This week we received the sad news of the untimely passing of Rabbi Gordon, the Chabad Rabbi of the Valley. Though I never met him in person, it was clear to me that he was a giant of a man. Under his direction, 26 Chabad centers were established in the San Fernando Valley. Yet his influence went far beyond the Valley. Rabbi Gordon would live-stream his daily Torah classes taught with clarity, humor and down-to-earth sensibility, reaching tens of thousands. He would rise daily at 4am, to prepare his classes. (You can view his classes atwww.JewishPetaluma.com/RabbiGordon).
This week's Torah portion discusses the Mishkan - the temporary and transient sanctuary that traveled with the Jews through the desert. Interestingly the Torah states "They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell in them". Grammatically speaking, the correct wording should have been "and I shall dwell in it". Why "them"?
The message is that each and every one of us is a miniature Holy Temple. Each of us has the ability and the power to make ourselves, our environment and our social circles, that much more of a "dwelling place" for G-dliness. Be it through an online class watched by thousands, a simple Mitzvah (good deed), or conducting our business ethically. We can transform this world into a more positive place.
This week, we entered into the Hebrew month of Adar, (this year - a Jewish leap year - there are two Adars). Adar is a month of happiness, with arguably the happiest Jewish Holiday - Purim.
Save the date - March 24th - for the amazing "Purim in the Wild West" party (see below), as well as Lunch N' Learn - Feb 24 - discussing... Happiness.
Wishing you all a very happy week!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
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