At this very moment, Chavie and Zeesy are enroute back to Bozeman from Monsey, New York where they celebrated my niece Chana’s Bas Mitzvah last night. On Wednesday, with mom gone, Chana Laya asked me to prepare French toast for dinner and I was happy to acquiesce. Menny was adamant that he didn’t want that and wanted me to make “his favorite” Shnitzel instead, but when dinner time arrived Menny couldn’t get enough of the French toast and enjoyed Chana Laya’s idea, big time.

In this week’s Torah portion, Naso, the longest in the Five Books, we read about the tribe leaders offering their personally funded gifts to the newly inaugurated Tabernacle, specific for the Altar dedication. Rashi shares with us that it was Nesanel Ben Tzuar of the tribe of Issachar that advised the other eleven leaders that it would be a good idea to bring inauguration gifts for twelve consecutive days. Yehuda’s leader Nachshon Ben Aminadav came first because he was the pack leader, the king of Jacob’s tribes, but Reuven, the oldest, didn’t come second, despite voicing his expectation that he would, rather Nesanel received spot #2 because it was his brilliant idea all-together.

Harry Truman once said, “it is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit”. Nesanel wasn’t seeking power or prestige; his tribe was known as scholars who understood the science embedded in Torah, including astronomy, and were the deep thinkers of Klal Yisroel. Yet, Hashem wanted to teach us the importance of innovative thinking, creative perspectives, and therefore gave Nesanel a prime spot, allowing his style to stand out. Copying the good things that others do is a fine way of Jewish living, but innovating Torah based paths that bring light, insight and G-dliness into our often “cloned” world, is something super admirable.

Nesanel was thoughtful; be like Nesanel.  

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Good Shabbos! Chazak!!! L'Chaim!!!

On Sunday I was feeling down. It isn’t important to discuss publicly why I was feeling that way, but I felt driven to get myself out of it for my sake and for the sake of the family. Chavie and I were chatting, and I recommended that we head west towards Logan/Three Forks, where it was less stormy, and we could enjoy a good family hike. I thought we’d hike near the Missouri Headwaters, but Chavie was thinking that Madison Buffalo Jump would be more exhilarating, and I accepted. We hiked up to the top where we enjoyed the incredible views of the Madison River Valley. It was two hours round-trip and halfway through I already felt like a different person. I was enlivened, invigorated, and refreshed.

Nature works magic.

This week we begin the journey of Bamidbar, ten Torah portions of the Book of Numbers, in which we travel with the Jews in the desert. We live through the ups and downs, the miracles and plagues, the devotion and the rebellions, the service and laziness, the holy and impure, and everything in between. The Torah was given in the desert because for one to truly acquire Torah knowledge, to internalize the essence of Judaism and its depth, we need to free ourselves of the distractions that bog us down. Hashem wants one-on-one time with us as we are immersed in His infinite wisdom; He prefers not to compete with our other “important” endeavors and gadgets.

Nature is a vital component to being a Jew. Meditating on the wondrous beauty of G-d’s creation is so holy, so inspiring, so spiritual, and so peaceful. Yes, Montana is the most beautiful place on earth, but Chavie always reminds me that there’s beauty everywhere and it’s for us, the beholder, to find the spaces in every locale that exude the miracle of our universe. I was having a really hard time, it was legitimate and painful, and the fresh air, blue skies, spectacular views, family time, and the satisfaction of reaching the top of the mountain, turned my mood around and it’s been on the mend ever since.

‍Thank you, Hashem; You really are an awesome Creator!

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Good Shabbos! Chazak!!! L'Chaim!!!

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