Rabbi E in 3

Getting Back to our roots...and living up to our name! This applies to the present time in the Jewish calendar, with the new year fast approaching. The Jewish High Holidays summon us to the process of "teshuva," or "return," to return to our own personal roots, the deepest spiritual essence and mission that each one of us has. Rosh Hashanah itself is the anniversary of the creation of "Adam," mankind, and that very name (Adam) summons us--his descendants--to keep the "aleph" (which, in one understanding, represents our soul, the "portion" of G-d in each one of us) in front of, and always leading, our "dam" (which means, "blood," and signifies our physicality). AND this podcast should live up to ITS name, Rabbi E in...3! NO? Or at least we should honestly discuss the matter. So join me in this episode, which truly IS Rabbi E in 3 (minutes rounded down!)

Let's all agree that negativity is NOT good....No? For some of us--myself very much included--it is not always easy to NOT be negative all the time! But honestly, that is NO way to live! In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I share a bit of my (ongoing) struggle with negative thoughts and speech, which has diminished my own enjoyment and accomplishment in this world. And I discuss the fundamental Torah and Jewish perspective that we must strive to SEE what's good, and SAY what's good, as much as possible throughout our lives! We have NOTHING to lose by NOT being negative...and only abundant joy and blessing to gain by strengthening ourselves to look for...and notice...and give thanks for ALL the amazing good that surrounds us!

"And you shall remember the entire way on which Hashem, your God, led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to afflict you to test [elevate] you, to know what is in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." Each one of us is journeying through the Wilderness of life, with many blessings and challenges. The purpose is to truly notice, appreciate and remember all the many Blessings AND the many Challenges of that journey. AND to realize their ultimate purpose: to help us achieve our ultimate spiritual potential in this world.

Mastering the trait of enthusiasm/alacrity (zerizus in Hebrew) is essential if we are to realize our great potential in this world! It is a fundamental pillar of Jewish ethics and self-development, exemplified in the actions of our holy and righteous ancestors in all generations. We must always strengthen ourselves to transcend our natural, physical "heaviness" and sluggishness, and speedily grab on to the good deeds and mitzvot that nourish and express our spiritual essence (and elevate the whole world). You cannot ever afford to CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM--my apologies, Larry D.--or you may easily lose those precious opportunities for growth that present themselves to all of us each day.

Just in the thick of the summer, when most people are thinking about fun in the sun or on the water or on the deck (grilling ,with beer in hand), the Jewish calendar brings us to a more subdued frame of mind. We are now in the period known as "the three weeks," culminating in the saddest day of the Jewish year, Tisha b'Av (the 9th of Av), when both Temples were destroyed...among other tragedies. A time of "mourning" our past (and present) mistakes, and the many difficulties that have come in their wake throughout our history. But it is NOT about despair or mere sadness, which are both anathema to Judaism.Rather, this period of time should strengthen our LONGING for a better, more spiritually elevated world--which WILL be realized fully in the messianic era--and to redouble our commitment to help usher in that era through our deeds of righteousness and practice of mitzvot (commandments). Join me, Rabbi E, as I discuss and clarify, WITH the help of my VERY SPECIAL GUEST, the energetic and insightful, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, Director of MEOR @ University of Maryland and host of the podcast, "Jews You Should Know."

Why does the Torah mention, "remembering," so much? Are we supposed to be living in the past? Not at all: it is about THE PRESENT, and making the most out of every moment NOW. In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I discuss our common misconception about the purpose and power of "remembering," which is really about the present and not the past. Do we want to have an awesome and meaningful life NOW? Then we must never stop REMEMBERING!

We're back! That means a couple of things: first, the kickoff of a new season of Rabbi E in 3 (after a bit of an hiatus), with a looser feel and more varied format (guests, interviews, more craziness?), as well as a new era in this country of LIVE, IN-PERSON meetings and reunions after the long, cold spell of Covid disconnection. Tune in, as I share some insights on the beauty of RECONNECTING!

Open your ears and hear! Who Created these noisy, once-every-17-year-emerging-miraculous mini-monsters? They are not something to complain about or joke about (well, maybe a little). It's an opportunity to study and marvel at this incredible Creation, and feel more love and awe for the One Who brought it all into being!! And dig that 90 + decibel sound! I discuss the Jewish perspective on the the Cicada invasion.

More than 3300 years ago, the Jewish people were elevated to a special role and mission among the families of mankind: to be a "holy people," carrying out the commandments of the Torah as revealed at Mt. Sinai. (And elevating the world.) Here is a very short introduction to the amazing, and terribly underappreciated, holiday of Shavuot--the festival of receiving the Torah.

A routine trip for Venti Iced Coffees this morning became a great reminder of what we should be thinking about at this time in the Jewish calendar, as we prepare for Shavuos (holiday of receiving the Torah)...and on every day of our lives: to show honor, love and respect to every other human being to the best of our ability, and to strive for unity as a Jewish people.