kirk. It’s essential to note that this heinous action did not occur in a vacuum. While the end result is, of course, horrific, the beginning of a societal breakdown has more benign roots. It usually starts with a lack of listening to another person with whom we might disagree. In a time of increasing polarization, especially related to political fault lines, we increasingly gravitate toward the perceived comfort of echo chambers. We attempt to curate experiences, interactions, and dialogue with only those whose positions we find agreeable. The opinions of those we disagree with become contemptible. The next step may be the demonization of others, and with the political temperature continuing to rise. While not all circumstances lead to violence and murder, it is nonetheless tragic for groups of people to demonize others simply because they might have a position or vote for something we disagree with. ​ While others write an obituary for America or tell others how they need to change, I think this is an opportunity for us to reflect and introspect on how we can learn to listen properly. The Gaon of Vilna wrote that there are three levels to listening. The first level is simply to listen. While this may seem elementary, it actually means not interrupting and paying attention to what the person is saying. It also means not thinking about formulating your response or best comeback line. The second step is understanding. This can mean asking a simple follow-up question, such as what day you arrived or whom you said you voted for in the last election. The third and final level of listening is acceptance. This does not mean that we agree with the person, but rather that we acknowledge their position. ​ As Rosh Hashanah approaches, it’s important to note the blessing of the Shofar is not to blow the shofar but rather to listen to the shofar (לשמוע קול שופר). Our Rabbis teach us that while many can blow, it is more noble to listen. The way out of the abyss is most likely not to come from the top down in society. It will most likely be from the bottom up, and our best hope would be to start effectively listening to others. I hope and pray that we can pivot and improve the way we listen to others. It is not an understatement or overreaction to express that the alternative to properly listening to one another may be the beginning of the end for this great republic. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Not Subject to the Political Winds

The Supreme Court of the United States is a revered institution that has shaped American life and living. It has issued some landmark rulings that have improved the social ethos. It is also true that the Supreme Court has issued some horrific rulings. Korematsu v. The United States ruled it was legal and constitutional to forcibly place a minority group in internment camps. Buck vs. Bell in 1927 ruled that the government can forcibly sterilize women who it considered “feeble-minded and imbeciles.” The venerated Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote for the majority, “three generations of imbeciles are enough” in justifying this position. Perhaps the worst decision issued by the Supreme Court was Dred Scott v. Sanford, which led to the Civil War. After Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sued for his freedom in 1846, he went from the slave state of Missouri to the free states of Illinois and the Wisconsin Territory. The Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott was not free, African Americans were not U.S. citizens and therefore couldn't sue in federal court, and Congress couldn't prohibit slavery in U.S. territories. Ultimately, this decision was overturned with the adoption of the 13th Amendment in the aftermath of the Civil War. ​ The Torah or Jewish Law does have an answer to the Dred Scott case, and it is found in this week's parsha. The Torah states, לֹא־תַסְגִּיר עֶבֶד אֶל־אֲדֹנָיו אֲשֶׁר־יִנָּצֵל אֵלֶיךָ מֵעִם אֲדֹנָיו. Translation: “You shall not turn over to the owner a servant who seeks refuge with you from that master.” Rashi quotes the Talmud, which explains this passage as referring to the situation of a Canaanite servant belonging to an Israelite who fled from outside the Land (from a foreign country) into the Land of Israel. Had Dred Scott fled into the Land of Israel to escape his predicament of slavery, he would have been granted asylum. The consequences of the Dred Scott decision led to approximately 700,000 Americans killed in the Civil War. ​ The larger point is that this case study challenges an established theory (which some treat as fact) in enlightened circles. It is that the Torah and its laws and practices are archaic and obsolete. The timeless lessons of the Torah are not subject to the harsh winds of political change. The wisdom taught at Sinai is as relevant and enriching as ever. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

The Limits of a Lemonade Stand

During the summer months, invariably at some point, I will see a kid running a lemonade stand. It is a cute spectacle to see an eight year old displaying such entrepenuership. The child has figured out how much profit he may have incurred from selling ice cold lemonade for fifty cents. People may gather around the child and express their admiration for his budding business acumen. However, if we saw a thirty eight year old man at the corner selling lemonade for fifty cents, we would not have the same admiration. Especially, if this was the adults primary way of earning a livelihood. One would expect a thirty eight year old to have a much higher level of sophistication in understanding personal finance than an eight year old. I would argue that in terms of our understanding of the fundamentals of Jewish life and living, a thirty eight year old must have a higher level of sophistication than he had as an eight year old. It might be cute to observe a young child know the song “dip the apple in the honey” on Rosh Hashanah. Parents and grandparents might be kvelling and deservedly so. However, if a thirty eight year old does not have a deeper understanding of Rosh Hashanah than he had thirty years before, that is not something to be proud about. The High Holiday season can be challenging for so many of us. One may be looking at page 252 of the Machzor/Prayer book and realizing we still have 500 pages until we get to lunch on Rosh Hashanah. We may try to distract ourselves and attempt different coping mechanisms to just get through the service. I believe that much of this attitude may stem from someone not adequately preparing and being in a good spiritual headspace in anticipation of the High Holidays. We may think we are prepared based on things we learned in Hebrew School a few decades ago. The reality is to achieve significant results in any meaningful area of life, one must prepare in advance . The month of Elul is the time period before the High Holidays to utilize properly to educate oneself in anticipation of this auspicious season. With the world teetering in so many ways, the stakes are too high to continue viewing the High Holiday season the same way we did when we operated lemonade stands. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

The Essence of the Jewish People

A question that has vexed people for centuries is what makes the Jewish People unique. Judaism is unlike other religions because you cannot renounce your Jewish faith. In other major religions, if you declare that you no longer believe in the fundamental principles of the faith, you are no longer a member of the faith. On a certain level, that makes sense. If religion is about a set of beliefs and you do not subscribe to those beliefs, you would no longer be a member of that faith group. Judaism provides no such disengagement and exit clause. A Jew can fervently declare that he no longer believes in God or the validity of the Torah and might even want to cancel his affiliation with Judaism. He has no such option. No matter how disengaged or disconnected an individual is from Judaism; he is permanently a Jew. If Judaism is not a classical religion, it cannot be qualified as a nationality as there are Jews from all over the world. The Jewish people have a homeland, but for thousands of years, we were in exile and carried nationalities from Poland to Uzbekistan, and they were both equally Jewish. Judaism cannot be categorized as a race as people from multiple races are part of the Jewish faith. This brings me back to my original question: if Judaism cannot be a traditional religion, nationality, or race, what is Judaism, and why has it stirred up so much passion and hatred against its people for centuries? The simple answer to a complex and layered question is found in our weekly Parsha. The Torah states בנים אתם לה' אלהיכם. This is translated as “ You are children to Hashem your G-d”. Rabbi Akiva in Pirkei Avos expounds on this verse as this is why we are beloved to G-d because we are His children. Although any individual in the world, whether Jewish or not, can have a relationship with G-d and even a portion in the World to Come, the Jewish are unique as we are considered children of G-d. Rabbi Akiva continues to explain the reason the Jews are children is unlike any other nation. We accepted the Torah at Mount Sinai. Put simply, by committing to upholding all the Mitzvos and obligations articulated in the Torah there is more opportunity for connection with G-d. As Rabbi Akiva taught us based on this Parsha, Judaism is not unique because of any other racial superiority but because we accepted a mission to be ambassadors of Godliness and Holiness. The Torah unlocks the unlimited potential of us to be platforms for G-d and His Holiness in this finite and mundane world. However, it’s important to remember that with this greater potential comes greater responsibility. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Dreams Do Come True

How about some good news for a change? In a time when there appears to be a deluge of news ranging from unsavory to horrific, I need to refocus my perspective and make a better effort to cherish the positive news around us. There are plenty of positive and heartwarming developments happening all the time; it just tends to get overlooked as there is so much other eye-grabbing news. One news item that I came across this week that I am unsure is getting the proper attention it deserves is the number of Jews from North America making Aliyah to the Land of Israel. This coming week on August 20, 225 Jews from North America will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport aboard Nefesh B’Nefesh’s 65th charter Aliyah flight. This flight marks the first charter flight since the war that began on October 7, underscoring an extraordinary commitment to the Zionist dream in the face of ongoing regional conflict. The Olim on this flight will join over 90,000 newcomers who have made Aliyah with the assistance of Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners, since its inception in 2002. Coming onboard are 45 families, including 125 children, 10 singles, and 3 retirees. Among the Olim are 5 doctors and 19 healthcare professionals, who will soon join the ranks of Israel’s robust medical system. It’s important to note that these numbers of Olim are only from North America. This does not include the thousands of other Jews from around the world returning to its ancestral homeland. In 2024, there were nearly 31,000 Jews from all over the world that returned to our ancestral homeland. This development would be remarkable under any circumstances. In a time when Israel is embroiled in an existential seven-front war, it is even more astounding! We are seeing the previously thought unbelievable words of our prophet Tzephania unfold in front of our very own ways. בָּעֵ֤ת הַהִיא֙ אָבִ֣יא אֶתְכֶ֔ם וּבָעֵ֖ת קַבְּצִ֣י אֶתְכֶ֑ם כִּֽי־אֶתֵּ֨ן אֶתְכֶ֜ם לְשֵׁ֣ם וְלִתְהִלָּ֗ה בְּכֹל֙ עַמֵּ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ בְּשׁוּבִ֧י אֶת־שְׁבוּתֵיכֶ֛ם לְעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם .אָמַ֥ר ה Translation (At that time, I will gather you, and at that time, I will bring you home, for I will make you renowned and famous among all the peoples on earth. When I restore your fortunes before their very eyes, said G-d.) If one would have told my great grandparents in a European shtetl that planeloads of Jews would be arriving in our ancient homeland, that would have been dismissed as sheer fantasy. It is now a reality that is happening in front of our eyes! Our weekly Parsha of Eikev teaches us the special quality of the Land of Israel that has caused Jews for thousands of years to wistfully yearn for our ancestral homeland. The Torah states “ אֶרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־ה אֱלֹקיךָ דֹּרֵשׁ אֹתָהּ תָּמִיד עֵינֵי יְיָ אֱלֹקיךָ בָּהּ.” (Translation: A Land which G-d always seeks out. The eyes of G-d are always on it.) The relationship that one can have with G-d on this land is more compelling and intense than any other place in the world. For thousands of years, we have concluded the Pesach Seder and Yom Kippur with the declaration of “Next Year in Jerusalem.” For more and more Jews, the modern-day miracle is enabling them to say, “This Year in Jerusalem.” Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Upside Down World

Upside-down world. That description seems to fit the state of the world we are living in on so many levels. This week, Norway ordered a review of Israeli investments held in the country’s sovereign wealth fund after receiving complaints that some might be contributing to Israel’s military action in Gaza. Following an ethics council recommendation late last year, the oil fund sold out of Israeli telecommunications company Bezeq over concerns the company could be contributing to human-rights violations as it provides services to the so-called Israeli settlements (I prefer to call them communities) in Judea and Samaria. The enlightened ethics council from Norway apparently felt that a company providing phone and internet services to Jews in their ancestral homeland was too egregious and needed to be blacklisted. The attempt to demonize a whole segment of the Jewish population simply for living in the Land of Israel is not limited to people living in Judea and Samaria. It just starts there and evolves into a discussion of whether Israel has the right to exist. This rhetoric just does not align when you meet people from these areas who are full of love, optimism, and faith. This week, our community is being visited by Rabbi and Gez, who are in town for Akiva Shyken's Bar Mitzvah. A few months ago, their son Chananel was in the car with his wife Tze'ela en route to the hospital to deliver her fourth child. Terrorists opened fire at the vehicle and killed Tze’eala in cold blood. Her baby initially survived the attack and was named Ravid Chaim, but succumbed to his injuries a few days later. The family buried their wife/mother with their infant son within a very short time. The grieving father and husband has since been exuding strong faith and optimism despite the painful tragedy. His parents, who are visiting here, are also filled with love and kindness. It is a pleasure to host them here for Shabbos and hug and support them during this time. It’s with sad irony to note that in the upside-down world we currently inhabit, the company that provides phone service to the Gez family has been blacklisted by the ethical commission of the enlightened world. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Why do we Mourn?

The Jewish Calendar and the Special Days or Holidays that it contains are remarkably different from other calendars. Namely, the secular calendar that the Western world primarily utilizes is the Gregorian calendar, named after Pope Gregory XIII. The names of the months, i.e., July and August, were also named after Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus. I don’t think it is a stretch to say that these gentlemen would not be nominated for Mensch of the Year. The holidays on this calendar are days of commemoration. The Jewish Calendar has deep spiritual messages embedded in its structure. Every month and day has a particular manifestation of a certain Mazel or spiritual influence. The month of Av, which we have just begun, is marked by a manifestation of sadness and pain that enters the world. The Rabbis teach, “When Av arrives, there is less joy.” The reason for this is that the distance between G-d and the Jewish People is most acutely felt at the beginning of this month. The destruction of the First two Temples (Batei HaMikdash) is really just a physical manifestation of this distance between us and G-d. The schism began over 3,300 years ago as the Jews traveled in the desert en route to the Holy Land. As they were on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, the people believed a toxic narrative about the Land of Israel and turned their backs on their ancestral homeland. That night was the ninth of Av, and in a sense, we have never recovered. The era of the Concealed Face of G-d (Hester Panim) began and only intensified over time. All the Jewish suffering, both on a collective and personal level, for thousands of years has its roots in Hester Panim. The more recent suffering for the last year and half since that tragic Simchas Torah on October 7, is also related to this unfortunate spiritual state. We cannot continue to view the world through a single-dimensional lens of geopolitics or economics. There are other dimensions as well, including the spiritual dimension. No one on this side of the Earth can know why these poor souls were taken as hostages, and many still currently remain languishing in dungeons below ground. Jewish Tradition does teach that this suffering is also to Hester Panim and the excruciating spiritual environment we find ourselves. As we sit on the floor on Tisha B’av, it is essential to remember that we do not mourn only for a series of events that took place thousands of years ago. We mourn the current state of our people, both on a collective and individual level. It is a time for us to open our souls up and let the voice of Renew the Days of Old, finally come to fruition in our lifetime. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Beyond Our Understanding

Our generation has been forced to eat humble pie. We are living in 2025 and the advances that we have experienced in our lifetime have been unparalleled in the course of human history. From self-driving cars to artificial intelligence and everything in between, Man has felt unlimited in his quest to conquer any frontier. Nevertheless, the 7 post October era has been a sobering reality for us all. The war that Hamas terrorists unleashed on that fateful Simchas Torah is seared into our memory. The question of WHY this occurred keeps on flashing in people’s minds. The past 20 months have been particularly brutal for the Jewish People. Hostages continue to languish in the most difficult of circumstances in Gaza. These events have triggered feelings of despondency and reflection. Some have attempted to answer the question, but no one can understand why this is happening from a theological perspective. There are no prophets among us, and our faith has been challenged, and we are forced to reconcile how a just and benevolent G-d can allow such realities to put our people in peril. We are confronted with the cold reality that we do not have an answer as to why G-d allows this to occur. This weeks Parsha of Chukas begins with the words זאת חקת התורה, or This is a Chok of the Torah. A Chok is a Mitzvah that doesn’t have a rational understanding of human comprehension. While it may make perfect sense to return a lost object or honor your parents, it doesn’t make much sense to sprinkle the ashes of a burnt red cow onto someone in contact with a dead body. The notion of not finding satisfactory responses to challenging theological questions has vexed the greatest rabbis for thousands of years. Moshe pleaded with G-d to understand His ways in the world. The Talmud explains that Moshe desired to discover the reason why the righteous suffer or the wicked prosper. G-d responded that the living could not comprehend the mysteries of the universe. A finite being cannot grasp the infinite, and it is beyond human comprehension. While on a superficial level, this may be unsatisfactory, on a deeper level, there is a sense of inner peace in knowing that you can’t understand or control everything in this mortal world. The notion that we don’t comprehend all of G-d’s ways in the world is an uncomfortable but necessary truth to learn. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yakov Fisch

Historic Moment

"Who knows 12? I know 12!" These words are from a rendition at the end of the Pesach Seder. The traditional response to this question is, "12 are the tribes of Israel." After the events of recent days, it appears that this question of "Who knows 12 ?" may have another answer. The most recent war that Israel waged with Iran is being called the "12-day war." There are so many layers and perspectives to unpack it's hard to know where to begin. The most severe consequence was the 28 fatalities as Iran fired about 550 missiles indiscriminately towards civilians in major population centers. They targeted a Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, which sustained significant damage. Every life lost is a tragedy that will permanently affect all the families of the victims. That being said, it's important to note how much worse the consequences were predicted to be. Each missile carried a warhead of at least a few hundred pounds and upwards to nearly two thousand pounds. Most of the missiles were intercepted by Israeli and American air defenses at an interception rate of around 90 percent. At least 31 ballistic missile impacts were reported in populated areas or critical infrastructure sites, including a power station in southern Israel and an oil refinery in Haifa. It's important to note that each missile could have killed hundreds or even thousands of people. The protective shield over Israel was felt both in the physical and spiritual realms. More importantly, it appears that the nuclear threat from Iran has been severely downgraded. The notion of Iran possessing nuclear weapons, combined with their regime's repeated declaration to destroy the State of Israel, was an existential threat to the lives of over seven million Jews. There is a large public area in Tehran called Palestine Square that had a clock that was counting down the time to the destruction of Israel. (This clock was taken down in an airstrike by the Israeli Air Force.) This should reinforce the understanding that the nature of the threat was from the regime in Tehran. We are filled with gratitude to G-d for giving the IDF the strength, fortitude, and courage to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, coming from this menacing regime. We are also filled with gratitude to President Trump and the United States for the historic action of dropping multiple bunker-busting bombs on multiple nuclear facilities in Iran. It is not an exaggeration to state that this action may have very well prevented a future Holocaust. As a community of faith, we continue to be forever grateful to G-d for being the ultimate Guardian of Israel, protecting His people in the sacred territory on this planet. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Rise Up as a Lion

Israel is at war. Again. The truth is that this is not a new war but rather a new chapter in a decades-long campaign by the Islamic Republic of Iran to wipe Israel off the map. This new phase takes place amid the ongoing multi-front campaign that Israel is waging with Iran’s proxies all over the Middle East. It is rare for one country to fight a three-front war. Israel is fighting a seven-front war. Another unusual aspect of the nature of this conflict is that Israel is battling an enemy that desires its annihilation. If anyone had any doubts about that, October 7 clarified our understanding of the threats Israel constantly faces. While initial news reports indicate that Israel has struck a punishing blow against the Iranian regime, it’s important not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Iran possesses a great capacity to retaliate and inflict much pain and suffering. The threat to our ancestral homeland is real, and millions of our brothers and sisters are in great peril. The heroic members of the IDF are extraordinary in their dedication and mission to defend and protect the homeland. May the Guardian of Israel continue to watch over them in this most tenuous moment. I am not a military or intelligence analyst and won’t attempt to be an armchair general. I do have thoughts from a spiritual perspective. It’s interesting to note that the current military operation has been called עם כלביא or Operation Rising Lion. This phrase originates from the Torah, in which Bilam refers to the Jewish People as a Rising Lion. Rashi has the following commentary on this verse. “When they rise from their sleep in the morning, they show themselves strong as a lioness and as a lion to “snatch at” the Divine precepts (to perform them immediately) — to clothe themselves with the Tallit, to read the Shema and to lay Tefillin.” This underscores the tenacity of the Jew who has been fiercely dedicated to G-d and diligent in connecting with His word. He jumps on the opportunity to be a Lion as an engaged and connected Jew. Lions are necessary on the battlefield and physical homefront. Lions are also needed on the spiritual homefront. In the “Never Again is Now era,” it is incumbent on all of us to rise up like a Lion, one way or another. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Privilege or Burden?

Shver tsu zayn a Yid — It's hard to be a Jew, said the old Yiddish proverb. Many of us have verbalized this phrase for a long time in one iteration or another, from the Kosher consumer in the grocery store who realizes that record inflation does not even take the skyrocketing prices of kosher groceries into account. It also may be uttered by any one of tens of thousands of Jewish parents who are committed to providing a K-12 Jewish education to their children and realizing that their tuition bill is north of fifty thousand dollars. Since October 7, this phrase has been uttered by countless Jewish university students as they are physically bullied and intimidated by rising Jewish hatred. There is a fascinating insight at the beginning of this week's parsha that helps reframe the issue. The Torah articulates the different roles and responsibilities of the Levites, the spiritual custodians of the Mishkan. There were three primary families from the tribe of Levi, and each had distinct roles assigned. The three Levite families were Kehas, Gershon, and Merari. In describing the role of the family of Gershon, the Torah uses interesting language. The Torah states, זֹ֣את עֲבֹדַ֔ת מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י לַעֲבֹ֖ד וּלְמַשָּֽׂא. It is translated as, "These are the duties of the Gershonite families as to serve and porterage." Was this a noble service or a mundane task of schlepping (another Yiddish word)? One idea that is offered is that there are two general ways we can embrace our communal responsibilities in particular and obligations as Jews in general. We can view it as part of a higher calling that we have been chosen and have a special destiny in history. Part of having a higher calling comes with more responsibilities. If someone embraces this worldview, they can view their Jewish responsibilities as a privilege and badge of honor. Another view is to view responsibilities in life as a Jew as nothing short of a burden. Such a person will regularly lament about how burdensome or unfair it is to lead a Jewish life. The Torah taught the Gershon family that they can choose how to embrace their communal responsibilities. They can view them as a privilege for which they can be thankful, or as a burden for which they can resent. While we may not belong to the Gershon section of the tribe of Levi, we are regularly asked to choose how we view our approach to Jews. How is it for you? A privilege or a burden? Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Why Shavuos is Relevant Today

As we celebrate the holiday of Shavuos, it is worth reflecting on the significance of this date and its impact on the Jewish People in particular and the world in general. Shavuos is the anniversary that G-d revealed the blueprint for humanity to live a life with the utmost holiness and Godliness on this mundane earth. G-d revealed this blueprint to us in what is known as the Torah. It is hard to overstate how transformative this transmission was to the Jewish People. The Torah unlocks the ability of a mortal being and allows him to live a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. The Torah enables the Jew to infuse spirituality and purpose into mundane and physical activities. The Torah has empowered the Jew to connect with the Divine even in the world's darkest moments and find that light in an increasingly dark world. In his book Derech Hashem, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (1707-1746) writes G-d created many spiritual manifestations in this world with His presence. However, one embodiment is more compelling and more intense than any other in this world. This manifestation of Godliness and holiness that one can connect to in this experience is more profound and superior than any other experience. Someone can only experience this profound manifestation through Torah Study. That is another explanation of the famous words of the sages, ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם or the Study of Torah is equivalent to them all. I found this interpretation mindblowing and refreshing at the same time. It provides an entirely new and refreshing perspective on the power of Torah study. The conventional understanding of the purpose of Torah Study is to accumulate knowledge. For example, to know how to put Tefilin on his arm, he must study and be knowledgeable in the laws of Tefilin. However, there is another dimension that is entirely different and transcendent about Torah Study. It is the ability of a mortal being in this mundane world to connect with Godliness and holiness that will touch his soul to the core. For this reason, it is meaningful for our souls to study sections of the Torah that we have studied before, i.e., the weekly Parsha, or to explore areas of the Torah that may have little practical relevance. The truth is the connection to Godliness and holiness our souls connect with during this experience is so profound that it matters little what the topic is or how relevant the Talmudic discourse may be for the participants in the class. אשרינו מה טוב חלקינו! Fortunate is our lot in life that we have the gift of Torah! As we celebrate the Yom Tov of Shavuos, let us reflect on this unparalleled opportunity for spiritual experiences that the Torah offers us in the jungle of this mundane world. Have a Great Yom Tov, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Chickens Come Home to Roost

The chickens have finally come home to roost. After increasing calls to "globalize the intifada," two young Jews were murdered in our nation's capital this week after attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The shooter yelled "Free Palestine" as he brutally cut short the lives of two people with so much promise in front of them. If anything, it should dispel any myth that the so-called "Free Palestine" has anything to do with alleviating the plight of Palestinians. The two victims had been committed to fostering good relations between Jews and Arabs and their deaths do absolutely nothing to assist the Palestinian cause. There are so many layers of this tragedy to unpack. I will touch upon a few points. Security: Undoubtedly, there should be and will be calls to increase security in the Jewish community. The WSJ noted that the average cost for security for Orthodox Jewish Schools in 2022-23 was $184,000 and has risen to $339,000 in 2024-25. There are limits to what increased security can accomplish. As Bari Weiss noted, "No police force, not even the best in the world, can hold back a culture that has embraced violence as a means of expression." While the calls for an increased security posture are justified, the issue is far more complex than just increasing a security budget. Free Speech: It's a tragic irony that adherents of the Free Palestine movement manipulate the privileges of liberal democracies to advance hate and violence. While I am not a constitutional scholar, the Supreme Court ruled many years ago that free speech does not entitle you to "yell fire in a crowded theater." In essence, it means that while you generally have the right to express yourself freely, that freedom is not absolute and can be limited if your speech creates a clear and present danger, such as inciting panic or causing harm. This week's murder of two Jews demonstrates the dangerous overlap between hateful rhetoric and bloodshed. Root of Conflict: If there can be any silver lining since October 7, the roots of the conflict have become more apparent. As this week's events have demonstrated, it has nothing to do with alleviating the plight of the Palestinians or Arabs. In March, there was a revenge killing in Syria by militias associated with the new regime who executed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite sect. In case you missed the United Nations condemning it or the students marching in Ivy League Universities, you are not alone. The double standard is so obvious and blatant. The root of the conflict is also not because of the lack of any Palestinian State. The Tibetians and Kurds have long aspired for a state and their cause gets a brief yawn from the international community. It's also not about settlements, occupation or anything else the mainstream media might want us to believe. The root of the conflict is the strong objection by nations all over the world to any Jewish presence in the Land of Israel. The ties of the Jewish People to their ancestral homeland are apparently too much for many to handle. It's essential to be clear-eyed about what is at stake. Everything else is just noise. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

It Just Takes 10,000 hours

Our friends in the UK have a custom during Shiva to wish the mourners, "A Long Life." I have wondered what kind of long life they were blessing others with. For a person simply to spend more time on this earth and not have any meaning or purpose would not seem to be the ideal blessing. I have been pondering this question recently as we heard about the bombshell announcement coming out of Nebraska this week. Omaha's most beloved son, Warren Buffett, at the age of 94, also known as the Oracle of Omaha, announced that he will be stepping down as CEO from his position at Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett, who started the company as a failing textile maker and transformed into an investing juggernaut worth over a cool $160 billion, was calling it a career. Although he had selected his successor a few years ago, the timing of this announcement and his departure from the company by the end of this year caught everyone by surprise. After a standing ovation, applause from the audience of around 40,000, he joked: "The enthusiasm shown by that response could be interpreted in two ways." There is not enough ink in the world to write about many layers of the Warren Buffett story. In his weekly column in the WSJ, Jason Zweig wrote, "Ever since 1942, when he bought his first stock at 11, he has devoured information about companies, reading corporate reports the way most people listen to music. As a young investment manager, Buffett would wander through his house with his nose in a corporate annual report, practically bumping into the furniture, oblivious to the comings and goings of family and friends. While his kids played at an amusement park, he would sit on a bench and read financial statements. Buffett was there physically, but mentally and emotionally, he was off in a world of his own, fixated on tax-loss carryforwards and amortization schedules. According to his estimates, Zweig added, "Buffett has read more than 100,000 financial statements in his more-than-seven-decade career. Malcolm Gladwell wrote in his book, Outliers, about the 10,000 rule. He argues that while some may think that one needs supernatural natural talents or abilities to reach mastery in any field, it really takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in any skill. Ten thousand hours is a little more than 416 days straight, without eating, sleeping, or anything else. That is not possible for any human being to sustain. However, if one spends four hours a day practicing an activity, over the course of 365 days, that equals 1,460 hours in a year.In less than eight years, one can achieve mastery in that field. Warren Buffett clearly applied the 10,000 to his study of the stock market and dividends paid off quite handsomely. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, the great Torah sage who passed away in 1986, was known to have completed the entire Talmud over 200 times in his lifetime. Reb Moshe, as he was affectionately referred to, applied the 10,000 rule to his dedication and passion for Torah Study. While he may have been blessed with intelligence and a solid memory, the amount of time he spent pursuing his priorities resulted in him being able to master the entire Torah and be proficient in any area of Jewish Studies. It may be a bit of an oversimplification, but there is much truth to the notion that if you want to become the very best in the area of life that is most important to you, all you need to do is spend 10,000 hours on the project. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Greatest Miracle in Our Lifetime

Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center is a hospital on a hill in the Bayit Vegan section of Jerusalem. It is known to be a world-class healthcare facility. What may not be so well known is that its maternity ward delivers over 22,000 babies annually. While there are no official stats, this is one of the highest numbers of babies delivered in one hospital in the world. To give some context, the number of babies delivered is far lower in Jacksonville, a city with a population comparable to Jerusalem. UF Health, which, according to my basic research, delivers the most babies locally, has 4,000 births in its facility. The number of babies delivered in Israel is, in fact, the highest among all nations in the developed world. The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) is a unique forum where the governments of 37 democracies with market-based economies collaborate to develop policy standards to promote sustainable economic growth—released data showing that Israel has, on average, three children born to a woman. The study says that at least 2.1 children are needed to ensure a stable population. Most Western nations have a birth rate of 1.2- 1.8 per woman. The high birth rate in Israel is a primary factor in its population continuing to rise. It currently has a population of nearly 10 million people, a twelvefold increase in numbers since 1948, when it had a population of about 800,000. In addition to the birth rate far exceeding the death rate, Jews from all over the world have returned to their ancestral homeland. Today, there are more shuls and places of Torah study in the Land of Israel than in the last two thousand years. I think of my ancestors who lived in Eastern Europe and would gather around the Seder table and declare at its conclusion, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” For them, having a vibrant Jewish life in Israel was a fantasy. The reality of Jews returning and thriving in their ancestral homeland is a gift to our generation that I am not sure we fully appreciate. The prophet Zecharia declared two thousand years in the throes of the Jews being exiled from Israel the following words. כֹּה אָמַר ה' צְבָאוֹת עֹד יֵשְׁבוּ זְקֵנִים וּזְקֵנוֹת בִּרְחֹבוֹת יְרוּשָׁלָים וְאִישׁ מִשְׁעַנְתּוֹ בְּיָדוֹ מֵרֹב יָמִים: וּרְחֹבוֹת הָעִיר יִמָּלְאוּ יְלָדִים וִילָדוֹת מְשַׂחֲקִים בִּרְחֹבֹתֶיהָ: Translation Thus said G-d: There shall yet be elderly men and women in the squares of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the squares of the city shall be crowded with boys and girls playing in the squares. The last year and a half have been agonizing and excruciating with the war and the hostages that are still in captivity. At the same time, it is still worthy to remind ourselves about the story of Jewish life being rebuilt in our ancestral lifetime as perhaps the greatest miracle of our generation. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

More than just Goal Scoring

895. For those with even a limited knowledge of professional hockey, that number may be the biggest story of the year, if not the decade. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored his 895th NHL goal earlier this month against the New York Islanders, passing Wayne Gretzky for the record of goals scored in the National Hockey League. For decades, hockey fans have never thought somebody could eclipse Gretzky's record. Gretzky, who reached otherworldly status as a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, set record after record on the ice as he electrified crowds in Edmonton, LA, and New York. I'll never forget a sunny day in August 1988 when Canada learned that its most beloved son was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. It was a day of mourning, and in a sense, Canada has not recovered. With that in context, I wondered how Gretzky would react to his most prized record getting eclipsed by the gritty Russian player who plays for Washington. I have to be honest: I was blown away. Gretzky was in the stands with his wife Janet, and they were applauding when Ovechkin finally scored 895. Gretzky reacted with graciousness and admiration as he gave Ovechkin a handshake and a hug on the ice after that historic goal. It was a masterclass in derech eretz. I think of this as the time of year called "Sefirat HaOmer." In addition to the actual mitzvah, this period is known to have an element of mourning. The reason for some practices that are associated with mourning is that many students of the great Sage Rabbi Akiva passed away in a devastating plague. Our Rabbis teach us that the students of the great Sage were not respectful in their interaction with each other and they were harshly punished. One cannot overstate the importance of maintaining civility and derech eretz with others that we may disagree with. In a polarized world where differences in political views and religious observance have become more pronounced, it has become open season to denigrate and insult others. The earlier part of a schism may occur with the lack of ability and desire to even listen to someone with whom you might disagree. Wayne Gretzky was called "The Great One." As we continue to work on improving the culture of derech eretz in our communities, let us be mindful that 895 doesn't just represent the number of goals scored. It turns out that being a class act of a mensch, even during trying times, is greater than putting pucks in the net. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

What Is Our Toil?

A wedding guest was asked to speak at the special occasion. He apparently had no compunction about going on for too long as his remarks stretched to longer than an hour. Most of the guests had left at the 90-minute mark of his speech as they had enough. At the two-hour mark, the parents of the groom and bride decided they had enough as well and left the hall. At the three-hour mark, the bride said to the groom," This is the happiest day of our lives, and we don't want to let the speaker hijack our wedding." They slowly headed for the exit. After three and a half hours, the speaker finally concluded his speech and opened his eyes to find an empty wedding hall. He did see his friend Chaim Yankel at the other end of the ballroom. He inquired as to where all the guests had gone. Chaim Yankel responded, "Are you meshuga? You can't speak for four hours and expect people to stay for it." The speaker then asked Chaim Yankel why he remained when everyone else had left. Chaim Yankel responded," I am still here because I am the next speaker!" I am thinking of this old kibitz as this week, history was made in the United States Senate regarding the longest-ever speech. Cory Booker, the Senator from New Jersey, gave the sermon of his career that lasted 25 hours and 5 minutes, surpassing former Sen. Strom Thurmond (S.C.), who held the previous record as he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes. I understand that Booker did not eat, drink, or have any bathroom breaks during this marathon speech. I read an article that quoted Booker saying that he intentionally dehydrated himself so he would not require any bathroom breaks. I was curious as to why the esteemed Senator would climb the Mt. Everest of speeches. The longest speech ever was a reaction to the Trump Administration's policy. Some call this an amazing feat, while others call it a pathetic stunt. While I am not in the practice of providing political analysis, the longest speech ever is noteworthy. For whatever reason, Senator Booker felt this was something worth investing an extraordinary amount of effort and energy. We all invest much of our effort and energy into various endeavors. This investment takes a toll on us, and sometimes, we need to ask ourselves what we are sacrificing so much of our well-being for. The Talmud in Sanhedrin quotes the verse from Job, אדם לעמל יולד. Translation: Man is created for toil. The Talmud elaborates in its analysis. Everyone was created for toil, but the person who chooses to toil with the Torah is fortunate. In other words, no one on this earth has immunity from stress or everyday pressures. Some fantasize that if they only abandoned the Torah and tradition, their lives would be much easier and less stressful. However, we know that EVERYONE has to endure stress and pressure in one way or another. It's just a question of what arena we want to put our effort or energy into. Fortunate is the person who chooses to toil and receives his dosage of stress from the areas of engaged Jewish life. Others choose to expend their energy and effort into delivering a 25-hour speech or other dubious endeavors. It's up to us how we toil. Let's choose wisely. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

No Words

Pain. Anger. Grief. Sadness. Rage. Helpless. There are not enough or adequate words in the English language (or any other language) to communicate the feelings of much of the Jewish World in the last few days. With over 500 days since the hostages were abducted, we now got word that Shiri Bibas, along with two toddler sons, Kfir and Ariel, had been killed, and their bodies were returned in coffins to Israel. To make matters worse, Hamas conducted a sickening ceremony filled with ugly propaganda in handing their bodies to Israel. If anyone had any doubts about the death cult and sheer evil that Hamas represents, this should put it to rest. There are so many layers to this development and awful tragedy. From security, anti-terrorism, geopolitical intelligence angles, and more. There is also the spiritual dimension. There have been countless tears and prayers shed for the welfare of the hostages in general and the Bibas children in particular. Witnessing the Israeli babies being paraded in coffins was too sickening to bear. A fair question can be asked is what about all the heartfelt prayers? Were they all for naught? As a community of faith, we continue to struggle during these painful times with more questions than answers. In last week's Parsha, the Torah records arguably the greatest moment in the history of the world, the transmission of the Torah from G-d to the Jewish People. There is a bizarre statement recorded in the prelude to the big moment. The Torah states, “וַיֹּאמֶר הֹ' אֶל־מֹשֶׁה הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי .בָּא אֵלֶיךָ בְּעַב הֶעָנָן Translation: And G-d said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you.” Why is it necessary to get a weather report in that it was cloudy when G-d spoke to Moshe? I would imagine everyone would prefer a clear blue sky rather than a cloudy day feel from London, but why is this remotely consequential? The Rabbis teach us that the notion of G-d appearing in a thick cloud has little to do with the weather but rather has to do with our ability to see the Hand of G-d during difficult times. The reality of Hester Panim, or the Concealed Face of G-d, is a bitter reality during certain periods in our lives. The challenge of attempting to see or feel the presence of G-d during a tragic time is real, but that doesn't mean He is not there for us. That is precisely the message of His appearing in a thick cloud. Even when there are storm clouds in our midst, G-d tells us He is there no matter the circumstances. As the Psalmist writes in Tehilim/ Psalms, גַּם כִּי־אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא צַלְמָוֶת לֹא־אִירָא רָע כִּי־אַתָּה עִמָּדִי. Translation: Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me. It's important to note that there is no assurance that no harm will occur. Instead, the assurance is that we will not be alone, even in the darkest periods. As we mourn the tragic passing of these holy souls, let us remember this powerful message. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch (Please note, this message was written before it was discovered that the body of Shiri Bibas was not returned)

A most important 20 Year Anniversary

Our shul just marked a most extraordinary milestone this week on March 13, 2025. While this date does not appear to have any extra significance, it was the 20th anniversary of our Daf Yomi class at Etz Chaim Synagogue. On March 13, 2005, I began (my first year here in my previous position as Youth Rabbi) to deliver the daily class on the timeless wisdom in the Talmud. The idea for this class germinated in conversation with Robbie Roth of blessed memory. Robbie was a leader and visionary in our community. (Although he passed away in 2010, the dividends of his dedication are still felt in many ways, most notable as he was the Founder and President of Torah Academy.) Robbie and I were part of a group from Jacksonville that traveled up to Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey on March 1, 2005 (now called the Meadowlands Arena) for the Siyum Hashas of the Daf Yomi. The Siyum Hashas is the great celebration to mark the conclusion of studying the entire Talmud Bavli. During the festive music and dancing, the arena was filled with palpable energy with the excitement of Torah Study. Over the loud music, I heard Robbie's voice asking me if I would commit to teaching the Daf Yomi class, and I excitedly responded in the affirmative. For the last 20 years, men in our community have gathered for seven days a week during the pre-dawn hours to study this ancient wisdom. Over the years, I have been inspired by the many people who showed up to listen to me as I taught the hallowed passages that hydrate our thirsting souls. I am grateful to Robbie Roth and David Mizrahi of blessed memory for being part of the inaugural group. I have fond memories of Noberto Voloschin of blessed memory (passed away in 2015). Noberto did not ever study Talmud until the age of 80. He joined the year he turned 80 and never missed a day until his passing at the age of 84. In those four years, he managed to study over half of the entire Talmud. In our current group, I would like to pay tribute to Meir Cohen, who has been studying daily with us since 2007 and prepared so many special Siyumim over the years. I am also grateful to Rabbi Green, who now teaches the class on the weekends. The participants' wives and children deserve due recognition for their support and sacrifice as their husbands/fathers attended this early morning class. I am reflecting on the privilege of being able to deliver the class for 20 years. It has been a great run, and with the help of G-d, I look forward to many more years of connecting with community members to study this ancient wisdom. The more one studies, the more one realizes how much more there is to study and learn. The statement from the Talmud in Bava Kamma 92 reminds us, "When we were younger, we were considered to be men; now that we are older, we are considered to be children." I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to teach this class in our community! Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

The Naming of Purim

The name of the upcoming chag of Purim usually triggers memories of joy and happiness. People gather to read the Megillah, give gifts to the needy, send food packages to one another, and have a Purim feast with family or friends. The name of the day, Purim requires some understanding as it it is does not appear to be directly related to any of the four mitzvos of the day. The name Purim was selected as it states in the Megila for the following reason: עַל־כֵּן קָרְאוּ לַיָּמִים הָאֵלֶּה פוּרִים עַל־שֵׁם הַפּוּר עַל־כֵּן עַל־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵי הָאִגֶּרֶת הַזֹּאת וּמָה־רָאוּ עַל־כָּכָה וּמָה הִגִּיעַ אֲלֵיהֶם: “For that reason these days were named Purim, after pur. In view, then, of all the instructions in the said letter and of what they had experienced in that matter and what had befallen them”. In other words Purim was selected because of the lots that Haman drew is referred to as a “Pur.” The selection of the name of the Chag based on the “Pur” seems a little bizarre as there other compelling factors in the Purim story as how the Jews survived to see another day from the genocidal plot that was hatched by Haman. The Gaon of Vilna shares a powerful insight on this issue. He explains that the crux of the miracle was despite the well-laid plans of Haman, who carefully choreographed the genocide of the Jews down to the day it was supposed to commence, there was the hidden hand of G-d to upend this scheme. The larger message was that despite all the normal plans and preparations for our demise, the eternity of the Jewish People prevails. Mordechai and Esther instructed us to amplify this message of the enduring and unbroken Jewish spirit by celebrating this day every year. As we celebrate this special day, let us be mindful to reflect on our destiny as a people above any “Pur.” Have a Freilechen Purim and a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Why, me?

Why me? Why, G-d, is this happening to me? These words are rarely, if ever, uttered when something amazing happens to an individual! For example, if someone gets a great promotion at work with an increased salary or gets married to a most special person, are these words uttered? The expression of "Why me?" or "Why is this happening to me" are reserved for what we perceive as cruel fate. Why do I have to deal with this particular hardship or painful experience? There are macro events on the global stage and micro events in our daily lives that cause undue stress. It is precisely at these moments that we may ponder the unfairness of our fate in life. Can we be honest with ourselves and recall if we had similar thoughts of "Why, me" during a truly wonderful moment in our lives? Perhaps subconsciously, I think we expect perfection in virtually all areas of life. When we receive blessings and good fortune, we attribute that to our hard work or exceptional talent. When things do not unfold that way, we are disappointed with G-d and others for letting us down. The disappointment leads to us living an existence devoid of happiness and joy. So many of us barely exist as we lament the terrible fortune and raw luck that life has thrown our way. The month of Adar and the Purim story can teach us much about attaining Simcha (happiness) in difficult situations. Our rabbis have taught us to increase our joy once Adar is here. So what is it about Adar and Purim that should trigger happy thoughts? After all, other miraculous events occurred in different months that don't call for happiness. The story of Purim is unique in the biblical context as it's the only book that doesn't mention the name of G-d. There was immense darkness during that era as a genocidal plot to exterminate Jews was hatched and nearly carried out. The heroes of the story, Mordechai and Esther, rose to the occasion at the right moments and demonstrated faith and bravery on behalf of their people. The Megila records that after the evil decree was averted, the Jews of that era experienced Simcha. On a superficial level, it means that they were happy and relieved that they lived to tell the tale. On a deeper level, the Simcha they experienced was internalizing this idea that the blessings and challenges in our lives are part of our life's journey and greater destiny. There were various critical moments in the Purim story that Mordechai and Esther could have easily stated, “Why, me?” Truly great people do not ask those questions, nor does it deprive them of simcha during difficult times. Especially in dark moments, we must realize that we are not the victims of cruel fate. If there is even one lesson to learn from the Purim story, I suggest that we remember that true Simcha does not mean having a pain-free life. True Simcha is a recognition that everything that occurs, good and otherwise, is there as tools to ultimately enhance our journey in life and bring us closer to our tikkun and destiny. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Donor Fatigue

As the Jewish Community grows locally and worldwide, it needs more funding to support a robust infrastructure for all the resources in our Kehila. The need for funding inevitably leads to more fundraisers both locally and globally. With the vast proliferation of smartphones and social media, fundraising campaigns around the world can be in your daily feeds and status updates. The Jewish Community is genuinely outstanding in its philanthropy and charitable giving. According to recent studies, American Jews donated an average of around $10,588 per household to charitable causes in 2022 (most recent available data). Jewish households generally give significantly more than non-Jewish households, with the average gift size over $2,500 higher. Following October 7th, American Jews donated a significant amount to Israeli charities, with Jewish federations across North America raising over $850 million for emergency relief campaigns focused on Israel. With all this tremendous generous giving comes a certain amount of fatigue. People are overwhelmed by the seemingly endless solicitations from organizations and causes that they might even value. There is a certain feeling of "here, we go again" whenever we hear about the next fundraiser. There are murmurings of "I am getting hit up again" and other phrases that probably cannot be mentioned in this column. There is a fascinating insight from this week's parsha that can offer a new perspective and opportunity for us to reframe the notion of giving particularly to communal causes. The context of this episode is that the Jewish People were charged with contributing to the first Capital Campaign in our history. G-d tells Moshe to instruct the people to contribute much of their resources for the construction of our first central house of worship, known as the Mishkan. The Mishkan was also known as the Tabernacle, and people contributed their precious metals, delicate fabrics, and specialty wood for this important communal project. It is striking that the actual language recorded in the Torah in the charge that G-d gave to Moshe was וְיִקְחוּ־לִי תְּרוּמָה. This is translated as "they shall take for Me a contribution." The language appears incorrect as people were asked to GIVE and it is being recorded and being given the opportunity to RECEIVE. The Rabbis teach us that, in fact, the language could not be more precise. The reality is that when someone contributes to a worthy cause, he receives something more significant in return. The person is receiving the satisfaction of knowing that he belongs to something much bigger and more meaningful than himself. The Talmud records the story of an antagonist who challenges Rabbi Akiva by asking if G-d loves the poor, why did He not just provide them directly with sustenance? The Sage responded that, of course, G-d could have provided (I am paraphrasing here) all the shuls, schools, kollelim, important causes in Israel, etc, with a fully funded budget that would not have any deficits and would never need to fundraise. However, there is one significant downside to that paradigm. We would not be allowed to give and receive merit. It is for precisely for that reason that the Torah states וְיִקְחוּ־לִי תְּרוּמָה or you shall RECEIVE for Me a contribution. A small number of people who contribute are in the habit of saying to the person who solicits them, "Thank you for the opportunity." In this fleeting world that we find ourselves in, it is genuinely a merit to be able to contribute to a worthy cause. The next time someone solicits us for a worthy cause, it would be appropriate to keep this in mind. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Disruptor In Chief

The notion of a disruption does not usually have positive associations. Disruptors generally cause disruptions and, for the most part, require some subsequent correction or tidying up. Recently, I was looking at someone's LinkedIn profile, and he listed "disruptor" as one of his positive qualities. This got me thinking as to why someone should be proud to be a disrupter. I looked into the issue and found that a disruptor can be positive if the individual actively challenges the status quo, questions traditional methods, and seeks to implement innovative solutions or approaches. Many innovative products in society are only here because some individuals are willing to be disruptors. As we are less than one month into the second Trump Administration, there is a vast gulf of opinions on whether this presidency is the greatest in history (let's redo Mount Rushmore) or if this is the biggest failure. There is one quality that all fans or foes would agree on, and that is that President Donald Trump is a disruptor. The disruptions have set up a dizzying few weeks of discussions on everything from buying Greenland to annexing Canada as the fifty-first state. (It's hard to imagine Tim Horton's coffee being an American product). The disruptor-in-chief took things to a new level with his bombshell announcement on Gaza. Up until recently, if anyone in Israel or elsewhere suggested even the voluntary emigration of Palestinians from Gaza, that would be considered absurd. I can't speak for others, but I'm not sure how many thought this proposal would ever come from the Whitehouse. While I am not a political pundit, and this is not a political op-ed, certain issues are bigger than politics, and in my mind, this certainly qualifies. While it is too early to tell if this idea is realistic or very distant from reality, the mere proposal has already changed the entire conversation. The focus of the conversation has become why neighboring Arab countries are not doing enough to help the Palestinians. Indeed, King Abdullah from Jordan felt compelled to announce this week on his visit to the White House that he was allowing 2000 children from Gaza into Jordan. This proposal (like it or hate it) represents fresh outside the box thinking. I have been reflecting that we can benefit from applying this fresh outside the box thinking to other areas of life. There are many areas of bottleneck in our personal, communal and professional lives that might benefit from a new perspective that has not been seriously considered. In our journey of life every once in a while, a little disruption may be a good thing. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

The Price of Eggs

Egg prices are rising again. It seems surreal and borderline unbelievable how expensive the most basic staple of our diet has become. Some restaurants have begun charging a 50-cent surcharge for any egg one orders. In 2019 which seems like decades ago, a dozen eggs were less than $1.50. In the enlightened era of 2025, it is not uncommon to see eggs being sold for over $5.00 per dozen. This dramatic rise is just one example of why food prices, in particular, and the cost of goods in general, have skyrocketed recently. As the essential cost of goods and services continues to increase, people's salaries are not nearly keeping up at the same pace. The anxiety people have associated with Parnassah, or their material livelihood, is not a new issue and will continue to be ongoing until the end of time. Indeed, the prevalent Talmudic view is that even during the Messianic Era, humanity will continue to struggle with poverty and the challenge of bringing home enough funds to afford some food on the table. The Talmud famously says that "providing a person's food is as difficult as splitting the Red Sea." On a superficial level of understanding, this text is somewhat discouraging. After all, it is quite difficult for the sea to split. If earning a basic livelihood is equivalent to splitting the sea, then we are in serious trouble! I heard a fascinating insight on this Talmudic passage some time ago that provides me with a much better understanding. If one recalls the story of the immediate prelude of the splitting of the sea in this week's parsha, the Jewish people had their backs to the sea while the mighty Egyptian army aggressively pursued them. It appeared to be an imminent bloodbath of the nascent nation at the hands of the mighty Egyptian empire. As a people of faith, they cried to God for salvation. The people were praying for a miracle akin to a "David vs. Goliath" moment in which a vastly under-armed underdog defeats the favored heavyweight. They were not praying or hoping for the sea to split from behind their backs and open up a passage of dry land amidst the raging waters. The most dramatic miracle of the ages was equally unexpected in how it occurred. It could have only happened from the ultimate "Redeemer of Israel," who, in today's terms, is the ultimate in an "outside the box" manner and delivers unexpected results. The least likely possibility of the sea splitting behind them was orchestrated by the Redeemer of Israel. Similarly, in our pursuit of our daily livelihood, we often think that our breakthrough will come if a specific sequence of events were to occur. We must keep in mind that the ultimate Sustainer and Provider will deliver the results many times from the least expected source. Until that time comes, let's take a deep breath about the prices of eggs. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yakov Fisch

The Obligation to Remember

The world observed the eightieth anniversary of the liberation of the, horrific concentration camps in Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was January 27, 1945, when the Red Army entered those death camps and finally ended that phase in arguably the greatest calamity to befall the Jewish People in over two thousand years. There were several backstories to the anniversary and commemoration this week. The most widely discussed story was the threat by Polish officials to have the Prime Minister of Israel arrested if he traveled to Poland for the event. The official stated reason for this absurdity was that the so-called International Criminal Court has indicted the PM for war crimes, and he is subject to arrest in any country that upholds the ICC ruling, the dubious charges notwithstanding. The aspect of the event that caught my attention was another element that I believe is not sufficiently discussed. 56 Holocaust survivors traveled to attend the ceremonies in Poland. Five years ago, at the seventy-fifth anniversary, over two hundred survivors participated in the event. The uncomfortable truth that is staring us in the face is that we are rapidly approaching the day in which we will inhabit a world with NO LIVING HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS LEFT. Let that sink in. The youngest members of the Auschwitz survivors are approaching 90 years old, and many participants from Monday believe the 80th anniversary would be the last one with a notable number of survivors in attendance. There cannot be any substitute for seeing a living and breathing survivor who was physically present in those terrible times to share their memories. A few years ago, here in Jacksonville, when our shul had the privilege of hosting the community-wide Yom Hashoah program, we struggled to find six living survivors who were well enough to attend the event and light the six large memorial candles. The Torah teaches us that we have an obligation of Zachor. This mitzvah is to remember what the evil Amaleik or any of its biological or ideological descendants did to the Jewish People. I have wondered why having a mitzvah is necessary for such a basic attitude of remembering evil. In recent years, I have come to understand that as time goes on, the Mitzvah of Zachor might not seem so obvious. A political party in Germany is currently campaigning "to move beyond the guilt from the past." Ironically, that is in Germany, which has turned out to be one of the world's strongest supporters of Israel since October 7. For most of the rest of the world, the events of October 7, the greatest massacre of the Jews, have reminded us that the evils of Jew hatred are not yet in the rearview mirror of history. With the day of no living Holocaust survivors just around the corner, the obligation and responsibility of Zachor becomes even stronger. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

Presidential Inauguration

Much of the country was fixated this week on the Presidential Inauguration. Regardless of anyone's political leanings, this event is important and something to be grateful for. Witnessing the peaceful transfer of power is a privilege that much of the world does not have, and we should not take that for granted. As President Trump takes office for another four years, we offer our steadfast prayers that he and his administration successfully bring peace and prosperity to America and the world. As Jewish Americans, we are particularly concerned about the plight of the hostages who were abducted in Israel and are hopeful that the new administration will continue its advocacy and efforts in bringing all the remaining hostages home in a way that does not jeopardize the security interests of Israel. Rabbi Ari Berman, the President of Yeshiva University, delivered eloquent remarks as an invocation at the Presidential Inauguration. He said, "Prophet Jeremiah walked the streets of Jerusalem and blessed its inhabitants with the words: 'Blessed is the one who trusts in G-d.' Thousands of years later, this great nation which adopted these words as its motto: 'In G-d we trust,' stands at a moment of historic opportunity. Our merciful Father, help us rise to meet this moment. Bless President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance with the strength and courage to choose the right and good. Unite us around our foundational biblical values of life and liberty, service and sacrifice, and especially of faith and morality. He added: "Guide our schools and college campuses, which have been experiencing such unrest, to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom, and truth with virtue." Rabbi Berman also prayed for the wellbeing and return of the hostages who are being held by Hamas: "Hear the cry of the hostages, both American and Israeli, whose pain our President so acutely feels. We are so thankful for the three young women who yesterday returned home. And pray that the next four years bring peace to Israel and throughout the Middle East." As much as there is optimism with the incoming administration, a passage from the liturgy on the High Holidays comes to mind now. The passage of “הממליך מלכים ולו המלובה.” This is translated as "He who anoints Kings but retains the Kingdom." G-d empowers specific individuals to become Kings, Presidents, and Prime Ministers, but ultimately, He is the one who raises the fallen and humbles the mighty. Presidents come and go every few years, and our ultimate allegiance is to the Eternal One, who appoints mere mortals to a few fleeting moments of power in this temporary world. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch