ChabadNewOrleans Blog - Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana

Gratitude is Essential to Being a Mensch

Thursday, November 27, 2025 - 12:59 PM

On a day like Thanksgiving, it behooves us to consider how important the idea of gratitude is to us as humans, and even more so, as Jews.

Jewish life is saturated with expressions of gratitude. Every day is Thanksgiving. We wake up with “Modeh Ani – I gave thanks” as the first words to come through our lips. Our prayers are filled with expressions of gratitude to Hashem for all that He gives us. In the Birchat Hamazon – Grace After Meals, the second blessing begins, “Nodeh Lecha – we give thanks to You” and goes on to list so many of the things for which we are grateful. The words “Thank G-d” roll easily off our tongues in response to every inquiry as to our wellbeing.

(Quite often, when I respond with the phrase “Thank G-d” to a casual “How are you?” from a receptionist or check out clerk, I get a puzzled stare in return. As if to say, “What does Thank G-d have to do with this?”)

Basic “Menschlichkeit” or being a “Mensch” calls for effusive expressions of gratitude. Say thank you early and often! Ungratefulness is one of the worst dimensions of human character. In the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, when G-d confronts Adam as to why he ate from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, Adam replies, “The woman whom You gave me—she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” Upon this Rashi comments, citing the Talmud, “Here (Adam) showed his ingratitude.”

The following is beautiful idea that I recently came across. During our prayers we recite the Amidah. In the Synagogue, the silent Amidah is followed by the cantor’s repetition of the Amidah. The congregation responds Amen to each of the 19 blessings recited by the cantor. There is one blessing in which the congregation chimes in to express a sentiment that echoes the cantor’s blessing. That is the blessing of thanksgiving. We all proclaim “Modim Anachnu Lach – we give thanks to You.” Why is it not enough just to say Amen like with the other blessings? Because when it comes to gratitude, you must do it on your own. You cannot fulfill your obligation to be grateful with someone else’s “Modim Anachnu Lach,” you must say it for yourself.

Thank You Hashem for all that You have given us and will continue to give us!

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Don't Worry, Be Happy? Easier Said Than Done!

Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 3:45 PM

There is no question that we live in uncertain times. As Jews and as humans there is much that can cause us to be anxious about the present and the future.

Antisemitism is on the rise from the right and from the left. Dolts like Nick Fuentes and Hasan Piker are being given platforms to spew their hatred and views. Politicians with thinly veiled antisemitic views are getting elected and handed power. And the evidence is on the streets. Assaults against Jews have skyrocketed in recent times. We haven’t even gotten to Israel…

Antisemitism aside, our political climate is as toxic as we can remember. Truth is regarded as an inconvenient stepchild to be cast aside when the facts don’t support the assertion being made.

The economy resembles a roller-coaster. Inflation, geopolitical instability, and supply-chain issues are just a sampling of the causes of economic uncertainty.

Throw in AI, climate change issues, worries about pandemics and other health concerns, and who can sleep at night with us all worrying about the future?

Of course there are plenty of positives to focus on. But why ruin a good “pessimism fest” while it is going well? In all seriousness, we humans tend to focus on the negatives, and the question is how can we shake ourselves out of this worrisome funk about the future of our people, our species, our planet, and our universe?

As a believing Jew, I assert that the answers to these concerns can be found in a loving, meaningful, and purposeful relationship with Hashem based on the Torah. A person who has real trust in Hashem rises above all these worries. But how do we get there?

Instead of giving you the solution, I am going to invite someone much more articulate than myself to present it to you. Rabbi Yossy Goldman has been a Rabbi in South Africa for a half century. He is a master orator, and his essays are featured on JNS (Jewish News Services) and Chabad.org. He is also my mother’s cousin. He is joining us in New Orleans to speak on the topic of “Secrets to a Happier Life in an Uncertain World.” Rabbi Goldman will communicate three core principles of Chassidic teachings that will enable us to embark on this path towards greater joy in life.

I hope that our community takes full advantage of this opportunity to hear his presentation. The event is on Monday, December 8 at 7 pm at Chabad of Louisiana – and you can register at www.chabadneworleans.com/goldman.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Keys to a Mission Accomplished

Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 3:32 PM

The annual Kinus Hashluchim – Chabad Shluchim Conference takes place this weekend in New York. With Hashem’s help all the attendees will be able to arrive without complications related to air travel and the like. It is an important gathering that has a major impact on the Jewish world, because Chabad Shluchim are present in thousands of communities around the world.

A Shliach is an emissary (of the Rebbe). Who was the proto-Shliach? This week’s Parsha tells us about the first Shliach. Avraham appoints his servant as an emissary to find a wife for his son, Yitzchak.

What can we learn from this proto-Shliach that can inform us about a recipe for success as a Shliach in the 21^st century? There are three keys to his success.

Although we know the servant’s name to be Eliezer, that fact is omitted from reference in the entire lengthy narrative. He is identified simply as “the servant.” He recognizes that he represents something bigger than himself. He does not allow his own ego to get in the way of the mission. This setting aside of self, allows the greater spiritual power of his sender, Avraham, to endow his mission with success.

When “the servant” reaches the moment upon which the success of the mission hinges, he pauses to pray to Hashem for success. He is aware of his own limitations and turns to the Infinite One to bless the outcome of his mission.

Knowing that he advances with the power of Avraham and the blessing of Hashem, he projects confidence in the success of his mission, and this, in turn, effects that very success.

The results: A 17-day journey took only a few hours. The woman he sought presented herself immediately. The family’s ostensible objections to her departure are eliminated forthwith. The woman travels back with him to Avraham and Yitzchak. Mission Accomplished.

Now we have our own recipe for success.

Know that you represent something greater than yourself and don’t allow your ego to get in the way.
Pray to Hashem for success in your mission.
Project confidence knowing that you have the Hashem’s blessing and the power of your sender behind you.

Wishing all of the Shluchim success in their sacred mission of preparing our world for the Redemption.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Living Like Avraham

Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 3:58 PM

Those of you who know our family are aware of how central a role storytelling plays in how we communicate. This is not just a family thing; it is a Chabad thing.

A story that has always left a strong impression on me is about the fourth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Maharash, who spent an extended period traveling for the purpose of medical consultations and treatment. Along the way between Austria and Russia he made a habit of visiting various Chassidic congregations.

Once he was in a Tolna Shteibel (a Polish Chassidic group), and he noticed frenzied activity. Upon inquiring, he was told that their Rebbe was coming for a visit, and the Chassidim were sprucing up the Shul in honor of the revered guest. They refused to hire workers because they wanted the privilege of preparing for the honored visitor by their own efforts.

He observed that most of the work was being done by the older Chassidim while the younger Chassidim were standing on the sidelines begging for a turn to help. Upon inquiring, it was explained that the older Chassidim wanted the privilege of preparing the Shul for their Rebbe’s visit, and since they had seniority, they kept the privilege for themselves.

The Rebbe Maharash later commented to his son, “If they were Chabad Chassidim, the older Chassidim would have allowed the younger Chassidim to participate in the preparations, even though it would diminish their own privilege. Chassidus teaches one to help another even at the sacrifice of one’s own (spiritual) benefit.

This principle is derived in Chabad teachings from the example of Avraham. His entire life was devoted to helping others, even to his own detriment. He set up a hotel in the desert so that he could feed and influence wayfarers, even though it took time away from his own spiritual growth. He went to war against four mighty kings, at great risk to his wellbeing, just to save his nephew, who was hardly deserving of his attention. He argued with G-d, yes G-d, on behalf of the inhabitants of Sodom, an unworthy bunch for sure.

This principle of selflessness, Avraham bequeathed to us, his descendants, the Jewish people. From him we learn to not only do something for someone else at our own expense, but also to do with great joy and enthusiasm. We must develop a “geshmak” – a pleasure in helping others with mesirus nefesh, self-sacrifice.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin