Chabad Of Mid Miami Beach

Chabad Of Mid Miami Beach CHABAD HOUSE

02/26/2016

Forgiveness is a major topic these days. We sometimes find it hard to see how and why we should find it within ourselves to simply wipe away our grievances.

This week’s Torah portion has the key to forgiveness. In it we read how G-d forgave the people of Israel after they made a golden calf and served it. Despite all that they had done, they were still His children, and He still loved them. These inherent qualities were stronger and deeper than their sins.

Perhaps we must do the same. When looking to forgive, we must first seek to find that space where we are one with all others. We are all creations of one G-d, linked by our souls, which are a literal part of G-d.

Rabbi Katz

02/19/2016

Did you know that we recently celebrated a birthday? Yes, it was the birthday of Moses, the wise and faithful shepherd who led our people out of Egypt and gave us the Torah. It’s also the day that he passed away—exactly 120 years later. In fact, it’s because Moses lived that long that we Jews customarily wish each other to live 120 years.

But longevity alone is not enough. Like cash, time must be well spent. Think of Moses. He began his career as national leader at the ripe old age of 80. When his peers were deep into retirement (and possibly zipping around the pyramids in golf carts), Moses knew that there was so much more for him to do.

Like Moses, let us make sure that we make the most of our time on earth, regardless of our age and stage.

Rabbi Katz

02/12/2016

There they were, a ragtag group of former slaves camped out somewhere in a vast desert. And what were they doing? Collecting gold and silver to construct a home for G-d.

It was a transformational moment. Instead of being victims of fate, they were benefactors of the divine. Never again would they be enslaved in the same way. Sure, we Jews would have some terrible times during the millennia that followed. But even as our bodies were chained and beaten, our souls could not be enslaved.

Because, somewhere inside, we knew that we were building a home for our creator. Yes, the process is rough and awfully painful, but we know that we are we are on a mission, and someday we will look back and laugh. May it be soon.

Rabbi Katz

02/05/2016

Message from the Rabbi

On Monday we marked the yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the Rebbe.
Go to your favorite Jewish bookstore and look for a biography of this special woman. You’ll be hard-pressed to find one. A few pamphlets with some stories shared by those who knew her are the extent of what you’ll find, if you are lucky.

As daughter of a world-famous Jewish leader, and wife of a man who has been called the most influential Jew in modern times, she could easily have taken center stage. Yet she chose to remain behind the scenes, quietly living a life of modesty, dignity and devotion.

And we are left with a legacy short on details but rich in inspiration. Like the Rebbetzin, we can make sure that whatever we do will be with humility and simplicity.

Rabbi Katz

01/29/2016

Message from the Rabbi


It’s said that there are 3 trillion trees in the world. I’m not sure if you noticed it, but the trees near my house were dipping their apples into honey on Monday. Why? Because it was Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the trees.

Even if you didn’t hear our arboreal friends singing, “Dip the apple in the honey,” rest assured that they still have a lot to tell you. Here are some lessons you can take from the trees:

a. Roots are important. The deeper and heftier the better. Dig into your Jewish roots and connect to the traditions and practices that bind you to our people.
b. Reach for the sky. Starting small, trees soar upwards, striving toward the sunlight. No matter where you are, know that you can achieve greatness. You just need to stay focused on the goal.
c. Trees cannot grow without land and water. To us Jews, the land signifies our Holy Land, and the water is the holy thirst-quenching Torah. Don’t deprive yourself of these necessities, or you’ll find yourself withering.
d. Deciduous trees lose their leaves each fall, to grow them again each spring. Even when you experience a fall in your life, and it appears as if you’ve lost everything, know that spring is around the corner and there are good things to come.

Happy birthday, tree friends!

Rabbi Katz

01/21/2016

Message from the Rabbi

This week we will read about the crossing of the Red Sea.

Have you ever taken a moment to imagine how you’d feel if you were one of those Israelites crossing on dry land, with towering watery walls on either side of you? Would you feel safe? Or would you be scared by the countless possibilities of what could go wrong?

Sometimes I think life is one big crossing of the Red Sea. There’s lots to be afraid of. But then G-d’s hand is right there, supporting, guiding and protecting.

And you know what? Just like our ancestors sang praises to G-d once they reached land, we’ll be singing when we look back at our challenges, recognizing that it was all part of His plan.

Rabbi Katz

01/15/2016

Message from the Rabbi
This coming week is special for me. Why? On 10 Shevat, Wednesday, we will mark the anniversary of passing of the sixth rebbe, and the ascent to the helm of Chabad of our Rebbe.

I never met the sixth rebbe—he passed away in 1950—but I’ve learned a lot from him. For one thing, he was a fighter. Stalin’s killing machine didn’t faze him. And neither did the lackadaisical Jewish establishment in the U.S., which politely told him that America was not the place where Jewish day schools would flourish.

The fact that I am writing this e-mail and you are reading it is proof that he was right. Judaism—the eternal Torah given by the eternal G-d to the eternal people—will live forever!

Rabbi Katz

01/08/2016

Message from the Rabbi

It sometimes feels like we Jews celebrate Passover twice. First when we read about the exodus from Egypt in the Torah this week and next, and then again when Passover rolls around in the spring. And did you know that it’s a mitzvah to recall the Exodus every single day and night? Why? What is so important about an event that took place so long ago that archeologists are struggling to find its traces?

There are many answers, but I will share one with you.

The Exodus reminds us that G-d is deeply involved in our lives. We are not slaves, abandoned to fate. No, we are children of G-d, beloved and treasured. It may be today. It may be tomorrow. But you can be sure that G-d will be there for you. He always has been.

Rabbi Katz

01/01/2016

Message from the Rabbi

“Happy New Year,” sings the lady behind the checkout. “Happy New Year,” chime in the people on the radio, the nice fellow jogging by my house, and just about every other person I met this week.

When I hear this, I think to myself: this is what the world is going to sound like in the days before Rosh Hashanah when Moshiach comes. Everyone will recognize that G-d is King, and that it is He who decides what the coming year will bring for them on Rosh Hashanah. “Leshanah Tovah” (“Happy New Year”), everyone will wish each other then.

So when I return the wishes offered, I think: May this year indeed be a happy one for you. Not just because of the parties you attended or because of the nice bonus you got from work, but because G-d will have granted you another precious year in which to serve Him and make His world a better place.

Happy New Year!

Rabbi Katz

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