Michael Mantell

Let’s begin with a question. How could Moshe, who experienced the closest relationship with Hashem, facing the Burning Bush, the ten plagues, receiving the ten commandments and more, still ask, “And now, if I have indeed found favor in Your eyes, pray let me know Your ways, so that I may know You…” Moshe didn’t feel he knew the ways of Hashem? And WE feel troubled by our own questions about Hashem? [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]

This week’s parasha is tailored to the times in which we are living. Fear of the unknown, “uncertainty,” has spun many into anxiety, depression, and self-destruction. Many have so weakened their sense of hopefulness, that they live with exhaustion, believing nothing can, or will, improve. The events in the nation’s capital last week have beaten down many. How can we see our strife, our fear, our disbelief, today in this week’s Torah reading? [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]

Hashem appears to be saying “I will be one with you just as you are one with the people for whom you care so much.” Five times in the parasha, Hashem tells Moses that He feels the suffering of the Israelites. Moses, too, felt a tug to connect with his people. Hashem sees this and recognizes Moses’ special quality. We learn in this week’s Torah reading a most contemporary and timely lesson: We are not to simply see the suffering of others, but to experience it fully, as if it is our own–and act to reduce that suffering. As we reduce the pain in others, we then reduce our own. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]

When our soul ascends to heaven, we bring every day we’ve lived, with us. Our days don’t disappear upon our death, but rather stay with us…forever. Every day, the special meaning we give to the days of our lives, accompany us through eternity. This is why keeping ourselves pure, acting with kindness, compassion, humility and truly not judging others are so essential to our eternal lives. Does this awareness help you realize the potential that awaits you? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

This week’s parasha reveals a great deal about human nature. Indeed, “reveal” is the key word. As the parasha opens, Joseph continues to hide his true identity until his brother, Judah, touchingly entreats Joseph to enslave him instead of their innocent, framed brother, Benjamin. Judah poignantly tells Joseph about their elderly bereaved father, which adds to Joseph’s decision to tell his brothers that he is their brother. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

With a new secular year coming upon us, perhaps it’s time to review just what prayer is all about, the value and benefit of prayer, and why the Talmud refers to prayer as standing “…at the pinnacle of the world…” Perhaps with this deeper understanding, this year may be a new year with a new commitment to prayer. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

As we here in San Diego face a new set of lockdowns, many continue wondering, okay, complaining, about the decisions of those who are “in charge.” This week’s Torah reading answers the question of who is in charge quite clearly. Just when we think all is well with our health, in our family, with our career, in our lives, G-d shows us He has another lesson for us to learn. It seems the only thing predictable about life is how unpredictable it can be. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

I’m reminded of the little boy who was out flying his kite on a windy day. The wind was terrific that day and the kite was soaring high into the clouds. A man walked by and asked the boy what he was doing. “I’m flying my kite,” said the boy. The man looked, couldn’t see any kite and said, “I don’t see any kite. How do you know you’re flying a kite?” The boy answered, “Mr., because I can feel the tug.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

With all the election stress, COVID stress, societal stress, marital and family stress, stress of kids at home, stress about increasing crime, stress about racial divisiveness and financial stress swirling about, wouldn’t a love story right about now be welcome? Welcome Toldot, a magnificent parasha filled with wisdom about love. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]