Weekly Parsha

Mazal Tov to: Daniella Escobio

Ore por Refuah Sheimah: Stephen Waczkiewicz (Shimon ben Sarah), Yossefa (Josie) "bat Sharon", Rafael ben Gladis e Esther Bracha "bat Sarah".

Continue orando por: Teddy Welz, Miriam (Mariana) "bat Zulay", Adina (Heidi) "bat Sarah" e Yosefa (Josie) "bat Sharon".

Passover year 5782 (2022)

In the story of the Exodus of Egypt, the Almighty commands Moshe to request a 3 day retreat to the desert for the Jewish people, though the intent was to leave Egypt permanently. The Almighty is not a trickster nor a liar. Why was it done in this manner?

There are two other times where the Almighty used deception - in Jacob's dealings with his father-in-law, Lavan, and during the Purim story. The Almighty enabled Jacob to use deception to to receive his fair wages. The flocks produced offspring with the coloring - that according to Jacob's agreement with Lavan -would belong to Jacob. In the Purim story, the Midrash tell us that the Almighty sent angels dressed as servants to malign Haman so that Achashverosh would not cool off from his anger at Haman for wanting to kill Esther and her people.

The Almighty is always sending us messages for us to recognize our mistakes and be able to correct them. With regards to Pharaoh, Lavan and Haman - each one used deception. Pharaoh enslaved the Jews by having a "National Work Day" where the Jews volunteered their labor -and then he kept them as slaves. Lavan substituted Leah for Rachel thus deceiving Jacob. Haman deceived Achashverosh about the people he wished to exterminate. Thus, the Almighty returned measure for measure so that each could learn his lesson.

FREE WLL SIX CONSTANT COMMANDMENTS

I. Know There is a G-d (Exodus 20:2) 

He is the Creator, Sustainer and Supervisor of the Universe. He created the world from nothing and it is all for our pleasure. He sustains the world - it is constantly dependent on His will. He supervises the world; there are no accidents. Everything is meaningful.

II. Don't Believe in Any Other "gods" (Exodus 20:3) 

There are no other powers other than G-d; it is futile to rely upon any other power. Saying "I can't" is a form of idol worship (if G-d would help you, could you?)

III. Know That G-d is One (Deuteronomy 6:4) 

He transcends time and space. He has no components. He is totally unique. There is one Source for everything that happens.

IV. Love G-d (Deuteronomy 6:5) 

G-d is the greatest pleasure a person can have. You're longing for it. This is all that you ever wanted, want, or will want.

V. Fear G-d (Deuteronomy 10:20) 

There are consequences for your actions - the choice is yours - the reward is great. Stand in awe of the Almighty and His Creation.

VI. Do Not Follow After Your Desires (Numbers 15:29) 

Stay focused on your goal; don't be distracted by your desires. 

The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become. Don't be a slave of your desires. Freedom is the responsibility to fill our lives with meaning.

Shabbat Shalom and Pesach Kasher V'Sameach!

Rabbi Tank

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Rabbi Tank is a professor at the American Jewish College, where he teaches classes on Talmud, Jewish History, and Contemporary Jewish Law. Rabbi Tank is dedicated to finding modern utility and meaning in ancient wisdom texts and is happy to provide spiritual, cultural, social and educational programming to communities around the world. 

Rabbi Tank was educated at Chabad Yeshivas in New York and Miami. He majored in Biblical Archeology from Bar Ilan University and from Harvard in Jewish Studies. He graduated in Business Administration and also graduated in International Economic Development from the University of Oxford. 

Rabbi Tank is actively involved in peace negotiations and relief operations and is a Member of the White House National Religious Leaders, an Executive Office of the President of the United States.

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