Rabbi's Blog

In the Kiddush following Services last Shabbat, Alex Smolov was very emotional when sharing his recent experience. Here is his amazing story:

"Last week Ina and I joined some of our friends in Vancouver in honour of my birthday, to spend the weekend in Ruby Lake on the Sunshine Coast. A woman who joined us was diving in the shallow part on the lake, and came out with a treasure in her hand".

When we came closer we saw she was holding a silver ring in her hand. "It says something on it”, she said, "but I can't read a word, it seems to be in some foreign language".

I looked at the ring and I was stunned! Let me tell you a little bit about myself", Alex continued "I was born in Chernivtsi Ukraine. Although I remember with admiration my grandfather putting on Tefillin every single day, growing up in the soviet society we had very little, if any, Jewish education.

"Since the Kaplans came to the Island my interest in learning more about Judaism grew, and I found myself wanting to connect deeper with our heritage. I started attending classes and services. Two years ago I taught myself to read Hebrew".

"Now, when I looked at the ring I was shocked to my core. Its said in large Hebrew letters "Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad". I couldn't believe it, here, at the end of the world, on the day of my birthday, there is a ring with Hebrew words awaiting me!

"Aside from being a most wonderful birthday gift" Alex concluded "It is a reminder; reminding us that we can't escape G-d's presence even in the Sunshine Coast and an encouragement to all of us to do more to earn our inherited connection to Yiddishkeit".

Everyone at the kiddush was overwhelmed by the Devine providence of the story. Another L'chaim was poured, we started singing all together "Shema Yisrael" while Alex wiped his tears...

It was a few months ago that I wrote in this blog about my inspiration to get tables for the Shul, after finding a Shul table from the UK in a friend's house in Victoria.

I'm very pleased to announce that the tables have arrived this week, and if you are going to be from the first 12 men or first 8 women to come to Shul, you'll be comfortably sitting by a table throughout the Services...

This special addition to the Shul was possible due to the generosity of the Shortt and the Pitcher families and the help of the Milotay and Casiro families. We are still short a significant amount to cover them. To help sponsor some of the remaining balance, please email rabbi@telus.net.

We just arrived last night home. We had, thank G-d, an amazing time meeting no less than a hundred relatives during our visit to Detroit and Montreal. It's still very special to be back home, and we are looking forward to seeing each one of you.

On our travels back we had a stop over in Salt Lake City, we were surprised by the flight attendant's order to leave the aircraft, although we were to continue on that same airplane to Seattle. We quickly grabbed our hand luggage and stood right by the gate waiting to be called back in.

Minutes after the plane took off we realized that a bag with very important items, including Chani's computer, Video camera and others was missing. The flight attendant saw the urgency in the matter and had the pilot send a message to the gate, however there was no response. When we arrived in Seattle we tried every possible way to track the bag. The baggage claim office was only reaching answering machines and we could not get through to anyone.

When all fails - turn to the Rabbi... This morning I called the Chabad Shliach in Salt Lake City, Rabbi Zippel rushed immediately to the airport and tried every possible venue, in addition he got one of his congregants, who works in the airport to work on the case as well. One hour later I received a phone call "the bag was found and it will be FedExed to you today".

I constantly hear stories how Chabad Rabbis help Jews when they are stressed and lost. Now I have a story of my own... 

It was last Friday, when I emailed from a distance - to our dear friends Dr. Mark and Catherine Lupin and the family - our wishes for the Bar Mitzvah celebration of their son Alex. In my letter I promised that we will be saying L'Chaim on Shabbat here in Michigan for this occasion.

 Shabbat came and was about to leave and I forgot to keep my promise... About one hour before Shabbat was over, while standing in Shul, a man walks over to me "Are you Rabbi Kaplan from Victoria?" To my positive response he continued to ask "do you know Dr. Lupin?" to which I replied "I can't belive it! You just reminded me about my promise to them! How do YOU know them?!"

"Mark is my cousin, in fact his mother came to my Bar Mitzvah" he answered, and before I knew it I was listening to the amazing story of Mark's grandfather Mr. Rosen, who brought the entire family to a safe heaven before the Nazis came to power. "If not for his generosity I would not have been here today" he completed the family story. Then, we sat down to say L'Chaim...

 Not only did I, thank G-d, keep my promise to celebrate Alex's Bar Mitzvah, I even did it with relatives...

Dear Friends, 

In the last blog entry I mentioned the fact that it was this month, exactly seven years ago since we made our home in Victoria. I would like to share with you another story of an event that occurred when I arrived to BC for the first time, as an example of how our lives are being directed where they need to go.

Upon arrival to Vancouver, I went to a FIDO kiosk in the mall to get a cell phone for the few weeks in which Chani and I were to stay in BC. After I chose a cell phone, I was asked by the salesperson if I had a preference for a phone number. I responded that it did not matter since we were only going to be there for a short visit.  

The salesperson chose the first phone number at random and asked “What do you think of 884-3244?  I was shocked - the previous year I was teaching in a Yeshiva in Israel and my phone number was 44-3244. What are the chances of getting the exact same number as a first choice?

I realize that it was just a phone number, but G-d has His own way of sending us messages. We need to be open to receive them, and in this case I believe the message was that we are in the right place...   

 Dear Friends, 

Seven years ago, almost to the day, Chani and I saw the Pacific ocean for the first time as we traveled by ferry to Victoria (I recall thinking how I could not understand how anyone could sleep in their car on the ferry, since then I have done it myself many times...).

We were holding our baby Mussi, as we walked around the ferry deck, anticipating seeing the Island we had decided to spend the rest of our lives on. The sun was shining and our hearts warm and excited for the amazing opportunity to fulfill our lifelong dream. At the same time, there was also cold breeze coming from the ocean- here we are moving to a place far from our families, we do not know any one, we weren't really invited, and everything is unfamiliar. Would this experience be too cold for us to handle? 

While facing the ocean this week on the third birthday and upshernish of Mendel, our third child born in Victoria, we felt very warm. The feeling that was radiating from the community who came to celebrate with us warmed our hearts and made us feel like this is our home and everyone in attendance is our immediate family.
Thank You!

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you all a heart warming and precious story that happened this week at Camp Gan Israel.

Camp Gan Israel is very successful this year thanks to the many hours of preparation by Chani weeks and months prior to the camp’s first day. Bookings for special programs and activities need to be made well in advance.  Chani had made a reservation over the phone for a rock climbing trip that the kids went on this week and the confirmation was faxed back. When Chani looked at the document she was laughing so hard she was crying. 

The booking confirmation was a standard one but under the category “Group Name” it said “God is real” instead of Gan Israel. When Chani told the person over the phone the name of the group he had heard "God is real"...

 I don't know if this what the person had in mind, however, if love, kindness, dedication and care is G-dly, and if children smiling is G-dliness, then, I guess he didn't made such a terrible mistake. Yes, indeed, G-d is real at Camp Gan Israel!

A few months ago we started receiving a monthly donation for a very specific amount from an unknown woman. I had never met her before and she had never participated in any of our events. In her most recent cheque, she attached a note with her contact information, and so I quickly got in touch with her to arrange a meeting.

This Wednesday, after a long drive out to Sooke, I climbed a hill to her waterfront home. When we took the conversation deeper, it became clear that she is not Jewish, nor are any members of her family.  I then felt the need to ask her why she honours us with these donations and why she chose such a specific number each month...

"What do you mean why?" she wondered. "Doesn’t your Torah teach the world that in order to be successful and blessed you need to give a tithe of your profit to a charitable cause?! I was looking for a good cause and it was clear to me that Chabad is one - teaching authentic Judaism to everyone who seeks it, with no conditions or expectations."

She is very right. This Mitzvah - Maaser - giving a tenth of the crop to charity, is one of the first Mitzvot mentioned in the Torah regarding our patriarchs, and it is the only Mitzvah for which the Torah promises monetary reward.

Sometimes we need others to remind us what we stand for...

As a parent of five young children I have the wonderful opportunity to participate in many birthday parties of youngsters; the kids always enjoy themselves and as a parent it is a pleasure to see them having a good time.

This week Chani and I and all of our children participated in a birthday party which was different. Very different.  For one thing, Shira Fisher, celebrating her 5th birthday was wearing a beautiful Indian dress.  I'm sure you are wondering what was so special about this party and why the birthday girl was wearing such interesting clothes?!...

Five years ago, shortly after the Baby Naming and Kiddush of the newborn Shira, her parents were notified by a doctor that she has SMA type 1 (spinal muscular atrophy), a genetic neuromuscular disease that causes severe degeneration of the muscles. This meant that the child would have almost no ability to move most of her limbs, and doctors predicted she would live for two to three years.

Sitting with the Fishers that night was very painful; Brad and Maxine were absolutely devastated. What do you tell the parents of such a beautiful baby who have just heard this kind of news?

Shira's health was very unstable and we started visiting her regularly at the hospital, saying Tehilim by her bed and praying for her health and strength.

Brad dropped his work and career and invested one hundred percent of his time in Shira. He studied the disease and the dangers as well as the ways he could give Shira the most comfort and well-being. Together with Maxine he found the best experts in the world in this field and they have used numerous methods and every kind of equipment they can get to help Shira be happier and stronger.  They made a special play zone in their backyard with a special structure that Shira can enjoy. Brad has invested every part of himself in ensuring that Shira is as happy and comfortable as possible.

Over time, I have learned an amazing lesson from Brad. I was able to watch clearly how he changed from focusing on his pain and distress to focusing on ways he can improve her life. It was clear that one day Brad said to himself "I have no idea why this happened to me, to our family, but I clearly understand my mission - I need to make sure that Shira has the best life she can".

What a tremendous lesson. Instead of thinking of the suffering , think of the calling.  Never ask why something has happened, ask how you can help the situation; define your life mission based on what you encounter.

Now you probably wonder how all of this connects with Shira wearing an Indian dress on her fifth birthday. Brad did not only think of Shira and his family. Since he has learned so much over the last five years about what can be done for this disease, he has become a source of information for dozens of families across the globe. Other families on the edge of despair have benefited tremendously from his advice and guidance. One of these families is from India, and as a gift to Brad and Shira they sent a beautiful dress for her fifth birthday...

May the Al-mighty give us the wisdom and strength in challenging times to see our mission and our calling and to do it full time, since this may be the reason why we are here.

On Shabbat last week, community members attending services in the Shul seemed to feel a collective sense of momentousness, the Shul was completely filled; later arrivals found that there was standing room only.  In fact, the feeling that there was something special about the day was on many levels quite correct.

Standing in front of the congregation, I saw a middle aged man with a nice gray beard sitting in the last row. I did not recognize him, and imagined that he must be a guest. Then Dr. David Kirk, a ninety-two year old honourable member of the community, arrived in the middle of the service. I have known Dr. Kirk for several years and it was very nice to have him join the service.

Minutes later I noticed that the newcomer’s face had begun to brightly change colours; it was quite clear that he was shocked to his core...

Only at the lunch following the Kiddush did our guest, who we now know as Dr. Michael Grand, tell his story:

“Sixty years ago I found out that I was adopted, and my life turned upside down. I couldn’t fathom how this was going to affect my life. Years later I read Dr. David Kirk’s book, and once again my life was not the same. His book is the foundation of one perspective in adoption theory, and it had a profound impact on my life. As I carried out my own research in the field of adoption, Dr. Kirk’s work was a source of inspiration, and remains so in my current position as a professor of clinical psychology..."

"I met David a couple of times, but I didn't know if I would ever see him again.  I recognized him from the minute he walked into Shul". With tears in his eyes Dr. Grant continues "I'm so greatful to have the opportunity to thank him again for all he has done for me..."

Dear Friends,

I remember that day, 9 years ago. It was the most horrific day in the history of terrorist attacks in Israel. Organized by Hammas, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the center of Jerusalem at a Sbarro restaurant. Fifteen people, including seven children, were killed and over 100 wounded on that vacation day in Israel.

When the details started coming out, the sadness and shock was beyond description. Five of the victims were members of one family, parents and three of their children: Mordechai, Tzira, Raya, Avram and Emda Schijveschuurder were murdered together while out on a "fun day" in Jerusalem. Their funeral was one of the most painful in the history of Israel. The images of the five surviving young children of the family were burned into the consciences of all Israeli residents, including myself, forever.

This week I met those children again.  I recognized the two boys’ faces. They came to the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe this past Tuesday to mark his 16th Yahrtziet. Together with them was one of my closest friends from Yeshiva, Rabbi Benyamin Wolff, a Chabad Rabbi in Helsinki, Finland.

Wondering about the connection, I was told that the Schijvsechuurder brothers met Rabbi Wolff on a trip to Europe and pledged to build a Chabad house in Helsinki in memory of their family members.

It is hard to imagine how this family was able to collect themselves after such a terrible tragedy; it is admirable to see how they have turned it into energy of goodness and kindness.

Usually when members of the community travel to Israel, I try to get them in contact with my family.  As we are only able to visit on rare occasions, they are always quite thrilled to receive regards from a member of Victoria's Jewish community. However, when Noemi Masson told me that she would be going to Israel, I didn't try to make the connection; she was going on a group trip and I didn't want to complicate things for her.
 

On Friday last week Noemi and her group arrived for a short two hours in Tzfat. While walking in the old city, a young woman walking with her children approached Noemi and offered her Shabbat candles. After Noemi thanked her for her kindness, she asked, "Do you know Rabbi Meir Kaplan?"

You might wonder why was Mrs. Rivky Kaplan of Tzfat offering Noemi candles even though she had never met her before...
 

Dear Friends,

Avi Elbaz, a Naval Officer originally from Montreal, ended up by Divine Providence stationed at the base in Esquimalt. Since Avi's arrival we became close friends, or to be correct, Avi became a close friend of our sons Leibel (4) and Mendel (2)... Avi came occasionally to Shul and gave a helping hand at events and functions.

Three months ago, Avi called me to inform me of a final decision he had made. "Rabbi" he said, "please don't invite me to come to Shul anymore; I have difficulty attending. I'd still love to come to events and classes and help in any way, but praying is difficult for me."

A few weeks later, Avi was deployed to South America. He was the only Canadian working on a Colombian Naval ship; sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southern city in the world, to Cartagena, Colombia.

One Sunday during his trip, Avi called. It was very exciting to hear from him. Calling from Lima Peru, Avi briefed me about his experience so far, and then rushed along to what seemed to be the reason for his call: "Yesterday, I attended Shabbos services at a Shul in Vina del Mar, Chile, a few people were there, mostly elderly, and the Shul was very simple. There were not even enough books for the minyan… and I immediately felt very special.” I just listened to his voice, trying to confirm that I was hearing the same Avi I knew before...

Avi continues, “Although I was on a different continent and in a strange land, while attending Shabbos services I felt as I was back at home."

This week Avi unexpectedly arrived back in Victoria. He came to say hi and we had a long chat about his experiences, primarily sailing under a foreign Navy. No mention of the Synagogue experience of Vina del Mar, Chile.

"See you in Shul on Shabbat morning" he said before walking out the door...

Dear Friends,

This past week seems to have lasted a very long time. Aside from having the most wonderful Shavuot, which may be the subject for a future blog, the week focussed on continued discussion about last week’s incident in the park. I must detail to you the response which we have been getting over the last week.

First of all, I have received numerous messages of support and participation from the Jewish community in Victoria. The entire community was united in the importance of sending the clear message that Jewish people and Jewish life will continue to grow here with pride and strength. I would like to thank you all for your encouragement!

In addition, other religious groups in town have contacted us to express their support for whichever way we choose to handle the situation, and to guarantee that they will be happy to stand beside us.

On Monday, after the police issued their press release, I was called to meet with the Chief of Victoria Police, Mr. Jamie Graham. He shared with me that he was "personally hurt" by this incident, and that as soon as he heard about it he instructed to give it high priority.  Two officers will be investigating this story in order to find the one(s) who is/are responsible for what he considers to be a "hate crime." He said that he would be willing at any time to speak to the community about where the police stand on anti-Semitic acts such as this one.

Later that day I received a phone call from a good friend, the Mayor of Victoria, Mr. Dean Fortin. Mr. Fortin told me how "shocking" it was for him to hear of the unpleasant event last week, and he offered his services at anytime to assist in whatever the Jewish community feels may be helpful at this time.

I have known Mr. Fortin for a few years before he became Mayor. A mutual friend of ours is a Jewish woman who used to be a very close neighbour when he was growing up in Courtney. Later, she used to come for High Holidays to Victoria to participate in the Services in our Shul, and would stay at the Fortin’s home. Since then I have met Dean on a few different occasions. One Shabbat afternoon I ran into him while walking back from Shul; Mr. Fortin was bicycling on the other side of the street.  He stopped his bike and we had a very nice conversation about Shabbat services, Shul, Torah and the rest. So when he read in the paper about us walking back from Shul, he knew precisely what I was talking about...

Overall, I must say that this week’s reactions were reassuring; we are very fortunate to live here in Victoria. Our impression is that the authorities are responding to the situation with a great deal of seriousness. They are prepared to confront these people and do all they can to ensure that Jewish people are being respected in this city, and such insults do not reoccur.

Dear Friends,