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A Deeper Understanding of Israel & Us

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:32:00 AM

Every time I fly to Israel as we enter Israeli airspace and see the shores down below, as I am filled with gratitude, I reflect and contrast that with the story of Moses, who pleaded with G-d to be allowed into the Land of Israel, yet was not able to enter.

I think about this great spiritual leader's burning desire to enter the Land, yet alas he wasn't able to be a part of this dramatic moment for the Jewish people, and yet here we are just 11 hours of flying, and we are able to touch the hallowed ground of the Land of Israel.

I think of the thousands of stories I have read of Jewish people who made the treacherous journey to the land of Israel over the centuries, sometimes overcoming tremendous obstacles and challenges along the way, and sometimes arriving and seeing so many challenges and difficulties once they arrived.

I think of people like the Nachmanides (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman) who arrived in the Land of Israel in 1267, and described it in a famous letter to his son as very neglected, desolate, and largely in ruins.

I think of the hundreds of Chassidic families who made the journey there with the encouragement of the founder of Chabad and in 1777 and later via his grandson in 1845 who settled in places like Jerusalem, Safed, Hebron and elsewhere and struggled with tremendous poverty but determination in their mission, as they built up the infrastructure of many Jewish communities.

What is this deep attraction and intense spiritual connection which we all feel with the Holy Land? Yes it is part of our prayers, we face Jerusalem three times a day, and we mention it at every lifecycle moment, yet it is much deeper than that. What exactly is it?

Indeed, Israel is more than just a place, it is more than just a historical homeland, it is also a spiritual home of the Jewish people, the gateway of G-d into the universe, and a place where we can spiritually maximize G-dly input into the world.

It was for this reason, that Moses wanted so deeply to come to the Land of Israel, so that he could actualize and implement G-d's vision for a land that wouldn't just be flowing with milk and honey, but also with an abundance of Mitzvot, good deeds and light to inspire the world.

It is this deep spiritual element and the spiritual history that has unfolded among the rocks, hills, valleys and old streets of the Land of Israel, which has pulled at the heartstrings and souls of the Jewish people for millennia.

Almost 200 years ago a Chasid decided he wanted to leave his home and settle in the Land of Israel to dedicate his life entirely to prayer and Torah study and he asked the third Chabad Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek for a blessing and approval for the long and dangerous journey.

The Rebbe told him in Yiddish: "Mach doh Eretz Yisroel"—meaning, "Make this place into the Land of Israel." . He explained that a person's true job in this world is to bring holiness, Torah, and mitzvot into the physical world right where they stand and imbue our surroundings with purpose, light and depth. When doing so, we are taking the concept of the Land of Israel, and creating a mini replica in the spiritual sense, right where we live.

While it does not replace the physical experience of being there, until we all get there, this story brings together so much of the spiritual longing for the Land of Israel, and a way, which we can continue to add light and impact the current day Israel from afar and also on our own local surroundings at the same time.

Israel is not just the name of a Land, it is also the name of the Jewish people the children of Israel, Am Yisrael, and also a metaphor for a way of living, in which we bring together the beautiful values and messages of the Torah and the Divine vision for the Holy Land, and give it an expression in our homes, workplace and communities.

This Shabbat is known as the Shabbat of comfort as we move on from the sadness of the 9th of Av, and we hope and pray, that G-d gives us all the strength, comfort and resilience, to march forward with our mission, despite all the naysayers, and continue making the world be the beautiful world it should and will be.

Nachamu, Nachamu Ami!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Recap of Event with Colonel Avner Cohen

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:23:00 AM

Thank you Colonel Avner Cohen for your deeply moving presentation on Tuesday evening at Chabad of Sudbury regarding your efforts in identifying the the dead of the terrible attack of Oct 7th, as commander of Israel's Shura Base,

The 100% rate of identification, considering the terrible circumstances and difficult conditions, are a testimony to the perseverance and dedication of your entire team to the Kavod HaMet, (Respect of the Deceased).

You can read more and buy the Hebrew version of his book From Shura to Tekuma or order the soon to be printed English version at www.avnercohen.com

To Pray or to Build?

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:38:00 AM

Each day in camp we sing a joyous melody during the morning prayers which expresses the hope that "Sheyibonah Beit Hamikdash", "May the Temple (in Jerusalem) be rebuilt". The kids love the song, and the sing with joy and zest as they bang on the table and blast out this song and its message.

This morning, a young camper approached me and told me he had a question to ask me, and he proceeded to ask me "why can't we just go and take the stones and Jerusalem stone and rebuild the Temple together as a Jewish people"?

It was a great question from an inquisitive young mind, why just pray for this to happen, why not take a hammer and rebuild it?

I told him that this was truly a great question, but that this prayer is more than just asking G-d to make it happen, it is also a reminder to all of us, to do acts of goodness and kindness, and do another Mitzvah each day to better the world, which are the spiritual bricks that are slowly but surely making the world become the beautiful world it is supposed to be.

In other words, it is not just a building we are praying and working towards, but also a whole new dynamic in the world, where humanity as a whole, believes in each other and in making the world be what G-d wants it to be. The Temple in Jerusalem which we as a Jewish people pray for, is the culmination of this new reality, and one which our faith teaches us will be a place for all people to come and serve G-d together, in beautifying the world in the way G-d intended it to be.

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat of vision, which we read about the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and we also think and visualize the hopes of the future when the Temple will be rebuilt.

It is the intro into the coming week, when we will observe the fast of the 9th of Av and remember the destructions of the Temples and so many other tragedies and also imagine and focus on the future.

During these next few days as we remember the destructions of the past, I will be reminded of the question of this young boy, why don't we build it, or in a deeper way, what are we doing each day to build the better the world of the future?

Please join us for Shabbat Services tomorrow and the luncheon that follows, and please join us for the lecture on Tuesday evening "Leadership after Oct 7th" and the events of the 9th Av on Wednesday evening and Thursday.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Another amazing week of Camp Gan Israel of Sudbury

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:33:00 AM

Dozens of campers have enjoyed yet another awesome week of Camp Gan Israel of Sudbury.

The campers who are from across the area, have been enjoying an amazing summer experience with an exciting Jewish twist as they enjoy tons of activities, sports, trips, swimming, chess, baking, arts and crafts, biking and so much more!

Thanks to our amazing staff who are working non stop to give every child a blast of a summer, things are thank G-d going very well!

Thanks to all those who have helped with support to the Camp Gan Israel to make this project a success and to enable us to provide every child with a meaningful and fun filled camp experience.

You can see lots more photos of this week at camp over here

Camp Gan Israel & the World Cup

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 6:23:00 PM

Dear Friends,

He was overwhelmed with emotions as his eyes welled up with tears and he just couldn't bring himself to say goodbye.

It was a young camper who was on his last day of Camp Gan Israel who wasn't able to join us for the following weeks, who was just so sad that it was all over for him, for this year.

This the level of connection that the children feel with the amazing experience of Camp Gan Israel.

They may be scoring goals in the game, braiding Challah's, performing shows, biking for miles, going on special trips, swimming, learning, praying, visiting nursing homes or so many of other other activities in the camp, but overall they are not only having such an energetic, meaningful and fun filled summer, they are also solidifying their own identity in such a fun and nurturing environment.

These children embody the future, the youthful energy who will yet chart their own individual journey's in life, and play a crucial role in their own story and the story of the Jewish people and humanity that is yet to be told.

So while up to 4 Billion people may end up watching the World Cup this season an enjoying the joys of this sport that unites so many, the ultimate match is the one that is taking place in the hearts of each and every individual, community and society, as we seek to block an incoming goal, pass the ball to our teamates, make sure we have a good defense, and hopefully work together to score yet another goal.

Sometimes we will take a hit, the stadium will roar, people will scream and yell around the world, maybe some will cheer and some will even boo, but the game must go on, as we seek to make a comeback and march on to victory. At times it may even seem all is lost, and then a different roar of joy will blast around the world, as when all seems impossible, we manage to make a comeback of another kind.

Indeed it is the story of life, and it is also the story of the 42 journeys of the Jewish people in the desert described in the Torah in this week's portion. Sometimes they make progress forward, then sometimes they fail and go a few steps backwards, sometimes they get embroiled in a challenge and then learn to grow and make a comeback, but overall they keep playing the game as they seek to accomplish the missions which they have been entrusted with, and know that each element of the process including the losses, the cheers, the boos and goals, are all a part of this journey that is unfolding.

The Baal Shem Tov, would teach that these journey's and the messages that they represent are in a way the journey of each one of us and our own story and destiny in life.

Back to our young camper who may have been crying tears of sadness that it was over for this year, but overall, we know he like all the other campers, are filling up their engines with all the horsepower they can get, so that they succeed in making their individual journey, one that not only is beautiful for them, but will also be life changing for the world around them, as they help score the next goal, the next Mitzvah, the next big milestone and accomplishment to make the world a better and more beautiful and G-dly world.

Let's keep playing tha game to win!

Go England!!!

Am Yisrael Chai & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

An Englishman reflecting on a Jewish Message for July 4th

Fri, 3 Jul 2026 8:38:00 AM

Despite the fact that I was born in Britain, I am still so grateful for 250th anniversary of the US which will be celebrated across the USA tomorrow.

I also have a little bit of patriotism left in me and I am hoping that England makes it to the top in the FIFA world cup.

This week, besides having an amazing first week at Camp Gan Israel, we also finished a four week course on Sinai & Civics which delved into some of the Jewish touches, teachings and ideas that influenced the founding fathers and so much of what this country is about.

It was a fascinating course that really zoomed in to some of the great ideas that the founding fathers were seeking to include as they sought to build a society that respected freedom, freedom of religion, democracy and more.

While things were certainly not perfect in the beginning and it took time for ideas such as "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness", to be fully implemented and perhaps to a certain degree they are a continuous work in progress. Yet certainly in those early moments, big ideas of equality and freedom, were being planted and developed, so that America, could become a beacon of light to the world.

So many great Jewish leaders, including the Lubavitcher Rebbe's would often refer to America, as a Malchut shel Chesed, a Kingdom of Kindness, due to the haven it has provided to so many immigrants and Jewish people escaping persecution elsewhere and the equality which it seeks to provide to all of its people. It has been a society that perhaps has protected our rights and ensured our freedoms, more than nearly any other society in history, and for that we should be grateful and proud of what the US works to be, and pray for the wellbeing of this great nation and the good that it does at home and around the world.

Indeed, let us remember that we are all endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights, and we are called to use them to fulfill our Divine responsibility on this earth.

Please join us for the July 4th Kiddush Luncheon tomorrow after services which will celebrate both Shabbat and the USA, which will take place after the Shabbat services.

G-d Bless America!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos & Happy 4th of July!

Yisroel

Recap from very powerful evening with former hostage Yosef Ohana and his father Avi

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 7:10:00 PM

Few words can describe the sentiments and emotions that filled the massive tent, as nearly 300 people gathered to hear former hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, share his story of 738 days as a Hostage and the messages of faith, compassion, kindness that helped him navigate the two years as a hostage.

Each anecdote of challenge, pain, torture, was in itself so much to hear, but the strength and determination of Yosef, and the miracles that happened along the way, are truly beyond words.

Following Yosef's speech, his father Avi who had visited Sudbury two years ago and stayed in touch with our community, took the stage, and shared his perspective as a father, and the faith and trust in G-d that kept him going.

They spoke together of different unique moments and how this gave them hope at different moments of time.

They both spoke of the importance of being strong in our identity, being proud of it, and faith and kindness and compassion.

Yosef shared the three values of compassion, kindness and peace that he thought of each and every day to make sure that day had purpose, not just hope. Together with his faith, he described even though he didn't know if he would end each day among the living, he wanted to make sure that the purpose was being lived now, just with the hopes of the future.

Wrapping up the powerful evening, Daniel Sharabi, a hero who saved dozens of lives on Oct 7th, and Yosef's close friend who had also visited Sudbury and told his story, took the stage and shared a few words about their journey, the efforts to support Yosef's continued journey, and to continue to help other survivors.

Together, Yosef, Avi and Daniel along with others ended the evening with Psalms of Thanksgiving, Prayers of Hope and a joyful rendition of Am Yisrael Chai led by Josh Sherer on his guitar!

The energy and uplift in the room was truly so powerful!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways, from setting up the tent, to security, check in, food prep, sound and audio, parking, Sudbury PD, Tefillin wrapping, Landscaping and Gardening and so many other ways.

Thank you Phil, Jay, Jeff, Aharon, Rob, David, Roman and everyone else from Six13 and Dima & Bart for all of your assistance with the security needs of the evening. We are grateful to Sudbury Police Department for their coordination with the security and saftey needs of this event.

Thank you also to the many who stepped up to help support this massive event with kind and generous sponsorships. I want to give a special thank you to Rick & Gabrielle Henken for their tremendous support for this event and our community's efforts along the way to help Yosef's family and so many others.

With the support of so many, most of the costs have been covered for this event and thanks to each and every one of you we held a beautiful community event which inspired hundreds and shared with Yosef the love of our community.

If you would like to help us finish covering the costs of this event with the extras going to support Yosef and his family in their journey ahead, you may do so at www.chabadsudbury.com/738days

Thank you to Ed & Robin & Paige for your help with running the check in for the event.

Thank you to all of the teenagers who helped with parking and setup, Mendel Freeman, Shia Korf, Aarron Lipsker, Mendel Reichman, Yonatan Embon, Liam Ohayon, Daniel Kimyagarov, Yonatan Kimyagarov, & Aaaron & Ethan Schiwoitz.

Thank you to Josh Sherer who worked so hard on securing and setting up all of the sound equipment and to Martin Kaye for helping out with this.

Thank you David Angelov for your help with landscaping and to Dynnie Booth for all of your gardening efforts. The place looked beautiful to welcome Yosef and the community.

It truly takes a village!

To donate directly to Yosef's journey you may do so at https://yad.reachhands.com/yosefochanae

To donate to the work with PTSD victims from the Nova that Daniel's center does you may do so at https://lanizolim.co.il/en/home

Thank you to Slava Sardak for most of these amazing pictures which you can see over here.

Thank you to each and every person who made an effort to join. It was truly so beautiful to see such a huge crowd from the Jewish and wider community standing together in support of Yosef. Local spiritual leaders from multiple faiths, local and regional politicians, and town officials, and hundreds of people, all in a tent full of energy and uplift!

Thank you all!

Am Yisrael Chai!!!

Yisroel

A VERY MOVING BRIT MILA AND NAMING

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 5:38:00 PM

A VERY MOVING BRIT MILA AND NAMING

Mazal Tov to Hila and Naor on the birth of your baby boy and the Brit Milah celebration today at ChabadSudbury and his name being called Lavi Adi.

Adi, the father of Hila was a very dear and good friend who visited us many times and sadly was killed on Oct 7th while using his last hours to save lives in his hometown of Netiv HaAsara.

Today his daughter Hila and her husband Naor brought their baby into the covenant of Abraham at Chabad of Sudbury and named the baby Lavi Adi, Lion Cub Adi after Adi who spent his life helping others and died doing what he lived for, saving lives.

Yosef Chaim Ohana the former hostage who is visiting us and spoke before almost 300 people last night, helped bring the baby to Elijah's Chair for the naming.

Personally for me being honored to read the blessing to formally give the Hebrew name, with the name of my dear friend, standing in the same spot where we had stood and chatted many times, was deeply emotional and meaningful on so many levels.

The happiness and emotions in the room were beyond words and we all felt Adi's presence in this very special moment.

Mazal Tov Tyler Grossman

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 5:31:00 PM

Mazal Tov to Tyler Grossman on your Bar Mitzvah Ceremony earlier this week. You did a beautiful job when you were called to the Torah and wrapped the Tefillin and your message and Dvar Torah was truly beautiful!

Mazal Tov to your parents Matt & Katherine and all of your family!

May you continue to be a source of Nachas and joy to your parents and all of the community as you continue your journey as a Jewish adult.

Turbulence Around Us & the Truth

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 5:36:00 PM

Sometimes events are happening in the world around us faster that we can even keep up with. Our heads are left swirling as we try and keep up and make sense of it all, which so often doesn't add up or even ring true.

Alliances and values come and go with the wind, devices that were once the coolest thing are now relegated to the recycling bins, and the powers that be rise and fall like the weather around us.

Yet within it all, beneath the mist and the obscurity and the winds of change, are a bedrock of truths and principles that have had an enduring presence for thousands of years and which will continue to be true with the eternity of time.

When we say the blessing on the Torah, we speak of the Torah being a Torah of Truth / Emet.

The Talmud tells us that G-d's identifying mark, stamp, or signature upon the universe is Emet (אמת), the Hebrew word for truth.

Chassidic thought points out a fascinating dynamic which you can see in the juxtaposition of the letters that make up the word Truth and Lies in Hebrew, namely Emet & Sheker.

The Letters Alef, Mem & Taf, which make up the word Emet in Hebrew, meaning truth, are the first, middle and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the Holy Tongue.

The Letters, Shin, Kuf and Reish, which make up the word Sheker, meaning lies, are three letters right next to each other in their position in the Hebrew alphabet.

The difference is stark, the lesson is clear, lies, dishonesty, falsehoods and fake narratives, have a very limited impact, unlike truths, which ultimately will be true from the beginning through the end of time.

Another difference is that the word for Truth, has three letters which each stand on two legs, versus the word for Sheker, lies, which each stand on only one leg.

The implication is obvious, falsehoods barely have a leg to stand on and won't hold out over time, truths however, are stable ideas and principles that will continue to withstand the test of time and pressures of societies.

So yes, at times we look around the world and are daunted by the messages and challenges we hear and face. What on earth just happened, can this really be true, are we safe, do we have a future, who are our allies, how can we ever overcome these challenges, are we back to square one, and so many more questions froth around in our mind and heart, stirring up doubts of worry and concern.

Yet, we are reminded G-d's identifying signature upon the universe is Emet, Truth.

We have been blessed as a people with the Torah, and the guidance and faith that it gives us to live by an eternal truth which nothing will ever undermine.

So next time you are concerned or stressed out, take a moment to connect to the eternal truths of life, the Torah, our values and faith, which have withstood the challenge of times, persecution, changes, emperors, dictators and so much more, and take strength, inspiration and direction, so that each one of us in our own way, continue to be beacons of truth, light, kindness and the eternal truths that we have lived by for generations, and which no force in the world will ever be able to overcome!

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Yesterday marked 31st Hillula Yahrziet of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schnersohn.

The Rebbe was our spiritual mentor and the paths of our respective families were directly impacted by his leadership, teachings and inspiration.

His leadership was full of grit and determination to help heal a fractured world in the wake of the Holocaust.

When he took over the leadership of the Chabad movement, humanity was in recovery from a world which had turned upside down, where the most cultured people became butchers, where PHD's were used to create better murder systems, and where those who screamed for justice, fell silent as millions were butchered around them.

Despite all of this, the Rebbe deeply believed in the vision of Judaism to create a world which becomes a home for G-d in every way. It was an eternal truth which he lived by and lead by as he took that truth and used it to ignite a spark and then thousands of sparks and then millions of sparks, so that these eternal truths and messages would inspire a generation, heal the Jewish world, and touch humanity everywhere, so that the world would be so much closer to the vision of the prophets.

Indeed, time and time again, despite the naysayers and all the doubts and challenges which we have faced and continue to face, truths and light have continued to overcome the challenges, and create so much good in the ongoing process.

Join us this Shabbat as we celebrate the Rebbe's Legacy and Teachings at the Shabbat Kiddush & Luncheon following the Saturday morning services.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Facing Adversity Head On!

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 3:58:00 PM

This week, I had the opportunity to be involved in a very moving experience, in pairing up a soon to be Bar Mitzvah boy who I am studying with, with a seriously wounded IDF soldier, who together with his parents gifted this wounded veteran with a pair of Tefillin of his own, as the boy begins his own milestone of starting to wear Tefillin.

The injured soldier whose name is Daniel, lost his two commanders in the attack, spent two and a half months in the ICU and many months since then in Rehabilitation, and as part of this he decided that wearing the Tefillin and reciting the Shema each day, is something he would really like to do.

A mutual friend of ours who helps a lot of the wounded, helped pair this family through Chabad of Sudbury with this young hero, who then sent them a beautiful video with a message to the Bar Mitzvah boy about his story and how meaningful this gift is, which he plans on using each day.

Ironically on the same visit to the rehab, our friend, Rabbi Menachem Kutner, met another seriously injured soldier who asked him if he could get him a pair for him to start wearing. We have undertaken to help this young hero too as part of our community efforts and to make a little difference to his recovery.

There stories of adversity and determination in the face of so many challenges as they are in the prime of their lives, is truly something that is beyond words.

Adversity and challenges are things we often face in life and they can come in all different shapes and sizes. Many times as face these moments, the fear and anxiety of what lays ahead can overwhelm us, shut us down, and fill us with dread and make us freeze.

This can be true on an individual level and true on a collective level too, as a society, as Jewish people, or when facing our personal challenges of different sorts.

In this week's portion of Shelach, we read the story of the spies who returned from the land of Israel, not just with a scary report about the actual challenges and obstacles that lay ahead, but also with a resounding sense of defeat and surrender to the circumstances. In their words, "we cannot ascend to the Land of Israel" and this mission is impossible.

Joshua and Kalev, were the only two spies who had the clarity of mind and perspective, to analyze the situation, but also express the confidence that "we are surely able to ascend" for G-d is with us.

The Jews overwhelmed and influence by the sense of dread of the ten spies, panicked and became terror stricken and said we are doomed to fail. Joshua and Kalev tried as hard as they could to encourage the people and remind them that if G-d had put them there and given them this challenges then there is no doubt that they can succeed, but their voices weren't heard.

We read this story and so often these different perspectives are the sentiments we feel at different junctures of our personal and collective story. The words of Joshua and Kalev, "we are surely able to ascend and succeed" continue to remind us, that for every challenge we face, we must remind ourselves that we have also been endowed with the abilities to confront and succeed with the dynamics at hand.

Daniel, the young man who received the Tefillin this week, has been through a journey of pain, grief, physical injuries and more, and has had every reason to give up along the way. Yet he does what he does with a sense of mission and purpose in what he does and why he did this, and this is something he carries with him each day.

Daniel is someone who has said both before his injuries and during his recovery "I am surely able to succeed".

May the Tefillin, give Daniel an added dose of inspiration and connection for his journey of healing and growth in the months and years ahead, and may his story of determination in the face of challenges, alongside the important messages of this week's portion, provide us with inspiration and food for thought in how we grow and deal with what comes at us in life.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Mazal Tov Allens

Fri, 5 Jun 2026 5:47:00 PM

On behalf of the Chabad Center of Sudbury, we extend a heartfelt Mazal Tov to Jacoby Allen on his Bar Mitzvah this week.

Mazal Tov to his dear parents Dan & Racheline and to his grandparents and family.

May Jacoby continue to be a source of Nachas and joy as he continues his journey as a Jewish adult and takes upon himself the Mitzvot and traditions of Judaism.

Graduates & the Menorah

Fri, 5 Jun 2026 3:04:00 PM

This morning I had the honor of meeting multiple grandparents who have traveled from far, even from across the world, to be with their grandchildren as they graduate High School today.

It is that time of year, as students are graduating College, High School and more and the proud family members are gathering and coming together for these milestones.

They are growing up so fast and are spreading their wings.

Even more than the culmination of years of learning and experiences, is the hope and wish that we have imbued within our children the desire and drive to become lights to the world, and people who understand their responsibilities as Jewish adults and the difference they can make to the world, through the Mitzvot, Good Deeds and positive differences they can make and will make on the world around them.

The portion of the week describes the lighting of the Menorah with its seven branches. Each one with its own unique light, but all connected and part of one structure, whose flames shone together, towards the center flame.

The Menorah and its branches are often used as a metaphor for all of us, and the many branches of light we all represent, connected at our base, and working together to bring light to and illuminate the world.

Rashi the commentator explains, that the Kohen had to kindle the flame until it became a self sufficient flame, one that wouldn't need propping up all the time, as it had learned how to shine on its own.

Wishing a big Mazal Tov to all of the graduates everywhere, to all those who are finishing another year of learning and moving a step higher, and with the blessings of learning how to become self sustaining beacons of light and goodness to the world, in reflecting G-d's unique vision into the world around us.

Looking forward to the Hebrew School celebration this Sunday, the CTeen Celebration on Wednesday and of course a beautiful Shabbat and Kiddush tomorrow to which all are invited!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Mazal Tov Weisenbergs

Fri, 29 May 2026 5:48:00 PM

On behalf of the Chabad Center of Sudbury, we extend a heartfelt Mazal Tov to Avigayil Weisenberg on her wedding in Israel this week to Yehoshua Eliyahu Hagage

Mazal Tov to Saaadia & Chana and family and may you continue to have Nachas and joy from your beautiful family!

May they merit to build a beautiful and eternal Jewish home full of blessings and happiness.

Momentum, Life & Community

Fri, 29 May 2026 5:45:00 PM

The crowds and atmosphere on Shavuot were truly amazing, and we appreciate each and every person who was able to join us to mark and celebrate the holiday.

Wednesday evening was a meaningful night as we concluded a very engaging course, "For all Humankind". It included a lot of beautiful ideas and discussions about how to make the universal messages of Judaism, be understood and appreciated by ourselves and the world around us.

Our next course "Sinai & Civics", celebrating 250 years of America is starting on June 9th and you can read more info about this great course.

We had several beautiful services this week and thank everyone for coming and for enabling others to say the Kaddish. This coming week, we have several more scheduled.

Multiple Bar Mitzvahs are happening at this time of the year, and we are looking forward to celebrating one tomorrow with Jacoby Allen and his family and several more over the weeks to come.

The final weeks of Hebrew School and CTEEN programs are coming to a close over the next two weeks, and from there we move right into Camp!

While growth and joyful moments are always there, in reality in our community and area, there are of course other moments of loss, health challenges, pain, and people struggling. As a community we collectively try and be there for each other for the good, the celebrations, and shoulders to lean on, and providing support in tangible ways, as needed along the way, for those who it makes so much of a difference to.

Thank you to everyone who helps make the growth of community and connection happen for so many, each and every week.

Tomorrow as read about the many offerings of the twelve tribes at the inauguration of the Tabernacle, it almost seems redundant to repeat the identical gift of each and every tribe. The commentaries discuss this at length and present various ideas and explanations for why the Torah, which is often so sparing on words, chooses to repeat so much identical messages in this week's portion.

One of the main themes, is that no two people are the same, and no two tribes are the same, and even what appears to be the same action on the surface, on a deeper level, when we talk about emotions, sentiments, Kavana, intent and the inspiration and meaning that we assign to our actions, the same action, can be vastly different despite looking very similar on the outside.

The Torah wishes to teach this idea and to acknowledge that while we do have so many actions and Mitzvot we seek to do in our Jewish tradition, the actions and intent of each person are considered unique and special to that person, and to G-d, it is not just play and repeat, but rather it has the unique input and qualities of that specific person.

Likewise as we observe and celebrate the growth and dynamics of a community, it is always so important to remember and be mindful of the fact, that each and every person, with their joy, pain, happiness, challenges, strengths and weaknesses, are truly bringing something unique and special to the community and its growth.

Please join us tomorrow for the Shabbat Services & Kiddush Luncheon as we celebrate community together!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel