Rabbi Milton Balkany

Hamantaschen a Special Purim Treat

2010-02-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that one of the traditional foods which is eaten on Purim is a triangular shaped cookie, usually filled with prunes, poppy seeds, chocolate or apricot filling. These cookies are known as "Hamantaschen", or “Haman’s pockets" in Yiddish, and referred to as "Oznei Haman," "Haman’s ears," in Hebrew. It is also customary to eat seeds and nuts during Purim to remember the foods that Queen Esther ate in the palace of the King when she had no access to kosher food. In addition to conducting a Purim feast with delicious foods during the day on Purim, it is also part of the practice of Purim to deliver gifts of food to friends, neighbors and relatives on Purim day, to add to the communal sense of joy all people should share in on Purim. And to make sure that no one at all is left out, there is a special commandment to deliver gifts of food or money to people in need, so that they, too, can celebrate the holiday in the joy it is meant to be celebrated.
Rabbi Balkany wishes you and your family, and all people around the world, a very happy and special Purim celebration.

Purim is in the Air says Rabbi Balkany

2010-02-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

Purim is fast approaching, due to arrive on Saturday night, February 27, and continuing throughout the day on Sunday, February 28th. As was mentioned in a previous post, the Scroll of Esther is read in the synagogue and the name of the instigator of all the trouble, Haman, is drowned out by loud noise whenever it is mentioned during the reading. But what else is done to mark Purim as a special day. Although it is not strictly a commandment to wear masks and costumes, this practice is almost universal, especially among children. It is not clear where this custom is derived from, but it is interesting to note that the character of G-d himself does not appear anywhere in the narrative of the story of Esther. It can be said that G-d has disguised himself within the story line and characters of the biblical book and is there, just hidden. Also, there is other “hiddenness” within the story of Esther. Esther herself does not reveal her national heritage as a Jewess to the King until the end, when she tells him so that her people can be saved from destruction. As a matter of fact, the name Esther itself means “hidden” in Hebrew.There is a tradition that says that when Haman lead Mordecai through the streets of Shushan on the horse, that Haman’s daughter spilled refuse on the man who she thought was Mordecai, but was really her father. A bad case of mistaken identity. It is also said that because no one knew that Mordecai knew all languages, he was able to overhear and understand the plot to kill the king, which he told to the King and which later proved to be a valuable asset when seeking favors from the King.

Rabbi Balkany says, “Adar is here so Purim can’t be far behind.”

2010-02-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

Purim is a wonderful holiday celebrated in the month of Adar, which according to the Jewish calendar is the last month in the year. This is because the first month is considered to be Nissan, the month in which Passover falls and the month when the Jewish people became a nation, when they left Egypt during the Exodus. But enough about Passover. Let’s get back to Purim. This holiday is quite special. First of all, it commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of their enemies when they were living in exile in the Persian Empire. The entire story is recounted in the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) which is read aloud in synagogues throughout the world this year on Saturday night, February 27th, and again on Sunday morning, February 28th. During the reading children and adults alike go wild at the mention of the name of the story’s villain, Haman, and shout, boo, scream, whistle and shake noisemakers which are also known as grogers. As you might imagine, this custom appeals to all children (except for very young ones who might be afraid of all the noise) as well as the rowdier adults among us. It is a remarkable contrast to the usual respect and decorum shown in the synagogue the rest of the year and is only one of the ways Purim distinguishes itself as unique among Jewish holidays.

Rabbi Balkany Discusses Some Customs for Tu B'Shvat

2010-01-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

There is a Chassidic custom to pickle candy or fruit, especially the etrog which was used during Succoth, and to eat it on Tu B’Shvat. In addition some people pray that they will merit to have a beautiful etrog when next Succoth comes around.

Rabbi Balkany often mentions trees in his speeches, such as:

"From the plains where the bison roam and where the cottonwoood stands sentinel hearkening to the lonesome cry of the meadowlark."

In Israel it is quite prevalent to go out and plant trees on Tu B’Shvat, a custom that was introduced by Rabbi Zeev Yavetz in 1890. Yavetz was one of the founders of the religious Zionist movement known as Mizvachi. In 1890 Rabbi Yavetz took his students to plant trees in the community of Zichron Yaakov, thus helping to develop the Land of Israel which was strikingly barren of trees at the time.

Since that time this practice was adopted by major Jewish organizations as a yearly event, including the Jewish National Fund. Today in Israel more than one million people, including many children, plant trees on this day to show their love for the Land of Israel and their strong desire to see it develop and blossom.

In addition, because Tu B’Shvat symbolizes renewal and the start of something new, many institutions such as Hebrew University and the Technion chose this day to hold their inauguration ceremonies.

Kabbalistic Tu B'Shvat Seder

2010-01-14T00:28:00.000-08:00

Let us continue our discussion of Tu B’Shvat.

Customs associated with this mid-winter holiday can be derived from different sources. The custom of having a Tu B’Shvat Seder was instituted in the 16th century in Safed by the Kabbalists, especially Rabbi Yitzchak Luria. This practice is experiencing a revival now and you can join in Tu B’Shvat seders in many places, and you don’t even need to be a kabbalist to enjoy it. The basic idea is that 10 specific fruits are eaten, and four cups of wine are drunk, in a particular order. The appropriate blessings over these foods are recited, and by this practice it is believed that the world will be brought closer to spiritual perfection and redemption.

Bringing the world closer to spiritual perfection is the goal of Jewish belief and practice, as Rabbi Balkany has said, quoting from the book of Psalms,

Salvation belongs to G-d,
Your blessing be on your people.

Anticipating Tu B'Shvat with Rabbi Balkany

2010-01-07T00:20:00.000-08:00

In New York we are now enveloped in the beauty and starkness of winter.

With the darkest time behind us, the time of Chanukah, where tiny candles chased away even the darkest night, we can now look forward to the lengthening days, the stronger sunlight and the hope in Tu B’Shvat.

The holiday of Tu B’Shvat, is the “Jewish Arbor Day” or the “New Year for the Trees.” “Tu” is the way we pronounce the Hebrew letters “tet” and “vav” together, which is the equivalent of the number 15; Shvat is the Hebrew month which can fall anywhere from mid-January to mid-February, which interestingly, is the coldest, deepest part of the winter. Nevertheless, we celebrate the coming of spring in the midst of the winter by eating dried fruit and many other interesting customs.

As Rabbi Balkany has been known to quote from Psalms:

He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season

2009-09-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Invoking the beauty and majesty of the celestial luminaries, Rabbi Milton Balkany prays that American governors will heed the will of the people since their wisdom comes from the strength of families, the foundation of our civilization.

Our Father In Heaven!

A host of lights brighten your creation: the radiant, life-sustaining sun, the luminous moon that glows at night - each beacon has its purpose and calling. We pause and give thanks to you for the brilliant radiance cast by the lamps that glowed closer to home in our state capitals. Through your providence and blessing, men and women of honor have been placed at the helm of each state, from the caverns in New Mexico through Louisiana’s mysterious bayou, across the snowy peaks of Idaho and up the dazzling heights of New York’s skyline; our governors are rudders against the tide of confusion, ever guiding us to brighter shores. For when our governors trust the wisdom of the people, they have put their faith into families, the bedrock of our civilization. We pray to you: fortify us with the strength, the will and the insight to restore the dignity of families everywhere. Oh G-d, be our beacon through the night. Help guide our ship of sound government to harbors of safety, prosperity and hope. Amen.

2009-09-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

In the following lovely invocation Rabbi Milton Balkany compares the journey of politician Mel Martinez of Florida to the great biblical hero Joseph. Rabbi Balkany wishes for Mr. Martinez the success of Joseph, and to the United States the prosperity of Egypt.

Our father in heaven!

Your pillar of fire guided the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. Today our pillars through the wilderness of these modern times are the epic homilies of your scripture. As we gather here today in support of Mel Martinez, our beacon is the life story of Joseph, son of Jacob and his beloved wife Rachel. On a camel’s back, Joseph was taken far from his boyhood home to a strange new land. On the wings of “Operation Pedro Pan”, Mel Martinez was lifted from his home in sagua la grande [sa’gwa la gran’da] and set down within the heart of this blessed country. Far from home, Joseph began life anew in Egypt. With little more than a love of baseball and a small suitcase, Mel started his new life without a mother’s warm hug or a father’s firm hand to shield him. Never did Mel’s resolve flicker, because like Joseph, he was a dreamer and he dreamed American dreams. In the bible, mighty Pharaoh was moved to ask Joseph to mount the steps towards the throne and serve as viceroy. With hard work, perseverance and unswerving moral vision, Mel nurtured the spark of America’s promise until our president called upon him to enter the white house and share his good counsel. The parallel extends to our purpose today. Oh L-rd we beseech you. Be with Mel Martinez, his lovely wife Kitty, and his children and grandchildren like you were with Joseph. For when Joseph reigned, Egypt was granted seven years of abundance. With humility, we ask you to grant Mel Martinez victory in his senate race so that the great state of Florida and our nation may enjoy at least six years of blessing and prosperity. Amen.

Factors, Allard and Nichols Repients of Balkany Blessings

2009-09-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Below is a heartfelt praise of Mallory and Elizabeth Factor for their contribution to the future of leadership in America; and to Senators Nichols and Allard for their dedication to strengthening the American enterprise.

Our Father In Heaven!

Bless America for her sons and daughters are like no other. They breathe freedom and taste prosperity while remaining ever cognizant of their obligation; their cheerful duty to embrace the call of the hour. Shine your countenance upon Mallory and Elizabeth Factor who nurture the future of great men and women who hold the key to unlock the answers to tomorrow’s challenges and tomorrow’s hopes. In this critical hour when the most malevolent wish to dim the brilliance of our proud, open, American lifestyle, we pray to you, Oh L-rd, to fan the spark of the brightest minds of our nation. Shine your guiding light upon our friends Senator Don Nichols of Oklahoma and Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado so that they may see the path of righteousness among the brambles. Illuminate the way of moral clarity through the obstacles. We pray that we may count on your special providence so that we may continue to sing of our purple mountain majesties with one united voice. G-d Bless America. Amen.

Rabbi Balkany Endorses Guliani for Mayor of NYC

2009-08-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

In the following short speech Rabbi Milton Balkany praises Rudolph Guliani, Republican candidate for mayor of New York City. We also learn the derivation of the word candidate, coming from the word white in Latin, as a reference to the white toga worn by all those aspiring for political office in ancient Rome.

"We gather together today to support Rudolph Guliani, the candidate from our party for the office of mayor of New York City.
The word candidate is derived from the word “candidus”, meaning white, and referring to the white robes or toga which roman office-seekers were obliged to wear for one year before the elections.
Rudolph Guliani wore the mantle of integrity, honesty, sincerity, obligation, courage and service for many years. We now pray for his success to adorn the office of mayor of our great metropolis with these great traits."

Milton Balkany Praises George Bush

2009-08-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

In the following invocation Rabbi Milton Balkany blesses and praises President George Bush. Rabbi Balkany describes the presidency as the most important office not only in the United States, but even the entire free world.

"With hearts and hands and voices let us give thanks for all our many blessings. First we give thanks that we are a free people living under G-d in a land filled with bounty and equal opportunity for all who strive. For these blessings of liberty, peace and plenty, we give thanks to our heavenly father.

We pray on behalf of our President, George Bush and his family. He is a man of sagacity and love, prudence and gentleness and a demonstrated nobleness.

The American Presidency is not only the most important office in our country, but it is surely the most important leadership position in the free world. President Bush is the model of American ideals and power, as well as the symbol of a way of life.

President Bush has shown that although we may tinker with economic international associations and social programs, we will get nowhere until we experience a moral revolution reaching into every area of our national life; touching the springs of private thinking.

It is a reformation that must start with the moral greatness of our nation. But our nation depends on the ethical dedication of its people.

A new age began when the first man-made satellite orbited around the earth. It was the beginning of the space-age, which we are still in. But there is a more important concern, the conquest of our inner-space, which, just like the conquest of outer space, calls for our utmost discipline and persistent purpose.

We pray for the well-being of our beloved president. Wrap Your healing hand around his finger and uphold him in all his endeavors."

Rabbi Milton Balkany emphasizes in the above invocation that it is necessary more than ever for people to uphold ethical and moral traits and behavior as the highest of all possible goals.

Prayer for the Future of Freedom

2009-07-29T03:40:00.000-07:00

The following invocation was pronounced by Rabbi Milton Balkany at the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States. It is a heartfelt prayer that emerging third world countries mature to statehood without resorting to unnecessary bloodshed, and that the United States, great in its position as a mature, free country, help these younger countries attain this worthy goal.

"Our Father in Heaven, we are assembled in your presence, as we welcome the president and vice -president of these blessed United States. We pray that on the wings of so valiant an election victory, they may soar even higher into the most valued vistas of respect and peace.

As we are on a threshold of a new era, we feel certain that they shall be leaders who make an indelible imprint on lives and history. For they execute their duties with a dedication that may be compared to burning lenses that intensely concentrate all elements of being into one fiery purpose. Marching to a goal and assuming a purpose may not free from struggle, but it kindles a dynamic tempo which motivates the march toward self fulfillment. We pray for the entire world which is in turmoil; plagued by terrorism, hatred and bloodshed.

Many countries are experiencing growing pains. We must prevent their tumbling into self-destruction before they even have a chance to mature. We must stop their stumbling into oblivion just as they approach the edge of understanding. For they
are at a critical age; having attained the freedom that comes with self knowledge; but has not escaped the danger of half-knowledge; of reckless use of power; of selfish, unchecked proliferation of conflict. Education, relief and discipline can still win the race against catastrophe.

We pray that we may recognize and teach that freedom is not the right to do what you choose; but rather the responsibility to choose to do what is right. May we appreciate and teach that happiness is not a pleasure preserved in the pantry of the past, nor a promise packaged in the freezer for the future. It is today; it is both an attitude and an attainment. It is a blend of gratitude, and contentment. It is your smile upon us Oh, G-d amen."

These poetic words of Rabbi Milton Balkany express the hopes and concerns of the American people at a time of uncertainty and fear about the future of peace and prosperity in our times.

Rabbi Milton Yehoshua Balkany Bestowing Blessings

2009-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Milton Yehoshua Balkany is a highly active community leader, best known for his endearing practice of bestowing blessings (brachot) upon senior politicians publicly. Born in 1946, Rabbi Balkany has Orthodox ordination and is an active educator and Jewish community leader. Since the early 1980s Rabbi Balkany has been unswerving in his support for Republican candidates for office, fund-raising and publically speaking on their behalf. In addition, Rabbi Balkany has not been shy about lobbying for issues and causes of concern to the Jewish community.
The United States House of Representatives invited Rabbi Balkany to open the session in June 2003.