Monthly Archives December 2017

Usually I show a trailer when providing an opinion on a movie but this movie felt as if I was watching still photographs for over 2 hours. Of course the story of Winston Churchill  becoming and leading Great Britain is fascinating but without the images of what is occurring at this time we are not looking at the whole picture and it is sorta (very) bland. Speeches are additions to films but they should not replace the action which is occurring outside. The best part of the film is when Winston Churchill commutes with the people but one scene can’t make up for what is missing.  When  action and speeches are intertwined just right emotions of the viewers are truly felt otherwise you might as well be watching a documentary or look at still photography.

**  Darkest Hour

Those that enjoy life the most teach us all how to live!! Whether they be the two legged types or even our four legged friends. They inspire us to take a deeper breath and touch the rose we just smell. So often the life of these wonderful individuals is sadly cut short but the way they live last in so many different life’s that they inspire.

Today I opened up a window in my life that was closed and shaded for years. The fear that bringing this story to light might cause continuous storms, led me to leave it locked away. Yet the events of the current year have had me open this window and tell this story to some of my closest friends at my Shul. Here are a few notes (below) for those that weren’t able to attend and if you want to fill in the gaps the window is now open for other speaking engagements.  For although I predicted clouds and a storm it turned out to be a day of beauty with loving friends which has made sure that I won’t be closing this window anytime soon.

WHY JOSEPH EVERY YEAR

Part 1- The most difficult part- Rabbi Inspired to speak up

2. The truth is have a certain fear that I might lose a friend by this Diva Torah or some will just look at me in a different lense but I felt I need to speak.

1. Sharing this w my extended family the people of this Shul.

2. For Joseph is a bible story that in many ways is too true in my life.

3. Running for office- then in a  12×12 cell

4. I had done the right thing- but everything appeared totally wrong- This wasn’t supposed to happen here to me?

5. The charges were dropped even before a grand jury was called because they were completely baseless.

6. Yet all I sought was vengeance and hate for this individual that caused such pain for me and my family and who appeared to destroy my entire life.

7. I prayed to G-D for some relief and the story of Joseph came into my heart and soul. I realized if hate wasn’t in Joseph’s heart why should it be in mine.  I decided to hate the sin but not the sinner.

8. Leaving true justice in G-D’s hands instead and living in peace instead.

9. In the end this story such as Joseph’s had a happy ending where justice was served partially due to a civil law cases but also by powers above my own.

10. Being accused of a crime is something one keeps hidden for even if they are completely innocent they feel guilty for the pain that has occurred to their loved ones as well as what if’s. Will others look at them differently if they know their full story? They learn to fear the institutions they should trust and wonder who they can truly share this pain with without it hurting more.

11. I’ve told my story with my extended family because Just like in Joseph’s time innocent people from all walks of life are being accused of crimes and sometimes our biases even mine convict before all the facts are heard. Before these individuals are even charged they may lose something more important their reputation and belief.

12. As Jews I believe we have an extra calling to “innocent before proven guilty” whether it be hideous accusations of as a group such as blood libel or prominent individual cases of injustice such as the Dreyfus Affair to baseless claims today concerning the state of Israel we’ve seen this story repeated way to often.

13. Let us pledge to keep the story of Joseph relevant in our life’s today and not pass judgement until it is truly passed. Let us have sympathy for those that bring such accusations but also those who were falsely accused.

PART  2- LEARNING FROM JOSEPH

1. I believe observation isn’t necessarily based on the food we eat or the clothes we wear but how we bring faith through the clouds and sun.

2. Joseph inspired me to see that sometimes we have to go through a little hell to find true warmth.

3. Without the false accusations would I really have understood the pain of others and appreciated the freedom many take for granted? Would I have pushed ahead with projects that before could have waited till another “free day” ?

4. Joseph inspired me to do that when things go right there is only one who should take the final bow G-D

5. For life’s puzzle’s piece may make no sense in the moment but form a beautiful picture if you put them together one faithful step at a time.

14. Maybe the story of Joseph needs to be told throughout our world and especially the ending for justice will prevail if not by our means then by G-D’s

Shabbot Shalom

18 Montebello Road -10:30 AM – In just 2 hours I’ve decided to reveal to some of my closest friends something that is probably best for me to keep quiet about.  Why should I speak up about an issue that might cause some of these individuals to suddenly become distant to me?  If I kept my mouth closed know one would every figure it out and I wouldn’t receive the questions directly and indirectly that I’m sure will come from this revelation. Yet something deeper is driving me to speak up and now is the time I believe I must. Hopefully my fears will not come true and instead open up a new world of greater understanding and empathy for those long forgotten.

As I listened to an individual discussing how “their dog” was the best I felt sorry for them because they obviously don’t know my dogs. My dogs are so much better then your dogs and that is a simple fact that no argument will change. Yes, your dogs might have won all the awards but my dog didn’t even need to enter. I understand that your dog performs many more tricks that mine but that’s because my dog doesn’t feel he & she need to perform.  Yes I can honestly say my dogs are the best … in my world.

John Kasich signed into law a ban prohibiting the killing of down syndrome children that previously was allowed because of their location.  Since they were in the womb of their mother these unborn children could be slaughtered there by “doctors” who performed these killings. Don’t worry those that want to continue the killings can go to 49 other states and Iceland makes sure it occurs.  For those that believe these individuals have less then a life then you and I just realize when G-D forbid they are eliminated who will become the next undesirables.

I’ve realized that comedians help our brains expand as we laugh along the way. They help bring insight into topics that we often don’t find much humor in or add depth to topics we often overlook in our daily lives. Here are just 2 comedians  from their early days (below) that are especially talented in this aspect of live and of course laughs

[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/c7W5x9ZHOXU”]

[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/c7W5x9ZHOXU”]

They both had a start which many believe were divine. Joseph & Jesus might eventually lead different people’s but in many ways their beginning started the same. Both individuals had jealousy play a major role in their upbringing yet still kept the faith when times were extremely tough.  Today are we so different where “haters” are out there looking to bring down those who appear to be destine for greatness.  Haters who are full of jealousy have lived throughout many generations but the one who has a greater plan will win out in the end. For there are many storm clouds ahead toward steps of greatness but G-D has a way to help us find the light when everyone else see’s rain.

I don’t necessarily believe in Cyptocurrency I’m not even sure I’m spelling it correctly but if Goldman Sachs is jumping in I’m going to put a toe in the water as well. It will not be too many toes but if I lose one or two I’ll still be able to walk and with other good investments they probably will grow back.  I understand that this bubble is blowing up but I’d like to be in the action before it pops.

12/22- 6:12 AM  Robert Mueller has indicted “Snoopy Flynn” in  connection the Russian Collusion case. After an extensive interview with Snoopy Investigator Mueller belief’s Snoopy has been holding back evidence pertinent to the case. CNN has been able to get this partial transcript of the interview.

INVESTIGATOR-  Is it not true that you were there in the room when Flynn and President Elect spoke to the Russian Ambassador?

Pause

INVESTIGATOR– This is the 3rd time I asked you for information and you refuse to cooperate. We know that you were in the meeting and that you know what is going on. You haven’t asked for any legal counsel so I’m afraid I’m going to have to find you in contempt of court.

CNN also has been able to obtain this exclusive picture of Mr. Flynn’s time in jail.

FOOTNOTE- Yes this is fake news but if you believe that Donald Trump personally worked with the Russian’s to get elected you’ll believe this too.