Rabbi's Blog

Dear OZ family,

By now in Sefer Devarim it is becoming clear that the book’s main agenda is to prepare the nation of Israel for crossing the Yarden into the Promised Land. The commandments that are repeated, and the new commandments all point in the direction of a new generation starting a new chapter of destiny in a new land. Every detail is meant to invigorate an investment in the future of the nation of Israel in the land of Israel, to assure its success and independence even as it is surrounded by enemies. God’s protective guardianship would serve as a firewall against the nefarious intent of hostile neighbors, and we are exhorted to not repeat the mistakes we made in the desert. We were reminded again and again to look to the future, to have the right answers for inquisitive children, to remind our progeny as well as their progeny to remember the day we stood before God to hear His calling.

It is amazing that here we are, more than 3,000 years later keeping this calling alive, while scrupulously following the Mitzvot through the millennia. The study of Torah is profoundly vibrant, and Jews are more free to follow the Torah than we have been through most of our history since the scattering of the 10 tribes 2,700 years ago. If you would ask Jews living under Crusader and Islamic oppression in medieval Europe, 10 ways they think their lives will change if Moshiach would arrive, chances are that we enjoy 7 or 8 of them today. We have the ability to invest optimistically in our future. I have written so many Aliya letters since Covid, it is a comfort to know that even in such times the open arms of a vibrant homeland is always welcoming. Please join me in wishing safe travels and hatzlacha to Jane & Richard Stanger, and Yossi & Bonnie Ginsberg who are making Aliya in the coming weeks. May their investment in the future be successful and joyful.

Please join me also in wishing Mazel Tov to Michele & Joel Comet, dear members who made Aliya long ago, who just became great grandparents of a baby girl. Mazel Tov to grandparents, Jodi & Aaron Warum. Jodi was our Youth Sirector over 25 years ago and we wish them much Mazel and good health.

Be well.   Be healthy.  Be excellent.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Congregation Ohab Zedek

118 West 95^th Street | New York, NY  10025-6604

Phone 212.749-5150, ext 200 | Fax 212.663-3635

E-mail ras@ozny.org

Website:  www.ozny.org