My parents 35th wedding anniversary.

My Parents Wedding Day 1978

A Little History:  Several years ago in August, my father tragically passed away.  Fast forward to February, which is my parents anniversary and my mother was dreading the date.  I think if she could have went from February 4th to February 6th she would have been the happiest person in the world.  

That February 5th my wife and I sent an email to all the friends of my parents and asked the to perform an act of goodness and kindness, to do a mitzvah, in honor of my parents special day.  We asked for them all to email their their mitzvah pledge, then we sent them all to my mother.

In my Mom's words, "This went from a day I was dreading to a day I'm so happy it happened".  

So Where do you come in?  Well, we feel that all of you in one way or another are part of our family.  Though we live a distance from our family, my mother feels that by our involvement at Oberlin her family has grown.  Wether we have know you for years, or we are bound by your involvement at Oberlin College, you are part of the family!!!  

And we ask you to help make my parents anniversary a special one.  Please fill out this little form below with an act of goodness and kindness you would like to add into the world on this special day.  

Mitzvahs can be anything from reaching out and doing something for another, deepening your relationship with the Devine, or making a donation to your favorite organization (and many more, of course).

All mitzvah pledges will be delivered in a special presentation to my Mother.

Are You Stuck? Maybe the Answer is Closer to Home Than You Think...

How often is this a metaphor for situations we find ourselves?  We all have issues and challenges, and we yell and scream how nobody was there to help us, but all we had to do was "get it together" and help ourselves.  Of course there are times when we really and truly do need the assistance of others, but many times our salvation lies within.  

L'Chaim,

Rabbi Shlomo

Random Acts of Goodness & Kindness (Careful this may make you cry)

What is True Beauty?

Guided by the Rebbe's vision, they are taught to use their talents for holiness, to bring insight and beauty to the world. An example of this is a film by Chavie Resnick.

Chavie's words are so eloquent, it really conveys the message of what our purpose in this world is...Make it BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thinking about it a little more, yesterday was MLK day, isn't his entire message about creating perfect harmony....Yesterday also marked the day the Lubavitcher Rebbe took the mantle of leadership of Chabad Chassidus.  In his first Chasidic discourse the main theme throughout was "Creating Heaven on Earth" which means adding beauty and harmony and holiness into every thought, word, or action we do.

What do you think is beautiful? (Leave answer in comments)

L'Chaim,

Rabbi Shlomo

How Do You Light Your Menorah?

The folks at the technion never cease to amaze.  I've seen some creative menorah designs, but never a creative way to light the menorah.  Tell us whats your favorite way to light.  

Help Light Up Oberlin

Chabad @ Oberlin provides a home away from home for students of Oberlin College.  Chabad is a safe-space where students can challenge, learn, and grow in their spiritual lives.  Each week students gather for a Shabbos meal with delicious food and meaningful conversation.  Your kindness and support is what allows Chabad to continue providing for the students.  Learn more here about Light Up Oberlin.  

One of the most moving I've ever seen

I watched this eight minute video clip last night, but I cried well into the night.  Watch this holocaust survivor sing with singing superstar Avraham Fried and tell his story.  

Jacob a complete non-believer for over 60 years has taught us all that there is a glimmer of hope and goodness in the world.  I'd love to hear a spark of goodness from your life, post them in the comments.  

Life Isn't Always What You Expect

I love this video.  A student here at Oberlin posted it on her Facebook page.  We think that security cameras are there to catch the unsavory moments in life, but in reality they are a testament to the unnoticed beauty.  Perhaps we should take a lesson out of this, and stop and look around to notice the random acts of loving kindness that are happening all around us.  

Chabad Rabbis Respond to Hurricane Sandy

I Guess I'm on a Larry King Kick

DID YOU KNOW? According to Forbes only 3% of CEOs are women. In the Federal Govt. only 14% are in leadership positions, and Hollywood only 5% of films are directed by women. One exception of absence of women in American leadership is Chabad. 50% of Chabad Institutions are directed by women. ~Larry King 2012

Here in Oberlin we also have our very own SUPER REBBETZIN.  My wife, Devorah serves as a daily inspiration to me.  She balances raising our growing family, runs a 24/7 resteraunt, and touches the lives of students daily.  

Devorah, thank you!!!

L'echaim,

Rabbi Shlomo