A few months ago, we were approached by a producer from major reality TV network, TLC, to do a reality TV show on Rabbi Chaim (and perhaps our family) to highlight the subculture of America, Chassidim in Texas, as a comedy. Unbeknownst to me, for a while, they have been following us on social media, YouTube, etc. and found us to be the right fit for them.
Although it could have a major impact on the perception of Chabad, chassidim, Jewish people and religion, making it more accessible etc, and getting the approval and blessings from significant chassidim personalities, after much contemplation and consultation, we decided against it.
Besides for the obvious concerns about editorial rights, we did not want to subject ourselves and our family to be the subject of entertainment. Not that we shirk the public light, we do that every day. But, the shallow world of Hollywood today, especially in reality TV, puts people's private lives out in the open about things that are best kept private.
Hashem tells us in the Torah, "And you shall be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation". The sages compare this to a nation of princes. Of course, princes live a public life, but, private lives belong in the home and not beamed into the world's living rooms.
There is no place on Earth where the priestly nation is more tied to, than the Land of Israel. We have witnessed open miracles in the past 10 days. Not only the miracle of the iron dome, but, the minimal bodily harm that the rockets have had, and the ability to spot and stop potential terrorist infiltration by land, tunnel and sea, is truly Hashem's eyes watching over us, "from the beginning of the year, until the end of the year". As we speak the IDF is making a bold incursion into Gaza. May Hashem protect them, the holy soldiers of the IDF, and the entire people of Israel, from all harm.
Engage and speak up for the right for Israel to defend itself to your friends, associates and on social media. Contact your congressman and telling him how much you appreciate the congress support of Israel and helping fund Iron Dome.
But, today is my (Rabbi Chaim's) Jewish birthday, and I urgently appeal for your help. The appeal for your help is to realize that we need to use not only the hand of the military alone, but, the voice of Jacob - the Priestly & Princely house of Israel. We should raise our voices in prayer of Tehillim, and add in the performance of mitzvos. Specifically to perform, enhance or promote the mitzvos that protect the land of Israel: Tefillin, Mezuzah and a letter in the Torah.
I spoke today to my good friend and yeshivah study partner for many years, Rabbi Moshe Gourarie of Chabad of Toms River, NJ. He happened to be in Israel (for the first time) this week and he used his personal trip to Israel to visit and make a difference to victims and IDF soldiers with the Chabad’s Terror Victims Project. He told me first hand how much the soldiers appreciate the Tefillin, fully aware on what it offers for their protection. So, if the soldiers of the IDF would be joining me in writing this appeal, I am pretty sure that they would ask you to do the same.
Do it for my birthday. Do it for the soldiers. Do it now.
Mazal tov to Ilan & Julliette Melnik and the entire Melnik family on the birth of a baby boy!
Thank you to young professionals community of Chabad of Uptown for your generous donation in honor of Rabbi Chaim's birthday
Shabbos Parshas Matos
Friday, July 18
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:05 pm
Shabbos, July 19
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Ch. 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:02 pm
Living Torah
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie