The Rebbe is on the Plane

No Stopping

Here is a splash of my feelings written from thousands of feet in the air:

I am weightless.

The cabin pressure cannot leave its mark.

Questions of my existence are flowing through the clouds as American Airlines flight 1016 makes its way to Miami.

They have no idea the Rebbe is on the plane.

----------

Traveling for the Rebbe's mission is in a category of its own.

Everything joins the mission. The people you sit next to. The sun setting from the window of 21E. The Diet Coke.

The weightless feeling is there mocking my existence.

It's so clear who's traveling here.

When you're on the Rebbe's mission, you go places.

But it just doesn't feel like me. It doesn't feel like it is me that is going.

If it were me, I'd be a little nervous, a little anxious.

If it were me, I'd have gone to the bathroom a million times before leaving.

If it was me, I'd be checking my watch every five seconds at the gate.

If it was me, I'd be trying to sleep right now - I wouldn't be as alive and alert.

If it was me, I wouldn't have one hundred Pushkas (charity boxes) in my suitcase.

The calm inside.
The fresh mind and spirit.
The confidence and trust.

The feeling of flying - way before boarding the plane.

It's all the Rebbe.

The Rebbe's involvement in the mission he gave us extends beyond the orders.
The Rebbe's investment in his soldiers is intimate, and extends into all the details.

It's not a nice thought.

It's real.

Inside.

Outside.

Bubbling and pumping and flowing.

All around me.

It's beyond humbling.

I'll be the first person to touchdown in Miami. There's stuff to do, and I was entrusted with the tasks, the seemingly small details that make the bigger picture. Like coffee.

It's unbelievable really.

Over the course of the next two and a half weeks, souls will jump, truths will explode, and many Jewish women will leave with a recharged connection with their maker, a burning passion to do good and not settle for anything less than sacred.

To be a part of such an experience is a magnificent blessing.

The Rebbe's vision is forever spiraling. From hilltops to the oceans depth, the daily transformation of our people in the direction of redemption is very alive.

On the outset of this journey, feeling the Rebbe's strength and partnership is more than meaningful.

It makes my world shine.

It gives me everything I have.

-------

At any given moment, the Rebbe is on planes coming from and going everywhere. To feel him uniquely invested in this particular mission is extraordinary - a strong testimony to the truth and unity in the Rebbe's detailed vision for this world.

When you're with the Rebbe, you're elevated beyond your natural human tendencies.

You just flow.

The Rebbe doesn't mind flight delays, nor does he complain about his middle seat.

So, naturally, I didn’t.

Attention American Airlines.

The Rebbe is on the plane.

-----

With G-dliness so firmly united in the cause, it's impossible not to feel this weightlessness right now.

I am going somewhere.

Sent from above.

I am blessed.

I am a running river.

I am an ascending flame.

I am a speeding train.

I am a rain drop.

Reporting live.

- M

Into the deep with Bais Chana

There's no place like home (Rabbi Friedman during
a recent question-and-answer session with teens).

I leave to Florida tomorrow to prepare for the Bais Chana learning retreat for college students, women, and couples (3 sessions, Jan 1st-15th).

There's nothing like livin' and learnin' (and divin') with other beautiful Jewish women from around the globe.

Key Largo is famous for it's snorkeling and sunsets.

Soon to be famous for a white bearded Rabbi and some mind-blowing learning.

Stay in touch with the Hilltop.

There will be much to share.

- M

Diving deeper

Warming souls

Oh, Aish.

http://www.aish.com/societyWork/salomonSays/Menorah-less_in_Seattle.asp

Some Rabbis just seem bored. Like, scary bored.

Follow the link above to watch a video of an Aish Rabbi in real confusion about the purpose of Chanukah.

I had no idea that someone can make a case against public Menorah lightings, and try and show 9through Torah's lense!) that it's actually "counter intuitive to Chanukah itself."

Two words, buddy:

Persumei Nissah.

Publisizing the miracle.

So, we take it seriously.

You don't.

Fine.

It's funny how some people - supposed educators - can spend time knocking the efforts of others. I mean, this guy actually posts a video.

Ridiculous.

How come I've never seen a Chabadnik put so much effort into questioning and putting down the efforts of another "sect" of Jews?

The answer is simple.

Chabad is too busy spreading good and paving the way for redemption.

Yea, I hear them outside my window right now.

They're driving out of Crown Heights in Menorah-topped cars, with music blaring.

I would like to hear this guy on the video ask his pathetic ego-toned questions to the thousands that have transformed their lives because of a public Menorah lighting. Underlying his message is a total disregard for other Jews. It's grotesque.

When he says that instead of public menorah lightings, "we should look within" and "make sure we're as strong as we can be" - what does he propose?

Besides, how do we do that without all the other Jews in on it with us? Do you believe in the Jewish people or not?

And since when does "looking within" mean the exclusion of care for the "outside"?

It's shocking.

Again, some people just seem a little bored.

It's almost like they got Rabbinical ordination just so they can make lame preachy home videos.

Things like this make me incredibly grateful for the Rebbe, who's eternal guidance and vision always gets to the core of the issue. When you have the Rebbe to look to as an example for real action, there's no time to waste with such silliness.There's no time to be bored.

This Rabbi really should go catch a Menorah lighting somewhere.

You know, step outside. Get some fresh air.

Might do him some good this holiday season.

Thank you, Zalman.

So I was at Empire Grill yesterday.

I have this strange order, where I basically get a baguette with a bunch of salad in it. It’s not on the actual menu, but they just charge me 5 bucks for it.

I ordered and was ready to pay. I only had a few dollars on me, and asked if I could pay with my card.

My arms holding my card went limp when the sweet woman who works there nodded a “no.”

I only had three dollars on me.

The friend I was with couldn’t lend me cash.

So I am standing there in line, searching through my wallet, as if cash will suddenly appear.

Before I knew it, an arm with a few dollars came jutting into the scene.

I turned around to face a Bachur with a brown yarmulke and the most sincere expression on his face.

“Here, take it.”

I froze.

No, that’s okay. I can’t take your money, really…thank you…”

I’m still hurriedly pacing through my receipts and cards.

But the Bachur insisted.

“Here. Really. It’s just a few dollars. Take it, and give the change to Tzedakah.”

“No, no, really.”

I tried to be very firm about my refusal to take his money.

But nothing would stop him.

“Please, just take it. Don’t worry about it. Just do the same for someone else someday.”

I almost melted, but still couldn’t bare the thought of taking a strangers money.

I said, “but I will worry about it. I just….can’t.”

The lady at the desk was sweet: “No problem, just pay the difference another time.”

But I didn’t want to do that either!

So, while I pretended to have hidden money in the recesses of my wallet, the Bachur kept on insisting.

He was so natural about it, like he does this for people everyday or something.

He wasn’t going to put the money back in his wallet.

His kindness was so obviously coming from the truest place.

I finally submitted.

With my cheeks probably totally flushed, I accepted the young man’s money.

I felt like a total flake.

I sat down next to my friend, totally flustered and slightly awkward.

Across the room, the Bachur sat down to eat his food.

The whole time I’m thinking, “He paid for almost half of my meal, and he’s just sitting across the room.”

It just felt funny.

But I was very moved by the whole thing.

When he was done with his food, he got up to leave.

Before I knew it, I was out of my seat chasing after him.

“Wait! Can I at least have your name?”

He gave me his name, and I thanked him again.

With one of those “no problem” waves and a cool “yea, sure, you’re welcome, don’t worry ‘bout it" - he was off.

When I was ready to leave, the woman at the cashier smiled at me and said, “That was so sweet, that boy paying for your meal…”

Clearly, she too was moved.

I’m not amazed that he offered. But what did make an impression on me was how sincere he was about it – so sincere that I felt like I was making him happy by taking his money!

It was probably the first time in my life that I felt like a stranger really wanted me to take something from them, and felt that they were genuine and serious about doing something for me. It just doesn’t happen everyday.

Something felt very good about being able to accept kindness from a so-called stranger. Deep inside, I had to find a very humble place to be able to accept the money.

Also, with this little happening came the realization that the world really goes round because of the kindness of others, no matter how seemingly small it may be.

Either way, maybe he reads this. I was so totally flustered, and – despite him so obviously not wanting my thanks – I didn’t get a chance to really tell him how thoughtful I thought it was.

It’s very possible that I will never see him again, let alone be given the opportunity to repay him.

But I am definitely more inspired to do more of what they call "random acts of kindness."

Thank you, Zalman.

Some Matis Clips

At 04:21 - Matis slips in the tune to "Rebbe Shlita, Ein Kamocha BaOlam."



Matis jumps into the Balcony, dances through the audience, riles up the crowd:

Matisyahu - Festival of Lights show

Matisyahu played a great show at Hammerstein Ballroom last night.

Here's a brief outline and pictures, an attempt at capturing a little bit of what went on.

Enjoy.

-----

8: 30 - Meeting up with the fam, waiting outside. Crowd is arriving.

9:15 - We go in, find ourselves in the center, halfway between the front and the back. We're in a lively bunch. My brother starts singing "Oh Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel..." with some young boys, jumping around excitedly. Channukah is in the air.

9:22 - Everyone sees all the excitement in the crowd, the jumping with the tall bearded guy. Before we know it, people are flashing pictures and going nuts. Everyone thinks Matisyahu is in the crowd. But nope, it's my brother (Now dubbed "Matis Jr." - even Matisyahu's mother thinks they look alike).

9:32 - Matis takes the stage, in "full Chassidic garb." He opens with "Lord, raise me up" to a charged crowd.





9: 56 - Matis notices Saadya in the crowd, and points to him, smiling (Matis loves his homeboys). Now everyone is doubly confused. That bearded guy is still in the crowd? Apparently, he was just a look-alike. So much for all the screaming and pictures.

10:07 - "We want Moshiach NOW, and it's time it starts revealing..." Thousands of New York yidden go nuts.



10:24 - It's in between songs. The bachurim and boys are singing, "We want Moshiach now!" and it's catching on...."We don't wanna waaaait!"




10: 39 - Matisyahu is beat boxing, and slips in the tune to "Rebbe Shlita, Ein Kamocha B'olam" - the bachrurim pick up on it, and start singing.










10:54 - Matisyahu jumps over the balcony, into the mezzanine. People are going nuts, the music is drilling, and Matisyahu is jumping over speakers, hanging in the air - showing that there are no hurdles for a Jew, nothing can get in his way. Another bit of Channukah symbolism. He claps from the audience, and we all clap with him.





11: 01 - Matis asks for everyone to light up the world. Lighters and cellphones make the room a bit brighter.





11: 07 - Matis is on the side of the stage jumping. He stops and lifts his hand, with one finger up, pointing to one G-d above. The crowd follows. G-d is on the mind of thousands - very powerful.






11:15 - Matisyahu stands by the Menorah singing "Indestructable" : "Release me from their schemes....Shield me on the path thats dark and slippery... I stand with integrity....won't you utterly remove the cloud hangin' over me, wave you wave that decree in the shade of your wings, shelter me from the wicked who have pundered me, from my mortal enemies won't ya shield me..." The Channukah message is alive.







11:22 - Matis wishes the crowd a Happy Channukah. The show is over. The crowd of thousands, from every walk of life (including a couple that looked straight out of Mea Shearim), get ready to brace the cold outside.



11:30 - I'm in the line to get my jacket back. Two girls behind me are discussing Matisyahu's background. One girl says to the other, "Yea, he's either Chabad or like those Nanach guys. But, totally Chabad. Chabad is all about dancing around and being happy. Did you see how he was jumping around in the crowd and stuff? Yea, that's Chabad."

11:50 - I hear a girl say to her friend, "I touched Matisyahu when he was passing me by! I totally forgot that he's Shomer Negiiah! He doesn't touch any other woman but his wife, isn't that sweeeeeeet?"

11:55 - To a small group waiting to meet Matis, my brother explains how this past weeks Sicha relates to Matis's lyrics, "Keep my feet on the ground, and my head in the clouds." Later, I hear a girl repeating it to her friends saying, "isn't that coooool?"



12:15 - Outside, feeling pumped. Ready to leave. Discussing the show, a great Channukah kick-off.

12:30 - On the Subway back to Crown Heights. Someone asks my brother, "are you Matisyahu?" One more person in New York is let down that night.

1:43 - After long subway waits, I'm home now. Tired, but pumped. Many thoughts about Channukah, the Rebbe, Matisyahu, music, we all have our own mission...

Feeling inspired.



Channukah has been beautiful so far.

May the light and joy continue to reign.

- M