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Count, Recount, and Make Each Day Count

Fri, 1 May 2026 10:42:00 AM

A man of Polish extraction calls his lawyer and says, “I think my wife is planning to kill me.” The lawyer replies, “What gave you that idea.” The man explains, “I caught a glimpse of her shopping list and one of the items was Polish Remover.”

The English language can be quite complicated because of all the homographs (Polish vs. polish), homonyms (rose vs. rose), and homophones (cell vs. sell). This due in large part to the fact that English evolved from multiple languages. Abbot and Costello had a field day with this.

Hebrew (more specifically – the Holy Tongue), on the other hand, has another issue, in which words can have multiple layers of meaning. This can be traced to the concept of root letters. Take for example the word Sefirah. There are many connotations to the word. It is a Kabbalistic concept – one of the Sefirahs (Sefirot) – Divine and human attributes, specifically related to character. It is a period on the Jewish calendar (Sefirat Haomer). It means a numeric count (related to the verb of counting numbers). When we drill down to the root letters (Samech, Fei, and Reish) we can find a relation to Sipur, to relate or recount a story. Finally, we can also draw a connection to Sapir, a luminous shining gem, Saphire.

According to Chassidus, when there are multiple applications of meaning to a word or concept in Torah, there must also be a connection between them. So, let’s explore this further.

We are now in the time of counting the omer (Sefirah). This 49-day period began on the second night of Passover and ends on the day before Shavuot. During these 49 days we count each day in anticipation of receiving the Torah on day 50. Each of these days is also associated with a particular Sefirah (attribute of character) that we are meant to refine in preparation for receiving the Torah. Human character is comprised of seven dimensions. Each of the seven has seven shades, by way of integration with the others, so, 7 x 7 equals 49. As we go through the process of refinement of our 49 shades of character (Sefirah), we count each day and make each day count (Sefirah); we thereby rewrite our own life’s story and recount it anew (Sipur), and our life and character become as shiny and luminous as a Saphire (Sapir).

May we all experience a successful journey of counting, recounting, and making each day count with shining luminescence.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Access Your Open-Source Treasure

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 3:12:00 PM

One afternoon this week I was doing homework with my son, Levik, who is in first grade. They recently celebrated their Siddur party and have just begun learning Chumash. For more on that - www.chabadneworleans.com/templates/blog/post.asp?aid=1203266&PostID=142079&p=1.

Levik was reading the passage that describes the second day of creation. Each verse was prefaced by the chapter and verse number, “Bereishit, Chapter 1 verse 6.” First, he read it in Hebrew and then he translated it into English. “And G-d said, "Let there be an expanse (sky) in the midst of the water, and let it be a separation between water and water." Then he tells me that his teacher, Morah Nechama Kaufmann, (who taught nearly all my siblings and children and is now starting with my grandchildren) explained that they can use the word “sky” instead of “expanse” so that they understand it better. I watched him diligently read each verse with intense devotion.

As I was listening to him read, I realized that this is the 12^th time that I am doing this homework with one of my children. It got me reflecting on how they start off with Genesis, Chapter 1 and, when they stick with the program, they develop into knowledgeable Jews who can hold their own in a discussion about Jewish law, history, Talmud, mysticism, and philosophy. I thought about my other children at their various stages and their growth in Jewish scholarship. This filled me with much joy and gratitude to Hashem for the blessings He bestowed on Malkie and me and the “nachas” we derive from our family.

The first words of Torah we teach our children is “The Torah that Moshe commanded us, is the heritage of the congregation of Yaakov.” This means that the Torah that Levik and the other children are learning belongs to each and every member of the Jewish people. It is no more mine than it is yours. Your children have as much right to it as mine do. We and our children are in possession of the greatest treasure. Don’t let it stay locked in the vault of unawareness. Access your treasure. Give your children access. We have open-source wealth of the greatest magnitude. You don’t need a password. You don’t need to pay membership fees. You just need to be aware of your heritage as one of Yaakov’s descendants; one of Moshe’s disciples.

Tap into it. Make sure your children benefit from this treasure. Better yet, explore it together with them. It will be the most powerful shared experience you and your child will have together. Start from the “beginning” and work your way through. Don’t let your inheritance go to waste.

Join us for a new course series starting this coming week entitled “For All Humankind” - Your Judaism holds a message the world wants to hear. It’s time to unlock it. For more information: www.chabadneworleans.com/jli.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Can Non-Jews Go To Heaven?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 3:06:00 PM

Many years ago, I was invited to give a presentation to a church group in New Orleans about Chanukah. After the presentation, I was asked by the pastor if I would be comfortable taking some questions from the group, which, of course, I was. During the Q& A session, the discussion came up about what Jews believe about “heaven” and the “world-to-come.” The audience was shocked when I told them that Judaism did NOT require one to be Jewish to have a place in what they would refer to as, “the Kingdom of Heaven.” I assume that this was different than what they were taught about their own faith and access to “heaven.”

What are the mechanics of this Jewish tenet? How indeed does a non-Jew gain potential entry to the “Jewish world-to-come?”

The Rambam teaches (based on the Sages of the Talmud) that there are seven universal principles called “the Mitzvot of Bnei Noach” (Noahide Commandments). He concludes that “Any person who accepts upon himself the fulfillment of these seven mitzvot and is precise in their observance is considered one of “the pious among the gentiles” and will merit a share in the world to come.”

What are these principles and how can they be implemented in contemporary 21^st century living? What role must a Jew play in facilitating the fulfillment of these Mitzvot by the rest of humanity? The answer to these questions will be the focus of the upcoming course “For All Humankind” that is being offered by Chabad beginning at the end of April. We will talk about how Abraham introduced monotheism and a set of universal beliefs to humanity and how those principles shape the way we live in modern times. We learn about the importance of importing values to our children. We learn about the kind of world we can build if all of humanity lives by this formula for divine living.

As lagniappe, this course comes with CLE credits for attorneys. The course will be offered at lunchtime downtown at the offices of Egenberg Trial Lawyers (starting Tuesday, April 28) and in the evenings at Chabad uptown (Wednesday, April 29). For more info: www.chabadneworleans.com/JLI.

Chabad Metairie will also be offering the course – www.jewishlouisiana.com/JLI.

This course will be of great value and interest to all, regardless of religious background or knowledge level. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn.

I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

When You're In Love...

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:15:00 PM

When you’re in love, all kinds of things can happen. One of them is the capacity to minimize the faults of your beloved, even to an extreme. We see evidence of this in our Parsha.

The Torah addresses various types of sin offerings. One is the offering of the High Priest who inadvertently transgressed. The Torah goes into detail to describe the mechanics of the offering. The next scenario is when the nation sins, an inadvertent transgression due to an erroneous ruling by the Sanhedrin. Potentially, this could even be a transgression related to idolatry. When addressing the mechanics of the offering, the Torah declines to offer as many details as in the previous scenario.

Rashi explains, “And why are they not stated here explicitly? It was taught in the School of Rabbi Yishmael: About this may be given a parable of a king who was angry with his favorite subject but spoke only briefly of his offense because of the affection he had for him.”

When it comes to the Jewish people, Hashem’s love for them is so powerful that He actively reduces the discussion of their flaws to protect their dignity.

What does this tell is about how we should live? Humans are often critical of one another. Sometimes, those closest to us are the greatest targets of our criticism. Hashem demonstrates to us that love is meant to diminish our negative perspectives of each other.

We are one people, all beneficiaries of Hashem’s powerful love. As we interact with one another, let us remember that if the Hashem is willing to reduce the discussion of the flaws of the Jewish nation, even when they inadvertently offended Him in the worst way, how much more so should we value and love each other.

A united and loving Jewish nation is unassailable. Together we are strong. Last Shabbat our family had the honor and pleasure of hosting Assaf and Ido, two IDF officers who are traveling after completing five years of grueling service in defense of Jewish life. One of the things that moved them, almost to tears, was hearing how much the children (and adults) in our community prayed for them and lovingly supported them as they defended us.

They are on a healing trip around the world to help them recover from the emotional toll that their time in Gaza took on them. Feeling the love while sitting at our Shabbat table and visiting the children at Slater Torah Academy a few days later, really jumpstarted their healing process.

“Hinei ma tov u’ma na’im shevet achim gam yachad. – How good and pleasant it is for brothers to sit together.”

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

PS The sale of chametz can be done in person at Shul over the next few days, or online at www.chabadneworleans.com/chametz.

Their Very Own Prayerbook

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:18:00 AM

Another week has gone by. Another attack against a Jewish institution, this time a Synagogue/school in Michigan. Another water-main break in New Orleans, (you think we should be under a default permanent boil water advisory?). There were also some nice things in the community, a bris, a Bar Mitzvah, Limmud-NOLA.

One of my highlights this week was attending a Siddur party for my first grader. Following much time invested in learning how to read Hebrew, the first graders of Slater Torah Academy are ready to start praying from their own Siddurs. A beautiful ceremony included the parents inscribing a message to their child and decorating the cover of each Siddur. The children, wearing crowns that proclaimed “my prayer” in Hebrew, sang several songs from the prayers. Then each of them was presented with their own Siddur. Refreshments, including a “siddur cake” were then served.

It was very special to see ten children from diverse family backgrounds so enthusiastic about prayer. Each child feels the culmination of their years’ long quest for Hebrew reading achievement and a love for connecting to Hashem through prayer. This is a foundation for Jewish life that will make a big difference going forward for those children, wherever life takes them. I was speaking to one of the other fathers and he shared with me how proud he is of his child, who, on his own, says Modeh Ani and washes his hands (Netilat Yadaim) every day.

I am grateful to all the staff and administration of Slater Torah Academy for enabling our children to thrive Jewishly. Everyone who is involved in establishing and supporting this important institution in our community should be proud of the work they have done. Our greater New Orleans Jewish community needs to become more aware of the valuable and critical role Slater Torah Academy serves in ensuring a Jewish future for our community.

May we as a community derive much “nachas” from these children. If “it takes a village to raise a child,” then everyone in the “village” can rejoice in the accomplishments of the children. The most powerful weapon against antisemitism is raising proud and thriving Jews.

Over the next two weeks, Chabad of Louisiana will be distributing 1,100 boxes of Shmura Matzah in New Orleans and the Northshore. Together with our colleagues in Metairie and Baton Rouge, close to 2,000 boxes of Shmura Matzah will be distributed throughout the state of Louisiana. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver, please let us know. Even an hour or two of volunteer time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to our sponsors, Vivian and Richard Cahn, Steve Rittvo (in memory of Lee Rittvo), and Bradley Egenberg.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Parallel Purim Universes

Fri, 6 Mar 2026 1:06:00 PM

This has been a sensational week. Purim was amazing. Over 1,000 Jews in the New Orleans metro area participated in a Chabad Megillah reading. Hundreds attended the various Purim events that were held throughout the holiday. We were able to reach not only the masses, but also the individuals who sometimes fall between the cracks. Jews who are hospitalized. Jews living in senior homes. Folks who cannot make it to Shul for whatever reason.

In a parallel universe, the attacks against the Iranian regime and their counter attacks occurred in fascinating juxtaposition to Purim. Israelis are again in and out of shelters, as the Iranian regime attempts a last gasp at survival.

(In an alternative universe, the antisemitic conspiracy theorists are outdoing themselves in what has become a theater of the absurd. IYKYK.)

The Purim story also has two parallel plots running through it.

There is the story that starts off about the Jewish struggle with their own identity and ends with the ultimate embrace of their true selves.

Then there is the story of the Jew-haters (Haman and his ilk) and their failed attempt to destroy the Jews, which boomeranged back at them. In the words of Haman’s wife Zeresh, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely fall before him!”

Mordechai and Esther were bouncing back and forth between the two parallels, but their main focus was the first story. They recognized that the parallel plot was simply a subplot to drive the main story. First the Jews humiliated themselves with their excitement at finally being “accepted” by a society that sought their disgrace. Then, with the encouragement of Mordechai and Esther, they reconnected with their core identity and relationship with Hashem.

Along the way, at first, Haman was allowed the illusion of free reign against the Jews, only to be tripped up by his own machinations once the Jews reconnected with Hashem. He was hung on the very gallows that he prepared for Mordechai. The crazy detail in the story is, that despite witnessing what happened to their leader Haman, 75,800 dolts remained committed to his plot to destroy the Jews and lost their lives in the process. (Imagine the modern headlines of this story, “Disproportionate response as the Jews kill 75,800 innocent civilians (who attacked them…).”)

The similarity to today is uncanny. Jews are reconnecting with their identity. Antisemites are barking and threatening. Crazy conspiracy theorists are spinning increasingly disturbing tales. In the end “Haman and his ten sons are swinging on the gallows,” and the Jews, supported by their allies, will be victorious, with the help of Hashem.

As we say after the Megillah reading, “The rose of Jacob thrilled with joy and exulted... You have always been their salvation, their hope in every generation, to make known that all who place hope in You shall not be put to shame, nor shall all those who trust in You be disgraced forever.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

The Most Serious Holiday of the Year

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:18:00 PM

What is the most serious holiday on the Jewish calendar? Most would assume that the answer is Yom Kippur. After all, it is the day of atonement. Yet, our sages point out that the day’s biblical name, Yom HaKippurim, can be read as K’ Purim. In Hebrew the prefix “Kaf” is used to mean “like.” So, Yom HaK’Purim means a day that is like Purim but not quite on the level. How can Purim possibly be more significant than Yom Kippur?

To understand this, we must appreciate what the real story of Purim is. The Jewish people were exiled from Israel. Assimilation was becoming a serious issue. The strong desire to be accepted by the gentile society (Babylonian and then Persian) was quite compelling, overtaking even a basic sense of self-dignity. (See https://www.chabadneworleans.com/templates/blog/post.asp?aid=1203266&PostID=52861&p=1 for more on this idea.) Their Jewish identity was slipping beyond their grasp due to their ill-advised choices from within and the societal pressures from without.

Haman’s decree was a wake-up call. It simply reminded them that no matter how many country-clubs they belonged to or how many political donations they made, they were still viewed as different. This recognition awakened within the Jewish people a visceral association with their Jewish identity, shaping their response to the looming threat of genocide against them.

Of course they activated their lobbying machines. Certainly they engaged in dialogue and sought allyship. But only after they took care of the underlying issue, the disconnect from their core identity as Jews. Esther instructed Mordechai, “go and gather all of the Jews” so that they would fast and pray and reconnect to Hashem. He also gathered thousands of children and taught them what it means to be a Jew who is proud and connected to Hashem.

The result was a salvation that spawned the joyous holiday of Purim. But don’t let the merriment fool you. Purim is the most serious holiday on the Jewish calendar. In a post-October 7 world, the message of Purim resonates even greater with us.

This Purim let us celebrate in joyous seriousness. Let us embrace our core identity as Jews, not allowing external distractions to pull us away from who we are.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Timeless Torah and Futuristic Judaism

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:16:00 AM

One of the greatest misconceptions about Torah and Jewish law is that it is old-fashioned, applying only to the time in which it was given, or at least only up until the era of enlightenment.

The bearers of these misconceptions look at Torah through the prism of their limited perspectives, often restricted by ignorance of the richness and depth of Torah wisdom. They see Halacha as relevant in the ancient land of Israel, or maybe even the Shtetl. But what does a system like this do for us in the 21^st century? How can Halacha, which was formed before the industrial revolution, inform life that is permeated by the changes that machines have brought to our lives? How can a body of law that was codified before the development of modern medicine and information technology have anything to say about a life that is defined by those advancements?

Yet the Torah is called Torat Chaim, a living Torah. A Torah of life, or a living Torah is one that informs and shapes life under any and all circumstances. Last I checked, there is no expiration date stamped on the side of a Torah scroll, a Talmud, or the code of Jewish law. In fact, by mining the depths of Halacha and the method of applying Halachic principles throughout the ages, we can find amazing insight into 21^st century issues.

This coming Wednesday evening at 7 pm, I will be leading a discussion on Futuristic Halacha. Questions like how time bound Halacha can be observed during space travel. How does mitochondrial DNA replacement affect the status of a fetus? Is lab-grown meat Kosher? Can AI replace Rabbis to answer Halachic questions? Learn more and register at www.chabadneworleans.com/future.

Why should we want to be governed by an old-fashioned system even if we can find some relevant applications to our modern lives? Why can’t we just move on and embrace current systems?

Remaining faithful to Torah and Halacha anchors us to something greater than anything that a human being can come up with on their own. It connects us to Hashem. It connects us to Absolute Truth. It connects us to the Source of Life. True, this connection requires humility, a willingness to submit to a greater power. But that submission, that humility, is more empowering and liberating than anything that a human being can offer.

How can we feel connected to something that was given to us over 3300 years ago? Remember the words of the Shema, “And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart.” On this our sages comment, “’Today,’ teaches us that each day the words of Torah shall be for you as brand new.” Each day the Torah is fresh and relevant. Each day the Torah has an insight for us that is needed just for that day and time.

Embrace the timeless connection that is both ancient and current all at once.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

What is a Jewish Identity?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:31:00 AM

The Jewish world is engaged in a healthy conversation about dealing with antisemitism. This discussion got particularly animated this week surrounding the Robert Kraft sponsored Superbowl ad targeting antisemitism. On one side you have the American Jewish establishment (ADL, JFNA, and others) and those that argue that antisemitism must be identified, tracked, confronted, and mitigated through legislation, information, and communication.

On the other side you have those that are calling for an internal strengthening of Jewish identity as a way of inoculating ourselves against antisemitism and demonstrating to others that we are strong and proud in our Jewishness. NY Times columnist, Bret Stephens gave a highly publicized talk touting this approach recently at the “92 St. Y” in NY.

Much of the debate surrounds the question of who we are trying to influence; non-Jewish friends or foes, or Jews who may be cowering due to antisemitism. Of course, both target audiences are important and both goals are necessary. It is a question of emphasis.

This past Shabbat, Chabad at Tulane hosted Shabbat 1000. Its brand is ironically outdated because this year there were nearly 2,000 participants. That constitutes more than 50% of the total Jewish population at Tulane University. 2,000 college students declaring the Shema. 2,000 college students singing Oseh Shalom, Am Yisrael Chai, and Shalom Aleichem. Hundreds of boys laying Tefillin and hundreds of girls lighting candles before Shabbat. 2,000 Tulane students celebrating Shabbat together, leaving with their Jewish identity strengthened and empowered.

Malkie told me that she heard from a mother of a student that her daughter and friends came to their residence after the event and could not stop talking about how empowered and uplifted they were.

What is a Jewish identity? What is a Jew? What message do we convey to empower our youth and our elders to feel proud of their Jewishness?

Let us look at the name of our people, “Yisrael.” Our sages tell us that Yisrael is a scrambling of the letters that spell “Li Rosh.” “Li Rosh,” spoken in the voice of Hashem, means that the people of Israel are “for me like a head.” Hashem values the Jewish people as one would value their own head.

Now one might think that to be deserving of that valuation, one must conduct oneself in a particular manner, following the Torah and the ways of Hashem. Yet, the Talmud declares in no uncertain terms, “Yisrael (a Jew), though he may sin, he is still Yisrael.” This means that by our very existence as Jews, we are regarded by Hashem to be as valuable as one’s head.

When a Jew, young or old, lives with the awareness of how special he or she is to Hashem, and projects that awareness onto their very identity, that is a proud Jew. A proud Jew is less likely to be cowered by antisemitism. And let me tell you a secret, in the long run, a proud Jew is less likely to experience antisemitism. (I know that antisemites are not a “one size fits all.” But in many instances, this is so.)

So, “Just Jew It,” proudly and joyfully. Know what your identity is. Know how much Hashem values you for being you. Now take that joy and shine it upon the world by living Jewishly.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

The Truth is Right in Front of You

Fri, 6 Feb 2026 11:32:00 AM

Little children have this idea that if they cover their eyes, since they can’t see, nobody can see them either. That is ok for children. But when adults act this way, we have a problem. Trying to ignore the obvious is not a sign of virtue or maturity.

The story is related about a meeting between the fifth Chabad Rebbe and a thought leader of the “progressive Jews” in Russia. After the meeting they asked the Rebbe what his view was of the other fellow. He replied, “He is so insistent on not believing, that had he been present at the splitting of the sea, he would have persistently tried to attribute the miracle to natural causes.”

This Shabbat we read about the Revelation at Sinai. Hashem made Himself known to us. He demonstrated that “the L-rd is our G-d, there is no other beside Him.” From that point on the Jewish people are a believing people. We saw G-dly revelation. We perceived G-d communicating to Moses. We saw the miracles, the sights, the sounds, and we experienced Divinity. Since then, the default state of the Jewish people is to believe in Hashem.

For a Jew to claim disbelief, is like the child who covers their eyes and thinks nobody can see them. There are so many experiences in life that point to the existence of G-d that one must take great pains to ignore the obvious. Yet, so many, otherwise, smart people hide behind the cloak of agnosticism. Like the child who hides behind their fingers…

The Torah is a living Torah. Each year as we read it, we are meant to live with it and internalize the messages contained therein. This Shabbat, as we read about the Giving of the Toran, let us proudly embrace our truth, a truth that everyone else in the world knows about us, that “the L-rd is our G-d, there is no other beside Him.” If we already acknowledging that, we might as well embrace the responsibility that comes with that knowledge, living a life that is illuminated by the light of Torah and sharing that light with the whole world.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Reclaiming Sanity Through Torah

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 2:52:00 PM

The following is not intended to be seen as political commentary. I am simply observing what is going on around us.

There are many good things about the times we live in, and then there are the challenges. The last hostage (body) has returned home. But why were there hostages to begin with? There are unbelievable medical advancements being made. But why has there been an increase in certain illnesses? We take a step forward in advancing the rights of human beings. But then we seem to take some steps back… Some of the greatest enemies of the Jewish people have been eliminated. But our people are still being attacked, often in unanticipated ways and places.

No matter what your position is on the underlying political issues, it is tragic that people are being killed on the streets of the USA in clashes with the government. For that matter, it is tragic that people are being killed while protesting in Iran, and even Israel.

How do we know what we need to do to navigate this Meshuga world? How do we maintain our sanity and morality with everything swirling around us?

For Jews the answer has always been found in the Torah. G-d gave us the user’s manual for life lived in the world He created for us. The Zohar declares, “G-d looked into the Torah and created the world, the Jewish people look into the Torah and sustain the world.” But the Torah is vast, endless in fact. Where do we begin and what gives us a good “bang for our buck” in terms of time invested?

42 years ago, the Rebbe launched a campaign encouraging people to join a cycle of Rambam study. The Rambam’s Mishna Torah covers all of Jewish law. His Book of Mitzvot, covers the basics of how a Jew should act in their daily life. The Rambam study cycle can be embraced in three ways. A "3 chapter a day" track, in which the entire 14 volume work is completed in a year. A "1 chapter a day" track, which takes three years to complete. A book of Mitzvot track that runs alongside the "3 chapter a day" track and is completed each year. When one completes any of these tracks, one has amassed significant knowledge about how G-d wants us to live in the world He created for us.

A new cycle is beginning next week. I encourage you to explore the possibility of joining one of the three tracks to start becoming informed on what our user’s manual for healthy living has to teach us. For more information on the tracks as well as a host of study aids, www.chabadneworleans.com/rambam. See below for information on a celebration to mark the completion of the current cycle of all three tracks next week.

Shabbat Shalom and stay warm!
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Acing the Futures Market

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:06:00 AM

In our Shul there is a tradition that the young boys lead the congregation in singing “Ein K’Elokeinu” at the end of Shabbat morning services. Lately the group of boys participating has been growing. This past Shabbat there was a large group of boys ages 3-12, and the singing was particularly robust. The next morning, Lou Furman shared with me that he found the passage that we read following Ein K’Elokeinu very poignant this week, on the heels of the vigorous singing by the boys.

That passage (citing the Talmud) reads, “Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Chanina: Torah scholars increase peace in the world, for it is said: And all your children shall be learners (of the Torah) of the L-rd, and great will be the peace of Ba’na’ich – your children. Do not read Ba’na’ich, but rather Bo’na’ich – your builders.”

The message is that the children who study Torah, who are raised in the traditions of Yiddishkeit, are the builders of G-d’s universe, ensuring a Jewish future.

It is interesting to note that our enemies were intuitively aware of this. They declared, “If there are no kids, there will be no goats.” They knew that the way to undermine the Jewish people was to deter the education of Jewish children. Pharaoh knew it. Antiochus knew it. Torquemada knew it. Stalin knew it.

We would do well to take a page from our enemies’ playbook and be laser-focused on the Jewish education of children. A child who is imbued with pride and passion in being Jewish, will be a proud and active member of the Jewish community when they grow up. This is how we create a Jewish future.

This past week, the Sydney Opera House was host to a memorial event for those who were massacred at the Chanukah event on Bondi Beach. One of the wounded survivors, Leibel Lazaroff, was released from the hospital that day. He and two friends sang a moving song entitled Habet. The lyrics are taken from Tachanun, where we ask G-d to see how despite the scorn and assault we suffer by the hands of our enemies, we have not forgotten Your name. Please don’t forget us. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/iuwf3jsDcuw.

On a different note, we launched our new JLI course this week, Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa. The first class was phenomenal. In the words of one of the participants, “Lesson 1 was super interesting.” It is not too late to jump on board and sign up for the course at www.chabadneworleans.com/jli. CLE credits for legal professionals.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Antisemitism - A Multi-Pronged Approach

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 1:31:00 PM

Another week. Another attack against Jews. This time it was close to home, a Synagogue was torched in Jackson, MS. While the response from the general and Jewish community has been fantastic, thank G-d, we would be much happier if it was not needed for this reason. (To support the Beth Israel – Jackson community, go to: www.jewishnola.com.)

How do we get into the head of the young perpetrator of this terrible act? Why is a young man from a comfortable background, with a decent academic record, involved in such foolishness? Why is a person, who probably never met a Jew, so obsessed with “the Jewish problem?” This question needs to be asked against the background of a greater question, “How do we address the scourge of antisemitism?”

I believe that we need to take a muti-pronged approach. Of course, criminal activity needs to have consequences. When law enforcement takes an antisemitic crime seriously, that can be a strong disincentive to a future perpetrator. But beyond reactive, we must also engage in proactive measures to tackle antisemitism.

While antisemitism is not a one-size-fits-all, and there are certainly going to be those to whom some of these solutions will not apply, we must try to find effective methods that will have a positive impact.

There are big picture approaches and “zoom in” options. Organizations such as the ADL and JFNA, are heavily engaged in the vital effort of promoting education, legislation, and information that can help offset antisemitic attitudes. A child that learns about the Holocaust and antisemitism, might think twice before calling a Synagogue “the Temple of Satan.” A young person that understands the nuances of Israel’s right to exist, may be less likely to call for its annihilation. A community that has legislation in place to protect the Jewish inhabitants, will be a safer place for Jews to live.

Beyond those measures, I believe that nothing is as effective as individual relationships. The best way to dispel myths about Jews is to get to know one. If you see me regularly, you will know that I do not have horns under my yarmulka. If we have conversations, you will find out that the garbage you were fed on antisemitic websites about Jews, the Talmud, and world domination do not have a shred of truth.

My cousin, Rabbi AY Perlstein, is a chaplain in the Oregon State Prison system. In that capacity he managed to help a former skinhead Neo-Nazi inmate reform himself and become an advocate against hate and antisemitism. You can learn more about this in a video conversation between them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-sXTA-9OPU.

That being said, the most important thing that we can do to combat antisemitism is to live Jewish, proudly and joyfully. When we are open about our Jewishness, we ultimately earn the respect of our non-Jewish neighbors. When they see that we are serious and sincere, that level of respect increases. The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote, “non-Jews respect Jews who respect their Judaism.” Increasing Jewish pride and Jewish observance is the most powerful tool we have in combatting antisemitism. It is also the most powerful tool we have in protecting Jews against the impact of antisemitism. Just Jew It!

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Law, Life, History, and Sociology - All Wrapped In One

Fri, 9 Jan 2026 1:10:00 PM

What would you do if saving your child meant another life would be lost?

How do you keep Shabbat… on Mars?

Is lab-grown meat kosher?

Should a Jewish community protect a murderer from execution?

And who is the mother when a child is born through modern reproductive technology?

These are not thought experiments from a philosophy class.

They are real questions, asked by real Jews, in real moments of crisis—and answered by rabbinic leaders who understood that Torah is not only eternal, but alive.

I invite you to join our new JLI course beginning Wednesday, Jan 21 at 7 pm: These and similar questions will be explored in Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa, a journey across centuries and continents, from medieval Spain to Auschwitz, from ancient Cairo to the future of artificial intelligence.

Each of the six sessions explores a gripping case: A moral dilemma with no easy answers. The human story behind the question. And the halachic reasoning that guided Jewish leadership with courage, compassion, and clarity.

You’ll discover how rabbis confronted war, technology, medicine, social upheaval, and ethical chaos, and how their decisions continue to shape how Jews live, choose, and think today.

This course isn’t about abstract law. It’s about leadership under pressure, faith in complexity, and what it means to live with integrity when the stakes are real.

If you’ve ever wondered: How Judaism adapts without losing its soul.

How halacha responds to the modern world.

Or how timeless wisdom guides impossible decisions.

This course is for you.

It combines law, sociology, history, and real life.

Bonus for lawyers; it comes with CLE credits.

To learn more or to register: www.chabadneworleans.com/jli.

Let me know if you would like to take the first class free of charge, on Wednesday, Jan 21 at 7 pm.

The course is being offered by Rabbi Ceitlin at Chabad Metairie on Tuesdays. www.jewishlouisiana.com/jli.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

A Tribute to Saul Hakim

Fri, 9 Jan 2026 10:45:00 AM

Malkie and I are very touched by the good wishes extended to our family on the occasion of our son Sholom’s marriage to Etty (nee Sosover). We look forward to reciprocating to each of you on your special occasions.

This week our community mourns the passing of Saul Hakim. Saul was a dear personal friend to me and my family. We had a long relationship going back to the summer of 1992 when I met him and Raquel at their home in Monroe, LA as a traveling Rabbinic intern together with my now brother-in-law, Mendy Schapiro and our friend Perry Lew.

Following that visit they started to visit New Orleans on occasion, especially for Chanukah @ Riverwalk. Following Hurricane Katrina, Chabad of Louisiana arranged for a Rosh Hashanah retreat at the Atrium Hotel in Monroe, which was owned by Saul’s brothers, Eddie and Joseph. Saul and Raquel joined us for all of the services and meals and served the role of hosts. We connected even stronger and they began to come to New Orleans more often, for holidays and the like.

At some point, Saul and I started a weekly Torah class by phone. This developed our friendship even more. When they decided to move to the community, Saul was a regular at the Synagogue and we continued our learning. Saul and Raquel embraced Jewish living with a passion. They loved being part of a community and got deeply involved in the activities of Chabad, both in New Orleans and Metairie.

Once he committed to something there was no looking back. I recall when he decided to start covering his head. From that point on, you would not find him with a bare head again. He enjoyed helping people enhance their Jewish experience. It was the honey for Rosh Hashanah, the new fruit for the New Year dinner, the beeswax candles for Chanukah, the coffee station at the Shul for morning minyan, the annual summer fish fry / Project Talmud, helping improve the beauty of the Shul with new bimas, podiums, and covers, maintaining the trees, planting trees, especially Etrog trees, taking photos of every event, and reveling in the accomplishments of the children. The thread that ran through all of it was a love for Hashem and a love for Hashem’s people.

We spoke very often. He always gave blessings. He would end every conversation with G-d bless you. He would call before every Shabbat and holiday with good wishes for the family. He cared deeply about my wife and children and their wellbeing. He helped us acquire a suitable vehicle for our family.

He was so happy to be building a home that would conform to Jewish living. Alas he would never truly enjoy that home. Raquel became sick just after they moved in and she passed away during last year’s snow storm. Saul would follow her a year later.

After he moved to live with his son Abie and his family, we spoke by phone regularly. He was thrilled when my daughter got married and he came with great effort to attend the wedding. We danced together, he in the wheelchair, while Abie and I held his hands. When my son got engaged, he was too sick to come to the celebration, but he said he would make every effort to attend the wedding. Over the past few weeks, his health took a deep decline. When I arrived in New York for the wedding, Abie called and said that he does not have long left to live. Rabbi and Mrs. Nemes came to visit him, and the night before the wedding I came. He was breathing with oxygen. He was struggling but his Kippah was on his head. I spent some time talking to him and I know he could hear me. I suggested that Abie put on Tefillin with him the next morning and say the Shema. He did so. They said the Shema and a few additional prayers. When removed the Tefillin, Saul’s soul returned to its Maker. Like the greatest sages of the Talmud, his soul departed with the words “Hashem is One.”

Saul died like he lived, filled with love and passion for Hashem and Judaism. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be for a blessing. May Hashem grant comfort to his family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin