Rabbi Guzik - A Bisl Torah

Disneyland is known as the happiest place on earth. And I’m starting to understand why. Happiness is a fleeting, temporary emotion. Imagine the rapid high experienced during a rollercoaster ride. The thrilling turns, an exhilaration felt as a fear is conquered. Yet, the ride ends almost as soon as it begins. There’s an immediate need to either go on the ride again or try out a new one. The happiness comes and the happiness goes.

An article recently came out regarding the research of “hope molecules.” Myokines are chemicals secreted when muscles contract. Myokines are known for their positive effects: Anti-aging qualities, improvement of negative mood, and overall increased mental and physical health. The research shows that exercise is a great source for these molecules of hope.

Throughout the year, different communities put on a “challah bake.” Hundreds of women come together to learn about this ancient Jewish ritual, connecting with our past and connecting with each other. This Thursday, Sinai Temple’s Sisterhood hosted our own evening of learning, baking, bonding, transforming, and growing.

This week, our community is mourning the loss of Jonah Anschell. In his eighteen years of life, Jonah was known for unabashedly being himself. Brilliant, witty, a first responder, someone who both commanded and deserved respect. As we shared stories about this beautiful boy, each person was in awe of his ability to walk through this world with integrity and heart.

It is the season of memory. We’ve recently emerged from the holiday of Pesach, remembering the exodus from Egypt. Soon after we mark Yom Hashoah, commemorating the millions of Jews that perished under Nazi rule.

This week, we are mourning the passing of our dear rabbi, colleague, and friend, Rabbi Zvi Dershowitz. For fifty years, he served Sinai Temple. The overarching theme of those that shared at his funeral and shiva was that Rabbi Dershowitz was consistently part of our stories.

There is a tree that sits outside our kitchen window. Lacking leaves or any signs of life, I assumed the tree was dead. About six months ago, I considered speaking with our gardeners about uprooting the tree, unsure of its viability and whether the presence of the tree was doing more harm than good. However, I held back from making the verdict. Squirrels and birds would run up its branches and I figured, “Oh well…I’ll leave that decision to another day.”

Like many others around the world, this past Sunday, I watched the Oscars. And while there were many inspiring moments, Michelle Yeoh’s acceptance speech was one of the most moving. Her words continue to reverberate, “And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you, you are ever past your prime. Never give up.” A stark reminder to all of us: no matter our age or stage in life, we always have more to offer, more to create. And perhaps, some of our greatest work is yet to come.

Purim is named after the word “pur,” translated as lots or lottery. Haman thought it was great luck that the Jews were to be killed during the month of Adar, the month in which Moses died. Clearly a sign in Haman’s eyes that the Jews would be destroyed. But as the Talmud seems to indicate, good luck is in the eye of the beholder. The 7th of Adar is also Moses’ birthdate, a great sign of joy for the Jewish people. As Haman is sure his path is filled with success and riches, the question remains: how much of life is really in our control?

In just a few days, we will be celebrating one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, Purim. We wear costumes, eat hamantaschen, and dance with frivolity. And yet, the holiday is one woven with a serious story. Queen Esther is chosen to save the Jewish people from impending doom. She and Mordecai are unsure of the King’s approach. Will he take sides with the evil Haman or will Esther’s courage nudge the King to tip the scales towards a righteous victory?