PARSHAS Bechukosai 5784
Lost and Found
Rabbi Dovid Yachnes
Men's Programming
Confusion. Frustration. Weariness. All these speak of the feelings we have as we trudge through life trying to figure it all out. Painted with an unlimited amount of colorful distractions, we numb ourselves just to be able to survive.
In truth, it is only natural that we have this reaction to life. Without a clear roadmap leading us through the jungle of life, we are indeed all but lost. Why would a seemingly loving and kind Creator toss us into a spiral of endless uncertainty and disappointment?
He, of course, would not! In fact, He did not! In just less than two weeks, we will celebrate perhaps the greatest holiday of all. Chag Shavuos! The day in which we commemorate and relive the most monumental moment that our nation has ever experienced.
Shavuos is the time when Hashem, the Creator and Master of the universe, revealed Himself to the three million men, women and children who had just left Egypt and then proceeded to give them the Torah. What is the Torah and why did God want us to have it?
The Torah is the map and direction for life. It is the manual and the “how to” book. Contained within the centuries-old script is the path to survival, to living, to thriving. Everything is found in it! God understood that without Torah we would be lost. He gave us the Torah so we could find our way through the paths of life, always.
We are familiar with the words that many of us sing together on Shabbos – “עֵץ חַיִּים הִיא לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ” – “Torah is a tree of life for those who grab hold of it”. If we are to figure out this life, we must utilize the handbook. Thankfully, we live in a time and place where Torah is accessible to everyone. With classes, both virtually and in person, as well as the many avenues to study alone and with others, there are so many opportunities to connect to Torah.
We can and must attach ourselves to the wisdom and lessons of the Torah! We no longer have to feel lost and confused. Let us utilize the great gift of Torah, find our direction, and live with clarity, confidence, and calm!
Recent Articles
PARSHAS Emor 5785
From Mess to Masterpiece
I go on a specific bike ride pretty regularly. It’s a beautiful route: peaceful, refreshing, the kind that clears your head. For months I passed one spot that was under construction. Week after week, I’d glance over and see the same thing — a mess of dirt, machinery, and fencing. It never looked like much…
READ MOREPARSHAS Acharei Mos-Kedoshim 5785
My Father's Chair
I was super excited the day my mother took the plunge and bought my father a brand new expensive leather armchair. It wasn’t cheap, it wasn’t used. That in and of itself was a big deal. But that gift to my father ended up being one of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me….
READ MOREPARSHAS Tazria-Metzora 5785
A Two Word Message
Have you ever walked away from a conversation and said to yourself “Wow! That was just amazing!” Maybe you felt empowered. Maybe energized. Maybe your heart felt a sense of calm. You know what I mean? Think back to one of those conversations. What about that interaction gave you those feelings? What made you feel…
READ MOREPARSHAS Shemini 5785
What's in a Name?
One of the most remarkable, G-d-is-communicating-with-us-right-now moments I experienced was while leading a teen Israel trip two summers ago. A person’s Hebrew name speaks to the essence of who they are, but not all Jewish children are given one at birth. Many people choose theirs only later in life. So while on the trip, we…
READ MOREPESACH 5785
Why Jews Spend Passover in Orlando
On average, more than six million people visit Orlando every month, or roughly 200,000 people a day. So when some estimates put the Passover influx at about 50,000 Jews for the course of nine or ten days, it’s not quite a news story. Except that the “business” of Passover is distinctive. Besides the usual hotels,…
READ MOREPARSHAS Tzav 5785 – Pesach
Only One Matza
It was the first Passover after the 1945 liberation. The Grand Rabbi of Skulen and his son were among the survivors, and did what they could to lift the spirits of those who had survived that darkest hell. Somehow they managed to get hold of a little flour to bake matzos for these bedraggled survivors….
READ MOREPARSHAS Vayikra 5785
Who Am I?
Music is an important part of my life. I usually get the eye roll from the teenagers I work with at JSU when I tell them the only music on the radio worth listening to is country music. You either love it or hate it and I get that. Yet again, a thought from this…
READ MOREPARSHAS Pekudei 5785
Yoda, Fishing and Moshe
Yoda. The legendary master-teacher, known to millions across the world for his insights and leadership. Held in the highest ranks of fictional mentors and role models. At the risk of upsetting millions, I would like to use this week’s d’var Torah as a platform to publicly protest his most famous quote as anti-Torah values. “Do….
READ MOREPARSHAS Vayakhel 5785
The Rabbi's Private Jet
A seasoned rabbi I know is a renowned teacher and one of the country’s foremost authorities on many areas of Jewish law. In a typical year he gives hundreds of classes at his yeshiva and in dozens of places around the world. His summer schedule is active as well, usually including time teaching teenagers in…
READ MOREPARSHAS Ki Sisa 5785 – Purim
The Valley of Fire
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas for a work retreat. Like most people, I had certain expectations—bright lights, flashing signs, and an energy that never stops. But what I didn’t expect was the breathtaking natural beauty just beyond the city. As we hiked through Valley of Fire State Park, I was…
READ MORE
Send your questions or comments to the author