Home is where the Heart is
Boom! In an instant, glass was shattered and the peace was broken. The events that transpired this past Patriot's day in Boston were a reminder of the overlooked blessing of normalcy and predictability in our lives.
The Mishnah 5:5 in Pirkeh Avot mentions the miracles that transpired in the Bais Hamikdash. "No women miscarried from the smell of the meat, the meat never spoiled, no flies were found in the slaughter house....etc." Rabbi Oelbaum points out that all the miracles mentioned were things that did not happen. They are all stated in the negative. Sometimes the greatest blessings are the ones that we take for granted, the ones we don't even realize are miracles. The blessing of life carrying on normally.
Israel Independence Day was this week, it has only been 65 years since the miracle of the creation of the state of Israel and its existence is already taken for granted.
Our parshah discusses the service the Kohen Gadol performed on Yom Kipur. The Lubavitcher Rebbe asks an interesting question, how does the ceremony end ? The Mishnah 7:4 in Yoma details the event.
"After bringing the incense offering , the Kohen Gadol undressed and was given his own clothing. He was escorted home, where a festival was prepared for those he held dear, celebrating his peaceful departure from the Temple." The Rebbe points out that the service was complete when the Kohen Gadol safely returned home.
Our hearts and prayers are with the friends and family of Martin Richard (Age 8) and Krystle Campbell (age 29), and all the victims that did not make it home safe on Monday in Boston. We also direct our gratitude to those who laid down their lives in order for Israel to gain its independence. They did not return home so we could enjoy a homeland.
This shabbos when you are with your loved ones, give them a hug tell them you love them, appreciate the small miracle that is the greatest of blessings, our loved ones returning home safely. The blessing of life carrying on as usual.
Boom! In an instant, glass was shattered and the peace was broken. The events that transpired this past Patriot's day in Boston were a reminder of the overlooked blessing of normalcy and predictability in our lives.
The Mishnah 5:5 in Pirkeh Avot mentions the miracles that transpired in the Bais Hamikdash. "No women miscarried from the smell of the meat, the meat never spoiled, no flies were found in the slaughter house....etc." Rabbi Oelbaum points out that all the miracles mentioned were things that did not happen. They are all stated in the negative. Sometimes the greatest blessings are the ones that we take for granted, the ones we don't even realize are miracles. The blessing of life carrying on normally.
Israel Independence Day was this week, it has only been 65 years since the miracle of the creation of the state of Israel and its existence is already taken for granted.
Our parshah discusses the service the Kohen Gadol performed on Yom Kipur. The Lubavitcher Rebbe asks an interesting question, how does the ceremony end ? The Mishnah 7:4 in Yoma details the event.
"After bringing the incense offering , the Kohen Gadol undressed and was given his own clothing. He was escorted home, where a festival was prepared for those he held dear, celebrating his peaceful departure from the Temple." The Rebbe points out that the service was complete when the Kohen Gadol safely returned home.
Our hearts and prayers are with the friends and family of Martin Richard (Age 8) and Krystle Campbell (age 29), and all the victims that did not make it home safe on Monday in Boston. We also direct our gratitude to those who laid down their lives in order for Israel to gain its independence. They did not return home so we could enjoy a homeland.
This shabbos when you are with your loved ones, give them a hug tell them you love them, appreciate the small miracle that is the greatest of blessings, our loved ones returning home safely. The blessing of life carrying on as usual.
