Rabbi Guzik - A Bisl Torah

As Pharaoh’s heart hardens, God continues to prove God’s existence and subsequently, God’s strength. Plagues are unleashed and God’s signs ultimately convince Pharaoh to let the Hebrew slaves leave Egypt.

The Torah reveals an uplifting message from God: God will redeem the Hebrew slaves from their misery! But as Moses relays the miraculous news, the Hebrew slaves essentially ignore his announcement. The news for which they awaited fell on deaf ears.

I have a feeling that Angelenos have met more tzadikim, more righteous people, this week than perhaps ever before. Maimonides, the great Jewish philosopher, teaches that any human being can strive to be as righteous as Moses. We have within each one of us the capacity to be wise, merciful, and generous. It isn’t a matter of finding the righteous. It is a matter of choosing to be righteous.

Ribono shel Olam, Master of the Universe, protect those that are impacted by the devastating Southern California fires. Guide them towards shelter and safety. As family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Angelenos experience physical and emotional loss, may we turn towards each other with open homes and open hearts.

When God creates human beings, God describes the act as, “Very good.”

Each night of Hannukah, we ritually place the lit Hannukiah in the window, one that opens to the outside world. The rabbis of the Talmud called this, “pirsumei nisa.” We are meant to publicize the miracle of Hannukah, a spiritual and military victory in which the Jews rededicated a defiled and desecrated Temple in the land of Israel and reaffirmed their faith in God.

Sinai Temple recently hosted Montana Tucker, acclaimed singer, songwriter, dancer, and proud Israel activist. The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Montana has been using her large social media platform (14 million followers) to share their story and combat antisemitism in ways that are impactful and accessible.

We can name many things of which we are worried or scared.

When our patriarch Jacob leaves Beersheba towards Haran, we are told he comes to a “place.” Various commentators explain that this was certainly a place of God. After Jacob dreams about a ladder upon which angels ascend and descend, he remarks, “Surely God is present in this place, and I did not know it!”

This time of year, it is common to give thanks. Gratitude for the people in our lives and the blessings we receive.