Russian MEETING AND SUPER PICNIC!!!
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Parshat Hashavua
Parashas Re'eh
I. The Need for Extra Motivation
"Behold, I have set before you this day a blessing and a curse." (Devarim
11:26)
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:1) tells us that the blessing and the curse
promised to B'nai Yisrael, if they keep or, God forbid, neglect the Torah,
were to show us what is right and what is wrong. We would think think that
all the laws in the Torah were meant to teach us what to do, and the
blessings and curses were only to motivate us to keep these laws. How do
the blessings and curses given on Mount Gerizim "show us the proper path to
take"?
Were it not for the extra motivation given on Mount Gerizim, we would not
be able to properly define our obligations to Hashem; we would rationalize
ways to free ourselves from the yoke of the mitzvos. Even clear-cut
halachos can easily be swept away by our yetzer hara if we don't remember
that there is a terrible punishment for neglecting the mitzvos – and a
sublime reward for fulfilling them.
Deep within our souls, we all recognize the responsibility to keep the
mitzvos; nevertheless, our yetzer hara can easily drag us off track –
unless we keep in mind the reward and punishment that hinges on our actions.
The fear of punishment – and the faith in ultimate reward – give us
the power to fight our yetzer hara and reveal the truth within us.
The seas of life are often quite stormy and confusing, and we can easily
lose our bearings. At such points in life, if we look inwardly at the
compass of our neshamah, we can determine the proper direction in which to
travel. The yetzer hara is a crafty and cunning foe who will exert himself
heroically to try to confuse us. If we remind ourselves of the infinite
reward and the agonizing punishment that we bring upon ourselves with our
deeds and thoughts, we will cut through the fog and confusion of the yetzer
hara's rationalizations and see the truth with unerring clarity.
Shabbat Shalom
VIDEO: Brother in Arms
This video, set to the song by Dire Straits: "Brothers in Arms", is very moving.
http://www.gamla.org.il/english/news/brothers.htm
Parshat Hashavuah Eikev
The Dvar Torah for Eikev can be found bellow.
Have a good week and Shabbat Shalom to all.
בס''ד
Parashas Eikev
I. Giving Ourselves Credit
And you will say in your heart, "It is my strength and the power of my
hand that did this valorous deed." (Devarim 8:17)
B'nai Yisrael were nearing their destination of Eretz Yisrael; Moshe took
this opportunity to warn them of possible emotions they might experience as
they forge their way into the Promised Land. As Hashem had already
promised, they would undoubtedly conquer the seven mighty and strongly
fortified nations living there, which could give rise to feelings of pride.
The Children of Israel would, perhaps, believe that it was actually their
own strength and military prowess that defeated these enemies. They might
forget that God had long ago promised these events would occur, and only
through His Divine assistance.
How is it possible that this nation that was enlightened by so many
miracles in the desert could make such a mistake? Could they really take
credit for such an obvious miracle? Could they logically explain how a
ragtag group such as themselves, untrained in the ways of war, could
decisively defeat the tremendous military might of the seven nations who
were entrenched and waiting for B'nai Yisrael's arrival? Of course, the
hand of Hashem was the only answer!
We see that our evil inclination could force one to deny even this clear
and obvious answer. Gradually, it seems very feasible to believe that one's
cunning, talent and strength were the factors that brought about victory and
success. It is extremely easy to become enthralled with such a notion. For
this reason, Moshe continues, verse after verse, admonishing against this
dangerous self-aggrandizement. He warns even the faithful and God-fearing
people, telling them it will not be by their merit that they will triumph,
but rather the merit of their forefathers. Furthermore, the evil of the
seven nations is what will subject them to their own defeat. "It is not by
your (B'nai Yisrael's) righteousness…that you have come to inherit the
land," Moshe emphasizes (ibid. 9:4-5, Ramban).
This lengthy and harsh warning is given in order to battle the almost
inevitable reaction of our yetzer hara. Reb Yisroel Salanter, similarly
gave advice to counter feelings of pride and arrogance. When it seems we
have accomplished something wonderful, we must also remind ourselves of our
deficiencies and shortcomings, and not just give ourselves a pat on the
back. Reflecting in this manner will allow the truth to shine forth: It is
only through the ability Hashem has bestowed upon us that we accomplish
anything. Logically, we will understand it is Hashem, not ourselves, who is
the moving force behind our successes. Instread of basking in the thrill of
victory, let us praise and thank Hashem for all He makes possible for us.
Shabbat Shalom
Shalom from Hillel!
Hi,
Your last Hillel listserve message came when the war in Lebanon was still
raging. Thankfully, we are in some kind of ceasefire as of this message.
However, we still await the return of Israel's three hostage soldiers and
the hope of sustained peace between Israel and her neighbors.
As we prepare to return to school, there are two educational opportunities
listed below. One is a reminder about our new class in Modern Hebrew and
the other is the registration announcement for the Maimonides Leaders
Fellowship. Finally, a reminder about the new show of our favorite
beatboxer, Yuri Lane!
We hope you will stop by Hillel on Monday or Tuesday next week to say Hi!
Remember we are on the second floor of Mundelein Center.
TAKE HEBREW FOR CREDIT AT LOYOLA!!
After much effort, including a petition drive launched by Hillel at
Loyola, Modern Hebrew has returned to Loyola as a 3-credit class. Now
that the class is being offered, we want to insure that it remains!
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn Hebrew from our outstanding
Hebrew instructor, Ms. Elana Daniel.
The class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2:15 PM in Damen Hall and can
be found in the course catalogue under HEBREW.
MAIMONIDES LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
This will be the 3rd year that Hillel at Loyola has hosted the Maimonides
Program on our campus. The Maimonides Leaders Fellowship has been a very
important source of the "basics of Jewish thought and practice" for many
of Loyola's Jewish students.
EXPLORE YOUR JEWISH HERITAGE, BECOME A JEWISH LEADER AND EARN
$400!
MAIMONIDES LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
FALL 2006
MONDAYS: BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 18TH, 7.00 - 9.30 P.M. AT LOYOLA
UNIVERSITY. CLASS WILL MEET IN DAMEN HALL.
APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.MFELLOWSHIP.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.JETEAM.COM OR EMAIL RABBI ZEV KAHN AT
ZEVKAHN@JETEAM.COM
This unique Fellowship program was established to enable Jewish
university students despite a full load of classes, to use their free
time to experience, explore, and learn about their Jewish heritage,
helping to shape confident and knowledgeable Jewish leaders of the
future.
GEARED TO STUDENTS WITH LITTLE OR NO ADULT FORMAL JEWISH EDUCATION.
LIMIT 20 PARTICIPANTS.
STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE $400 STIPEND FOR THEIR INVESTMENT OF TIME IN
THIS INTENSIVE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AND TO COMPENSATE FOR NOT TAKING A
PART-TIME JOB.
The Fellowship is open to Jewish students from all Chicagoland
campuses, and will be run on DePaul, Loyola, Northwestern and UIC
campuses. The program will include classes, trips, and meetings with
many Jewish leaders.
The time commitment is two and a half hours of classes every Monday
evening, two Shabbatons and a Sunday trip which includes graduation
upon completion of the course. In addition, students are asked to
submit a one or two page journal (via e-mail) following each class or
trip, covering their reflections and feedback on the program.
A completed application and interview with Rabbi Kahn will be
required for all applicants.
BEATBOXER YURI LANE IN A NEW SHOW!!
Hillel has brought Yuri Lane to Loyola in several different shows - "From
Tel-Aviv to Ramallah" and "Soundtrack City Chicago." He is an amazing
beatboxer!!
"Making of Human Beat Box"
Live Bait Theater
3914 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL
August 18-25
8:25 PM
International musical/theatrical sensation Yuri Lane believes each
person has an internal soundtrack. Through the art of the human
beatbox, the classically-trained Lane morphs into various characters,
generating a distinct soundtrack for each using nothing more than his
own body and limited only by his imagination. A uniquely urban way of
looking at the world!
http://www.livebaittheater.org/tickets_buy_online.html. Please call
773-871-1212 for reservations or go to www.ticketweb.com. Tickets are
$15 General Admission - $10 Students/Seniors.
If you go see Yuri Lane, please go up and introduce yourself as a Loyola
student!
HAVE A GREAT LAST WEEK BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!