Introduction

Rabbi Moss has an uncanny talent, to take complicated issues, and clearly explain them in a few paragraphs.

Rabbi Moss is a Lubavitch Rabbi, in Australia.

I have selected the articles, that I felt were very interesting.

Every article has been edited.

Enjoy!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CLICK ON ARTICLE

A Marriage Made in Heaven
Life is Just a Pot of Chloent
Men are From Mars
Why do Chassidum Wear Dark Clothes?

What is Humility?
How do I Know that G-D Exists?
I Feel Like A Hypocrite
G-d Wants His Children to Follow Their Path

Is Religion Responsible for War?
Does Judaism Respects all Mankind?
Judaism is the Path, Not the Luggage
It's Not Just Cricket (Moshiach)

Our Relationship With G-D
Profane Language
Is There Only One G-D?
Services Every Week?

Sweet Stings On Rosh Hashanah
The Beard
The Kabbalah Fad
Uninspired

What is a Jewish Soul?
Who Created G-D?
Who is Your G-D?
Why Are We Not Vegetarians?

Why Do Rabbis Discourage Conversions?
Why Doesn't Judaism Allow Cremations?
Why Don't Miracles Happen Today?
Why is Jewish Law so Detailed?

Why is There A Big Picture of the Rebbe in your Ho...
Why is Pressing a Button on Shabbos Considered Wor...
Can a Pet Be Family?
Can a Rabbi Get Married?

Charity
Should We Make Conversion Easier?
Strongly Disagree?
Did G-D Create Evil?

Fasting
TV- Reality or Fantasy?
Handicapped or Blessed?
How Can I Be Happy?

The Wall of Holiness
Reincarnated- Soul-Mate
The Dance of Life
Yom Kipper is for Imperfect People

What is the Biggest Threat to Judaism?
True Happiness
To Receive, is Better Than to Give
The Unity of the Chuppah (Marriage)

The Good and the Bad (Suffering)
The Dark Before the Light
Somebody Elses Problems
Should a Wedding be Kosher?

Broaden Your View (Marriage Match)
Every Seed (Mitzvah) Counts
The Chosen People
A Spiritual Gift

A Rabbi and a Buddhist
Divorce a Spiritual Operation?
Children Need a Strong Foundation
A True Success

A Marriage Made in Heaven

Question:

I recently attended a wedding. It was a very different experience.

One thing I had never seen before, is that the bride wears a veil at the Chuppah, she can't see anything at all, and no one can see her face.

What is the reason for this?
___________
Answer:

There's a stereotype, when it comes to marriage: men marry women, for their looks; women marry men, for their money. There are of course many exceptions to this rule, but there is some truth to it.

Men fall for beauty. The fact that there are plenty of pretty girls, with rotten character does, nothing to stop the male quest, for a beauty queen.

And so, many wonderful girls are overlooked simply, because they do not fit into today's narrow and superficial, definition of beauty.

Meanwhile, women say they want a man who is financially stable, which is often just a euphemism, for a rich guy. Somehow she thinks, that if he has a seven digit bank balance, he will know how to look after her.

As if buying expensive jewelry, and luxurious vacations, is the only way to show her, that he really cares. And the really nice guys, who are not such high flyers, are often left behind.
______________

Of course we need to be attracted to our spouse, and of course we all need money to survive. But these are not the most essential ingredients, for a happy marriage.

Too often people fall for the outer version, of what they truly seek.

Rather than physical beauty, what we are really looking for is, inner beauty, and a sweet heart. It is not wealth we seek, what we really want is, a steadfast and dependable source of support.

It is only when we see beyond the superficial, and meet the real person; that we have a chance of finding, and keeping, our soul-mate.
_____________
This is the message behind the thick veil. When the groom veils his bride, he is telling her, "I am not marrying you for your pretty face, I am marring you for the beautiful person you are.

So I would marry you, even with your face covered. Your beauty shines, from within."

And the bride being veiled, is telling him, "This veil will help me from seeing, what type of wedding ring you place on my finger. I don't care, I will accept whatever ring you give; because I get you. It is you, I want to marry, not your money, or the jewelry you buy me."
___________
A rich person can lose his money, and a pretty girl her looks. But inner beauty, and spiritual wealth, are ours forever.

A marriage based on such eternal values, will conquer just about anything, forever…..

Life is Just a Pot of Chloent

Question:
Rabbi, I appreciate your invitation to join your classes, but I just don't have time in my life for spirituality right now.

My week is packed with work, family commitments, fitness and a little socializing and time to relax.

I don't see where I can fit in spiritual activities. I don't want to burn out, do I?
____________
Answer:

There's a story that I'm sure you've heard before, and it has probably been forwarded to you as an email hundreds of times, but I will tell it anyway.

There was once a Rabbi teaching a classroom full of students. He started his lesson by saying, "My dear students, today is our last class together, before you graduate.

For this special occasion, I am going to do something different. I am going to teach you the secret of a good cholent."

The students were aghast. Cholent, the traditional Shabbos stew, is a classic of Jewish cooking, but hardly a profound subject for a Rabbi, to teach his students for their final lesson.
_________________
The Rabbi took out a crock-pot, and filled it to the brim with potatoes. He then turned to his students and asked, "Tell me, now that I have filled the pot with potatoes - is the pot full?"

"Yes," his students replied, confused by the simplicity of the question, for there was no way to fit in any more potatoes into the pot.
_____________
With a smile, the Rabbi took out a bag of beans and poured it into the pot. The beans managed to slip between the spaces among the potatoes.

"Ok," said the Rabbi, "now is the pot full?" Looking into the pot the students agreed, that it was indeed full.

Without missing a beat the Rabbi took out a bag of barley, and poured it into the pot. The small kernels meandered effortlessly between the cracks and crevices, among the potatoes and beans.

"Now it's full," said the students.
_____________
"Really?" said the Rabbi, taking out his collection of spices. He then began shaking generous amounts of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, all over the pot.

The students watched dumbfounded, as the spices easily settled into what had seemed to be, a completely full pot.

The Rabbi, obviously enjoying himself, asked again, "Is it full yet?"

Without waiting for the answer, the Rabbi produced a jug of water, and proceeded to pour its contents into the pot.

To the amazement of his students, he was able to empty the entire jug of water into the pot, without a drop spilling over the sides.
____________
"Alright,” said the Rabbi, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Now it really is full, right?" The students all nodded in agreement. "

Are you sure?" prodded the Rabbi., "Are you absolutely certain, that I can't fit anything more into this pot?"

Suddenly unsure of themselves, the students looked at each other nervously and said, "Surely you can't put anything else into there!"

With drama and pathos, the Rabbi raised a finger in the air, lowered it slowly, and flicked a switch on the side of the pot, turning on the heating element lying beneath.

"You see," said the Rabbi triumphantly, "I just filled the pot with the most important ingredient of all - warmth. Without it, the pot may as well be empty."
_____________
The Rabbi paused, and looked deeply into the eyes of his stunned students.

"My children," he finally addressed them, "you are about to leave my class, and go on to live busy lives.

In the big world out there, you will no longer have the luxury of studying holy texts all day. In time you will be consumed by the pressures of looking after a family and making a living.

But always remember this: your material pursuits are just the potatoes and beans of life. Your spirituality, that is the warmth.

"Until the fire is turned on, the pot is full of disparate ingredients. It is the warmth that unites them all, into one single stew.
______________
"If you don't maintain a spiritual connection, through praying every day, studying the holy books, and keeping focused on the true meaning of your lives; then you will end up as a cold cholent - very busy, very full, but completely empty.

When you have lost touch with your soul, your family life will suffer, your career will be unfulfilling, you won't even be motivated to exercise.
_____________
"But if you keep the fire burning in your soul, if you stick to a daily schedule that nourishes the spirit, even if it is only for a few minutes a day, then those few minutes will bring warmth and inspiration, to all your other activities.

A spiritual connection imbues your entire life with meaning, keeps you anchored and directed, inspired and motivated. It permeates all you do with a sense of purpose, and helps you succeed."
___________
"You may be wondering," continued the Rabbi, "how will you have time for all this? How will you be able to juggle the demands of material life, along with your spiritual development? You will find the answer by looking at the cholent.

Did you notice, that though the pot seemed full of potatoes and beans, barley, spices and water, when I added the warmth, it did not overflow? Never think, that adding spirituality to your schedule, will overburden you.

On the contrary, it will bring everything else in your life together, because it will remind you, why you do all these other things in the first place:
You work, in order to be able to live a life of meaning.
You get married, in order to bring the best out in yourself and your spouse.
You have children, in order to educate them in the ways of goodness.
You keep fit, in order to have the strength to fulfill your mission.

Spirituality is the warmth, that does not take up space, it creates more."
_________
With a loving smile the Rabbi concluded his farewell, with words of wisdom that I think apply equally to you:

"You should never think, that you are so busy that you can't afford to concentrate on your soul. The truth is, you can't afford not to.

May G-d bless you, that each and every one of you, should always be, a warm pot of cholent!"

Men are From Mars

Question:
My husband just doesn't seem to get it. He came home over an hour late last night, without so much as calling to tell me, that he won't be on time.

This is the fifth time he has done this, and we are only married three months! It may seem pett, but it upsets me greatly. I don't want him to see me as a nagging wife, but what should I do?
_____________
Answer:
This may be disappointing, but it sounds like your husband is acting like a pretty normal guy. And you sound pretty normal too. That's why you are having this problem.

There is something you need to know about men, they are loners. Being in a relationship, is unnatural to them. They do not automatically think about, how their actions affect someone else. The default emotional state of a man, is loneliness.

This is not true of women. A woman has an innate sense of relationship, of connection to others. A woman naturally shares of herself and bonds with others, a man does not. She is a relationship being, he is a lonely being.
_________
Of course, it is a big generalisation to say, that all men are loners, and all women are connectors, and generalisations are never accurate. But to say generalisations are never accurate, is itself a generalisation, and thus not accurate either.

So let's generalise: Man's natural state, is to be single. Woman's natural state, is to be in a couple.
______________
There is a solid base for this theory. It stretches all the way back to the beginning of time, to the first man and the first woman, Adam and Eve. Adam was created alone. His original state, was that of a bachelor.

But Eve was created from Adam. She was never single. Eve by her very nature was a relationship being, because she was created with her partner next to her.

She had an inborn sense of interconnectedness, she intuitively knew, that we are not alone in this world, that our actions impact others, and that we can and must be sensitive, to those around us. This was innate to her psyche, for she was never alone.

But all this was new to Adam. He had to learn what a relationship means, and how to be aware of another, for at his core he was a lonely being.

Adam is the essential man, and Eve the essential woman. And so until today, women are relationship beings, and men are lonely beings. Not that, all women are good at relationships, and not that, all men are hopeless hermits.

Rather, women are more likely, to know how to bond with others, and men are more likely, to keep their emotions to themselves.
__________
So your husband has no idea why you are upset when he comes home late. He may be thinking, "Why can't she occupy herself until I get there? Is she so insecure, that she can't look after herself for an extra hour or so?"

What he doesn't yet understand is, that while he is a loner, you are a connector. You don't need him to be physically with you all the time, but emotionally, he must be with you all the time. If he would just call to say he is late, you will not be feel alone, because he showed that he cares, he has bonded with you.
____________
Eve's mission was to help Adam come out of his isolation, and learn how to connect. You need to do this too. Explain to your husband, that it is not his lateness that upsets you, it is that he wasn't considerate enough to communicate his lateness, to you.

Help him understand, that he is no longer alone, and show him how beautiful the world is, when shared with someone else.

Give it time - you can't cure existential loneliness overnight. But if you persevere, with gentleness and love, he will open up that lonely place inside himself, and let you in.

Then you can share your lives in your own Garden of Eden, and never be lonely again.
____________
Question:

If the above is true, and women are such relationship experts, why can't my wife communicate clearly, and just say what she means?

It was her birthday yesterday, and when I mentioned it last week, she said, "Don't you dare do anything for my birthday!" So I didn't. Now she won't speak to me. I did exactly as she said, and I'm in trouble. Am I missing something?
___________
Answer:

Yes, you are missing something, it's called women's intuition. Your wife has it, and you never will. Men are literalists, women
are intuitive. It's been that way, since the beginning of time.

It all started with Adam and Eve. When G-d told Adam, "Do not eat of the fruit of knowledge, because if you do you will die", he took it literally.

But Eve read between the lines. She understood that when G-d says don't eat, He really means, "Eat, but I didn't tell you to". Eve (mistakenly) sensed, that G-d wanted humans to experience mortality and fallibility, He wanted them to know both good and evil, but He didn't want to force it on them, He wanted them to choose it.

She used her intuition to uncover what G-d really meant, according to her perception. That's why she ate of the fruit.
_____________
Eve acted intuitively, because that's how she was created. The verb used to describe G-d creating Eve was "Vayiven", which literally means G-d built Eve, but can also be translated as, "G-d endowed Eve with intuition."

She was given an additional insight ,to be able to read between the lines, and understand, what lies behind the words people say.
_________
To this day women possess this ability, to intuit hidden messages, and sense what is below the surface. And sometimes they mistakenly expect others to have this insight too. When your wife told you, she doesn't want anything for her birthday, she thought you would hear not her words, but her inner intention.

What she meant was, "I don't want to tell you, what I want for my birthday, I want it to come from you."

But being a man, not blessed with women's intuition, you took her on face value, and did as she said: nothing. Women's intuition is a wonderful gift, but your wife will have to learn that you simply don't have it.

Her female friends might know exactly what she means, even when she doesn't say it; but you, her husband, will only ever hear what she says, and act accordingly.

You must let her know, that you may never learn to read her mind, and teach her to say exactly what she means, and give you clear instructions.

This is not because, you are not in tune with her, and not because, you don't love or understand her. It is because, you are a man, and that's all you need to be.

Why do Chassidum Wear Dark Clothes?

Question:
I wonder about the Hassidic, who wear dark clothes.

They are not expressing their individuality.

Max
________
Answer:
Obviously I can’t speak for others, only for myself. In my personal life I have found, the opposite to be true. The Hassidic dress code actually helps me become more creative, original and individualistic.

I will tell you why. You see, being an individual means, having something unique about yourself, that no one else has. According to you, to be original you need a weird shirt, cool shoes, and an unusual haircut.

The more unusual your “look,” the more you stand out from the crowd, and establish your identity as an individual. But let me ask you, is that really what makes you different from everyone else? Is that all you can do to be unique -- put on one outfit or another? Couldn't anyone do that?

Is that what really defines your unique, individualistic identity?
__________
In the Jewish tradition, what makes an individual, is not the clothing, but the character. When you are a part of a community of people, that all dress the same, there is only one way to stand out: You, have to be original, not your clothing.

The people around you notice you for your character: the way you treat people, your manner of speech, the flavor of your soul, the hue of your heart, the depth of your sacrifices, the quality of your relationships, the candidness of your communication.

You can't hide behind a superficial individuality, based on hairstyle and fashion -- you have to be a real individual.
_____________
Max, I'm not telling you, to go out and buy a black hat and jacket, everybody ought to dress the way they like. But perhaps you should rethink, how you look at yourself, and how you are projecting your image, to the world around you.

Is it possible, that many of us are obsessed with dressing peculiarly, only to compensate for the lack of a genuine sense of inner individuality; and the absence of awareness, of our unique place and mission in this world?

People who are truly comfortable with their individuality, don't need to let their hair grow to their knees, or tattoo themselves from head to toe, or walk around half-naked, just to prove that they are different.

Long hair, short hair, black pants, yellow pants, who cares? It is what's inside, that makes a man.

This consciousness, Max, is not acquired through a particular style of dress, it stems from an inner character.

What is Humility?

Question:
In the Torah it says, "And Moses was exceedingly humble, more than any man on the face of the earth".

What does this mean?
________
Answer:
Before I answer your question, allow me to make it even stronger.

It also says in the Torah, "Moses spoke face to face with G-d", "No man like Moses ever lived;" and countless other similar praises.

How could Moses write all this, if he is indeed humble? _______________
The question is based on a misunderstanding, of what humility is. If being humble means, thinking of yourself as a good-for-nothing, then your question is a good one. But that's not humility, that's low self-esteem, which is the opposite of humility.

Truly humble people, recognize their own talents and achievements; but they don't take credit for them. They feel, that their talents are gifts from G-d.

They truly believe, that their achievements are only due, to the opportunities that came their way.

No matter how successful, popular and gifted, they may be, it won't go to their head, because they feel, that it isn't their own accomplishment.
___________
Moses was more humble, than any man on the face of the earth. He was fully aware, of the amazing feats that he had achieved. He took the Israelites out of Egypt, led them through the desert; and spoke to G-d on Mount Sinai, for forty days and forty nights.

No other human in history had reached such heights, and Moses knew it. But he truly believed, that his greatness was a Divine gift; and had somebody else been given his opportunities, they would have utilized them better than he did.

He would look at the simplest of people and think, "If he was in my shoes, he would have been a better Moses, than me."
___________
To see yourself as worthless, is not humility; that's just being ungrateful. G-d has blessed each one of us with unique qualities, and we should be aware of that. In fact, only when we are aware of our self-worth, can we be humble.

We are humbled when we ask ourselves, "I have been given the potential for greatness - have I used this gift?"

How do I Know that G-D Exists?

Question:

Is there any proof of G-d?
____________
Answer:
Imagine you could do a blood test, to determine who your soul-mate is. You would go to a laboratory with a prospective partner, and give blood samples; and half an hour later they would tell you, yes or no.

Sounds great? But think about it: Is that an ideal way to start a relationship? Would it be romantic to say, "Listen, the blood test came out positive, so let's get married"?

The truth is, we wouldn't appreciate a laboratory-tested soul-mate. What creates a bond, is that it comes from within.

If we base a meeting Simone on external evidence, such as a blood test, we would indeed be sure, but the bond of a relationship would be lost.

Experience is an essential ingredient of true love; but certainty, is not. You will never know if this person is your wife or husband, unless you first go out with them, and see and feel for yourself.
____________
This is why proving G-d, is not helpful. G-d wants us to enter into a relationship with Him, by choice, not by force. He created us as free beings, who can deny Him if we want. There is no outside force, argument or proof, that compels us to serve G-d.
For this reason, when we do serve Him, it is by a choice that it is coming from within us, and that is the basis for a real relationship.

We need to first experience the infinite G-d, through doing Mitzvahs, learning Torah, and learning Chassidus, etc.

____________
There are many logical proofs of G-d's existence, and the truth of Torah.

But most people are only ready to accept these proofs, after they have already established a relationship with G-d; just as most people only recognize their soul-mate, after they have already met them, and formed a relationship.
____________
If you wait until you know for sure, that you have found your soul-mate, you may remain single forever. And if you wait for proof of G-d's truth, you may live forever in a lonely universe.

Embrace uncertainty, and open yourself up to a real relationship. When you make that choice, you will find proof of G-d, within your own soul.

I Feel Like A Hypocrite

Question:
I feel like a liar saying the prayers, when I don't know if I believe in them. How can I proclaim "love G-d with all your heart", when I don't really feel that way?
_________
Answer:
You have been married a couple of years now. I know that you love your wife dearly. But have you ever woken up one morning, with a sense that, you've lost that loving feeling?

It could be, that there has been a little tension between you (something perfectly normal in any good relationship), or maybe you have been feeling down for other reasons, or perhaps for no apparent reason at all; you just feel, that your heart has turned to stone, and the warmth and love you once felt, has all but disappeared.
___________
What if, just at that moment, your wife asked you, "Do you love me?" Would it be a lie to tell her, that you love her? Should you rather be honest and say, "Darling, right now, I'm not sure I do"?

Of course not! You should tell her confidently, "Of course I love you!" (And she'll say, "I know, I just had to hear it"). And that is not a lie.

Because you do love her, it is just that, the love is not manifest in your heart at that moment. It is there, it hasn't gone anywhere, but your heart is blocked, and is not allowing you to openly experience your loving feeling.

Just because you don't feel the love, doesn't mean that you are no longer in love. You are just going through a "low," as we all do from time to time; but the love is really there, as it always was.
___________
So it is perfectly honest to say "I love you," even at a moment when you don't feel it. And something weird happens when you do. Your heart starts to melt.

Just by mouthing the words "I love you," not because you felt like saying it, but because she needed to hear it, you have reached out of yourself, breaking through the shell that is blocking your heart.

Now you are open to feel again. It won't be long, before the love starts gushing back, more powerful and passionate than ever.
__________
The same applies to our relationship with G-d. Our soul loves G-d already, because our soul is a part of Him. But we often don't feel that love in our hearts. We are spiritually blocked, our hearts are cold, to the soul and its feelings.

The love is there, just like the soul is there, it is just not felt, not apparent.

We don't have to wait for those feelings to come, in order to pray. Sometimes it is the other way around -- by saying the words of the prayers, even without feeling them, the layers of cynicism and doubt, then start to melt away, and our soul starts to shine through.

In fact, there is no deeper prayer than this. When you tell your wife you love her, not because you feel that way right now, but because she needs to hear it, and you know it's really true; what deeper expression of love could there be?

In the same way, when you say the prayer, not because you feel it, but because G-d wants to hear it, then you are truly saying it for Him, and not for youself.

G-d Wants His Children to Follow Their Path

Question:
As a Rabbi, how do you explain the fact, that there are so many other religions, and only a tiny minority of the world's population believes in Judaism?
__________
Answer:
Jim, do you have brothers and sisters? If you do, I'm sure you'll agree, that each of you is different. One of you may be musical, another a sports freak, and yet another more academically inclined.

Each of you is an individual, and that should be encouraged.

It would be wrong of parents, to treat all their kids the same. If they would have forced you all to play violin, or soccer, or to read Shakespeare, it would have been counter-productive.

Good parents know, that each child has to be allowed to develop, in their own unique way.
________
The nations of the world, are all G-d's children. He doesn't treat them all the same, because they aren't all the same. He wants each nation to develop in its own way. So each nation has a different path, to reach their full potential.

To the Jewish nation, he gave the Torah as our way of expressing our souls. But Judaism is not for everyone. We don't believe, that a non-Jew needs to become Jewish, to find G-d; just like a musically-talented child, shouldn't be forced, to play soccer.

Anyone can convert, but that is up to them.
__________
G-d created different nations, because each has a unique contribution to offer the world. Maybe your "mission" should be, to ensure that your nation fulfils its purpose.

Is Religion Responsible for War?

Question:
Wouldn't the world be better off, without religion? Wouldn't there be less wars? So why should I practice Judaism?
___________
Answer:
Rejecting Judaism, because you believe in world peace, is like refusing to enter a Japanese restaurant because, you like sushi. It just doesn't make sense.
__________
War comes naturally to people. It existed long before any religion, peace did not. Peace is not natural to humans, it had to be learned, because It was a religious idea.

The first and most powerful vision of world peace, was presented to mankind, by the prophets of ancient Israel.

They predicted a time, when "one nation will not lift a sword, against another nation, and they will no longer learn to wage war."

In a world that saw war as an inevitable fact of life, the Jewish religion introduced a radical new concept: that war is ultimately undesirable, and peace is the ideal state, for which to strive.

Without religion, we would find other things to fight about, like parking spots, and noise from the neighbors. But without religion, the possibility of world peace, would never have been considered, or striven for.
_________
Whether you are aware if it or not, the source of your dream of world peace is Biblically inspired. Ideals do not live in bubbles, like people, they need parents to give birth to them, and a home environment to help them grow.

Peace without religion, is tenuous, and would starve. It is Judaism that gave birth to the reality of world peace, and provides the framework, to implement that goal.
____________
Religion has been used by some as a pretext for war. But this does not invalidate all religion; just as when football players brawl, it does not invalidate the entire game of football.

Abolishing football, would do nothing to create harmony; and ridding the world of all religion, would not end war.

In fact, religion still provides the strongest argument for peace between people, being: that we were all created by the same G-d.

Without this belief, is there anything else, that truly unites us all?

Does Judaism Respects all Mankind?

Question:
I was wondering, if there is such a person as a Jewish fundamentalist?

If so, what percent of Jews would or could be classified as Fundamentalist? And, what would their core beliefs be?
__________
Answer:
I'm not sure what your definition of fundamentalist is, but here's mine: A fundamentalist is someone, who believes that theirs is the only true path, and anyone who does not follow their ways, is evil.

The fundamentalist sees only two options for the rest of humanity - join us, or suffer the consequences. Other nations are there, to either missionize or destroy; and any belief system that does not conform with theirs, is to be eradicated.
___________
A fundamentalist, is not the same as an extremist. There are those who are passionate or even extreme, about their own beliefs, whether a born-again Christian, devout Muslim, radical liberal or die-hard atheist.

We can debate the pros and cons of each of these belief systems, but a strong conviction alone, doesn't make you a fundamentalist.

It is when you cannot accept, that there may be another road to truth, and that not everyone has to fit in to your own world view - that is when you have strayed into the realm of fundamentalism.
__________
For this reason, Judaism can never tolerate fundamentalism. Quite simply, we don't believe that Judaism is for everyone.

Jewish thought is comfortable with the belief, that there are many paths to G-d; Judaism is the path for Jews, and non-Jews can find Him in different ways.

They can live a moral and good life, without keeping the laws, or sharing the beliefs of Judaism.

Anyone can join Judaism by converting, but this is not necessary - a non-Jew can be fulfilled, become close to G-d, and earn a place in heaven, all without becoming Jewish.

I think it is this universalistic approach, that has saved Judaism from fundamentalism.
_______
Don't get me wrong - there are certainly Jewish extremists and troublemakers, but Judaism poses a challenge to the fundamentalist:

If you really love G-d so much, shouldn't you also love all His children, who are created in His image?

Judaism is the Path, Not the Luggage

Question:
My family are typical disappearing Jews. Each generation drifts a little further away from Judaism.

My grandparents were strictly religious; my parents were not, but were still quite traditional.

But my generation is Jewish by name only, they are not involved with anything Jewish.

At this rate, what will my kids look like? Is there any way to stop this trend?
__________
Answer:
Have you seen the new regulations about taking luggage onto a plane? Some airlines don't allow you on the plane, with any hand-luggage.

There's a spiritual message in that: If you have too much baggage, you can't get on the flight.
___________
Many of us see Jewishness, as a big bag of treasure, handed down from one generation to another. This bag is very precious, full of wise advice, rich tradition and meaningful insight. But it can be a burden. It's heavy to carry three thousand years of baggage, as you travel along the road of life.


As valuable as the treasure may be, it will sometimes seem impractical to carry it all. Each generation will try to lighten the baggage, by choosing what seem to be the most important things, and discard the excess baggage.
_____________
But there is another way to look at it. Judaism is not the luggage we carry through the journey of life; it itself is, the journey of life.

It is not something we take on our travels, it is the path that we travel. Jewishness is not static: you don't carry it, you live it.
It is not a treasure, that belonged to your parents; it is a journey, that belongs to you.

Judaism is no something that you do, it is something that you are!
___________
Jewish commitment, is not measured by how much we do, but rather by how far we have traveled. It is not about how religious I am today; it is about how much I have grown.

If we are growing in our spiritual connection, if we are learning more about our tradition, if we are deepening our commitment to G-d, then we are on the road.Then this message will seep down to the next generation.

Our children will make their own choices, and there are no guarantees, but one thing is clear: our children's view of Judaism is shaped, by the way we live it.

If we carry Judaism as a burden, then that's what it will be to them - and the burden may seem too heavy.

But if we embrace our own Jewishness as a soul journey, then our children will more likely, want to come along for the ride.

Tell your children, that even without luggage, you can still fly.

It's Not Just Cricket (Moshiach)

Question:
The one Jewish ideal, that I can't get understand, is Moshiach - the belief in the coming of a Messianic era.

What good is achieved, by awaiting some future time, when there will be peace on earth?

Shouldn't we focus on the present, rather than dreaming about the future? Why is the belief in the coming of the Moshiach, so central to Judaism?
____________
Answer:
Some of the deepest truths, I have learnt from my cricket coach. He was a sharp guy, with a keen eye for detail. He would observe my batting style, and point out what I needed to work on.

But I gained more than just cricket advice: one consistent flaw in my batting, was my follow through.

The coach noticed, that as soon as my bat hits the ball, my arms lock, and the bat stops. No good, he said. "You need a full follow through. After hitting the ball, you must keep swinging, making a complete semi-circle in the air."
___________
This made no sense to me.

What difference does it make, what I do with the bat, after I have hit the ball? Contact already has been made, between bat and ball; and whatever power I have put into the shot, is there already. Will the ball travel further, if I follow through?

I can understand, why back swing is important - the more I pull the bat back, the more momentum the swing has. But once the ball is hit, who cares what I do with the bat? Whether I keep swinging or stop, or throw the bat away, should make no difference to the ball, that has already been hit. Why follow through?
____________
My coach gave me the answer. The end, affects the beginning. The follow-through doesn't begin after you hit the ball; it begins as soon as you, lift the bat.

A swing that will end in a full follow-through, is a different swing entirely. The affect of what will be later, is affected by what I do now. The beginning destination or goal, will influence the whole journey.
___________
This principle - that the end point shapes the whole - is true in cricket, baseball, tennis and golf. And it's true in life, too. What you believe about tomorrow, shapes how you view today.

Where your life is headed in the future, will determine how your life is lived now. If the world is randomly hurtling through space, bound to eventually collide with an asteroid and return to vapor, then human history is a directionless romp through time; we are going nowhere, and my life certainly has no significance.

Why work, why build, why love, if it all ends in nothingness?
___________
But if the world is heading toward a purpose, for which it was created. Since human history is a long journey, with a clear and wonderful destination; then what I do today is very important.

My efforts today, can bring the world a little closer to its purpose.

My lifetime builds, on the lifetimes that came before me, and gives a better world to those who will come after me. Bringing us ever closer, to Moshiach.
___________
We are not just propelled by our past; we are beckoned by our future. Believing in a Messianic future: a world of peace and divine closeness: inspires me today, to take a step further, in that goal and journey.

The Moshiach ideal, makes the world better now. It may even improve, my batting average.

Our Relationship With G-D

Question:
Rabbi, If G-d is perfect, why did He create us?

A perfect being isn't missing anything, so why would He need us? And if He doesn't need us, is our life meaningless? Are we just some divine experiment?
_________
Answer:
You are absolutely correct: G-d, being perfect, was missing nothing before creation. There is no possible need, that this world can fulfill for Him.

He doesn't need anything. Therefore, creating us must not have been in order to fulfill a need. It was something G-d chose to do.

He doesn't need us, He wants us.
__________
What does G-d want from us?
The one thing He didn't have before creation, was a relationship, He was alone. What He wanted from this world, was a relationship with free beings.

So He created us, and gave us ways of connecting to Him - the commandments.
___________
But we can't say, that He needed this relationship with us. He may have been alone before creation, but he was still G-d - perfect and missing nothing. He didn't need a relationship, He wanted it.
___________
Does this make our life unnecessary? Did G-d make us just for fun?

No, on the contrary. When you have a relationship with someone, just because you need them (such as a cleaning lady, or a family doctor), then when that need has been fulfilled, the relationship ends.

The connection is dependent, on them providing a service; and will only last as long, as that service is needed.

But when you have a relationship with someone, simply because you want to, because you have chosen to connect to them, then that bond is intrinsic.

You don't love them; because of what they do for you' you love them, for who they are - and that is forever.
___________
G-d doesn't need us; He wants us. He didn't give us commandments, because He needs them to be fulfilled; but rather because, He wants us to unite with Him.

If we were created, because G-d needed us to do something, then once that mission was fulfilled, we would be useless.
___________
But G-d needs nothing; He chose to bring us into being, as a pure act of love.

That is the test of true love: if my beloved could no longer provide me with my needs, would I still love them, just for being my beloved?

By creating us, G-d answered- Yes!

Profane Language

Question:
What is the Jewish view of dirty language?
_________
Answer:
Foul language is spiritually unhygienic. It is like scrubbing the toilet with your toothbrush, and then using it to brush your teeth.

If you wouldn't do that, then you shouldn't use the same mouth for profanity, that you use for words of friendship, love and prayer.

Like pure water, flowing through rusty pipes, even words of love, when coming from a dirty mouth, cannot help but become stained.
___________
Speech is a powerful gift. When used correctly, the spoken word can build and strengthen relationships, give comfort and support, and sometimes even save a life.

Our words can lift a heavy heart, and inspire a lost soul. Words of prayer, can reach the heavens; words of care, can go even higher.
__________
The words we say, do not just disappear. They hover around us, forming the air we breathe, and the atmosphere in which we live. Holy words create, an aura of holiness around us.
__________
Words that are obscene, slanderous, abusive or untrue, foul the air, like a spiritual pollution. They are no less lethal, than second-hand smoke.

In the bathroom, there are two brushes - a toilet brush, and a tooth brush. It's not hard to keep them separate.

Try to only use the tooth brush.

Is There Only One G-D?

Question:
I accept that some sort of "Higher Being" created the universe. But why couldn't there be, many such beings? Is there any logical reason to say, that there is only one G-d?
_________
Answer:
The definition of G-d is: "a Being without definition." G-d cannot be defined, because if I define Him, then I limit Him. And something limited, is not G-d. By defining something, I give it borders.

If for example I define an apple as a sweet, round fruit, that is green or red; then when I find a long purple fruit, I know that it can't be an apple.

An apple is limited, to being round and red or green. That is its definition.
___________
G-d can't be defined, because by defining Him, you are saying, that there's something He can't be; but this can not be true, because G-d is unlimited.

That's why, there can be only one G-d. Because if you don't have a definition, then there is nothing outside of you. There can be no "other".
________
An example: two neighboring countries, can only be called two countries, when there is a border in between them. But if a country has no borders, if there is no defined place where it ends and another country begins, how can you say that there are two countries?

G-d has no borders, so how can there be more than one god? Where would one god end, and one begin, if there is no dividing line between them?
__________
The act of creation, is the act of making borders, and drawing definitions: this is an apple and not a banana, this is land and this sea. Creation has definitions.

The Creator doesn't have a definition, that's what makes Him G-d, and that's why there can only be one

Services Every Week?

Question:
To be honest, I don't see why people go to services every single Shabbat. I go once or twice a year, and that seems quite enough.
__________
Answer:
I am glad to hear, that you have taken up jogging. But do you really have to jog every week? Isn't once a year enough?

Of course not, you will say. To stay fit, you have to keep a regular schedule. If you don't exercise enough, the body becomes sluggish and lazy.

People who don't exercise, may say they feel fine, as if they really don't need to exercise at all. But really, they're fooling themselves - they are so lazy, that they can't face the fact, that they're out of shape.

At the same time, if you exercise too much, you may overdo it, and injure yourself; then not only can't you exercise - you collapse! You have to challenge your body, and stretch it to its limits, but not beyond its limits.

If you hit the right balance between overdoing and under performing, then your fitness gradually improves, and in time you find, that you can do much more, and it gets much easier.
__________
The health of the soul, is similar to the health of the body. If we don't challenge ourselves spiritually, we can easily become complacent, and settle for a life of monotony and mediocrity.

We become so desensitized, that we don't even feel we are missing anything.

But if we try to change our lives too fast, and jump into spirituality, we can burn out, and fall lower than we were before.
______________
Each person has to realistically assess, what they need to do, to keep their souls in shape. Where am I getting my inspiration from? When was the last time I made internal changes, and grew as a person?

Am I pushing myself to my soul's limits, or just coasting? How can I challenge myself, to advance my spiritual fitness?
___________
Going to synagogue, is one form of spiritual exercise. It is a time to flex the muscles of the soul through: prayer, contemplation and study.

Although ultimately, just as everyone has to eat three times a day, in oder to be healty; so too, everyone needs to pray three times a day, in order to be spiritually healthy.

We were created by G-d, to continually be connected to Him. We do this, through the means He created; prayer, study, Mitzvos, ect.
________
But if one is not in shape, one must not jump into a full schedule of exercise, or one will burn out; so too spiritually, one must ease into it, so as not to burn out.

Sometimes you need a "trainer" to advise you where to start, and what to do next. I think I know, just the Rabbi you need...

Sweet Stings On Rosh Hashanah

Question:
On Rosh Hashanah we eat apples and honey, for a sweet new year.

My question is, why specifically apples and honey? There are many sweet foods. Is there anything significant about them?
_______
Answer:
There is a difference, between the sweetness of an apple, and the sweetness of honey.

An apple is a sweet fruit, that comes from a tree.

But honey comes from a bee - an insect that is not Kosher; and not only that, it stings. Nevertheless, the honey that it produces is sweeter than an apple.
____________
Similarly, there are two types of sweetness in our lives. We have times of family celebration, successes in our careers, personal triumphs, and harmonious relationships. These are sweet times, like the apple is sweet.

But then there is a different type of sweetness; a sweetness that comes from times of challenge.

When things don't go, how we would like them; when tragedy strikes, when our job is in jeopardy, when we fail to reach the goals we expected of ourselves; and when our relationships are being strained and tested, and when we feel alone.
___________
At the time, when we are facing these challenges, they seem bitter and insurmountable, like the sting of a bee.

But if we are strong, and withstand the difficult times, and overcome the obstacles to our happiness; we then reveal a deeper layer of our being (the soul), that we would never have tapped into, if we weren't challenged.

Something deeper is brought out, when we are tested. Tension in a relationship is painful, but there's nothing better, than reconciling after that tension.

Losing a job is degrading, but how often is it that we find bigger and better things, to move on to. Loneliness can eat us up, but it can open us up, to higher levels of self-knowledge.

We have all experienced events in our lives, that at the time were painful, but in retrospect, we say, "Thank G-d for the tough times, imagine where I would be without them!"
___________
So we eat apples and honey, on the first day of the new year. And we bless each other and ourselves, that in the year to come, the apples should bring us sweetness; but also that the bee stings, should be even sweeter!

The Beard

Question:
I have often wondered, why many religious Jews have long beards. Is this, like the Kipah, a means of identifying oneself as a Jew, or do they serve some other purpose?
__________
Answer:
There is more to the beard, than just identifying as a Jew. According to Kabbalah, the beard should not even be trimmed, rather it should be allowed to grow freely. Why?

Kabbalistically, our outer physical appearance, is a reflection, of our inner spiritual reality.
Our hands represent, our ability to give and receive; our feet symbolize, the power to progress. What does the beard represent?
____________
One of the greatest struggles in life, is to live up to our ideals. Many of us know, what is right, but find it difficult, to apply that knowledge to our daily lives. Often we do things that we know are wrong, but feel we "couldn't help ourselves".

For example, we know that it is wrong to lose our temper, but when we get annoyed at someone, we find it impossible to control our anger. Or we may know, that it is good to give charity, but never get around to actually giving.

Between theory and practice, there is a huge gulf. It is one thing, to have good intentions, but that is far, from actually doing good. It is like a dream; that without diligence, determination and hard work, it will always remain just a dream.

The greatest step we can take in our personal growth, is learning to bridge this gap, and implement our good intentions. _________
This is what the beard represents. The beard is hair, that grows down from the head, to the rest of the body. It is the bridge, between: mind and heart, thoughts and actions, theory and practice, good intentions and good deeds.

So we don't cut the beard, but rather let it flow freely, to create a direct flow, from the intangible ideals and philosophies in our minds, down into the deeds of our everyday life.

The Kabbalah Fad

Question:
What are your thoughts, on the masses learning Kabbalah? Is it good, or is it a fad?
________
Answer:
I'm not sure how authentic the "Kabbalah" being studied by Madonna is, but I would imagine, there are much worse things she could be doing with her time. If indeed, it has made her a better person - good for her.

I think it's great, that more people are interested in Kabbalah. Although it was a restricted area of study in earlier generations, the Kabbalists always said, that a time would come, when their teachings would be available to everyone.

Its blend of: profound thought, and down-to-earth spirituality, that is needed today.
___________
The question is not so much, who can study Kabbalah, but rather, how can you tell, if it's the real thing.

What concerns me is, that some modern exponents of the Kabbalah claim, that it is a separate religion, distinct from Judaism. This claim is not only untrue, it is self-destructive.

I predict, that this idea of divorcing Kabbalah from its Jewish roots, will spell the end of the so-called "Kabbalah movement." The real Kabbalah will thrive, but the cheap imitations, will go the way of all the other fads.

The Kabbalists call Jewish mysticism, the Pardes, meaning "The Garden." What is the parallel between a garden and mysticism?

If you see a beautiful flower in a garden, you may have the urge to pick it, and take it home to enjoy its beauty.

But a flower won't last long, out of its natural habitat. Once it is disconnected from its life-force, it will very quickly wither and die.
_____________
Taking Kabbalah out of its Jewish context, is like picking a flower from a garden. It looks beautiful and smells nice for a while, but soon, it starts to wither, rot, and stink.

Kabbalah is a living, breathing spirituality, that is nourished by the rich soil, of Jewish wisdom and practice. But those who are calling it a separate religion (for the obvious reason, of gaining a wider audience), are turning something deep and holy, into just another passing fad - it looks good, creates a stir, but won't last.
________
While one can taste the teachings of Kabbalah, even without being particularly observant of Judaism, you can't detach it from its source. Kabbalah, is the soul of Judaism.

And a body without a soul, is lifeless; and a soul without a body, has no connection to this world.

Judaism, without its soul, its mystical side, can become dry and unattractive. But Kabbalah, without the grounding of practical Judaism, is an uprooted flower.
____________
We are a searching generation. We've tried empty materialism, and it has failed to sustain us. We have experimented with spiritual escapism, and it has left us floating towards nowhere.

It is time to taste the fruits of The Garden - the deepest mystical insights, grounded in the fertile soil of tradition.

Now that's real Kabbalah!

Uninspired

Question:

Rabbi, I am uninspired. I used to pray to G-d and study Torah, but I've lost the spark. I feel flat and empty, and I haven't done anything spiritual in ages.

What should I do, to find my soul again?
__________
Answer:
You remind me of myself. I haven't exercised in months, but I have a good excuse for my sluggishness, I am not in shape. I just don't have the energy to exercise right now; but I keep promising myself, that as soon as I am in shape, I will exercise.

Of course, it doesn't work that way. Fitness doesn't just happen to you, it takes work. The more you exercise, the more energetic you feel. But the more you neglect your body, the less motivated you feel to move it.

You can't wait for your energy level to rise, before exercising. It's the another way around, you need to force yourself to exercise, in order to raise your energy level.

By breaking your cycle of inertia, new energy will pump through your veins, and you feel alive again.
__________
What is true for the body, is true for the soul. You are presently uninspired, the only way out of spiritual inertia, is to just get moving. Walk away from your uninspired self, and do a soulful act: pray, study, care for others, etc.

It may seem forced at first, but as you smash through the barrier of lethargy, you will feel the flow of inspiration returning to your soul, and your spirit will be revived.

The secret, is to reach out of yourself. The moment you do something, not because you feel like it, but because it is right; not for yourself, but for G-d; you have stepped out of your uninspired reality.

You have transcended yourself, and you become open to your real self, your soul.
__________
Being unfit is no excuse, not to exercise, it's the best reason to exercise. And being uninspired, is no obstacle to a soul journey; just the opposite, it's the fuel that propels the journey.
_________
Inspiration is all around you, but your search for it, is getting in the way.

Stop looking for inspiration, and start to look beyond yourself and your moods. When you are empty, it is a sign, that you need to find the higher you. Just as when your gas tank gauge is on low, it is a sign that you need to refill.

I can think of nothing more inspiring, than that.

What is a Jewish Soul?

Question:
Why do you speak of a "Jewish soul"? How can you differentiate between souls ?
Gary
________
Answer:
The idea, that all souls are the same, is one of the biggest mistakes of modern spirituality.

We are so used to thinking, that definitions create barriers, and barriers cause hatred; that we are convinced, that to be spiritual, means to have no borders.

From a Kabbalistic perspective, this totally misses the point of existence.
_____________
Before the creation, G-d had unity. G-d was all there was; there were no borders, definitions or distinctions. If unchallenged unity is what G-d wants, He had it already. He would not have needed to create the world.

Creation was an act of making borders. From unity, came multiplicity. Ours, is a world of divisions: body and soul, male and female; as well as the divisions of nations, families and individuals.
___________
Why did G-d create multiplicity? Doesn't that go against the oneness of G-d?

No, it doesn't. Because the deepest unity, is unity found within diversity. If we are all the same, then unity is no big deal.

So G-d gave us all particular souls, each with its unique and diverse characteristics. When each individual as an individual, and each nation from within its own culture and perspective, but nevertheless, recognizes the same G-d, that is real unity.

In other words, a unity that is challenged by diversity, yet emerges from that very diversity, is an invincible unity. That is something G-d "couldn't" have accomplished, without a world like ours.
____________
To blur the boundaries between nations, genders and individuals, is to avoid facing the challenge, which lies at the very heart of G-d's purpose in creation -- to find unity, in our differences.
__________
For the unity of humankind, we need one G-d; but for G-d's unity to be complete, we need human diversity.
Jews should be Jews, non-Jews should be non-Jews, men should be men, and women should be women.

And every individual has to be himself. Only then can we learn from each other, the wisdom that we ourselves lack.
_______
The majesty of G-d is revealed, when each individual and community, connects with Him, from his/her/their unique vantage point. There is a contribution, that only you can make, to G-d's master plan.

That's why you were born as you are -- a Jew, a male: and all the other distinctive spiritual characteristics, that make you "Gary."

Who Created G-D?

Question:
I've often heard the argument, that there must be a G-d, because creation is so well designed, that there must be a designer.

For example, the human brain is so complex, it must have a creator, so G-d must exist.

That makes sense, but by using the same logic, I can ask the question: Who created G-d?
____________
Answer:
Before creation, there was nothing but G-d, nothing else. When we say that G-d is the Creator, we don't just mean He created solid objects, like planets, trees and aardvarks; we mean, that He created everything.

Anything you can think of, every single existence, on every plain, and in every dimension, was once not, and G-d made it be.

That means, that even concepts were created by G-d. G-d not only created the concrete universe, made up of gases, solids and liquids; He also created all of the abstract realities, such as love, goodness, purpose and logic.

These concepts did not exist, before He created them.
____________
One concept G-d created, is the very concept of creation. G-d created the idea, that you can have nothing, and make something out of it.

The very notion, that something has a beginning, a point at which it came into existence - that notion itself, was created by G-d. The concept itself didn't exist before.

Just like there were no trees, before G-d created the first tree; so too there were no beginnings, before G-d created the first beginning. So your question is based, on a false premise.
___________
You can't ask, "Who created G-d?", because the whole concept of creating, was G-d's idea in the first place. There was no such thing as creation, before G-d came up with it.

Just as it is obvious, that the person who made the first cartoon, was not himself a cartoon; so too G-d, who invented the concept of creation, is not Himself a creation.
___________
G-d, the Creator, never changes, He is always the same; He always was, and always will be.

Humans, created beings that we are, do not remain the same. We once were not, and we had to be brought into being, and one day, we will be no longer.

And that is why we are so special, because as creations, we have the power to change; and that's the greatest gift of being human.