Dear Friends,
This past Monday, Chabad held a social event for Young Jewish Professionals at the lovely home of Vivian and Richard Cahn (photos below). 35 young members of the New Orleans Jewish community came together to enjoy each other’s company, cocktails, refreshments and a wonderful talk about relationships by my uncle, Rabbi Joshua Gordon, who was visiting from California.
Among the participants was Ofir Levy, the young man from Israel who recently underwent a liver transplant. It was a nice opportunity for him to get out and socialize with people his age after all these months in a hospital room. During the event Malkie encouraged Ofir to take in the interesting artwork at the Cahn’s home. She later asked him what he thought. Ofir replied that what was most valuable to him was the ability to touch and kiss the many Mezuzahs throughout the home. We then realized that he had not seen one in over four months. The little things in life that we take for granted become much more significant when we are deprived of them for a period of time.
This weekend my nephew Mendel (son of Yochanan and Sarah) Rivkin celebrates his Bar Mitzvah. Of the things we wish for as parents and we bless others to have is Nachas from our children. What is Nachas? Loosely defined as the pleasure in seeing our children grow and develop in the way that makes us proud. Many Jewish parents take pride in their children’s academic, professional or social accomplishments. While these are certainly worthy of parental pride, they are not uniquely Jewish. What is Jewish Nachas? The ultimate Jewish Nachas is seeing our children grow in their love for G-d, Torah and Mitzvot, and fine character.
Often the kid that becomes an actor, a musician or a pro athlete, is lauded and celebrated. I feel that we would be much better off celebrating accomplishments in Torah study. This is why I am so happy to congratulate my brother and sister-in-law on their son’s Torah accomplishment. Some two years ago, Mendel embarked on an ambitious Torah study journey – his goal, to complete the entire Mishna (60 volumes) by his Bar Mitzvah. This Shabbat we will all derive Nachas as Mendel makes a Siyum (conclusion ceremony) on the Mishna. May this be the beginning of a long life of dedication to the study of Torah and living by its ideals. To quote the Rebbe’s blessing to Bar Mitzvah boys, “may you grow to be a Chasid, Yarei Shamayim (G-d fearing person) and Lamdan (scholar).
I write these words from New York where Malkie and I have the distinct pleasure of being to celebrate another Simcha. With joyous hearts we wish Akiva (Wyatt) Hall and Channah Black a Mazel Tov upon their engagement. Mazel tov to their families and our personal best wishes to Ron Hall, Wyatt’s father, who has been most amazingly supportive to Wyatt throughout his journey – and now Ron, it’s Nachas time!!
I also want to take this opportunity to wish my mother, Mrs. Bluma Rivkin, well as she celebrates a very special birthday with an evening of gratitude next week, Many long healthy, happy and fulfilling years.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin
What a wedding it was! I refer to the marriage of Bracha (Nemes) and Avremi Slaviticki that was held at the Hilton Riverside on Wednesday evening. The Chupah took place on a beautiful plaza overlooking the Mississippi. It was a moving ceremony that incorporated tradition, spirituality and family. Even the weather cooperated for the outdoor ceremony. Following the Chupah the guests proceeded to the main ballroom for a lovely dinner and lively dancing. Hundreds of people from near far shared the joy of the bride, groom and their families. Our locals danced hand in hand with the family and friends that came from out of town.