Ready, Set, Grow

Parashas Re'eh discusses the prohibition of listening to a navi sheker (false prophet). It is strictly forbidden to listen to such a person. If you think about it, the greatest navi sheker that exists in this world lies deep within each of us. It's that voice that tries to convince us that our past is a prophecy of our future

"Noach walked with G-d." (6:9) This is the secret to greatness. Don't run. Walk. Slow down. Be present. That was Noach, whose very name means "rest and calm." He lived in the moment by living every moment.

The book of Devarim is always read the week of Tishah B'Av. Interestingly, the other four books of the Torah are written a little differently than the book of Devarim. Generally speaking, the other four books are written in third person: "Hashem spoke to Moshe," whereas the Book of Devarim is written in first person: "Hashem spoke to me." Why is this so? It is is arguably meant to teach us an important message regarding the churban. The destruction of the Beis Hamikdash is not in the realm of "third person," it is not he/she/they/it that caused the destruction; rather it is in the realm of "first person," it is I/we that is the cause!

The Teivah served as a safe haven for Noach and his family to live and thrive throughout the year of the flood. The whole world may have been dead, but Noach remained alive. The entire world can be spiritually "dead," but it is still possible for a single person to be alive! The Ark represents the ability to remain alive in a world that is filled with so much spiritual death and impurities. It tells us that no matter how corrupted the world may become, I can be different, and can reside in my own teivah, my own reality of goodness. I can remain close with my family and teachers, and I can do great things, irrespective of what the world around me is doing. I can turn my back to the world, and stand up for what I know is right