Whether you were a frequent flyer on Spirit (I wasn't) or a frequent flyer at all (I am not that, either), you can't deny the allure that was in the Spirit ads. "$19 flights to Orlando!" The only thing they forgot to mention was that the seat belt will cost you an additional $9.99, and using the restroom will cost you another $19.99...
Was Spirit Airlines good for the airline industry? The jury is still out. Some will claim that Spirit is to blame for all the ridiculous fees. Before Spirit, a flight included a free carry-on, free luggage, and, of course, refreshments. Now, in many airlines, basic tickets include basically nothing.
But I see it differently. Yes, all the fees are annoying. And yes, the airplane felt like a flying bus, but Spirit gave people who couldn't afford it before the ability to fly. The other airlines essentially told you: if you want to fly, you have to do it all the way - with all the bells and whistles. Spirit said otherwise: a hard chair on a plane is still a plane.
On a SpiritUal level (get it??), many people fall into the same trap as the traditional airlines. They view the connection to G-d as an all-or-nothing proposition. I've heard so many people tell me, "I will not put on Tefillin, I am not religious," or "Rabbi, I don't keep Shabbat, so I won't be coming to Shul," and so on.
If you are one of those, remember: flying is flying. And unlike the shabby airplanes of Spirit, every Mitzvah is beautiful, every Mitzvah makes your soul soar, every Mitzvah connects you to G-d in ways that will bring great joy to your life.
So, should you do one Mitzvah even if you are not ready to commit to all of them? Absolutely: that's the Spirit!!
Wishing you a good Shabbos!
It is Shabbat Chazak, when we finish reading the third book of the Torah!! You are welcome to join us tomorrow at 10:30 am services, Chazak & Kiddush!
Light Shabbat candles at 7:46 pm Shabbat ends at 8:53 pm
Condolences to Tamara Dubov and family on the passing of her dear brother Vladimir Chernitsky, leader of the Jewish Public Associations and Communities of Belarus. May you be truly comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion and Jerusalem. ... See MoreSee Less
This week our Jewish Explorers discovered the greatest Jewish treasure of all — themselves. Through inspiring stories from Jewish history, we learned how Jewish children have always had the power to make a difference. Students brought this message to life through a story about Benny and Bina, fun mitzvah missions, and decorating special mirrors to take home. Each mirror is a reminder that every Jewish child has the power to bring light into the world. What a meaningful way to wrap up our treasure-filled journey together. ✨🪞 Yay! we filled our whole treasure box! Let's see what's in store for next week!! ... See MoreSee Less
This week our Israel Quest students continued exploring the Jewish calendar, a powerful tool that has kept the Jewish people connected to Hashem and to each other throughout history. We journeyed through the twelve Jewish months, learned about the holidays and discovered what a Jewish leap year is and why we have one. The students then brought their learning to life by designing beautiful acrylic Jewish calendars to help keep track of all the special days ahead. How fortunate we are to have a calendar filled with so many meaningful moments of connection, celebration, and growth. There is always something to look forward to! Shavuot coming up!! ... See MoreSee Less
Close to 50 community members came together for a beautiful Lag B’Omer celebration filled with warmth, connection, and joy. Despite a little drizzle here and there, the evening was filled with delicious BBQ, great company, and nonstop fun for the kids — from the outdoor inflatable rock climb to an up-close reptile experience that kept everyone entertained. We recited the 12 Torah verses, marking 50 years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe instituted this special custom, and ended the night around the fire pit, roasting s’mores and soaking in the special spirit of Lag B’Omer. An evening of community, connection, and Jewish pride — thank you to everyone who joined and made it so memorable. 🔥✨ ... See MoreSee Less
Whether you were a frequent flyer on Spirit (I wasn't) or a frequent flyer at all (I am not that, either), you can't deny the allure that was in the Spirit ads. "$19 flights to Orlando!" The only thing they forgot to mention was that the seat belt will cost you an additional $9.99, and using the restroom will cost you another $19.99...
Was Spirit Airlines good for the airline industry? The jury is still out. Some will claim that Spirit is to blame for all the ridiculous fees. Before Spirit, a flight included a free carry-on, free luggage, and, of course, refreshments. Now, in many airlines, basic tickets include basically nothing.
But I see it differently. Yes, all the fees are annoying. And yes, the airplane felt like a flying bus, but Spirit gave people who couldn't afford it before the ability to fly. The other airlines essentially told you: if you want to fly, you have to do it all the way - with all the bells and whistles. Spirit said otherwise: a hard chair on a plane is still a plane.
On a SpiritUal level (get it??), many people fall into the same trap as the traditional airlines. They view the connection to G-d as an all-or-nothing proposition. I've heard so many people tell me, "I will not put on Tefillin, I am not religious," or "Rabbi, I don't keep Shabbat, so I won't be coming to Shul," and so on.
If you are one of those, remember: flying is flying. And unlike the shabby airplanes of Spirit, every Mitzvah is beautiful, every Mitzvah makes your soul soar, every Mitzvah connects you to G-d in ways that will bring great joy to your life.
So, should you do one Mitzvah even if you are not ready to commit to all of them? Absolutely: that's the Spirit!!
Wishing you a good Shabbos!
It is Shabbat Chazak, when we finish reading the third book of the Torah!! You are welcome to join us tomorrow at 10:30 am services, Chazak & Kiddush!
Light Shabbat candles at 7:46 pm
Shabbat ends at 8:53 pm
Condolences to Tamara Dubov and family on the passing of her dear brother Vladimir Chernitsky, leader of the Jewish Public Associations and Communities of Belarus. May you be truly comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion and Jerusalem. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This week our Jewish Explorers discovered the greatest Jewish treasure of all — themselves.
Through inspiring stories from Jewish history, we learned how Jewish children have always had the power to make a difference.
Students brought this message to life through a story about Benny and Bina, fun mitzvah missions, and decorating special mirrors to take home.
Each mirror is a reminder that every Jewish child has the power to bring light into the world.
What a meaningful way to wrap up our treasure-filled journey together. ✨🪞 Yay! we filled our whole treasure box! Let's see what's in store for next week!! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This week our Israel Quest students continued exploring the Jewish calendar, a powerful tool that has kept the Jewish people connected to Hashem and to each other throughout history.
We journeyed through the twelve Jewish months, learned about the holidays and discovered what a Jewish leap year is and why we have one.
The students then brought their learning to life by designing beautiful acrylic Jewish calendars to help keep track of all the special days ahead.
How fortunate we are to have a calendar filled with so many meaningful moments of connection, celebration, and growth. There is always something to look forward to! Shavuot coming up!! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Close to 50 community members came together for a beautiful Lag B’Omer celebration filled with warmth, connection, and joy.
Despite a little drizzle here and there, the evening was filled with delicious BBQ, great company, and nonstop fun for the kids — from the outdoor inflatable rock climb to an up-close reptile experience that kept everyone entertained.
We recited the 12 Torah verses, marking 50 years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe instituted this special custom, and ended the night around the fire pit, roasting s’mores and soaking in the special spirit of Lag B’Omer.
An evening of community, connection, and Jewish pride — thank you to everyone who joined and made it so memorable. 🔥✨ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook