From The Desk of Rabbi Yehuda - Chabad Lubavitch of Westport

First or Last?

Friday, January 30, 2026 - 10:00 AM

5, 4, 3,2,1….. and with that the iconic clock in Hostage Square was turned off.

843 days of trauma, prayer, campaigning and soul searching for the entire Nation of Israel, ending with the final return of Ran Gvili.

The first to go in the last one out. Ran didn’t need to rush into danger on that fateful day — he was on medical leave waiting for surgery yet he couldn’t stand by whilst his friends were all battling and his nation was under attack.

His selfless dedication cost him his life and his name will eternally be etched into all of our minds and hearts into perpetuity.

This week we read of the our ancestors exodus from Egypt. Not but a few days later the oppressor nation regrets allowing the exodus and rushes with the full cavalry to recapture the emancipated people. In front of them is a body of water — the Sea of Reeds and behind them clouds of dust and war cries from the elite of the Egyptian army.

Anxiety levels soared. Despondency set it for some, adrenaline for others — the situation bleak. Until —one solitary individual jumped into the obstructing Sea. His name was Nachshon. He trailblazed, refusing to see the obstruction as a danger. If G-d instructed to move forward then that’s what the plan of action was going to be.

Seems simple and also seems futile. Yet subsequent to his selfless move — G-d splits the Sea of Reeds and the entire nation miraculously crosses the Sea as simultaneously the pursuing army drowns in that very same sea.

A miracle to be sure but a vital lesson to each of us. Miracles don’t happen unless we put our best foot forward… Miracles will happen, let’s be clear. Just examine your life and your lifetime and you’ll see an abundance of real indisputable miracles — yet it always takes someone to put their best foot forward.

Ran Gvili personified the Nachshon move. The first in, the last out. Thousands of others did so too. No, hundreds of thousands of others did so too. Perhaps it was millions worldwide who in their own manner jumped into the proverbial sea.

Judaism hasn't merely survived throughout the ages — it’s thrived due to the Nachshon / Ran doctrine and inspiration. It’s the ethos of Jewish life.

Earlier this week was the anniversary of the inauguration of leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It wasn’t a job that he wanted and it took a full year for him to acquiesce and ascend to the position. In his first address he emphasized this very point. The collective responsibility of each of us to put our best foot forward yet he didn’t stop there.

You see throughout his life he uniquely emphasized the benefits that result from living like this. The recognition of purpose and maximization of our lives. Sometimes it comes at a cost of comfort or a sacrifice of some other physical element yet at the end of the day, happiness, fulfillment and peace of mind don’t result from physical abundance they result from living a deep, meaningful and purposeful life.

Ran Gvili is a modern day Maccabee and Hero. We are fortunate to have had such good examples — now it’s up to us to put our own best foot forward!

The Heartbeat of Jewish Nation is Beating Wildly

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 10:00 AM

The heartbeat of the Jewish nation is beating wildly. Ran Gvili “the first one in — the last one out” is on his way home.

The last hostage from the terrible October 7th catastrophe finally found.

My emotions swing wildly across the full spectrum of emotions.

Ron, isn’t alive. This isn’t a surprise. It’s his body that has put the entire Jewish nation on pause. Healing, moving on impossible, as long as the last hostage is yet in captivity. Today ends a 843 day ordeal.

I feel a deep sense of connection with the whole Am Yisrael today. A personal sense of relief with Ron’s family. A deeper connection with Ran himself although it’s only his body that returns home.

Bittersweet.

The Israeli PM start the Knesset session with a blessing of thanks as he dons his Kippa and recites the Shehecheyanu.

A blessing of thanks. That too I need process. It’s a powerful moment. My mind wanders back 843 days. That brutal day. The worst massacre by far since the Holocaust.

Yet then there’s the abundance of miracles that has ensued. A broad embrace from on high. Gd loves his people that’s clear. “Gd chooses HIs people Israel with love”.

So why let it all happen?

The unanswerable question. They’ve asked this question for millennia. Every answer more inadequate than the next…. Yet today isn’t a day for questions. What good are questions —they just leave me in a semi dazed state.

No. Ram Gvili deserves better …

I scroll further to read more about Ran, the efforts to locate his body — the reaction of his family.

It’s here that I find my direction. The unit that finds Ran, sing the Ani Maamim. The ultimate prayer of faith. Tears flow freely. Kaddish is recited. It’s now the soul pounding.

The unit carrying the body of Ran chant Psalm 121 — “he neither sleeps nor does he slumber” - no he doesn’t and he also doesn’t divulge the reason for so much pain and suffering…

Ani Maamin— I believe. It’s one of the 13 fundamental principles of faith. No matter how bad or hopeless it seems.

And then the penny drops. It’s the faith and the courage to believe ,that brought Ran home. It’s the sanctity of life that is the cornerstone of Judaism that ensured that Ran is coming home. It’s the blessings of thanks that we direct heavenward that ensured the Ron is coming home.

First in last out — the Jewish ethos. Welcome home Ran, I for one will draw from your inspiration and double down on my commitment to ensure that Am Yisrael Chai!!

P.S. An extra mitzvah today in Ran’s honor will ensure that his life continues into perpetuity!

Life or Living!

Friday, January 23, 2026 - 10:00 AM

The comings and the goings!

So goes life…

Everyone scuttling around. Each person a microcosm of life. Ups and downs, exhilaration, depression, endurance, boredom, contentment, to name it — all contributing to the fullness of life.

Yet…

That hardly describes life and purpose. Each personal coming and going containing a purpose. Sometimes known sometimes concealed — the way we deal with our reality in our hands. Understanding that each moment contains a unique opportunity, a crucial starting point.

This week’s Parsha speaks of the Jews exodus from Egypt. The decisions our ancestors to endure and plow forward - showing great results for millennia.

Fast forward to today… although we think of it as an evolving or perhaps devolving period of time — the Rebbe, when taking over leadership of the Chabad movement in 1951 was clear in his mission statement, directive and inspiration. This generation — just post Holocaust —would have a lot of rebuilding to do. The state of the Jewish world requiring all hands on deck.

Incredibly and miraculously the larger Jewish community in the USA and the world over has certainly rebuilt. Jewish institutions, Jewish eduction, pride, pursuit and dedication stronger than ever despite the challenges involved

Yet…

So much more to do. Just to maintain requires strength taking a step forward yet more — the base however, oh, so strong.

We read of the exodus and yearn for the ultimate exodus yet till which time we double down to ensure that our purpose and opportunities are maxed to the fullest paving the way for generations to come!

With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,

Principle or Folly?

Friday, January 16, 2026 - 10:00 AM

It’s not uncommon to observe people digging in their heels, foolishly, as a stand for principle turns to folly.

Pharaoh of the Torah refused to let the Jews go despite multiple warnings from Moses as he transmitted the instruction from Gd —“ let my people go”!

We know the story. He refused, then paid the price — and we have a Holiday Passover.

What’s illustrative in the story is that despite all signs to him and his people that this was a war he was going to lose — he still dug in his heels. In the words of the Torah “he hardened his heart”. Simply put — he doubled down and dug in his heels despite the heavy costs.

We all do it. Very often. The polarization of society today — proves it… of course we blame it on principle— which at times is the case — yet folly all too often.

Then there are the things we do that don’t make sense in the slightest that have existentially brought us to today. Dor L’dor. The Am Yisrael Chai moves, let’s call it.

The utter self sacrifice of our predecessors to ensure that Judaism survives despite the darkest of times. The endless efforts that each of us expend to try share the gift of our Heritage with our families; the creative methods we employ to ensure Jewish survival for ourselves and our communities.

Incredible.

Principle or folly?

Keep asking yourself the question before you make decisions — likely you’ll come up with the right answer — and your life may look slightly different.

I know our ancestors did and we are here to tell the tale!

Mindfulness!

Friday, January 9, 2026 - 10:00 AM

So much in life goes unnoticed.

It may be right there in front of us — yet due to a confluence of factors — we simply miss it.

Moses of the Torah didn’t — thankfully. It resulted in the great exodus from Egypt under his leadership.

The Torah tells of his first interaction with G-d. It takes place at the burning bush. A phenomenon that intrigues him. A thorn bush on fire yet not being consumed. He turns to observe — mindfully investigates — and it’s then that G-d calls forth and engages with him for the first time.

I wonder, how many people rushed past this miraculous phenomenon not noticing it?

If today’s life is any indication — the answer likely is, many. They saw it, it didn’t register, they continued running to their next activity or endeavor— missing it all.

So what are we missing? A good question to ask as we enter 2026.

Those blessings right there in front of our eyes that we fail to notice or adequately appreciate. Too busy or pursuing less worthy goals, rote and habituation at the steering wheel.

Whilst we may not all become Moses or lead an exodus — the Torah is telling us for a reason. It’s now up to us to notice, internalize and experience!

With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor

P.S. Start the year with some Tzedakah here AND consider joining us at the Gala - it’s an evening filled with of joy and purpose AND supports Jewish education, life and living right here in WWWN! Here!

Purposefully Joyous!

Friday, January 2, 2026 - 10:00 AM

Setting goals and resolutions for the year ahead is a good thing to do. After all, anything that moves us forward and helps us improve our lives can only be considered positive.

Yet how do we determine what our goals and aspirations ought to be?

In this week’s Parsha we read of our Patriarch Jacob who gathers his family around his bed just before he passes. He has knowledge and advice that he wishes to impart before he leaves this world —and a specific blessing for each of them.

The Torah explicitly tells us that “And this is what their father spoke to them and he blessed them “each” whom according to his blessing he blessed them.

Jacob knew the essence and soul of each of his children. He imparted to them their specific “missions” each according to their essential talents and their specific genre.

Why the need?

Surprisingly, studies show that only low double digits of people are self aware despite a way higher percentage of people who feel that they are. Quite the disparity between the perceived and the reality!

Although this may be shocking at first glance, it really ought not come as a surprise. After all, ancient wisdom tells us that one should never make a decision about themselves solely by using their own rationale — for a person is too close to themselves to be objective.

Ancient wisdom also imparts that one should do all in their power to have a good friend. Someone they can discuss things with. An objective individual that both cares for them yet can see the objective reality without the biases and blind spots that invariable exist internally. Sometimes it’s a friend, sometimes it’s a spouse — in our Parsha it’s our Patriarch Yaakov who not only speaks to his children. He paves the way for us all giving us insight and direction towards which to aspire.

At the end of the day, a positive resolution should have less to do with what we want to do and more to do with what we are here to do. A resolution that maximizes our potential helping us to actualize and fulfill our unique mission — the intention of which we are here on planet earth.

It’s exciting to embark on a new calendar year with the sky as the limit. Bringing more Gd consciousness, Torah and Mitzvahs into our lives will ensure that the year ahead is full of meaning, joy & happiness which of course all derives from loving our purpose.

Happy New Year!

With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor