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