Kabbalistic teachings of the Flood of Noach is that it refers to the turbulence of life. Noach did not allow his environment to influence him, he was "a Tzaddik in his generation". In American life today there seems to be a lot of turbulence and turmoil. It is to the point that many are seemingly almost completely unhinged in their staked out positions in areas of politics, pandemic, Jewish or Israel. The posture affects their ability to not only function, but to maintain their most important relationships. Perhaps now, more than ever, we can find some guidance from the common ancestor of all of today's humanity, Noach.
Shlomo Hamelech writes (Shir Hashirim 8:7), "raging waters cannot extinguish the love". In the moving Maamar of the Rebbe from Noach, 5738 (1977) he describes, expands and expounds how the raging waters of life's turbulence can not distract and extinguish the love that the Jewish nation has for Hashem. This is true naturally, for the holy soul each one has. How much more so with one that has meditates and has the knowledge of their own innate goodness tethered to focus and act on what truly matters.
Yesterday, 3 Cheshvan, was the yartzeit of the Holy Ruzhiner. Chanie's father, Rabbi Shlomo Galperin, recounts that his teacher, Rabbi Mottel Kazliner, would often relate his personal account of preserving the holy Kever, the burial site, of this great Tzaddiik and his sons. This was somewhere during the years of 1946-1957 when there was great turbulence of the Soviet threat against all Jewish life and culture. Reb Mottel creatively acme up with a way to secure the holy site in a way that no one should even bother to try to desecrate, dismantle or destroy it. Under great personal risk and danger he acquired a massive amount of cement. Under Soviet rule any purchase or moving of building material had to be explained, especially one of such a large amount. What do you need it for? Where did you get the money from? What is the purpose? Baruch Hashem, he successfully procured the cement and with his own hands built a massive monument that would bezrat Hashem withstand the test of time. The large monument still stands, although in more recent years updated with beautiful finishings, a Shul etc.
Reb Mottel was tethered to the purpose of the Jewish people. He did not allow the environment he was in to define his purpose in life.
Let's learn from rising above the distracting life, as Noach above the flood, Reb Mottel above the Soviets and all of us above 2020.
Good Shabbos!
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Upcoming JLI Course: Secrets of the Bible A lush garden...a snake...forbidden fruit...temptation...the sin of knowledge...shame...mortality...
What is really going on? Revisit six seemingly absurd stories you likely remember from Hebrew school. Uncover their hidden themes and eye-opening insights into the mysteries of life. 6 Tuesdays, Nov 3rd - Dec 8th 2020 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Class will be given in person with appropriate social distancing and by Zoom. As we are in unusual times, this will all depend on the numbers of registering students. For video trailer, more info and to register click here
Throughout the ages, the location of Noah’s Ark has been a subject of fascination, with some even claiming to have found it. more…
Shabbos dinner this week is sponsored in part by Sarah Ann Goldstein, in memory of her brother Shmuel ben Nassan Goldberg, a"h to whose name the Uptown Community Torah is dedicated - Yartzeit 7 Cheshvan.
Shabbos kiddush this week is sponsored by Guitel and Moshe Melnik in memory of her father, Enrique Tzvi ben Mordechai, a"h
Mazel tov Jose & Viviane Cohen on the birth of grandson in Florida!
SHABBOS PARSHAS NOACH
Friday, Cheshvan 4 - October 22
Candle Lighting at 6:24 pm
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 pm
Evening Shema after 7:07 pm
Shabbos, Cheshvan 5 - October 23
Chassidus on the Plaza at 9 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:15 am
Mincha at 6:25 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 7:17 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah
Sunday, Cheshvan 6, October 24
Shacharis at 8:30 am
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass
Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class
Wednesday
8 PM YJP CLASS in person on the Plaza - YOUNG ABRAHAM, movie screening, dinner and conversation
Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha