www.chabadot.org | Blogs | Community Blog

Cute High Holiday Video

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:07:00 AM

High Holidays 5772 - 2011

Rosh Hashana: Sept. 28 - 30 - Yom Kippur: Oct. 7 & 8

Why was I in Tottenham?

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:52:00 PM

So many of us were appalled by the news of the riots in England this past week and were deeply concerned for the welfare of the Jewish community as well as the many “law abiding” British citizens. Thank G-d things have quieted down there and we pray for those who were affected during the riots.

The location at which the riots began last Saturday, outside the Tottenham police station, reminds me of a significant period of my childhood and of the term “YIDZ” that became nickname for Tottenham Hotspurs, (a British football team).

By the late 1930’s, the East End of London, where the Tottenham Hotspurs played, was largely populated with Eastern European Jewish immigrants. In 1936, Oswald Mosley a fascist movement leader, lead a march down the streets of the east end, yelling "Down with the yidz." Due to the good rapport that the Jews and gentiles in that area had, the Tottenham fans adopted the name “Yidz” as its nickname and a badge of honor.

After my Bar Mitzvah in 1989, it became my weekly Shabbos morning routine to join my brother and a few friends in a walk to the Edmonton and Tottenham Hebrew congregation, about two and half miles from our home. Although there was once a significant population of Jews in this particular area, by the late 80’s only a few elderly people were left. The synagogue no longer had a permanent rabbi and struggled to get a minyan, someone to lead the service and to read the Torah. Although we lived in a very Jewish area and there were many synagogues in close proximity to our home, we would walk "the extra mile" in order to help this shul survive.

On our way to the synagogue each Shabbos morning we would pass many interesting buildings and sites, including the Tottenham police station on High Street and a little further down we would pass the Tottenham Hotspurs home grounds. Something I'll always cherish is the warm and personal good Shabbos greeting from the shul president, Mr. Davis of blessed memory, as we entered the synagogue each Shabbos morning.

On the eve of the Holiday of Shavuot 1991, Tottenham won their seventh FA Cup. On one of the days following, during the holiday of Shavuot, we were greeted on our way home from shul by thousands of fans who made a path for us while chanting “Yidz” “Yidz”. Several mothers pointed us out to their children saying “look, those are the real thing” The sense of joy and Jewish pride was incredible and something I’ll forever remember.

Eventually the Synagouge’s struggle got more difficult and in 1994 it merged with the Tottenham Hebrew Congregation near the police station on High Street. The Tottenham Hebrew Congregation was formed in 1902. As a result of the dwindling Jewish population, by the nineties, it too was having a difficult time staying open. My father, who was its last rabbi, toiled to keep the synagogue doors open for several years, until it finally closed in 2003.

Today, I try to contrast my family and friends activity in trying to help save what was left of the Jewish community in Tottenham with the destructive behavior of the rioters there this past week.

I attribute our strength and sense of responsibility to the Rebbe’s inspiration and guidance.

In the early 1980s, the Rebbe launched the Tzivos Hashem youth movement, lit. Army of G-d. Still operating today, it provides a motivation system, with army style ranks and awards, to encourage Jewish children to develop, both as good citizens and as good Jews.

The Rebbe instituted the “army of G-d”, to help teach children to appreciate and love their communities, their traditions and their identity. If we guide the next generation in their devotion to the ‘Commander-in-Chief’, he taught, they’ll happily comply with His wishes.

A First-Hand report from 1982

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:08:00 AM

Just hours prior to this past Yom kippur, I received a message on my voice mail from Jeff Naparstek, an individual in our community who I hadn’t yet had the honor to meet. Jeff very much wanted to come to see the shul before Yom Kippur, if it was possible. So, about an hour and half before Kol nidrei, when I was over at the Chabad House, I invited Jeff to join me. We put on tefillin and we began to talk, when I mentioned the Rebbe, his eyes lit up and he excitedly told me that he had been part of the technical crew who filmed the big farbrengen in honor of the Rebbe’s eightieth birthday. He also mentioned that he had received a Tanya from the Rebbe.

This past Sunday morning, March 10, we had a nice turnout at our Chabad house for Shachris (morning service), breakfast and a viewing of a newly restored video of the very farbrengen that Jeff had spoken to me about before Yom Kippur. This farbrengen is currently being watched by thousand throughout the world in honor of the Rebbe’s 109^th birthday which will be celebrated this Friday, the eleventh day of the hebrew month of Nissan.

Our group had the privilege of hearing a first-hand report from Jeff. There was a thrill in the room when everyone saw Jeff’s name mentioned on the credits at the very end of the video.

“There was a tremendous amount of energy there” Jeff told us. “We, the production crew started about 9 am in the morning laying cables and setting up cameras. The farbrengen started that evening and it went through the night. For our group it was like a like a 22 hour day. There were celebrities there and people from the Jewish community etc. and at the very end, the Rabbi gave out the Tanyas to everyone that attended.

After everyone went through, the camera crew was invited up and we all filed through as the Rebbe gave each of us a Tanya, I remember he shook hands with me and smiled at me.

When I told my grandmother who was very religious about it she remarked (joyfully) ‘He smiled at you?’ Now that I think about it, I may have given her the Tanya as I wasn’t that versed in Hebrew. She was much more religious than I, so that may be where it is”.

Following the video, thanks to Rabbi Mordechai Shain, a copy of the Tanya received from the Rebbe, was shown to the group.

Ancient Mitzvah reunites family

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:00:00 PM

I always knew that Chabad was a great place to meet new people and form new friendships. However, what happened on Tuesday night at the women circle event took meeting people to a whole new level.

Robin and Lori joined Devora on Tuesday night to learn how to braid and bake challah. As Robin sat down at the crowded table she noticed what she thought was a familiar face. She asked Lori if she recognized her, but Lori did not. So Robin asked Lori what her maiden name was, and when they exchanged their maiden names there wasn’t a women in the room who didn’t hear the gasp and shock, and the “oh my G-d”. Lori and Robin’s parents are first cousins, and the two had not seen each other for fifteen years.

Lori had tried to search for Robin on various social meeting sites like facebook, but had been unsuccessful. It took the ancient mitzvah of challah to bring the two together once again!

Mazal Tov to Marty and Ileana Flics and Family

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:01:00 PM

It is with pleasure that we share the good news of the birth of a beautiful and healthy baby girl to our dear friends, Marty and Ileana Flics this evening. Both mother and baby are doing well. we wish them a hearty Mazal tov.

As it is customary to name a baby girl at the first Torah reading possible, which was this morning, Monday, Feb. 13. The baby was named "Sarah Chana" at the Torah this morning at the Tenafly Chabad.

We welcome Sarah Chana to the Chabad of Old Tappan Family!

May Sarah Chana Bas Ilana Rochel merit to grow up to Torah, marriage and good deeds all in good health giving an abundance of joy and Nachas to her parents, grandparents and siblings.

May we continue to share in Simchos.

Potholes: What's in it for me?

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 1:21:00 PM

During the past week, it seemed that every radio station I tuned into reported the “outbreak” of potholes that are appearing all over the roads and the damages they have caused so many vehicles. I started paying more attention to the potholes and was reminded of the teaching of the Baal Shem tov that “everything a Jew sees or hears should serve him as a lesson in his service of his Creator". I realized that there must be a lesson that I can learn from the potholes.

The Cause: Water and Coldness.

Through cracks or from the side of the road, water seeps under the pavement. During the winter, the water under the pavement freezes and causes it to crack, deteriorating quickly under the weight of traffic.

One winter, the Baal Shem Tov's students witnessed a group of peasants who had gathered on the surface of a frozen river, from which they carved a block of ice in the shape of a cross to use in a religious procession. They asked their master what lesson they could possibly derive from such an "un-Jewish" scene. The Baal Shem Tov replied, "In the Torah, water has spiritually cleansing properties; but when it is frozen, even the purest substance can be made into an icon of heresy."

There are times in our lives that we may find ourselves frozen and uninspired. This state of mind can lead to a lack of interest and insensitivity to spiritual matters, hence creating cracks and gaps in our spiritual growth.

The Repairs: Temporary and Permanent.

It takes approximately two days to fill the typical pothole but it could take longer. Making permanent repairs during the winter is difficult and expensive. In winter months, temporary repairs are intended to maintain safety and minimize damage to vehicles. Permanent repairs require waiting until the spring.

The Talmud tells the following story: Said Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananiah: "Once a child got the better of me." "I was traveling, and I met with a child at a crossroads. I asked him, 'which way to the city?' and he answered: 'This way is short and long, and this way is long and short.' "I took the 'short and long' way. I soon reached the city but found my approach obstructed by gardens and orchards. So I retraced my steps and said to the child: 'My son, did you not tell me that this is the short way?' Answered the child: 'Did I not tell you that it is also long?'“

We can chose to achieve spiritual repair and restoration through the short route, the quick fixes, the moments of inspiration such as the High Holidays or the occasional religious experience. This route, while it is important, is but temporary. To succeed in warming our inner waters, and permanently repairing our spiritual roads, we must take the long route, as indicated in this week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, of kindling the lamps of our soul, through infusing each and every day of our lives with Mitzvot which is compared to a lamp and the study of Torah which is compared to a candle.

We have a home

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:30:00 AM

When Devora and I bought our house on Long Island, it needed much renovation, countless hours were spent designing, choosing colors, shopping for materials etc. At that time, our daughter Mushka's pre-school class was learning the letter “H”, and the teacher asked the class if anyone knew a word which begins with H. She prompted the children with “it’s somewhere you go when you’re on vacation, it’s a ho…” of course our Mushka knew and proudly called out, “Home Depot”!

At last everything was in place, our house looked fantastic, yet something was still missing. Only when the sounds of our daughters playing, singing and laughing could be heard from the playroom, and the pleasant aroma came wafting out of the kitchen did we feel “we have a home”.

The purpose of man's creation, our sages tell us, is “to make a dwelling for G-d in this corporeal world”. In simple terms; our job as human beings is to renovate this world, to infuse every aspect and experience in our lives and our surroundings with purity and holiness, so that when the time comes, G-d can dwell and be fully revealed in our world.

Yesterday, the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Shevat, was the 23rd yartzeit of Rebbetzen Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson.

In a talk on the fourth yartzeit, the Rebbe explained the meaning and significance of the name Chaya Mushka. Chaya meaning life and Mushka the name of one of the aromatic spices used in the Temple. The two names represent an important aspect of the Jewish women, for it is the Jewish women and young girls, who have that natural ability to create a beautiful home through infusing in it the viberence of life and pleasant aroma of both physical and spiritual beauty.

Our sages teach that it was in the merit of the righteous women that we merited the exodus from Egypt and the revelation of G-d at Mount Sinai. Likewise, it will be in the merit of our righteous women today that we will merit to the future redemption with the coming of Moshiach.

It is the sacred task of Jewish women and girls to complete the renovations of G-d’s home by infusing our world with the “life” and scent of their special Mitzvot, namely, Shabbat candle lighting, a kosher kitchen and family purity and the education of our children.

In the merit of the righteous women, may we merit speedily to the future redemption. Amen.

Condolances and Shiva info

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:53:00 PM

Our deepest condolences to pur dear friends Dan and Michal Drillich and family on the passing of Dan's father Shaul Drillich z”l of Bnei Brak, Israel. Dan will be sitting Shiva at his parent’s home in Bnei Brak.

May G-d console the esteemed family, together with all those that mourn Zion and Jerusalem.

Rabbi Mendy and Devora

Shiva information:

Shiva will be observed in Bnei Brak, Israel from today, Wed. Jan. 26 - Tue. Feb. 1

Danny can be reached at 03-6194815 (from the states: 011.972.3-6194815) or via email at ddrillich@yahoo.com. Please be reminded that Israel is 7 hours ahead of us.

Shiva information

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 3:00:00 PM

Our deepest condolences to the London family on the passing of mom/grandma Mrs. Marilyn London of Norwood, NJ Miriam bas Avrohom Yeshaye, of blessed memory [wife of Martin and mother of Robert, Joseph, Debra Ellison and Daniel]

Marlyn's grandson Aaron is a member of the Chabad teen club.

The funeral took place this past Friday. Shiva will be observed tonight, Jan. 25 from 7 - 9 pm (possibly tomorrow night too) at 715 Blanche Ave, Norwood, NJ Click here for directions.

The family can be reached at 201-768-4449 or at lisalondon@optonline.net

May G-d console the esteemed family, together with all those that mourn Zion and Jerusalem.

Tanya Class

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 1:03:00 PM

Have you ever asked yourself the important questions? About yourself and your relationships?

Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life? And why life is often such a struggle?

How do you deal with feeling like anger, jealousy, anxiety and despair?

The Tanya, written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad movement (18th Century) compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom and illuminates the fundamental concepts of Kabbalah to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G-d, the human soul, the world, and our place in it.

Join us every Sunday night at 8:15 for a forty five minute Tanya class.

Although we recommend you join us for the class at Chabad, for your convenience, we are offering you the opportunity to actively participate in the class, through our online classroom, wherever you may be as long as you have internet connection.

For more information or to reserve, please email us at rabbi@chabadot.org and let us know whether you’ll be attending at Chabad or online. Those who wish to attend online will receive a link to our online classroom with instructions.

A Miracle in Chile a lesson for us!

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 9:44:00 PM

On Tuesday night billions around the world tuned in to watch and witness a truly remarkable miracle. 33 miners plunge into two months of darkness 2,000 feet below the surface, disconnected from their source. After 69 days of eternity, the moment they were praying for, had arrived. Their dream became a reality. They would finally see the light of day, the joy of freedom, the hug of their loved ones, and the tears of their children.

Much has and will be written on this incredible story but one thing struck me when I myself first tuned in to the story. The news kept emphasizing that the miners survival was due to the tremendous unity that they displayed. In fact, togetherness is what initially saved the miners when an estimated 700,000 tons of rock collapsed on Aug. 5. The collapse happened just as the men were gathered for lunch in the refuge. Any sooner or later, and some of the miners probably would have been crushed.

The unity and togetherness of the miners must serve as a lesson and inspiration to each of us. Over 1900 years ago, on account of undeserved hatred, our Temple in Jerusalem, a beacon of light, was destroyed, and exile, persecution and spiritual blackness began. Throughout the generations, we have believed and looked forward to the coming of Moshiach a day when the Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and when we will once again be reunited with our loved ones.

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson reassured us countless of times that the era of Moshiach is imminent and that we must prepare for the redemption. During a talk on Sukkos in 1984, the Rebbe said that since the Redemption will unify all of Israel, from the greatest to the smallest. As the verse states “You, the Children of Israel, will be gathered in one by one”. Moreover, the multitudes who will then be gathered in are described collectively, in the singular: "A great congregation will return here." In preparation for this state, therefore, one should make every endeavor to unify all the different kinds of Jews, in a spirit of ahavas Yisrael, the love of a fellow Jew, and of achdus Yisrael, the unity of all Israel.

Personal Yizkor Reflections Yom Kippur 5771

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 9:42:00 PM

Friends, Rabbi Chanina, one of the great Talmudic sages, once commented, "I have learned much from my teachers, I have learned even more from my friends, and most of all, I learned from my students."

Unfortunately, during the past six months I lost a teacher, a friend and a student. My Alef Beis teacher, Reb Ovadia Ben Reb Nachman Zev Obm, or Rabbi Schtroks as we knew him, a Chossid, from the former soviet Union, passed away early this week at the age of 90. Our dear Friend, and founding member of our community, Moshe Chaim Ben Dovid Obm Max Griffel, passed away on May 23rd at the age of 86, (I acknowledge his dear wife Margaret) and a student of mine, Nosson Nota Ben Zalman Yuda Obm passed away on May 2nd in a tragic accident at the young age of 21.

During the first year of mourning, there are different customs regarding the recitation of Yizkor. Some say Yizkor, others leave the synagogue together with those who did not suffer a loss, whilst some remain in the synagogue in silence.

One of the reasons for this discrepancy is because Yizkor is designed to remember the deceased. In the first year of mourning, little or no reminders are necessary.

Today as we prepare for the Yizkor service, and we remember our loved ones, I’d like to honor the memories of my teacher, my friend and my student, by relating three inspiring stories about a single Mitvah that was cherished by all three.

Rabbi Schtroks taught us Alef Beis in the Lubavitch school in London, when I was four years of age. Over the last 18 years, whenever I would return and visit the Lubavitch Shul in London, Rabbi Schtroks was always one of the first to greet me with a most warm and loving Sholom Aleichem. In addition to being a warm and most devoted teacher, Rabbi Schtroks was a Jew who served G-d with the utmost Self Sacrifice, joy and with tremendous humility.

The other day his granddaughter Chana, who taught at our Hebrew School two years ago, shared the following story with me. As his family were packing up his belongings, they opened a paper bag and found in it a will and very old tefillin straps. With it was a note that stated ”Today I am 36 years old and I had to switch to different tefillin straps, because these ones are no longer Kosher, but it is my will that these tefillin straps be buried together with me to serve as testimony when I go to olam haemes, the world of truth, that I never missed a day of tefillin in all my days in Chernogov, even while we spent time in an underground Cheder and running from place to palce, during the Russian communist regime.

The Second story is about my dear friend, Dr. Max Griffel. To Devora and I, to our five children ka”h, and to our entire community, Max was more than just a doctor, more than just a friend. Max was like our Zaidy. I realized the kind of person he was, when he first told me the following story.

Days before the war ended, upon returning to the battle field, Max noticed a Jew sitting and crying. He asked what was wrong and the man responded that he was saddened by the fact that he did not have a pair of Tefillin with which to pray. Upon hearing this, Max reached into his knapsack, removed his very own pair, an item that was very dear to him, given to him by his father, and gave them away. “Take these” he said “chances are I will not make it back alive, at least someone will use them”. Max told me this story many times, saying that he believed that it was this act of kindness that saved his life.

And finally a story about my dear student. Following our marriage, I spent my final formal year of study at the Kollel in Crown Heights. During that time, I taught Nosson, the youngest of 12 siblings, for his Bar Mitzvah.

Life was not easy for Nosson, unfortunately at the young age of 18 he lost his father and shortly after, one of his older brothers, a friend of mine and a Chabad Rabbi in Virginia, began fighting a terrible illness. May Levi Yitzchok Ben Tzirel have a speedy recovery. Being the youngest and only unmarried sibling, naturally he was very close to his mother. With his smile, joy and incredible warmth he continued to bring comfort and joy to his mother, siblings and all those who met him.

In the Chabad community it is customary for a Bar Mitzvah boy to memorize a Chassidic discourse that relates to the spiritual significance of putting on Tefillin. Usually, as teacher, I would try to explain the concept of the discourse as best as possible, but I would spend most of the time motivating and assisting the boys in the memorization.

Nosson however, was truly a special student. He always had a smile no matter the time of day and he always studied with a liveliness that was unique. He was self motivated and needed no assistance in memorizing the Maamar. Hence, we would spend much of our time together studying the concepts of a particular section and the following week he would return with it memorized.

To hear him recite the discourse at his Bar Mitzvah was truly a delight. I have honestly never seen anyone recite a discourse with such life and enthusiasm.

Over the years, whenever we would meet in Brooklyn, Nosson would great me with his big smile and with concern and sincerity, inquire about my wellbeing.

I believe that the following story which illustrates how much he took this discourse to heart, was related by one of his brothers during my shiva visit.

Last year, Nosson was sent as a young Shliach (Chabad emissary) to study in the Yeshiva in Los Angeles. His brother, a Chabad Rabbi in Toronto had asked him to reach out to one of his members who had relocated to the LA area. Nosson tried to call but was unable to reach him.

One day, he finally returned Nosson’s call. “I am in LAX - he said - and when I return from my trip I’d like to get together”. As to why he was contacting Nosson then and not upon his return, the man said, “I just noticed a young Chabad student putting on Tefillin with someone in the airport and it reminded me to return your call”. “Which terminal are you in? - Nosson inquired, “in Terminal X” the man responded.

Who was this young Chabad student who had inspired this man to return Nosson’s call? It was none other than Nosson himself.

I consider it an honor to have known these three extraordinary people and today, in the memory of my teacher, friend and student, I pledge to inspire 100 Jews to put on Tefillin during the coming year and to encourage people to purchase their own pair. I hope some of you will assist me in my efforts and consider this Mitzvah or a Mitzvah of your choice, in the memory of your loved ones.

May there memory be for a blessing.

My Encounter with a Holocaust Survivor

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:41:00 AM

A couple days ago I was introduced to an elderly couple, both holocaust survivors who lost a large part of their family during the war. When I asked the husband if he would like to do the Mitzvah of putting on Tefillin, he refused.

In his native tongue, Yiddish, he began to describe the atrocities of the holocaust and the terrible scenes he had witnessed during those dark days and then he continued, “After the holocaust, I turned to the Ribono Shel Olam (Master of the Universe) and vowed that I will never put on tefillin again in my life”.

His response took me by surprise; I have met many who claimed to lose their faith following the holocaust and those whose faith were strengthened as a result of their survival. Here is a man, I thought, whose faith in G-d is so strong and his appreciation for the Mitzvah of Tefillin so apparent; that he was refusing to do this Mitzvah as a way to express his anger.

I thought for a moment and then I shared the story of a dear friend, Dr. Max Griffel of blessed memory, who days before the war ended, upon returning to the battle field, noticed a Jew sitting and crying. Max asked what was wrong, the man responded that he was saddened by the fact that he did not have a pair of Tefillin. Upon hearing this, Max reached into his knapsack, removed his pair of Tefillin, an item that was very dear to him, and gave them away. “Take these” he said “chances are I won’t make it back alive, at least someone will use them”. Max told me this story many times, saying that he believed that it was this act of kindness that saved his life.

I then went on to say, true, no one can claim to understand what you went through. As Jews, however, we believe that G-d is always with us. During our times of joy G-d is with us and feels our joy and in our times of suffering He is with us and feels our pain.

With G-d’s help you survived the holocaust and built a beautiful family, but as long as we refrain from putting on Tefillin, we do not allow for G-d’s suffering and pain to end.

The expression on his face gave me the feeling that he was interested in what I had to say and perhaps even desired that I convince him. “Please consider putting on the Tefillin”, I suggested. “But I made a vow!” he exclaimed. At this point I took the liberty to say; “And I annul the vow”. He turned to his wife and said, “The Rabbi wants me to put on the Tefillin should I do it?”. “Do what you want!” she replied.

“I can’t do it,” he continued to argue, “I made a vow!”.

“Your vow is annulled” I told him.

“But I can’t. I’ve told so many rabbi’s that I will never do it again in my lifetime”.
“Strengthening Judaism is the greatest way of taking revenge on the Natzi’s, may their name be obliterated. Just do it once,” I said.

Without uttering another word, he removed his jacket sleeve from his left arm and rolled up his shirt sleeve. As I began to wrap the Tefillin on his arm, he began reciting the blessings as if he had recited them yesterday and when he concluded we embraced. He recited the Shema as tears streamed from his face and again we embraced.

Today, after seeing the love this Holocaust survivor has for the Mitzvah of Tefillin, I turn to the Ribono Shel Olam (the Master of the Universe) and pledge that I will continue to endeavor to inspire many others to do the same.

May we merit to the experience the fulfillment of the prophecy “And G-d A-lmighty will wipe away the tears from every face” (Isaiah 25:8) with the coming of the righteous Moshiach speedily in our days.

Remembering Moshe Chaim

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 7:00:00 AM

On Sunday morning, May 23 (Sivan 10) we learned of the passing of our dear and beloved friend, Dr. Max Griffel, Moshe Chaim Ben Dovid obm at the age of 86. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Margaret, brother Myron, sons James & Howard and grandchildren.

I have included below a transcript of the eulogy I was honored to deliver at the funeral.

Rabbi Lewis

About a year after we arrived in Old Tappan, my wife Devora, had taken Yossi, who was then a toddler, shopping at TJ Max. What Devora couldn’t understand was why he was so excited to go there. That was only until they arrived and Yossi expressed his disappointment. Indeed, Yossi had thought Devora meant they were going to see Max, Dr. Max.

In four short years my family and I together with our beloved community had the privilege and merit of not only knowing Max but developing a close and deep relationship with a man whose life was dedicated to the wellbeing of others.

Our connection with Dr. Max Griffel, Moshe Chaim Ben Dovid of blessed memory grew stronger each passing day. To Devora and I, to our five children ka”h, and to our entire community, Max became more than just a doctor, more than just a friend. Max became our Zaidy.

Max became a regular at our Chabad House from its inception in September of 2006, attending our Shabbos Services, classes and Shabbos and Holiday meals. Max would always mention how the style of our Chabad House reminded him of the Shtibel in which he prayed during his youth back in the old country.

When I would tell Devora I was going over to see Max for a couple minutes as he had asked to speak to me. She knew this would not be a couple minutes. I would walk in, settle down in the armchair beside him and he would begin telling me stories in his native tongue, Yiddish. Stories of his life growing up in the Old Country. How he attended Cheder, the memories of his parents, his family, the Rishkepoler Rebbe, the holidays, the time he spent in the polish army, his brother Igor, “Yitzchok Izak” who was killed while fighting in Israel on the eve of Sukkos in 1948 and of course about his arrival to the United States in the early 1950’s.

I realized what kind of person he was, when I heard the following story.

Days before the war ended, before returning to the front of the battle field, Max noticed a Jew sitting and crying. After asking what was wrong, the man told Max that he didn’t have a pair of Tefillin with which to pray. Upon hearing this, Max reached into his knapsack, removed his pair of Tefillin, an item that was so dear to him and gave them away saying “take these, chances are I won’t make it back alive, at least someone can use them”. Max told this story to me many times saying that he believed that it was this act of kindness that saved his life during those dark days.

Indeed this is the story of Moshe Chaim Ben Dovid, a man who put others before himself.

Max would tell me of the many missed opportunities that came about as a result of his busy schedule. As his children told me, it was not until later in his life that he tried taking up golfing. Yet, as busy as he was he always made it his business to make time with his children, taking them away for weekends or for skiing trips.

While visiting Max at the Jewish home in the summer of 2007, when he was recovering from a knee replacement, Max looked at me with his concerned and loving eyes and said. “Rabbi, our community needs its own Torah”. “Max, I said”, you do realize what a Torah costs?” Sure, Rabbi, but we don’t have to get a new one, we can get a restored one”. “Max” I said, “let’s wait till you recover and then we’ll talk”. A couple months later, during the Simchat Torah celebrations in the basement of our house, Max sat silently as we auctioned the honors for resolutions of good deeds. While others announced a mitzvah they would take on for the coming year, Max quietly pledged the first thousand dollars towards our first community Torah. And indeed in a few short months, through his inspiration, with the lead of Morton Covitz, Tzu langer Yor, our community purchased a beautiful new Torah which we have proudly read from almost every Shabbos since. This Torah was one of the central steps in making our community the strong and close family that it has become.

The Torah teaches us that “vehachay yiten el libo” “the living must take to heart”. We must reflect upon Moshe Chaim’s life and be inspired by the lifestyle he led and by his remarkable personality. How incredible that Max’s parents gave him the name Moshe Chaim, indeed it was through our Moshe that our community received the Torah that is called Etz Chaim the tree of life.

Two weeks ago, upon the request of our 5 year old Yossi, I took him to visit Max at the Engelwood hospital. On the way home, he said “tatty I will daven for Max, because I want him to be able to come back to daven in our Shul”.

When the Torah relates the passing of our forefather Jacob, Rashi in his commentary remarks that “Yaakov lo meis mah zaroh bachayim af hoo bachayim”. Jacob never died, just as his children are alive, so is he alive. We are taught, that through continuing the legacy of the departed, children and grandchildren have the ability to keep a loved one alive. Max, through his kindness treated us all like his very own children and grandchildren and it will be through our acts of goodness and kindness that Max will continue to live on.

True, Max may no longer be able to join us physically in our shul, homes or in his office, but through implementing an extra Mitzvah into our daily lives, be it the study of Torah, prayer, putting on Tefillin, lighting Shabbos candles, giving charity or any other act of kindness, we have the ability to continue a spiritual relationship with Moshe Chaim Ben Dovid and we can be sure that we will be bringing his soul true peace and Nachas. We can also be sure that we will be providing Max with the strength to continue showering Margrate, Myron and Gail, Howard and Shelley, James and Kathy, Robin, Samantha, David, Steven, Sarah, Seth and each and every one of us with love, kindness and blessings.

I would like to wish the family, blessings for health, happiness and success in all your endeavors and may we merit to celebrate only Simchos, joyous and happy occasions and may we merit speedily to reunite with our dear and beloved Max with the coming of Moshiach which I know Max always looked forward to and let us Amen.

Translating Inspiring Words to Deeds

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 1:49:00 PM

It is a rare occurrence when one has the opportunity to observe firsthand the inspiring impact of his or her own words on another human being and to bear witness to a deed that resulted directly from those words. This is the case of someone from our own community who was so moved by one of Rabbi Lewis’ sermons on Erev Rosh Hashana that this person proactively set out to follow those words.

While sitting in a doctor’s office, the Chabad of Old Tappan Community member made the acquaintance of another patient also waiting to be called by the medical staff in the office which was located in a distant town. The banter between the two, although brief, seemed warm and connected. The patient was an 89-year old lady who was overheard telling her home health aide that “her holiday” was beginning that evening and that she was all alone to celebrate. The Chabad member was able to glean from the conversation a few details about the town and neighborhood in which she resided, without an exact address. Before an invitation could be given, the two patients were separately called in to see the attending physician and were never reunited in the waiting room, with no opportunity for an invitation to be made. In the hours following the waiting room interaction, the Chabad member experienced a profound sense of guilt for not having made a more overt gesture to invite this woman to share in the holiday.

The very night of the encounter, Rabbi Lewis related during his sermon a story of a Rabbi in California who had met a woman on his way to Taslich and after their parting, realized his failure to invite her to partake in the holiday celebration. Feeling that their meeting must have been more than chance, the next day, he searched for and successfully found the woman to whom he was able to blow the shofar so she could share in and be part of the holy day.

The story resonated deeply with this particular Chabad member who metabolized Rabbi Lewis’ message on a personal level. An inner voice was awoken and a goal-directed mission was quietly established to find this 89-year old lady and to invite her to spend the Rosh Hashana holiday with her and the Chabad of Old Tappan. The Chabad member awoke early the morning of the First day of Rosh Hashana, determined to search for and find the woman she had met in the doctor’s office the preceding day with only the town and a fast food restaurant as a landmark. Since deeds rarely come easily, it was no surprise that the woman resided in an apartment community in which there were several detached complexes with no central directory, necessitating that the Chabad member go door-to-door searching for this lady. Through the help of a passer-by and an introduction to the property superintendent, the Chabad member and the lady were reunited. The lady was able to share in the high holiday service, partake in the Kiddush luncheon, and meet a warm and welcoming community, stating that the experience was particularly moving to her, given her own personal and familial suffering and the need for interpersonal and spiritual connection in her life.

Indeed, beyond the beauty of seeing a linear connection between words and deeds, this true story is testament to how there are truly no coincidences in life.