It's Happening In Miami
Young Professionals: Bring Your Job to Israel this Summer with Career Passport!
Posted by Bonnie Dawson on 05/26/2022 @ 12:25 PM
Wish you could take your job remotely to Tel Aviv for a month? Now you can with Onward Israel’s Career Passport program.
If you are a Jewish young professional 22 - 32 years old, with a job that you can do remotely, this program is designed for you!
Participants receive housing in Tel Aviv and access to a co-working space, with the freedom to experience Israeli life and culture like a local.
Enjoy day trips, weekly workshops and a Shabbat retreat alongside others your age from all over North America and beyond.
Program cost includes housing in Tel Aviv for 4 weeks, educational trips and workshops, bus transit cards, and basic medical insurance. Participants are responsible for flights, food, and personal expenses.
Apply for the Summer Track by June 7 and get 50% off for a special early bird price of only $500!
Regular price: $1000, not including flights or food.
Learn more and apply here!
Applicants must not have participated in an organized program in Israel of at least 3 months’ duration.
This program is heavily subsidized by a variety of philanthropic bodies
including Federation, Masa Israel Programs and the Birthright Foundation.
Dates:
Summer Track: August 22 - September 18, 2022 - early bird deadline June 7, regular price by June 17
Fall Track: October 24 - November 20, 2022 - apply by July 18
Winter Track: December 1 - December 29, 2022
Spots are limited!
Learn more and find out how to apply at the Career Passport site here
For any questions about this program, contact Lena Kushnir of Onward Israel at [email protected].
Matching Fund Continues for Ukraine Relief Fund
Posted by Leslie Rosenberg on 05/25/2022 @ 01:56 PM
Join our community's response to the war in Ukraine by donating to the Ukraine Relief Challenge, and your contribution WILL BE MATCHED, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. A generous member of the community is committed to helping the Greater Miami Jewish Federation raise critical funds for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Donate now and double the impact of your philanthropy.
Since the war began in February 2022, thanks to your support, Federation has been working with our overseas partners the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish Agency for Israel, World ORT and others to provide life-saving assistance to millions of displaced Ukrainians. But there is more work to be done. Now is the time to come together. Please click here to make a meaningful donation.
JBS Highlights 5/22- 5/28: Celebrate Israel Parade, Danny Danon, Fuel for Truth, Fiddler’s Journey, George Floyd, Jerusalem Day
Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box Ch 1684, Atlantic Broadband 168, Hotwire Ch 269, DirecTV Ch 388, Blue Stream Ch 110, streamed on Roku under "educational", Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and jbstv.org. For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
Celebrate Israel Parade - LIVE
After 3 years away, join again in the world’s largest expression of solidarity with Israel as more than 40,000 marchers, dozens of floats, marching bands, and musical performers parade up 5th Avenue for the JCRC-NY’s celebration of the Jewish state and global Jewish community.
Sunday - 12 Noon & Midnight
Rabbi on the Sidelines: Jori Epstein
Learn how sports and faith combine in the career of Jori Epstein, a lead NFL journalist for the Dallas Cowboys who is also the author of The Upstander, a Holocaust memoir of survivor Max Glauben.
Sunday - 7:00pm
Monday - 1:00pm
Tuesday - 10:00am
Eric Goldman’s Jewish Cinematheque: Fiddler's Journey
Filmmaker Daniel Raim discusses “Fiddlers Journey to the Big Screen,” his documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews and more about the making of the beloved musical film "Fiddler on the Roof." Monday - 7:30pm & 2:00am Tuesday - 2:00pm Wednesday - 10:00am Friday - 1:30pm
Eye on Israel: Fuel for Truth
Ron Wasserman and Justin Ellis join Shahar Azani to discuss Fuel for Truth, their organization whose mission is to empower young American Jews to stand by Israel, and to equip them with tools to combat misinformation surrounding the Jewish state. Monday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Tuesday - 11:00am & 10:00pm Thursday - 5:00am Friday - 2:00pm
Rabbi Hirsch: George Floyd
*Reflecting on the tragedy of George Floyd, Rabbi Hirsch describes the complicated and flawed pursuit of earthly justice yet perceives a reawakening of progress as younger generations are leading the way to a kinder, more just society. A sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City. Tuesday- 7:00pm & 2:00am Wednesday - 10:30am Thursday - 10:35am Friday - 11:00am *
American General McChrystal
Retired general Stanley McChrystal draws on his experience as Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and U.S. forces in Afghanistan as he discusses Israel, the U.S., and the future of warfare, with MirYam Institute’s Benjamin Anthony. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Wednesday - 2:00pm Thursday - 10:00pm
Top Story with Jonathan Tobin: Danny Danon
Jonathan Tobin is joined by former Israel Ambassador to the UN Danny Dannon who discusses what can be done to defend Israel in and outside the UN, and recounts first-hand experiences which are chronicled in his book In the Lion's Den: Israel and the World. Thursday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Friday - 9:00am Saturday - 2:00am
In The News:
David Brinn, Managing Editor of The Jerusalem Post, discusses how the killing of the veteran Al Jazeera journalist has been used to fuel a narrative against Israel, taking focus away from the tragedy of her death. With Teisha Bader. Sunday - 5:30pm
In The News: Zionist Rabbinic Coalition
Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, founder of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition which works to foster support for Zionism and Israel, shares his vision for the future and discusses the coalition’s first national conference in Washington D.C. With Shahar Azani. Monday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 11:30pm
Thinking Out Loud: Racist
Micah Halpern tackles the pervasiveness of the pejorative term "racist," and how it has unfairly come to dominate the discourse surrounding not just American politics, but Israel as well. He also wades into the thorny debate regarding California's controversial "Ethnic Studies" curriculum by analyzing a Wall Street Journal editorial that contends that the curriculum delegitimizes Israel. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 5:30pm
On L’Chayim
Abba Eban z"l
For Yom Ha'atzmaut, Abba Eban z”l (1915-2002), best known for his years of service to Israel in the UN, recounts his involvement in the Zionist dream and the dramatic moments leading up to the creation of the modern Jewish State. Sunday - 6:00pm
Rabba Sara Hurwitz
A conversation with the first woman Orthodox rabbi, Rabba Sara Hurwitz of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, and Dean of Yeshivat Maharat, who describes her personal journey, her commitment to Jewish Law (Halacha), and issues of concern to Orthodox women. Monday - 3:00pm
Ron Eliran
Ron Eliran is known internationally as "Israel's Ambassador of Song" and has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s as the Israeli army's entertainer. Monday - 9:00pm & Midnight Tuesday - 3:00pm Saturday - 6:00pm
Commander Eugene Lebovitz
Eugene Aryeh Lebovitz, commander of troops in Haifa during the 1947 War of Independence, reminisces about his survival at Auschwitz, his running the British blockade, and his ongoing work on behalf of Israel and Jewish life. Tuesday - 9:00pm & Midnight
Andrew Goodman
In memory of the second anniversary of the tragic death of George Floyd, David Goodman, younger brother of Andrew Goodman – murdered together with Michael Schwerner and James Chaney by the Klu Klux Klan in Mississippi in 1964 – talks about his brother, the murder, and a legacy of social action.
Wednesday - 3:00pm & 9:00pm
Thursday - 3:00pm
Yoram Elgrabli
El Al airline’s Managing Director for North America, Yoram Elgrabli, describes growing up in Israel, his feelings for the Jewish State while living in the Diaspora, and his role overseeing the "airline of the Jewish People." Thursday - 9:00pm & Midnight Friday - 3:00pm
JEWISH STUDIES
Hebrew: From The Aleph Bet: Lesson 20
Vocabulary, and a complete review of all Hebrew letters and vowels. Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 10:00am Friday - 4:00am
Talmud Study: Brutal Honesty
How the Talmud requires that honesty be tempered with love is explained by Rabbi Mordechai Becher in a lesson entitled, "Brutal Honesty, Loving Lies" (based on Yevamot 65b) on JBS's original series "Dimensions of the Daf." Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm
Talmud Study: Saul and David
Rabbi Mordechai Becher explores the different ways the Talmud views the first two kings of Israel, King Saul and King David, based on passages from the Biblical Book or Samuel. JBS original series, “Dimensions of the Daf.” Sunday - 9:35am Monday - 4:35am Tuesday - 9:35am & 5:35pm Thursday - 7:00pm
Jewish 101: God Unseen
In a continuing study of what it means to say that "the Torah is written by God," a discussion of the famous Talmudic story which teaches that Jews do not listen to voices from heaven to understand the Torah. Sunday - 10:00am Wednesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 4:00am & 11:00am Friday - 5:00am
92nd Street Y: Artist Ron Agam
Painter Ron Agam discusses “Experience Experimentation," his recent exhibit of paintings that can collectively be seen to question the mechanics and metaphysics of the act of seeing itself. A program of the 92Y Art Center, with Peter J. Rubinstein.
Sunday - 8:00pm
Monday - 5:00am
Tuesday - 5:00am
Wednesday - 1:00pm
Saturday - 1:00am
REFORM AND ORTHODOX SHABBAT SERVICES
FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 7:30pm & 10:30pm
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 9:30am & 1:00pm
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 11:00am & 2:30pm
Edith Samers Vice President 203.536.6914 (cell phone) JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org
Senior Citizen Israel Trip
Posted by rabbismith on 05/20/2022 @ 01:21 PM
Senior Citizen Trip to Israel in August: United Jewish Generations is organizing a unique trip to Israel that is specifically designed for seniors (anyone 60+). The primary mission of our trip is to enrich our history and traditions with seeing and experiencing what we have been taught since childhood. We will mainly be visiting sites of Biblical and Talmudic significance. Stories of the Bible and Talmud will come alive when we visit the sites where they took place.
The planned week-long itinerary is: Archeological Site in Shiloh-Home of the Tabernacle, The Wailing Wall (Kotel,) old Jewish Quarter of Hevron, location to see the cliff where the scapegoat of Yom Kippur was sent, Hass Promenade, City of David , Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel, Archaeological sifting project of Temple Mount debris, Weizmann Institute of Science, Masada, Ein Gedi, swim\float in Dead Sea, Machon Ayallon – the miraculous, pre-state, underground bullet factory, the old city of Jerusalem, the site believed to be where we crossed the Jordan after 40 years in the desert, and more. Optional add-ons are mud and\or sulphur baths, jeep tour of the Judean Hills, a tour of the Bar Kochva caves and the site of the famous battle between David and Goliath.
If you would like to join our senior citizen trip, please fill out the form at WWW.SeniorCitizenTripToIsrael.com or contact us via email at [email protected]
The cost of $3,600 includes airfare, 7 nights in hotels (based on double occupancy) and trips with a tour guide, breakfasts every day and all Shabbat meals. There is a significant subsidy available for those that participate in our daily Zoom classes. If you would like to join our daily Zoom classes, please apply at WWW.JewishSeniorAcademy.com
A project of United Jewish Generations, a Chabad organization for senior citizens. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens with numerous Judaic and Cultural programs and services.
Summer Learning Program for Women
Posted by rabbismith on 05/20/2022 @ 12:10 PM
B”H
The Rivkah Davidow Summer Learning Program
The Rivkah Davidow Summer Learning Program is a “women only,” mind-stimulating program for retirees and older adults, which will be starting June 8th over ZOOM, on Mondays thru Thursdays at 11:15 AM -12:15PM. This special eight-week program will allow women to engage in intellectually stimulating Torah classes taught by some of the most sought-after teachers from Jewish High schools and seminaries. This is a wonderful opportunity for all women to grow in their knowledge of Torah especially with high quality lectures that place much emphasis on depth and analytical insights and will be so thrilling that you will not want these classes to end! Classes will inspire both beginners as well as advanced levels. You will not be disappointed. As an incentive to fully engage in these daily classes, you can even receive a monthly stipend for writing a weekly essay! If you cannot commit to come everyday, NO PROBLEM. Come when you can.
Please fill out our application at WWW.JewishSeniorAcademy.com If you don’t use the internet, no problem, all classes are accessible by phone. Please call us at (954) 458-6000.
The Levi Yitzchok Senior Academy currently has two other programs as well. The Men’s Learning Program, also a mind-stimulating and interactive program, takes place daily from Sun thru Fri at 10AM-11AM. There is also an afternoon program for both men and women at 3PM-4PM from Sun thru Thurs. That same link brings you to the application for all these wonderful learning opportunities. The Levi Yitzchok Senior Academy is a project of United Jewish Generations, a Chabad organization for senior citizens. For more info, please send an email to [email protected]
Dennis Prager: How to Raise a Mensch - How to Be a Mensch
Dennis Prager Shabbat Keynote Address: How to Raise a Mensch - How to Be a Mensch
Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 am at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus - 20350 NE 26th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
Join us for Shabbat Morning Services Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 am with a special keynote address by Dennis Prager "How to Raise a Mensch- How to be a Mensch"
Dennis Prager is a best-selling author, columnist, and one of America’s most respected and popular radio talk show hosts. He is the co-founder of PragerU, which has garnered more than 5 billion views on its website, mobile app, and social media channels.
Free event. Open to the community.
For more details, visit: http://btbrc.org/event/dennis-prager/
Professional Advisors Council to Present Program for Certified Legacy Advisors
Posted by Leslie Rosenberg on 05/18/2022 @ 03:55 PM
Dr. Marc E. Agronin, Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health, and Chief Medical Offer for MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health, will be the keynote speaker at the second session of a series for Certified Legal Advisors (CLA) presented by Federation’s Professional Advisors Council (PAC) on Wednesday, June 1 at noon.
During the online session, available via Zoom, Agronin will discuss “Planning for Care in the New Normal: How to Understand Age-Related Changes in Cognition and Decision-Making When Working With Your Clients.”
PAC engages professional advisors to educate them about planned giving opportunities for their clients through Federation. After attendance of at least three programs in the PAC series, CLA professionals are recommended for certification and are listed on Federation’s website as a resource for donors to seek professional guidance in formalizing their legacy commitments.
Click here to learn more about the speaker.
Click here to RSVP. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
JBS Highlights for 5/15-5/21: On JBS: Lag B'Omer, Farewell to David Harris, 50 Years of Female Rabbis, Ahed's Knee, John Podhoretz, Peter Kurz
Posted by Edith Samers on 05/13/2022 @ 01:42 PM
Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box Ch 1684, Atlantic Broadband 168, Hotwire Ch 269, DirecTV Ch 388, Blue Stream Ch 110, streamed on Roku under "educational", Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and jbstv.org. For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
Rabbi on the Sidelines: Peter Kurz
Peter Kurz, President of Israel Baseball and General Manager of Israel’s Olympic baseball team, discusses the historical Tokyo Olympics, what it means for the growth of baseball and Israel, and the impact Israel has had on the players’ Jewish journeys. Sunday - 7:00pm & 2:00am Monday - 1:00pm Tuesday - 4:00am & 10:00am Thursday - 5:00am & 10:00pm
Jewish Cinematheque: Ahed’s Knee
Israeli writer and director Nadav Lapid discusses Ahed’s Knee, his imaginative psychodrama about an Israeli filmmaker who finds himself fighting for his freedoms and his mother’s life in a remote desert village where he’s presenting one of his films. Monday - 7:30pm & 2:00am Tuesday - 2:00pm Wednesday - 10:30am & 10:00pm Thursday - 12:30pm Friday - 2:30am
In the Spotlight: David Harris
As he prepares to leave a job he’s held for three decades, David Harris, CEO of AJC, sits with Abigail Pogrebin to discuss how much has been accomplished and what is more challenging than ever when it comes to American Jews and Israel. Monday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Tuesday - 11:00am & 10:00pm Wednesday - 5:00am (2:00am PT) Friday - 10:00am Saturday - 7:00pm
Rabbi Hirsch: The Things That Count
Rabbi Hirsch reminds his congregation that the holidays of Passover and Shavuot are inextricably linked, and explains how counting the Omer between the festivals is a way of heralding the arrival of the ultimate moment of emancipation and liberation Tuesday- 7:00pm & 2:00am Wednesday - 10:00am Thursday - 10:35am Friday - 4:35am & 11:00am Saturday - 4:00pm
The First Female Rabbis
In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of women in the rabbinate, the first four female rabbis to be ordained in their respective denominations come together to discuss the challenges they faced and the triumphs they enjoyed as they made history. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Wednesday - 2:00pm Thursday - 10:00pm Friday - 2:00pm
Global Perspectives: Nathan Sales
Nathan Sales, former Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights of the US, shares his perspective on the threat of terror attacks from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the US, and more with Ellie Cohanim. Thursday - 7:35pm & 2:00am Saturday - 5:30am & 10:30pm
Top Story: John Podhoretz
Jonathan Tobin is joined by Commentary magazine editor John Podhoretz who shares his perspective that recent events have “vindicated neo-conservatism,” by reminding us of the dangers of American weakness abroad. Thursday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Friday - 9:00am Saturday - 8:00pm
In The News: The Death of Shireen Abu Akleh
David Brinn, Managing Editor of The Jerusalem Post, discusses how the killing of the veteran Al Jazeera journalist has been used to fuel a narrative against Israel, taking focus away from the tragedy of her death. With Teisha Bader. Monday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 11:30pm
Thinking Out Loud: Overlooked Global Threat
Micah Halpern returns his focus to a global threat that has been overlooked of late due to the focus on Russia's invasion of Ukraine: ISIS. In light of recent attacks, he reminds us why this violent jihadist organization is still a massive problem for global stability. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 5:30pm
Hebrew: From The Aleph Bet: Lesson 19
Recognize Hebrew letters that tend to look alike in a complete review of all the Hebrew letters and vowel sounds. Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 10:00am Friday - 4:00am
Talmud Study: Marriage Mordechai Becher, Senior Lecturer for Gateways and author of "Gateway To Judaism," discusses "Eight Blessings One Wedding," on the theme of marriage as found in Talmud tractates Kesuvos 7 and 8 Today (Sunday) - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm
Jewish 101: Not In Heaven
In a continuing study of what it means to say that "the Torah is written by God," a discussion of the famous Talmudic story which teaches that Jews do not listen to voices from heaven to understand the Torah Sunday (Today) - 10:15am Wednesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 4:00am & 11:00am Friday - 5:00am & 1:00pm
92nd Street Y: Jonathan Sacks
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the UK and author of “Not In God’s Name,” discusses “altruistic evil” and the need to confront religious violence and intolerance in our times. From the 92Y in NYC (November 2015)
Sunday - 8:00pm
Monday - 5:00am & 10:00pm
Tuesday - 5:00am
Wednesday - 1:00pm
Saturday - 1:00am
FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 7:30pm & 10:30pm
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 9:30am & 1:00pm
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 11:00am & 2:30pm
Edith Samers Vice President 203.536.6914 (cell phone) JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org
JOIN US FOR THE 26th ANNUAL MINISTERING TO THE ELDERLY CONFERENCE ON JUNE 8, 2022
Posted by Charmaine Rappaport on 05/12/2022 @ 11:31 AM
On Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 8am to 1:30pm, join us at 5200 NE 2nd Avenue on the Miami Jewish Health campus where the 26th Annual Ministering to the Elderly Conference will focus on the notion of “Creating Meaning in Times of Uncertainty.”
The conference is being organized by Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami Jewish Health and Jewish Community Services of South Florida. The Ministering to the Elderly Conference is a practical forum for caring professionals and community and spiritual leaders, in addition to those concerned with enriching the lives of seniors.
During times like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, intense polarization and political conflict, and disasters like Surfside, it can be difficult to find meaning, hope and resilience. Keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth J. Doka will explore the grief- often disenfranchised- people may experience during this traumatic period. He will also offer suggestions on ways to build resilience, hope and meaning within ourselves and those we serve.
Registration fee for the conference is $36 per person, which includes Kosher continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing education credits will be available for nurses, mental health professionals and guardians.
To register for the 26th Annual Ministering to the Elderly Conference, visit JewishMiami.org/mttec or call 786-866-8621.
Bows and Arrows of Love
Posted by chabad chayil on 05/10/2022 @ 09:57 PM
Bows and Arrows of Love##
by Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil
Lag BaOmer is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Also known as the Rashbi (an acronym for his name), he was the author of the Zohar, a foundational work of the Kabbalah, who requested that the day of his passing be celebrated, and not mourned.
It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. The Talmud tells us that the plague affected the students of Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Thus, Lag BaOmer carries the theme of the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow (ahavat yisrael). Lag BaOmer teaches us that while working to help improve our fellow man, we must never allow these efforts to compromise our love and respect for him.
It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve, commemorating the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings.
Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime.
Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when G‑d promised to never again devastate the world. When the world is deserving of punishment, G‑d sends a rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous.
But there’s a much deeper meaning behind the bow and arrow game, with a lesson not just for Lag BaOmer, but something we can apply every day of the year.
The first weapons devised by man were designed for hand-to-hand combat. But a person's enemy or prey is not always an arm's-length away, or even within sight. Soon the warrior and hunter felt the need for a weapon that could reach a target a great distance away, or which lies invisible and protected behind barriers of every sort.
With a bow and arrow, the tension in an arched bough of wood is exploited to propel a missile for great distances and slash through barriers. The inventor of this device first had to grasp the paradox that the deadly arrow must be pulled back toward one's own heart in order to strike the heart of the opponent, and that the more it is drawn toward oneself, the more distant an adversary it can reach.
Chassidut teaches us that the same rules that apply to tools of destruction, apply to tools of construction - the tools we use to help build each other. And this is the deeper theme and lesson of Lag BaOmer: In order to reach a friend or relative who is otherwise unreachable, we have to first dig deep within our own heart. The deeper place from within our heart this love comes from, the deeper it will penetrate in our loved ones heart. The more we work on our own character, the more our children will work on theirs.
The Rebbe writes in Hayom Yom “If you rebuke your brother and he does not listen, then it is you who is to blame. Words that come from the heart, enter the heart”. If you haven't penetrated their heart, dig deeper within your own heart.
This year, Lag BaOmer is Wednesday Night - Thursday, May 18-19, 2022. I encourage you to join a Lag BaOmer celebration taking place at any Chabad or synagogue near you. You are of course welcome to join us at Chabad Chayil in HIghland Lakes for a bonfire, bbq and kumzitz, to G-d willing take place Wednesday, May 18 at 8:30pm. There’s no charge and you can bring your own music instruments to join the kumzitz. For the complete history and more lessons you can learn from this fun and Kabbalistic holiday visit www.ChabadChayil.org/Lag.
About the author: Rabbi Kievman is the ambassador of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. He is founder of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools, rabbi at The Family Shul & together with his wife directs Chabad Chayil. He can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or [email protected]