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From The Desk of Rabbi Yehuda

The Greatest Gift?

Friday, March 29, 2024 - 10:00 AM

It’s rare for the State of Connecticut to be center of the news as it is today — and not for any sensationalized reason, mind you.

Indeed, although I refer to the late Senator Joe Lieberman's passing, politics doesn’t play into it one iota. He’s in the news for how he conducted his life, not his policies. His policies merely reflected his principles. Yes, rare for politicians and rare for most people in general.

Incredibly, alongside all his achievements, he wrote a book called, “The Gift of Rest — Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath”.

When asked how he can stop all your work as a senator to to observe the Sabbath each week— he answered, “how could I do all my work as a senator if I did not stop to observe Sabbath each week”.?

But the news isn’t extolling his virtues because of his book about Shabbat, it’s all about the way he lived his life — principles based on the Torah and tradition. It speaks volumes about the country we live in. Almost elected Vice President of this country, yet “shomer Shabbat”, a meticulous Shabbos observer and appreciator! A true guiding light to the Jewish community of how to retain identity, Jewish pride, strength & leadership.

If I were to ask him a question - I’d have asked him how he managed to navigate the highest halls of power and retain his identity, principles and pride. A feat that is incredible and something that our generation and our kids generation have a serious challenge with.

Yet I think know what his answer would be…

At the end of the day, it’s really not about Joe Lieberman, it’s about me and you and how we live and transmit the values and principles as they were handed down through the Torah and gifted to us through the Mitzvoth ensuring the unbroken chain of tradition that dates back to Abraham and Sarah thousands of years ago. Joe was a worthy emissary to share the power of our tradition with his passing — each of us have a worthy example to emulate — may his memory be for a blessing!!

With best wishes for enhanced Shabbat celebration,

P.S. A hearty Mazaltov to Miri Kantor on her wedding this past week to Tzvi Dubrawsky. We are so proud of you. In addition, Dina and I would like to THANK the greater Westport community for being such a formative and loving part of her journey!! Mazaltov!!

Dancing For Our Life!

Friday, March 22, 2024 - 10:00 AM

He fought like a lion! Ten of his friends weren’t as fortunate as him and they heroically died defending their base on October 7th.

Dolev told us his story as he was clutching a Torah that he saved on that fateful day. Amidst fighting for his life and those of his battalion, he saw a terrorist grab a Torah and run into the bushes to hide with it. Dolev elminated that terrorist — and here he was holding onto that very Torah.

We were there on a Chabad solidarity mission and we had sponsored replacing the Torah cover that had gotten sullied — it was a small gesture but outsized in the experience — a life altering experience.

You see, the dancing that ensued was some of the most fervent, joyous, existential and uplifting expression of pure soul that I’ve ever experienced. We were dancing with the source of the Jewish nation’s strength, the Torah. We were dancing for our lives. Not that we were threatened rather it was “for our lives”. It was a dance that underscored the entire depth of our existence. It was a dance that encapsulated the enduring nature of Am Yisrael through thick and thin since Abraham and Sarah — we were dancing “for life”.

Dolev stood there clutching the Torah and wouldn’t let it go. The palpable emotion permeated every inch of the room and then the penny dropped. We were dancing the dance that was never danced on Simchat Torah this year in Israel. Everyone was in bomb shelters, fighting for their lives or no longer able to dance. Yes, the joy of the Torah with the dancing that accompanies it on that most joyous day of the year, was being enacted right there in that very base that so many ” Kedoshim- holy souls” were snuffed out. It was being enacted with the holy soul Dolev — who was standing there elevated and elevating us all.

This is the nation of Israel. This is what’s happening in Israel now. Everyday people with not such everyday stories. Each story of our brother’s and sister’s in Israel has a depth and power of transcendent nature. Each person like that Torah that Dolev was clutching—enduring, timeless, infinite, raw-power — Am Yisrael!

This weekend we celebrate Purim. We now understand this historical story as if it happened in front of our eyes. It’s our story. It’s not “his” story and we also know the ending. Yes, despite what the commentators and pundits say we know the end of the story and that’s what we celebrate this weekend. I urge you to add more Purim to your life this weekend. It’s not important where you celebrate it — it is important that you celebrate it and that you share it with your family. Ultimately, the end is a happy ending and that must always be front and center in our lives!

Happy Purim & blessing and wishes that it become a whole lot happier for everyone!!

Heroes!

Friday, March 15, 2024 - 10:00 AM

I grew up reading about heroic figures. The Torah is full of them, Jewish holidays are based on them and a healthy education helps nurture an appreciation for the many heroes who have help guide the Jewish nation throughout thick and thin.

This past week as I travel around Israel on the Westport men’s mission to share solidarity, love and support with the people of Israel, I see heroes all over the place. A heroic nation to be more accurate!!!

The passion and determination of the soldiers, the commitment and resoluteness of everyone, the strength of those displaced from their homes amidst carnage, the families that have experienced devastating loss, the brave forward looking steps of so many who closed their businesses to join reserve duty for insane stretches of time, the mothers and wives who held down the homes with love and dependability not knowing if their spouses or children would return home from the war front —the heroes of Am Yisrael!!

But let’s not make any mistakes, the heroism of diaspora Jews has been remarkable too. The financial support, the showering of palpable love in so many ways, the activism on multiple fronts to defend the honor of the nation and the land of Israel AND of course the spiritual surge and resistance that has emerged as a fundamental part of the response — truly heroic.

I’m cognizant as I write this that no one — as in not one — of us feel heroic. No medals being sought, periodic feelings of inadequacy being felt, fleeting moments of despondency creeping in and pangs of guilt that present themselves when trying to block responsibilities out —with a quest to just resume normal life.

The heroic figures that I grew up with also didn’t feel heroic. In fact, perhaps some of their heroism wasn’t even noticed at the time of heroism and only in retrospect did it become obvious. That’s the nature of heroism. That’s the nature of of good deeds. It endures. It lives beyond ourselves. It has an eternal nature. Whilst physicality has limited shelf life — ideals, goodness, Torah and Mitzvah are eternal.

Is there any wonder that the eternal nation — the Jewish nation, the nation that defies logic, statistics and odds is alive and well, showing no sign of erosion?

It all makes sense at the same time that non of it makes sense. Spending a week in Israel has illuminated the trans-sense nature of Am Yisrael — also known as transcendent nature of Am Yisrael. I know I’m preaching to the choir but I can’t help but scream it from the mountaintops!!

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom from the eternal capital of our eternal nation,

Rabbi Yehuda and Dina Kantor

P.S. Our community jumped in strongly to support the rebuilding of the southern communities — and we thank you for that. The beautified bomb shelter will hopefully get no use but the message on the wall will continue to show the way we feel and help them raise their spirits!! If you’d like to join the campaign — please join here ..

Men's Israel Trip

Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 2:29 PM

Sunday: March 10

Sitting on the ELAL plane currently waiting for them to close the doors.. the energy is high, the flight is packed and we’re full of expectation.

What kind of Israel will we find? Or perhaps it’s not what we’ll find it’s more about what we can bring back…stay tuned. But till then..

Omer:

How Omer has been saying kiddish in captivity. According to Maya and Itai Regev who were held with him until their release 100 days ago. So unbelievably inspiring how he is holding onto his connection to Hashem in the absolute depths of despair! May he and the rest of the hostages return to their families and once again celebrate Shabbat the way it's meant to be celebrated! If he can do this during captivity , how much more so should the rest of us who are free be grasping onto and not letting go of whatever connection to Hashem we have.

Monday, March 11

Shalom from the Holy Land:

It’s a very different feeling here.. I’m trying to put my finger on it but it’s somewhat elusive. It’s not somber but it’s not festive. Life continues and it’s only been a few hours since we landed and we’ve been thanked countless of times for visiting.

I guess it’s a people that feel pretty alone… the world doesn’t get it — some even call for ceasefire and yet it’s been 156 days and our hostages are still in captive — and the world goes on… ye, Bilaam of the Bible called it a nation that is alone… we all know it … but as we sat with families in their respective tents in Hostage Square — the mood was strong and once again just knowing that others are thinking about them is an uplifting affair …

[4:58 PM, 3/11/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The table is set waiting for the hostages to come back home and the other half is set up with morsels of food and dirty water — the ill conditions that the hostages no doubt find themselves in….

[4:58 PM, 3/11/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: And yet all that aside, the spirit isn’t broken it’s resilient…

[5:00 PM, 3/11/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: What can we do? In addition to coming to Hostage Square to take it all in— we turn to the great Divine powers in prayer and request. PLEASE!

At the end of it all, we’re on a solidarity mission and we are representing our whole community…. It’s an honor to be doing so..

And not to over do the photos I’ll end with this one video.. no words are necessary. May the Almighty have compassion and bring our hostages home speedily — Amen!

Tuesday, March 12

Boker Tov!!

This reminds me of the famous Ishay Ribo song.

Click to see the original lyrics (Hebrew)

In the end it will all work out, in the end it will all work out

For the best

Yes, we will beat everything, yes, we will beat everything

It's already half-full and Someone will fill the rest

The morning will rise, the sun will shine

The birds, like in the stories, will sing praises

The beauty will be revealed either way

There won't be any more choices, we'll just smile and rejoice

In the end, everything will complete itself, even the pain will disappear

See how everything will come peacefully into place

And the son of Yishay1will arrive, and a new era will appear.

The morning will rise, the sun will shine

The birds, like in the stories, will sing praises

The beauty will be revealed either way

There won't be any more choices, we'll just smile and rejoice

https://lyricstranslate.com

[12:47 AM, 3/12/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The sun continues to rise with dependency and the beauty of the Holy Land continues to be present in the air…

[7:51 AM, 3/12/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: Intense morning.

We had the honor to host Ayelet Shaked for breakfast (you may remember she spoke at the Chabad house in Dec)… she briefed us and shared her thoughts …

Off to Assuta hospital. Recently they were hosted in Westport and received generous support so they were quite thankful… they had 23% of the injured soldiers come through their doors.. it’s the closest hospital to Gaza and many injured soldiers didn’t have the luxury of going to a larger and further hospital.. what was highlighted was how many of the doctors started off as medics in the army. Some of the most skilled surgeons were called back into reserve duty … running a hospital and being ready in the event of a mass casualty event isn’t a small task… the people of Israel wear many hats — the greatest hat they wear is one of bravery!

Off to Zikim. Here it got tougher… terrorists stormed via the sea. Landed on the beach and unfortunately a whole group of young kids were killed… the place is a closed military zone but we were able to get entrance … these photos are but a sampling… we said a prayer and Kaddish — it’ll take time to process..

We did get to see humanitarian aid being parachuted in…

Every inch we drive has a story. Too much to digest and depression is not an option. Am Yisrael is Chai!

I feel compelled to post immediately as the thrilling feeling of Jewish pride and strength bursts forth with unyielding power.

Here’s the background:

On Simchat Torah terrorists stormed the closest army base to Gaza. 70 soldiers were lost.. Dolev who you’ll see in the video fought like a lion. He lost 10 friends but he and a few others thwarted hundred of terrorists.

So why is my heart bursting?

Dolev recounts how one terrorist grabbed hold of a Torah and was taking it with him. The terrorist was shot and the Torah was covered with his blood… Before coming my we were heard the story and Chabad of Westport sponsored a new cover… we danced with the Torah. Think about this. On simchat torah they were fighting for their lives they would have been dancing but for the terrorists who had other plans.. Today, now, we danced with the Torah. The new cover, the enduring spirit, the timeless Torah. The Jewish people.

My eyes are full of tears but it’s not compassion people want here they want positive love and care… that’s what we as a community are here to deliver. Hope this captures part of the emotion that we just felt. THE TORAH IS A TREE OF LIFE!!

INTENSE: define it. I don’t know that I could but I can tell you I felt it…

We just went to Sderot — does the police station ring a bell? I’m sure it does … it’s a town that is only 40% of people are there and it’s 5+ months… the building was razed upon the terrorists … the battle was intense but then we met someone who actually lives right across the street from the station. He showed us live footage that he took during the shootout .. he saw his friend fall and then in middle he abruptly runs across the street it was just too much. Too much. Too much. Yes, it’s too much … and the world has opinions .. but look at the mural — the Torah .. “it’s a tree of life to those who cleave to it”. Life and living!!

And then there’s spiritual resistance. Being Jewish and being proud of it… it’s the rituals that have help us sustain our existence.

Think about it — most of us can’t agree on the most basic thing but when it comes to our essence we are all on the same page … if we connect around our heritage we are as unified as it comes …and the truth is only “byachad nenatzayach “ together we’ll prevail!!!

Our pledge in coming to Israel was NOT to be tourists it was to connect, express our love and just tell the people of Israel how much we / as in the larger Westport community supports them. Us, you, all of us and I think tonight really sent that message in a palpable way .. the dancing I’ll post later but these boys are going into Gaza first thing in the morning and our community sponsored an extensive bbq tonight and danced and hugged them.. G-d bless them. May they go in peace and return speedily in peace and complete health — and score the victory we are all so yearning for!!

Wednesday, March 13

Boker Tov,

Heading back south for a day of volunteering with a stop at the Nova festival sight.:.

We just stopped at a gas station and many soldiers pass through here. There’s a free welcome station for soldiers — sandwiches, drinks, hot food - 24/7 all from private donations.:. We got to pay for some soldiers provisions in the store next door… the soldiers here are all going in to Gaza or just out from Gaza. IDF soldiers are so resolute… real people standing at the forefront of it all — on all of our behalf. It’s incredible to be in their midst..

[3:48 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The road right outside of the Nova festival. This is a stretch of road that those who tried to escape were shot at … burnt cars littered the road.. we now travel this road perpetuating the memory of those who perished here for no reason other than being Jewish. The highest way to go! Kedoshim— holy… we will make their lives perpetuate and we will double down on our identity — it’s the only way.

[9:28 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: There’s an acute lack of foreign workers here in Israel. Volunteering is so important at times like this… without much agricultural experience — I can safely say we did our best…

Kibbutz ein Shlosha took quite a hit. By tremendous fate only a few perished in the kibbutz but the damage to the Kibbutz is extreme. Tomer spoke with passion and it was an honor to be in his presence.

[9:34 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: One an half miles from Khan Younis — it’s there somewhere in the distance .. the IDF has a job to do and they’re doing a fine job — we pray for their safety and pray that residence are allowed back home to rebuild speedily!

[10:40 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The location of the Nova music festival is a difficult one to process. To stand on hallowed ground, a place that so many gave their lives for no reason beyond being Jewish in the Holy Land. In the Holy Land. I repeat it because it’s not foreign that it happens in diaspora — but in our land, the inconceivable happened. It’s difficult to process. But processing is a luxury — sanctifying their lives is best processed by ensuring the perpetuation of their lives which is something we can and must all do..

[10:42 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: Mel ( I don’t know him) waited to put on tefillin. Because at the end of the day — resistance and endurance is ensured when we double down on the timeless and transcendent ….

[10:42 AM, 3/13/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: (Mel on the left from Yardley PA, Eric Ritter on the right from our group)

Thursday, March 14

Boker Tov:

Yesterday I recognized that the WhatsApp group that was created for positive had a lot of heavy stuff … I was too tired to post more as it’s been emotionally draining but the truth is there’s SO much positive in the air here. Today I’ll post them… let’s start with dancing with the soldiers … boy was the exhilarating!

We just left the holiest place on earth - the Kotel .. to visit as a community and to pray together for our community and the entire Am Yisrael is always a special moment.

But a visit to the Kotel always has other experiences … there were a flurry of Bar Mitzvas.. the brother of Agam Goldberg — ilai was being Bar Mitzvahd… the flavor of Jewish life spans a very wide array of emotions …

[9:06 AM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The border police at the Kotel- the authority that maintains quite in the old city hosted us. We showed appreciation by sending platters of sushi for their committed service. We take it for granted but visiting the Kotel wasn’t always possible but the great merit that our generation has shouldn’t be underestimated!

[9:18 AM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: The view from above is quite spectacular.. it’s literally a G-d like view …

But as much as I only want to post the most positive — life is harsh.. we had the honor ( it may be a strange word to use) to go past the home of Gal, the parents are sitting shiva for their son Michael who just fell in battle in Gaza… the message of solidarity is so powerful. All the way from CT to Jerusalem. We are ONE nation. Our hearts beat as one!!

To see the father holding the last photo of his son was heartbreaking. Hopefully, our visit provided some solace if only a drop…

[1:19 PM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: Yerushalaim shel Zahav! The air is pure, the spirit is pulsating and the soul is uplifted. The eternal capital of the Jewish people— YERUSHALAIM!!!

[1:26 PM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: We may be distant in miles but we are inseparable and we want to make sure both Israel feels it as does our community.

One of our highlights was joining in the rebuilding and the beautification project together with the JNF in the community of Halutza.

This is a community right by Gaza that just returned after 5 months in hotels.. can one even imagine what that is like? And the kids, how are they to adjust?

We are proud to have done our bit to brighten and lighten a community that can use all the help possible….

[1:30 PM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: Yedidya says it best!!! We are proud to stand by their side — our community rocks and they know it in Israel too… we have much more to do!!!

[1:31 PM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: To sponsor/ dedicate

Venmo- @chabadofwestport

Or by cc - https://www.jewishwestport.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6127591/jewish/Israel-Emergency-Relief-Fund-Donate-Form.htm

[1:32 PM, 3/14/2024] YEHUDA KANTOR: To be a part of it here’s a link.

THANK YOU to all those who have already been part of it— we are only able to do all of this because YOU have generously supported. Thank you & HELP us help THEM MORE!!

Sunday: March 17

It’s been an intense week.. we’ve boarded … It feels different .. the airport felt different.. and yet, there’s a feeling of strength in the air despite the plethora of challenges that Israel faces…

[5:52 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: Clearly more people need to make an effort to go to Israel. If not now, when?

[5:56 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: The country has changed .. there’s been an avalanche of requests for Tzitzis— the fringes that are found on the corners of a Talit. Even the non religious are asking for this garb — in battle, one wants the security of an added mitzvah surrounding them. .. there’s no atheists in a fox hole? Or perhaps more positively, at time when our identity is challenged — our true self bubbles up to the fore … but someone has to make these Tzitzit.. well, I can’t say our group did all that many pairs but we certainly did our best and had a very educational time!!

[5:58 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: Israel is the homeland both in our lives and if we are fortunate to be interred in the holy land — we will be sure to visit .. that’s what a true Kehilla / congregation/ friendship is about..

[6:02 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: It was heartbreaking to see the fresh grave of Michael Gal — we went past the shiva house to comfort his parents but standing at his resting place, it’s clear there really is no comfort …the loss is profound. However — we showed up.. that’s what shiva is about — nothing said can replace the loss but the showing up speaks louder than anything that can be said…we pledged to make Michael’s sacrifice a worthy one.. we need to ensure that life of Am Yisrael and that Eretz Yisrael is strong!! It’s the only justification for all this loss… here too we continuously heard from bereaved families that their children stood tall and proud and well knew the risks yet their commitment to the perpetuation of our nation was an even stronger reality to them… May their souls be bound in the bond of life !

[6:05 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: We may look humorous — there’s nothing funny about this however … Pantry Packers — a division of Colel Chabad — helping fight poverty and hunger to the needy across Israel. After October 7th virtually everyone was needy and the government turned to Colel Chabad to help address the issue .. this was a fun yet impactful activity.. yes, we will not leave any stone unturned for those who need it!

[6:06 PM, 3/17/2024] YEHUDA LEIB KANTOR: “Jerusalem if I forget you”…..

Next year in Jerusalem!!!

Monday: March 18

Boker Tov,

We are about an hour away from landing. I’m preparing mentally and emotionally for a big day — coming off a week in Israel that was life changing. To be in Israel with community is simply in its own right and elevated experience… but there’s a bitter sweet nature to this all….

The stewardesses on this Elal flight have all been attentive, nice, and cheery too… I know that they all have been severely affected by October 7th yet their demeanor doesn’t show it…

Is it cliche to suggest that when in the air the have a “Birds Eye” perspective? Not only literally but also seeing life continue and having the ability to reflect further away from the conflict, speaking with Diaspora Jews and feeling the love or whatever else comes with that job position— perhaps is the fuel for them to feel more positive. Or perhaps that’s just wishful thinking …

I mighty sound philosophical, I don’t know how not to return from Israel not ruminating and feeling different ….

At the core of it all however, is the healthy existential question of “What is a Jew, what does it mean to be Jewish, how do we view ourselves as Jews”. This is the question.

Asking why do they hate us? How does this conflict end? Is there any hope? Are all permutations of this question but they actually focus on the wrong side of the equation. Because if we can connect with what it means to be a Jew, what our responsibility is, and the great honor, distinction and responsibility of our Divine mission, the rest of the questions will be reframed …

At the end of it all, the best answer to our Jewish existential crises that was born on October 7th is, to be more Jewish. To love more Jewishly, to be more conscious of what has been bequeathed to us from the Matriarchs and Patriarchs throughout thousands of years and neatly placed in our lap — and now we work out how to pass it on with the same vigor, joy and timelessness that we received it!!

Chai — life = Am Yisrael , together for ever!!!!

10 Weddings 1 Nation

Friday, March 8, 2024 - 10:00 AM

Ten brides, ten grooms, ten wedding canopies, ten Rabbis — one hall, one band, ONE nation!

Earlier this week in a novel idea — Chabad of Savyon in Israel hosted 10 weddings at the same time for soldiers who had deferred their weddings due to being called to combat.

In an interview, the Rabbi who spearheaded the project said, we wanted to do something big for the people of Israel and to help win the war. “I know we win the war when we build the house, so tonight we are making ten Jewish weddings and we’ll build ten houses This is the way we’ll win the war”.

In this week’s Torah portion we read of the constructing of the Tabernacle— the house of G-d. The description of the enthusiasm of the people is delightful. Generosity of heart abound, wisdom and tremendous talent stepped forward to get it done. Yet Torah always has relevance to us. It’s a timeless and transcendent wisdom.

The story of construction is microcosmic in each of us. Each person creates an abode for G-dliness. Each family unit creates a Tabernacle right at the address that we live. Our homes, our marriages & our families, create the sanctuary. Our Jewish practices, Jewish ethos, celebrations, Torah and Mitzvas in the home — sanctifying our own personal Tabernacles.

“When we build the house we win the war”. How true in every which way… both in Israel and in diaspora — we are at war and it’s up to each of us to make sure we build the house to ensure Jewish pride, continuity, vibrancy and an Am Yisrael that is CHAI!!

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