Chabad Of Oak Park, 5998 Conifer Street, Oak Park, CA (2026)

09/04/2026

Dear Shul,

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the Torah gives us a message that could not be more timely. In Parshiyot Nitzavim and Vayelech, we find three essential ideas for entering a new year: stand together, take responsibility, and have the courage to change.

Nitzavim begins with a powerful image: the entire Jewish people standing together as one. “You are standing today, all of you.” Everyone is included, regardless of differences or individual backgrounds. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, this reminds us that while the holiday is deeply personal, we do not stand before G-d alone. We are part of something larger, connected to one another and responsible for the strength and wellbeing of our community and the Jewish people as a whole.

Nitzavim also emphasizes personal responsibility. Each of us has the ability to choose our path and shape our future. Rosh Hashanah asks us to pause and look honestly at our choices, take responsibility for our actions, and consider how we can live with greater purpose and integrity.

Vayelech brings another essential message: growth requires change. Moshe prepares the Jewish people for a new chapter, one that will continue without his leadership. They must move forward with courage and faith. Rosh Hashanah offers us a similar opportunity. We look back at the year that has passed, but we do not remain there. We reflect so that we can grow, change what needs changing, and enter the new year with renewed purpose.

As we enter the new year, may we embrace the lessons of Nitzavim and Vayelech: to stand together, take responsibility for our choices, and have the courage to grow and change.

May this Rosh Hashanah bring us reflection, forgiveness, renewal, and abundant blessings. May we all be inscribed for a year of health, happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

Good Shabbos and Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

08/28/2026

Dear Shul,

Parshas Ki Tavo is read during Elul, as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and begin the process of Teshuvah. The parshah focuses on entering the Land, bringing Bikkurim, and accepting the consequences of our choices. Beneath these themes lies a powerful message: we are never trapped by the past. We can always choose to return.

The Torah describes the farmer bringing his first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash and declaring, “I have come to the land.” This is more than a statement about his destination. It acknowledges the journey that brought him there: his ancestors’ struggles and G-d’s role in bringing him to this moment.

Elul invites us to make a similar declaration about our own lives. We look honestly at where we have been, where we are, and where we want to go. Teshuvah does not begin by pretending everything is perfect. It begins with the courage to face the truth.

The Rebbe often emphasized that Teshuvah is not limited to regret. It means return: to our deepest selves, to G-d, and to the purpose for which we were created. Elul gives us the opportunity to quiet the distractions that keep us from hearing that inner voice.

The farmer’s declaration also teaches that spiritual growth requires gratitude. Even as we recognize our shortcomings, we need not define ourselves by what went wrong. We can also identify the blessings, opportunities, and moments of strength G-d has given us. These become the foundation for change.

As we approach the High Holidays, Ki Tavo reminds us to review our journey with honesty and hope. We cannot change the past, but we can change the direction of the future. By taking responsibility and reconnecting with G-d, we can transform even our mistakes into steps toward growth.

Good Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

08/21/2026

Dear Shul,

Parshat Ki Teitzei teaches us a powerful lesson through the Mitzvah of returning a lost object. The Torah says, “You shall not see your brother’s ox or sheep straying and ignore them. You shall surely return them to your brother.”

Why does the Torah emphasize not ignoring what we see?

Because Judaism teaches that when something comes into our field of vision, we should not automatically assume it is someone else’s responsibility.

This applies far beyond a lost object. We may notice someone sitting alone in shul, a neighbor who needs help, a friend who seems discouraged, or someone who has quietly disappeared from the community. We can keep walking, or we can choose to care.

Often, the greatest acts of kindness are not dramatic. They are the small moments when we notice someone and refuse to look away.

This message is especially powerful during Elul. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we ask G-d to see us with compassion and mercy. Perhaps we should begin by learning to see others that way.

This week, let us pay attention to the people and situations that cross our path. Maybe G-d is placing someone in our way who needs a phone call, a smile, an invitation, or simply to know that someone cares.

Sometimes, changing another person’s world begins with something as simple as refusing to look away.

Good Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

08/14/2026

Dear Shul,

Today is Rosh Chodesh Elul, the month of preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth, when we take an honest look at our actions and prepare for the year ahead.

One important focus of Elul is guarding what we see, hear, say, and consume, ensuring that they are consistent with Torah values.

This connects beautifully to this week’s Parsha, Shoftim, which begins with the command, “Judges and officers you shall appoint for yourself at all your gates.”

On a deeper level, our “judges” represent Torah, which teaches us how to live, while our “officers” represent the discipline to put those teachings into practice. “At all your gates” reminds us to guard the gates of our bodies, our eyes, ears, mouth, and other senses, allowing only what is appropriate to enter and what is appropriate to leave.

During Elul, we awaken these inner judges and officers. We blow the shofar, review the past year, and ask ourselves where we can grow and improve.

My friends, let us use this special month to prepare ourselves for the coming New Year. May Hashem bless each and every one of you with a K’tiva V’Chatima Tova.

Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

08/07/2026

Dear Shul,

This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Re’eh, discusses Maaser Sheini, the Second Tithe. Ten percent of one’s grain, wine, and oil, and by Rabbinic law fruits and vegetables as well, was to be brought to Jerusalem and eaten there by the owner and his family.

If transporting the produce was too difficult, it could be redeemed. The owner would bring its monetary value to Jerusalem and use that money to purchase food and drink there.

The Torah introduces this law with an intriguing phrase: “If the road will be too long for you, because you are unable to carry it.”

At first glance, the wording seems backwards. We would expect the Torah to say, “If you are unable to carry it because the road is too long.” Instead, it says the road is too long because you cannot carry it.

Perhaps the Torah is teaching us a profound lesson about serving G-d. Very often, the burden is not determined by the distance but by our attitude.

Imagine hiking in the mountains and discovering a sack filled with gold and silver. It may be heavy, but you would carry it with joy because you recognize its value. The weight has not changed, but your perspective has.

The same is true of Torah and Mitzvot. If we see them as obligations, they can feel heavy. But if we recognize them as the greatest gifts G-d has given us, they become a privilege and a source of joy. The road is never too long when we appreciate the treasure we are carrying.

Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

07/31/2026

Dear Shul,

In this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, we read the second paragraph of the Shema, where G-d promises reward for fulfilling His commandments.

“If you diligently obey My commandments… I will provide rain for your land… You will eat and be satisfied… I will bless all your work.”

At first glance, it seems that G-d is encouraging us to keep His commandments by promising material blessings.

Yet in Pirkei Avot, our Sages teach, “Do not be like servants who serve their master for the sake of reward.” We are meant to serve G-d out of love and devotion, not for personal benefit.

How do we reconcile these two teachings?

The Shema speaks to the reality that rewards can motivate us to begin our spiritual journey. G-d, in His kindness, recognizes human nature and offers blessings that encourage us to embrace His commandments.

Pirkei Avot, however, describes the ideal. Our ultimate goal is to serve G-d because we love Him and appreciate the privilege of fulfilling His will, not because of what we receive in return.

The promise of reward is therefore not the destination but the starting point. It is like training wheels that help us develop a genuine relationship with G-d until our service becomes an expression of love rather than self interest.

The Chassidic masters take this idea even further. Why seek material rewards when there is a far greater reward available: closeness to G-d Himself? Nothing in this world can compare to the privilege of forging an eternal bond with the Divine.

Our relationship with G-d depends on the choices we make. May we strive to deepen that relationship, focus on our spiritual reality, and strengthen our oneness with Him. In doing so, we fulfill our purpose in creation and prepare the world for the ultimate revelation with the coming of Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

07/24/2026

Dear Shul,

This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Vaetchanan, opens with Moshe telling the Jewish people that he pleaded with G-d to allow him to enter the Land of Israel with them.

The word Vaetchanan has the numerical value of 515. Our Sages teach that this alludes to the 515 prayers Moshe offered in hopes of entering the Land.

When a person prays repeatedly without seeing results, it is easy to become discouraged. One may wonder whether another prayer can possibly make a difference.

Moshe teaches us otherwise. He prayed not 5 times, not 50 times, but 515 times. After 100 prayers he continued. After 200 he continued. After 300 and 400 he continued. Every prayer mattered.

When Moshe completed his 515th prayer, Hashem told him, “Do not continue to speak to Me about this matter.” Our Sages teach that had he prayed one more time, he would have been granted his request.

The Sfas Emes, Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, asks: Where were the Jewish people? Why did they not pray on Moshe’s behalf?

He explains that they thought, “If Moshe Rabbeinu’s 515 prayers were not enough, what can our prayers accomplish?” Their mistake was underestimating the power of a single sincere prayer.

Hashem longs to hear from each of us. Prayer is His invitation: “Speak to Me, and I will listen.” Whether we seek help, guidance, healing, or simply wish to express gratitude, every prayer strengthens our connection with G-d and affirms our trust in Him.

May Hashem accept our prayers, bring an end to this painful exile, and bless us with the coming of Moshiach and the final redemption.

Shabbat Shalom and Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

07/17/2026

Dear Shul,

Parshas Devarim opens the fifth and final book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, and contains Moshe’s farewell address to the Jewish people before they enter the Promised Land. It is always read on the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av.

A central theme of the parshah is learning from the past. Moshe reviews the nation’s journey, reminding the people of moments when they strayed from the will of G-d and the consequences that followed. His purpose is not to dwell on past failures, but to inspire growth through honest reflection and renewed commitment.

This message resonates deeply as we approach Tisha B’Av, the day we mourn the destruction of both Holy Temples and other tragedies throughout Jewish history. Tisha B’Av reminds us that when we lose sight of our spiritual purpose and our unity, the consequences are profound.

At the same time, it reminds us of our mission. As our Sages teach, “I was created to serve my Creator.” Through Torah, mitzvot, and acts of goodness and kindness, we strengthen the Jewish people and bring greater morality, light, and holiness to the world.

May the message of Parshas Devarim inspire us to grow, to increase in love for one another, and to hasten the coming of the ultimate redemption with Moshiach.

Good Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

07/10/2026

Dear Shul Family,

This Shabbat we conclude the Book of Bamidbar with the double Torah portion of Matos-Masei. At the opening of Matos, the Torah discusses the laws of vows. A person may choose to refrain from a particular activity or temptation, and even something that is ordinarily permitted can become forbidden through the power of a vow.

What message does this hold for us today?

Chassidic thought teaches us to look beyond the external action. On the surface, self restraint appears to be about what I do or do not do. But on a deeper level, the real question is where my mind and heart are focused.

Am I overly absorbed in food, pleasure, entertainment, or other physical pursuits? Do I have the inner clarity and discipline to engage with the material world without becoming controlled by it?

The Torah is not asking us to reject the world. Rather, it reminds us that even activities that are technically permissible can become spiritually harmful when they are pursued excessively or without awareness.

The challenge is not merely to avoid what is forbidden, but to ensure that what is permitted does not distract us from our higher purpose. True freedom comes when we are able to enjoy the blessings of this world while remaining connected to our values, our mission, and our relationship with G d.

As we complete Bamidbar and prepare to enter the Book of Devarim, may we be blessed with the wisdom to use the material world as a tool for holiness rather than allowing it to define us.

Good Shabbos/Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

07/03/2026

Dear Shul Family,

The Midrash cites one verse in this week’s Torah portion, Pinchas, as the single most important verse in the Torah. A verse that encapsulates the essence of Judaism.

Background: There is a fascinating debate of four opinions regarding which Biblical verse sums up the ultimate truth of Torah.

“Love your fellow man as yourself” (Vayikra 19:18). Rabbi Akiva said this is the great principle of the Torah.

Ben Azai said, “This is the book of the generations of Adam – on the day that G-d created man, He created him in the image of G-d” (Bereish*t 5:1) is a greater principle than that.

Another sage, Ben Zoma holds a different verse to be more central to Torah. “Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad” (Devarim 6;4).

Finally a fourth sage, Shimon Ben Pazi says that there is an even greater verse in the Torah and it is found in this week’s portion, Pinchas, “One lamb you shall sacrifice in the morning and the second lamb you shall sacrifice in the evening.” (Bamidbar 28:4) referring to the daily Tamid (perpetual) offering brought every morning and evening.

The Midrash concludes that the ruling is in accordance with Shimon Ben Pazi.

This seems very strange. The first three opinions make perfect sense as they highlight some of the foundational teachings of the Torah. Each of these three Sages focus on a crucial aspect of what Torah is all about.

And then there is the teaching of Shimon Ben Pazi. How does his statement about the daily offering of a lamb brought morning and evening compare with the truths of the previous three Sages?

The Maharal, Rabbi Judah Loew (1525-1609) answers this powerful question.

This verse suggests that a person should serve G-d with absolute unwavering consistency. Every morning and evening we ought to make a ‘sacrifice’ for our Creator.

Ben Pazi believes that the only way to transform our lives and truly serve G-d in a sustainable way is through continual daily commitment and sacrifice.

It is only through continuous and consistent commitment and sacrifice, day in and day out, that change in ourselves and the world can truly take place. It is this commitment, stability and perpetual dedication that will end our exile and bring the final redemption with Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos
Rabbi Yisroel and Leah Levine

Chabad Of Oak Park

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