Chabad of Southwest Miami

08/25/2026

Due to holiday and school preparations there will be no lunch and learn tomorrow but we will have our virtual ask the rabbi tomorrow evening Gd willing!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86860191232?pwd=ChFZNqkwKU3iUP2ZGYvC42FN9jqafl.1

Meeting ID: 868 6019 1232
Passcode: chabad

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Today’s Tanya teaches us that each of us has a unique flavor within our soul and a distinct divine mission in this world. It is precisely these differences that allow us to complement one another and express the divine in our own unique ways.

Yet, coupled with our natural uniqueness is the ability to go beyond our nature. Someone who is naturally expressive may sometimes accomplish something even more powerful by holding back. And someone who is naturally reserved may create an even greater impact when they choose to speak up and express themselves. When we stretch beyond what comes naturally to us, our actions can take on an even deeper meaning.

The lesson is that we are all unique, while at the same time possessing the ability to integrate and balance our personality traits. We can use our individuality to express the divine in a way that only we can.

The Torah portion further illustrates this idea through the uniqueness of a nation. We have our own traditions, culture, and ways of living, and through them, we are able to bring light into the world and positively influence those around us. We do not have to hide our uniqueness. We can proudly live it and allow it to illuminate the world.

The Rambam, in discussing the laws of the mitzvahs, once again speaks about the Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer. It is known as a chok, a statute whose deeper meaning transcends our full understanding. Sometimes, it is precisely the things that we cannot completely explain that have the greatest impact upon us. Similarly, when we express ourselves in ways that are not naturally comfortable or familiar, we can rise above our limitations and become, in a sense, supernatural.

With the Parah Adumah, we are reminded of an internal connection that is not limited by our intellectual abilities or even by our natural talents. Deep within, we possess an eternal bond with the Divine.

And Hayom Yom takes this idea even further, speaking about the publication of a deep Chassidic teaching, “the Crown.” The crown represents something lofty that each of us carries within ourselves: a deeper dimension of our soul, a divine royalty that has the power to influence and transform the world.

It is a gift that has been given to us. And because we possess it, we have the ability to reveal and express our divine selves in ways that impact the world—not only through lofty or esoteric ideas, but through the way we live, the way we act, and the unique light we bring wherever we go.

Keep shining your unique light. Keep revealing your inner royalty. And keep transforming the world, one divine expression at a time.

Have a wonderful day.o

08/24/2026

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Why can giving sometimes be so challenging? Perhaps because giving asks us to give something of ourselves. It asks us to expand beyond the shell of what feels comfortable—to grow beyond what we think we are capable of and discover the unique gifts that only we can give.

The Torah portion also speaks about giving. At times, giving can seem almost irrational. Yet, in a beautiful way, giving can itself evoke a response from the Divine source of all things, opening the door for us to receive more than we ever thought possible—and giving us even more to give.

The Rambam speaks about the Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer. Perhaps one lesson we can draw from this is that nothing is ever wasted. Even the ashes—the seemingly simplest remnants—have the power to uplift and elevate.

Today’s hayom Yom brings it all home by tying these ideas together. Torah is not merely an academic subject to be studied; it is a teaching, a guide, and a pathway for life.

May we be guided on that path today—to give from ourselves, to recognize the unique light we each have to share, and to illuminate the way for one another and for the world around us.

Have a wonderful day!

08/24/2026

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Today’s Tanya teaching reminds us that we can become supernatural by taking our natural tendencies and expanding them even further. Each day, we are given the opportunity to bring more of our unique light into the world.

The Torah speaks about our coming into the Land of Israel, where many of the mitzvos incumbent upon us become fully applicable only once we are settled in the Land. This, once again, highlights our interconnectedness and the way our individual actions are part of something much greater.

The Rambam also speaks about the mitzvah of Parah Adumah, reminding us that there is always a way forward—that no matter what experiences may have held us back in the past, we can find a path to purification, renewal, and growth.

The Hayom Yom brings this home through the idea of yechidus—a private audience. Each of us has a personal connection to the teachings of our sages, and through those teachings, we can gain greater clarity and a deeper understanding of our unique mission in this world.

May we continue to grow beyond our natural limitations, bring more of our unique light into the world, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

May you continue to let your light shine, and have a wonderful week ahead!

08/23/2026

Monthly Mensch Club!

08/23/2026

“We are looking for a commercial fridge.”

That simple need ended up leading us somewhere we never could have imagined.

Friday afternoon, my wife was sharing a Taste of Shabbat meal with one of our beloved community members—for her, her children, and her grandchildren. It’s something my wife does, preparing Shabbat meals for people in our community so they can bring a taste of Shabbat into their homes.

During their conversation, our friend mentioned that she had a friend whose business sometimes has commercial refrigerators in his warehouse. “Maybe you should reach out to him,” she said. “He loves to help.”

So Sunday morning, my wife gave him a call.

She explained that we were looking for a commercial fridge because our community has continued to grow, and with that growth comes the need to provide more meals and more services. She also mentioned that we’re looking to expand our synagogue space into our garage, essentially doubling the space so we can accommodate everything that’s happening in our community.

He immediately said, “Maybe I can help with that too. I’ll come out with one of my guys and take a look and see if I can help with it.”

My wife was pleasantly surprised.

Then, as the conversation was winding down, he said, “And if you ever need any medical advice or help with anything in that area, let me know.”

Almost instinctively, my wife shared that our daughter, Miriam, had suffered serious burns last summer. Thank G-d, we’ve seen tremendous miracles in her healing over the past year, but she was scheduled for another surgery that Tuesday.

He said, “You know what? Why don’t you come to my office? I have a good friend who’s also a plastic surgeon. Maybe he’ll have another idea or approach—perhaps an alternative to another surgery for your young daughter.”

So Monday, the day before the scheduled surgery, we went to his office.

And that’s when the story became even more incredible.

There were mezuzahs everywhere. We met another doctor whom he brought us to, and we had the opportunity to help him with the mitzvah of putting on tefillin. We also blew the shofar together as we prepare for the new year.

The plastic surgeon had been asked to come especially to meet with us. After hearing Miriam’s story and discussing her situation, he presented us with an alternative treatment—one that is less invasive and may really support her continued healing.

We walked away and took a moment to absorb what had happened.

We were looking for a commercial fridge.

What we found was the beginning of greater healing.

What a reminder of the way divine providence works.

Sometimes something that appears to be a simple need—or even a challenge—is actually one link in a chain leading us toward something we never could have planned ourselves. One act of kindness leads to another, and suddenly we begin to see how the pieces were coming together all along.

And yet, we know that it doesn’t always happen this way.

Many times, we don’t get to see the good unfold so clearly, or so quickly. Sometimes we are only given one piece of the puzzle, without knowing where it will lead. Sometimes the connection between a challenge and the blessing that eventually emerges may take months or years.

But may we merit to experience more moments like this—moments when the pieces line up before our eyes, when we can look back and say, “Now I understand why that happened. Now I see where that led.”

As we are currently in the Hebrew month of Elul, whose letters form the acronym Ani l’Dodi v’Dodi Li—“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine”—may we take the opportunity to recognize how the Divine Presence is with us in the field of our everyday lives.

May this month of Elul unfold with revealed blessings, healing, good news, success, tremendous bracha, and an ever-deepening awareness of the Divine Presence in our lives.

And may we all merit not only to believe that there is a greater plan, but to actually see that plan unfold before our eyes.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

08/21/2026

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Tanya teaches us how to create the perfect blend of beauty: we want to be kind, but we also need to know when to be firm. Compassion means recognizing what the situation truly needs and responding accordingly. By giving in a way that meets the needs of the moment, we bring the beauty of creation closer to its completion. And in finding that balance—knowing how to respond with both kindness and strength—we are not left on our own; we receive Divine assistance to accomplish what the moment truly requires.

The torah portion illustrates this through detailed guidance on how to treat people, reminding us that many of the most ordinary, seemingly mundane situations we encounter are actually among the most sacred.

The Ramban further teaches us to see our environment through the perspective of the soul—to look beyond the surface, not to get caught up in the weeds, but to water the seeds of life.

Similarly, the Hayom Yom brings it all home: even when we may not fully understand the teachings, the teachings themselves connect us to their Author, the Creator. Through that connection, we can bring more light, positivity, and perspective into everything around us.

A good Erev Shabbos!

08/21/2026

In honor of Aliyah Neshama of Avraham Dovid Ben Tzvi Hirsch

"My wife asked why I don't buy her flowers. To be honest, I didn't know she sold flowers."😋

There is so much about life that we do not understand. We often see things from our limited perspective and ask, “Why is this happening?” Sometimes, what appears to be a fall is connected to something far deeper than what we can presently see. Recognizing that there is something deeper taking place beneath the surface is itself a higher perspective.

This week’s parsha, Ki Teitzei, gives us a profound insight through the mitzvah to build a guardrail around the roof of a new home—specifically a flat roof, a place where people can actually be present. Why does the Torah emphasize a new home? If this is simply about safety, shouldn’t the mitzvah apply to every roof? And why does the Torah say, “so that the faller should not fall from it,” seemingly implying that the fall has already taken place?

Perhaps the Torah is teaching us that falling is part of the process of building something new. We have all, in a sense, “fallen” into this physical world—with its challenges, limitations, relationships, responsibilities, and unfinished places. Yet those very places may be where our greatest calling is revealed. What feels like frustration, limitation, or falling can become a custom-made opportunity for transformation.

The Torah speaks to several levels of “home”: the integration of our soul into our body, allowing the body to become a sacred home for the soul; the physical home in which we live; and ultimately, the entire world in which we have been placed. Through the unique combination of our soul, body, relationships, experiences, choices, and circumstances, we become partners in creating something new.

Perhaps this is why the Torah emphasizes a new home. Every home we build is an opportunity to create something that has never existed before. We are not simply maintaining what already exists; we are continuously co-creating and innovating, bringing our unique light and purpose into the physical world.

The guardrail is healthy boundaries—not fences that restrict our freedom, but boundaries that allow us to live with greater freedom, intention, and holiness. A guardrail does not prevent us from inhabiting the roof; it allows us to inhabit it safely. Similarly, healthy boundaries enable us to fully engage with physical life while remaining connected to our deeper values and purpose.

True freedom may not simply be doing whatever we want, whenever we want. Perhaps it is the freedom that comes through surrendering the self to a deeper truth and purpose—choosing the commitments, boundaries, and disciplines that allow our highest values to become manifest in the physical world.

And this requires trust.

We can trust that we do not need to know everything. Our limitations and moments of uncertainty can become invitations to listen more deeply and become partners in creation. Because each of us has a unique role, even what initially appears to be missing may become an opportunity to create something new.

This does not mean denying difficulty. Rather, it allows us to retrain our attention—to recognize effort, intention, growth, or a lesson taking place, and to see possibility where we once saw only problems. Instead of judging ourselves or others by character alone, we can appreciate the process of becoming.

Perhaps this is how we build our “home”: within ourselves, with others, and in the world around us. We commit to what matters while respecting ourselves and the boundaries of others. We surrender to a deeper Divine purpose while taking responsibility for the part only we can build.

To remember that falling is not necessarily failure. Sometimes it is the place from which we are being called to rise. Every moment gives us another opportunity to bring a little more light, love, patience, discipline, appreciation, and connection into the world.

May we continue building a home within, around, and throughout—with Torah as our blueprint, mitzvot as our framework, healthy boundaries as our guardrails, and Divine purpose as our cornerstone.

Perhaps we can hear an inner voice:

“My child, falling is part of the process. The places that feel lacking are invitations to shine a little light there. Share a little love, a helping hand, a gentle word, an encouraging vision—or simply allow yourself and another the space to grow. Thank you for being My partner in building this home.”

And to affirm...

"My soul and body, my daily life, my physical home, my relationships, my challenges, and my unique mission are all part of the new home I am co-creating. I trust that even what I cannot yet understand contain a deeper purpose. I choose to build with awareness, healthy boundaries, appreciation, and surrender to the Divine—transforming the physical world into a home."

Thank you for doing your part in this beautiful mission.

A Gut Erev Shabbos!

08/20/2026

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Today’s Tanya offers us a simple but profound meditation.

The world is like a shell, with fruit hidden inside. Each of us has a divine soul, and a divine presence constantly permeates the world around us. Recognizing this can itself be a source of profound joy.

The distractions, disappointments, frustrations, and challenges we encounter are real. But beneath the peel, there is something deeper—something constantly sustaining us. When we connect with that inner reality, we can perhaps tap into a much deeper level of joy.

Today’s Torah portion shows us that this isn’t something we need to search for in some distant spiritual realm. It is expressed in the simple details of life: paying workers on time, navigating family relationships, and bringing integrity and holiness into our everyday interactions. Divine energy is not found only “out there.” It begins right here, within the life we are already living.

The Rambam continues this theme by reminding us that the outer world is constantly changing. The body is in flux, and the physical world is temporary. But the soul is unchanging.

And the Hayom Yom brings it home through a discussion of a particular letter in the Torah scroll. As the song goes: We’ve existed so long because the Torah kept us strong.

What an unbelievable gift our tradition is. We may have a variety of customs, but the Torah itself is a worldwide phenomenon—carrying its message from Morocco to China and everywhere in between, across centuries and generations. It gives us values, purpose, and strength, and today it continues to embolden and sustain us.

Thank you for carrying that torch.

Have a wonderful day!

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Today’s Tanya gives us a gentle reminder that every moment is created anew. That means there is divine energy permeating us and everything around us at every moment. And that makes everything about you important. It makes your life matter—and gives you the ability to make matter matter.

Today’s Torah portion shows us that spirituality is not something to be found apart from life, but within life itself. The laws of business, relationships, and so many other details are all discussed to teach us that the details themselves can be divine.

The Rambam reminds us that the soul’s eternal dimension is what matters most. With that awareness, we can engage with the physical world from a proper perspective.

And the Hayom Yom takes it home. The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the Hebrew word remez, meaning “hint,” has the same numerical value as or, “light.” What is hinted at within every piece of creation is the light inside it—the purpose for which it was created.

Your light and mine can help make this world shine.

Have a wonderful day.