ChabadNewOrleans Blog

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

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