Chabad Times newspaper, June 2000

J u n e 2 0 0 0 / S i v a n 5 7 6 0 P u b l i s h e d b y C h a b a d of S o u t h e r n N e v a d a V o l . V I I I N o . 4 People often preface their opin-ions by saying: "This isn't exactly carved in stone, but..." 'Carved in stone' suggests an absolute enduring truth, and our fluid society is afraid of making hard and firm commitments. Little today is engraved in stone, except for tomb-stones, which is a grave situation. In fact, most people would probably associate 'carved' with a festive sumptuous turkey. And hardly any-thing is absolute today except for a ubiquitous whiskey ad. HARD COPY? Until recently, even if things weren't carved in stone, at least they were writ-ten on paper. But high technology has now advanced us to the ephemeral screen; now you see it, now you don't. Anyone remember those pre-com-puter rectangular rubber erasers, cor-rection tape strips and the little white-out bottle and brush? Now, all we have to do is press "Delete" and presto! Whole sentences, paragraphs, even entire documents, disappear and are gone forever at the push of a button. If something isn't exactly to our taste or liking, out it goes, instantly. You don't even have to walk over to the wastebasket. The cute little trash bin sits right there in the corner of your screen. In our superficial world, even so-called "hard copy" is just a piece of paper! Just about everything, from prices to people and ideologies, is subject to change in our ever-changing society. It's What's Inside? Music to our Ears 2 Bridge to Torah 3 A Mitzvah Without Love 4 Recent Happenings at Chabad . .5 Just in Case of Emergency 6 A Dreadlocked Shabbos Drop-In . .7 Growing in Holland 8 Blessing Our Countings 9 Shavuos Holiday Customs 10 In the Beginning 12 Just a Pack of Gum 14 The Marriage Made in Heaven .14 Kosher Gourmet 15 not just the stock market and the weath-er forecast that keep going up and down. Unfortunately, our moral and personal values also fluctuate, depend-ing on which way the wind blows. INDELIBLE IMPRESSION But while the engraving mode may now seem very old and archaic, it is actually on the cutting edge. Etched in stone, the Ten Commandments given at Mt. Sinai have endured for over three thou-sand years. These ancient engraved words have weathered uprisings and upheavals, revolutions and counter revolutions, weltsanchaungs and Zeitgeists, the ebb and flow of progress and revisionism, mod-ernism and post-modernism over the last few centuries. CONNECTING HEAVEN AND EARTH Among the highest attributes of the Heavenly Torah is that it is so down to earth, as symbolized by the Ten Commandments integrating G-d's word with physical rock. Unlike the separate entities of written ink applied to parchment, the engraved Word becomes one and the same with material stone. In today's world, the spiritual ideal and physical reality seem worlds apart. But we look forward to the ultimate union of the physical with the spiritual in the Days of Moshiach, when the whole world will see that "G-d and His Name are One." ON A DEEPER LEVEL Rabbi Joseph Wineberg, a promi-nent Chabad Rabbi, recalls: "The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, once instructed me to visit a certain business-man in Chicago, to awaken his interest in Mitzvot and Jewish life. I visited him in his office and tried to strike up a con-versation, but the impatient business-man soon drew out his checkbook and asked to whom he should make his check payable. I said to him, "Thank you, Sir, but this really isn't the purpose of our meeting." Surprised, the man asked: "If not to solicit, why did you spend the time and effort to visit me?" I replied: "Each letter in a Torah scroll must be per-fect. The whole Torah is invalid if even one let-ter is missing. But letters tend to fade and wither over time. So it was customary in the European Shtetls for a scribe to visit occasionally to inspect the Torah scrolls, and repair any faded or missing letters." "Each Jewish person represents a Torah letter," I explained, "and we need everyone's involvement to com-plete the 'communal Torah.' It is our duty to come around from time to time, to insure that all the 'letters' are in good shape, and help make any repairs if necessary." The businessman was moved by the reason for my visit. Returning to the Rebbe, I reported my conversation. The Rebbe smiled, but corrected me: is" "Chupah" Courtesy of artist Amram Ebgi. See page 2. "True, each Jew is like a Torah let-ter, but he/she is not like ink on parchment that can fade or disappear. You do not have to rewrite' a Jew. "The essence of the Jewish soul is like an engraved letter that always remains intact, even if when unrecog-nizable by accumulated foreign mat-ter and impurities. Once the external dust is removed, the engraved letter returns to its former self." And we have just begun to scratch the surface. ? 2000 Rabbi Israel Rubin Rising to the Summit! Dear Readers, Unfortunately, the Shavuos holiday (June 8/9 and 10) is often ignored, and doesn't seem to be as celebrated as the other Holidays of the Jewish calendar. Shavuos isn't as popular and commonly known as the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, its not full of special food preparations as Passover; it's not as promoted as Chanukah, or as much fun as Purim. But, think of i t were it not for Shavuos, we would have no Jewish holidays at all! Shavuos is actually the peak of Jewish experience. It is the high point of our history when G-d gave the Torah to Moses and the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. We must rise to the occasion by learning more about this wonderful holiday, its rich history, beautiful customs and observances. True, Shavuos is a litde more reserved, a bit on the quiet side, but it is an excellent time to read, study and reflect about Jewish mean-ing and identity. That is why we worked to prepare and publish this newspaper, and we hope you enjoy it! We wish you a happy and inspiring Shavuos! Rabbi Shea Hartig, Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz, Rabbi Mendy Harlig Distribution: Direct mailed 5 times a year to over 3,000 homes in Las Vegas, NV Chabad of Southern Nevada N O N - P R O F I T ORG. 1261 South Arville St. U.S. P O S T A G E Las Vegas, NV 89102 P A I D (702) 259-0770 P E R M I T NO. 447 www.chabadlv.org LAS V E G A S , NV ?2000 Jewish Holiday Consumer. Contents may not be copied without written permission of publisher. The Holiday of Shavuos commem-orates our Receiving of the Torah, both the Written Law and the Oral Law. Amazingly, there is universal agree-ment by Jews of all backgrounds, Sephardic, Ashkenazic or otherwise, on each and every sentence and word in all of the Written Torah. By contrast, the Torah's Oral Law presents us with numerous opinions on almost every issue. Hardly a page of Talmud enjoys unanimity, as the Talmudic system actually thrives on constant debate and disputation between the sages. The Talmud meticulously records all sides of the sages' diverse interpre-tations. This tradition has continued throughout the centuries by in the vast literature of rabbinic responsa and the commentaries who continue to argue Torah issues to and fro. Two Truth*? The obvious question arises: How can Divine Truth allow for differing opinions? Do we dismiss and reject those sages whose opin-ions are not accepted as stan-dard Halachah? Doesn't the bottom line in the Jewish Code of Law prove that those sages were mistaken and wrong about the real Divine intent? No! The Talmud considers both sides of a scholarly argu-ment as bona fide and valid Torah expressions; both con-tradictory opinions are respected as the "Words of the Living G-d!" But how can this be true, when the differing views are diametrically opposed? Tha Full Spectrum Only the infinite wisdom of Torah is broadminded enough to entertain opposites. Torah is not limited, narrow or one dimensional, for the Divine Light radiates on many differ-ent wavelengths. G-d's Word shines through the Torah as a broad spectrum composed of the extreme attributes of Chesed Kindness on one side, and Gevurah Severity on the other side, and includes all other colors and shades between. As a multi-faceted dazzling dia-mond, the Torah's brilliant sparkle can be enjoyed, appreciated and studied from many different angles, depending on the perspective and the beholder. Halachic Symphony We hear no discordant notes as the sages argue pro and con, for "the Torah is broader than the earth, and deeper than the sea." The intense and heated Torah dis-cussions in the Bet Midrash study hall may reach the highest decibels, but it is music to our ears. Don't leading musi-cians play against each other to create a counterpoint effect? The beauty of an orchestra and symphony is that it bands together dif-ferent sounds and diverse instruments. Ultimately, one major instrument will lead and dominate a musical perfor-mance. But the trained, sensitive listen-er will appreciate all of the background music and the slight, minor under-tones that add fullness and body to the composition. Such is the beautiful harmonizing of diverse voices in a Halachic sym-phony. Divisiveness as a Blessing This gives us a new insight into the Mishnah: "An argument for the sake of Heaven will endure forever; this refers to the arguments between Hillel and Shamai." (Avoth 5) Is this Mishnah implying that divi-siveness that endures forever is consid-ered a positive outcome and result? Wouldn't Judaism be less confusing and more peaceful without all the many conflicting opinions? Don't we escort the Torah back to the Ark singing: 'Its ways are pleasant; all its paths are peace'? (Proverbs 3 17) tionship between Hillel and Shamai. Despite the issues and rulings that divide them, the Talmud relates that Shamai and Hillel enjoyed an excellent loving relationship. Usually, rivals are eager to remove and eliminate their competition. It makes things easier, allowing their own ideology to reign supreme with-out contention. But Hillel and Shamai actually welcomed their opposition, as an opportunity to expand the scope and breadth of the Living word of G-d. Ulho is Number One? This may also be alluded to in the Talmudic statement: "The Halacha fol-lows the House of Hillel because they were humble, always insisting on quoting the words of Bais Shamai, and even mentioning them first, before say-ing their own words." (Eruvin 13b). There is more to Hillel allowing Shamai to speak first than mere cour-tesy or politeness. Hillel refused to state his position without first hearing All lis Paths But that is exactly the emphasis of the verse: 'all its paths' represent peace. The seeming divergent paths within the Torah framework form an integral part of the Halachic process, allowing us to expand and fully explore the broader parameters of Torah study. For practical purposes, the actual Halacha usually follows the teaching of Hillel. But Shamai, too, represents a valid and highly respected Torah school of thought. No one here is right or wrong, because both Hillel and Shamai come from a very good and holy place. These great Scholars were both committed to the truth of Torah, and both worked within the parame-ters of the Halachic framework. An Unrivaled Rivalry To discern a good debate from a bad argument, let us study the unique rela- Shamai. Hillel allowed leniency only after Shamai's stricter ruling pulled in the opposite direction, thus providing a healthy counterbalance to the Torah equilibrium. Good and Bad Arguments Unfortunately, the old joke that two Jews have three opinions has become a sad fact nowadays. Our penchant for argumentation and divisiveness recalls the story of a Jew who was shipwrecked on a soli-tary island. Over time, this isolated Jew built for himself all of life's neces-sities, including two shuls; one where he prayed, and the other shul "in which I will never set foot." Unfortunately, we see how move-ments clash, trying to assert them-selves at the expense of others. Some fear others elbowing their way in by pushing others out, while others feel threatened by others' higher or lower About the Cover Artist... Born in Fez, Morocco in 1939, Amram Ebgi left for Israel as a youth. A friend's coloring set birthday present turned him on to art. The president of the Brooklyn Museum of Art discovered the young artist during a visit to Israel, and awarded Amram a full scholarship at the Museum. He learned oil and watercolor techniques, expanding his style at the Pratt Graphic Art Center into silk screen, intaglio relief, and epoxy modeling. In 1981, Amram moved to North Miami Beach where his annual shows at the International Art Expo earned him popularity. His imaginative artistic arrangements are displayed in galleries and museums throughout the world. Ebgi's "Salute To Israel" became the official poster for Israel's 40th Anniversary. Ebgi received the 1996 Magen David at the Jerusalem 3000 Celebration, and the 1998 UJA Federation Award for designing an original Tzedakah Box. His "Sea of Galilee" and "Jerusalem Gate II" were selected as greeting cards by UNICEF's International Art Commission. Visit his gallery at www.amramebgi.com. ' r e l i g i o u s ' l e v e l . P o s i t i o n s harden as p e r s o n a l agendas are cloaked in religious man-tles, and politics are sanctified as right-eous 'isms.' Unfortunately, these 'Holy War' mongers will add fuel to the fire by invoking the Talmud to support their dishonorable cause. "If Hillel and Shamai argued," they claim, "why can't we also fight, dissent and dis-agree?" But unfortunately, this 'idealism' degenerates into mutual recrimination and defamation. Minor matters are magnified into major chasms, and burn bridgeable differences. Suspicion breeds suspicion, and what divides us tends to override that which unites us. As the 'religious' rhetoric escalates and clouds the controversy, it becomes dif-ficult to discern whether an argument is really for the 'Sake of Heaven.' Interdependence Hillel and Shamai had dif-fering personalities, attitudes and modes of interpretation. But the underlying foundation of their arguments was a mutu-al understanding that there is more than their own side to a Torah issue. Convinced as they were of their opinion, they were also convinced that their oppo-nent was also right, at least the-oretically. They didn't only tolerate a contrary viewpoint, or politely agree to disagree. Their rela-tionship was not mere coexis-tence, but one of mutual inter-dependence. They eagerly wel-comed their contenders as a golden opportunity to expand and see all sides and aspects of the Divine word. Kindness Tempered by Severity The famous story of the three converts who were reject-ed by Shamai but accepted by Hillel can serve as an example of this interdependence. Hillel's welcoming acceptance of the converts raises a serious Halachic issue. A potential convert must first be discouraged to test his sincerity. How did Hillel accept the converts without an initial rejection? Typically, Hillel here was able to rely on Shamai's initial rejection. The convert's sincerity had already been proven by his persistence to seek out Hillel after being rejected by the first rabbi he met. 'An argument for the Sake of Heaven endures.' This 'Endurance' is not only the result, the reward for this argument. It is also the basic cause and criteria that helps define that righteous argument which is truly "for the Sake of Heaven." When both opposing par-ties readily welcome the competing view and sincerely want it to endure, it is surely for the Sake of Heaven. Such an argument will truly endure forever, and no one can argue with that. ^ M u s i c s o O u t E o f s ^ / r ^ ^ r of the Lubavttcher Rebbe, Let's Pick Our Fights and Choose Our Battles ^ m Rubin To Torah by Matthew Granovetter The game of Bridge has been the preoccupation of my wife and I for most of our lives. We have taught Bridge, promoted Bridge and orga-nized major Bridge tournaments around the world. But now, Torah study plays a most important role in our family. So it's only natural that we note relationships between Bridge and Torah, which I share with our readers in honor of Shavuos, Holiday of the Torah. Some observations are more meaningful than others. But if something relates to Torah, how trivial can it be? Of course, Bridge is just a game, while Torah is for real, but they are both intellectually stimulating, and fol-low a logical system. You have to use your head. After each bridge hand the players often argue about small details; whether one should have played the deuce or the three. It reminds me of the detailed arguments over a Rashi com-mentary if a particular Hebrew letter changes the meaning. We arrive at Shavuos after 'count-ing the Omer,' each day of seven weeks since Passover. The counting of the days from Passover to Shavuos may be compared to the counting that bridge players do on every bridge deal. 'Counting the Omer' is literally a bridge between the Passover festival of physical freedom and Shavuos which gave us our spiritual freedom. I also find the word "Omer" inter-esting. The most famous Bridge player is the movie actor Omar Sharif. Now, Omar is not Omer, but it almost sounds the same! Bridge has 52 cards, and there are 52 weeks of the year when we read the Torah on Shabbos. Now let's play a little low-level numerical Gematria. It takes exactly four players to play Bridge and there are precisely four names for the holi-day of Shavuos: The Festival of Reaping (of wheat at this season), The tomary to eat a Dairy meal. H rep-resents 'Har', mean-ing "mountain" in Hebrew. S, of course, is Sinai where we received the Torah. CONTRACT The object of the game of bridge is to fulfill the contract you bought in the bidding. The object of the holiday of Shavuot is to fulfill the contract that we made with G-d at Sinai. Festival of Shavuos (the seven weeks counted), the Day of the Bikurim (first fruit), and Zeman Matan Toratenu, (when we received the Torah). There are four suits in a deck of cards, and each suit, believe it or not, begins with a letter that represents an important aspect of Shavuos. Bridge: C = Clubs, D = Diamonds, H = Hearts, S = Spades. Shavout: C = Cheese, D = Dairy, H = Har, S = Sinai. Cheese is a favorite Shavuos food, when it is cus- ALL NIGHTER It is customary to stay up Shavuos night to study Torah. This may sound fanatical, but before becoming reli-gious, I stayed up plenty of long nights to play bridge. RUTH At age 13, I first learned Bridge from a book written by Ruth Cohen. Now, on Shavuos I learn much more from a much better Book of Ruth (no relation, or maybe she is a relation). POPULARITY Unfortunately, bridge isn't current-ly the most popular card game (as it was some time ago). But it might make a comeback since it was added to the next Olympics. Shavuos, too, was once a highly revered festival, but has unfortunately lost popularity in some circles. Let's work so it regains promi-nence! ENTER! When I went to the Israeli Consulate to apply for my Aliyah papers, I sported a mustache. Since most religious Jews wear beards rather than mustaches, the Israeli guard decided to test me (in case I was a ter-rorist in disguise) to see if I really was a religious Jew. He asked me: "What is the holiday of Shavuos?" He assumed I wouldn't know about this obscure, low profile holiday. I proudly answered: "It's the holiday we cele-brate for receiving the Torah." "Enter," he said. Now that I have a full long beard, a US customs official thought I looked suspicious recently when I was cross-ing the border from Mexico into Texas. He asked what I had been doing in Mexico. I answered, "I was in a bridge tournament." "Can you tell me who the Blue Team is?" I answered correct-ly: "The Blue Team is the name of the Italian world championship team." "Enter,"he said. One day I'll be at the Gates of Heaven, and when the angel/guard, knowing I spent so much time on Bridge will ask me the entry question, "Did you study Torah?" I may have the right answer. It was-n't all in vain, as I was able to relate the game of Bridge to Torah study in this Shavuos article. Matthew Granovetter is editor of Bridge Today Magazine, and can be reached at Matt?bridgeto-day. com. Chabad of Southern Nevada is proud to announce the opening of the Now Accepting Registration For The 2.000-2.001 School Year Grades K - 5 OUR PROGRAM INCLUDES: ? Low student-teacher ratio ? An intense Judaic and general studies curriculum Computer Lab and PE instruction ? Music, Drama, Gymnastics OUR STAFF: Each of our teachers and faculty is fully qualified. Their experience and dedication, patience and creativity combine to create a rewarding school experience for our children WE BELIEVE THAT: Through a well-balanced religious and secular education, our children will be capable of functioning in American society as dedicated Jewish men and women, emotionally, academically, socially and spiritually. WE STRIVE TO: ? Instill intellectual curiosity. ? Achieve the highest level, possible for each child ? Encourage full participation in American culture. ? Prepare our children t o meet the challenge of contemporary life. ? Teach ethical and mora I values. ? Educate students in Jewish traditions and observances WE BELIEVE IN: The total education of the Jewish child. Our vision is to provide a dynamic academic and spiritual educational program in an extended family atmosphere. Desert Torah academy - the best of both worlds For more information, please call 2 5 9 - O W O Chabad's Programs & Services Chabad of Southern Nevada Shacharit Daily Sunday Minchah Daily Maariv Daily The Shul, 1254 Vista Dr. 7:00 am 8:00 am 15 minutes before sunset 9:00 pm The Chabad Center, 1261 S.Arville 259-0770 Friday Evening Sunset Shabbat Morning 10:00 am Minchah/Maariv 15 minutes before sunset Chabad of Summerlin 2620 Regatta Drive, #117 243-3623 Shacharit Daily Sunday Friday evening Shabbat morning 6:45 am 8:30 am 6:00 pm 10:00 pm Chabad of Green Valley Wigwam & Pecos area 617-0770 Friday evenings Shabbat Morning Sunday Morning 6:00 pm 10:00 am 8:30 am Desert Torah Academy Kindergarden - 5th Grade 8:30 am- 4:00 pm Torah Tots Preschool 3-5 Years old 9:00 am-3:00 pm Talmud Torah - Hebrew School 1-8 grade - Monday & Wednesday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Kindergarten - Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Gan Israel Day Camp July & August Ages 3-13 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Mikvah ? 259-0770 The Jewish Super Phone ? 259-1000 Daily Minyan ? Desert Torah Academy Day School ? Torah Tots Preschool ? Kindergarten ? Hebrew School ? Adult Education Classes ? Gan Isreal Day Camps ? Mikvah Lecture Series ? Holidays Programs ? Jewish Superphone ? Hospital Visitations ? Retirement Home Visitations ? Prison Visitations ? Literature and Publications Weekly Torah Fax ? Mommy and Me ? Crisis Counseling ? N'Shei Chabad ? Chevra Kadisha ? Jewish Art Calendar ? Shabbatons ? One on One Rabbinic Study Model Matzkah Bakery ? Shofar Factory ? Koshering Service ? Mezzuzah House Calls ? Public Menorah Celebrations ? Community Seders Chabad of Southern Nevada 1261 S. Arville ? Las Vegas, NV 89102 Phone: 259-0770 ? FAX 877-4700 www.chabadlv.org ? E-mail: chabadlv@aol.com CHABAD OF SUMMERLIN'S BANQUET WAS A GREAT SUCCESS Chabad of Summerlin celebrated its fifth anniversary recently with a highly successful fund-raising dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. The event also marked the fifth anniversary of Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz as the spiritual leader of Chabad of Summerlin. The dinner was the kickoff event for raising the necessary funds to finance construction of a permanent Chabad synagogue in the Summerlin section of Las Vegas. The congregation has outgrown its present storefront facility in Desert Shores. More than 150 congregants and friends attended the dinner which honored Rabbi and Rebbetzin Schanowitz. Also honored was Jerry Molen, co-producer of the Academy Award-winning motion picture "Schindler's List." Mr. Molen, who worked closely with the film's director, Steven Spielberg, spent many months researching those areas of the Holocaust which dealt with the film. 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NV 88183 mutts VUT if i k i r a m 7 K Dear Children, you and your friends are invited to a S H Q V U O S I C E C R E Q M ?Shavuos celebrates the giving of the Torah to the J e w i s h people seven weeks after the exodus from Egypt. paltry Friday; June 9th Services begin at 10:00 am Reading of the Commandments at 11:00 am, followed by an Ice Cream Party Super Games Fantastic Prizes Delicious Ice Cream i - Locations: The Chabad Center 1261 S. Arville Street Chabad of Summerlin 2620 Regatta Drive, #117 Chabad of Green Valley Wigwam & Pecos For more info call 259-0770 Heeemlk 44uppemmj[& CAaSad Moshe Yess entertaining the crowd at the Chabad of Summerlin Banquet In the background, a rendering of the new Chabad of Summerlin Efram Rosenfeld, Jerry Molin look Richard Bryan speak Steven Dubner, author of the bestselling book Turbulent Souls, speaking to an overflowing crowd at an adult education lecture. Kindergarten graduating class Torah Tots Preschool at play Morah Gill at the Model Seder Academy Tr he flight from Oregon to Rhode Island was like any other flight. I had just finished my kosher Mexican chicken dinner, a minia-ture Challa and the half-frozen canned fruit that never seems to thaw out no matter how much they "nuke" it in the onboard microwave oven. The first five hours were uneventful. It was a clear evening without a cloud in the sky, and I was anxiously anticipating spending Shavuos with my Mom and Dad. The pilot ordered us to buckle our seat belts, stow away our tray tables and return our seats to an upright position. Just as I snapped the seat belt buckle, a vibration shook the entire plane. Our 'uneventful flight' suddenly turned into a terrifying encounter! A more violent shock wave struck the plane with horrifying force. A palpable fear invaded the cabin. Looking out the window we saw how the clear sky had turned into a tumul-tuous tower of storm clouds! The plane rolled up and down like a roller coaster and sideways like a salmon swimming upstream. We felt like the plane was out of the pilot's control, and terror swept through us like a raging river. People were crying, praying and sobbing as we tossed about like a paper airplane in a hurri-cane. The woman seated next to me was sobbing in terrifying wails. I prayed to G-d to deliver us to safety, quickly reciting every Hebrew prayer I knew. I said the Shema and parts of the Am id a I remembered, and even moved on to the blessing for Chanukah candles! Just as it appeared we were going to crash, the pilot regained control and pointed the air-craft nose straight up and we took off like an arrow shot upward from a bow. The plane lit-erally screamed as it climbed up to the hope of calmer skies. At that moment when it appeared the plane couldn't take any more, we smashed through the storm into calm. The terror was over and we were safe. We all sighed with relief, and applause erupted in the cabin. We were safe and alive! We walked from the plane into the arms of our tense but loving families. The nightmare was over. During the ride to my parent's home in Connecticut I reflected on our reaction during the worst. Each passenger pleaded with G-d to spare his/her life. Promises and oaths of future good behavior were made. At that one terrifying moment, G-d was real to us. For three horrible minutes we knew in our hearts only one force in the universe could save us. It wasn't the pilot, the air traffic controller or the Boeing engineer who designed the plane. Only G-d could deliver us from immi-nent danger. Yet as soon as we touched down and the danger was over, I bet the majority of the pas-sengers tucked their faith back into the inner recesses of their minds. Like a comfortable old sweater they only take out on cold, blustery days, they stored their faith back in the closet until the next time they'd need it. I wondered. Should G-d be there just 'in case of Emergency?' Even under normal and routine circumstances, each day gives us so many new opportunities to thank G-d for His gifts and blessings. It's a shame we don't learn to appreciate G-d in regular times, and wait until we're in danger to acknowledge His presence and impact on our lives. Why go through a terrifying experience to find G-d when He is always available to us? That absolute, unconditional, unshakable faith empowers us to face the challenges of life without a sudden jolt and rude awakening. By doing Mitzvot daily, we build, bit by bit, a tower of faith to guide us through life. Like a lucrative investment, the Mitzvah we perform today pays huge dividends in the long term. It's a great investment that money can't buy. Custom Invitations for All Occasions One of the largest selections at all price levels Hebrew typestyles ? 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A loving and non-judg-mental person, he turned me on to Shabbat. After living in Berkeley, it was time to move on, and I was com-mitted to keep Shabbat. I decided that if I should be hitchhiking on the road at Shabbat, I would stay there with my pack till after Shabbat. I arrived in Boulder on a Friday afternoon. I found the address of the local Chabad House and proceeded to walk the few miles. I still had a good three hours until Shabbat began. But when I finally arrived at the address there was no Chabad House, but a huge office building. The Chabad office was already closed for Shabbat. I should mention my appearance: I had long dread-locks with a Tibetan bell attached, a scraggly beard, tattered, painted pants and a very exotic shirt from India, which had Sanskrit written all over it. I saw an elderly woman sitting at a desk in a financial firm next to the Chabad office, and asked if I could use the phone. She asked me in a curi-ous tone, "Are you a religious Jew?" Seeing me knock on the Chabad door, she was confused by my appearance. I told her I was Jewish and trying to be religious. "Oh, that's wonder-ful!" she exclaimed. "I'm a born-again Christian and I think you Jews duced me to her husband. I imme-diately lit candles and then prayed. They put some food together for me; I was vegetarian and was not strict then about keeping kosher. They talked to me about five minutes about their religion. I said that I was just start-ing to get into my Jewishness. "Absolutel