Oneinfocus.org

Holy Objects

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Oneinfocus wishes you a powerful Shavuot holiday!

Shavuot celebrates a radical change in the world.

Before the Torah was given, there was a distinct division between physicality and spirituality,

one terrestrial and the other heavenly.

After the Torah was given, spirituality could penetrate the physical.

An object could become holy.

There is no greater example of this than tefillin.

Tefillin are made from leather.

The hide of cow is worked and reworked until it becomes a vehicle for

the most profound connection and intimacy between the Creator and His servant.

The holy black leather box:

All of the lessons of Shavuot are so central to Jewish life because Shavuot marks the founding experience of the Jewish people as a nation. That being a open revelation of G-d Himself and a Divine communication to 3 million people standing at the base of Mount Sinai.

So potent was that experience, far beyond any other historical event, that today, over 3,000 years later, the same mitzvot that were commanded back then are repeatedly performed with life and vitality by millions of Jews worldwide.

We wish you a wonderful Shavuot! May you be blessed with eyes to see the continual Divine communication that exists all around you!

Dovid and Miri

Chassidic Light

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Taken Lag BaOmer in Brooklyn, NY:

The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, R. Sholom Dov Ber Schneersohn (1860-1920) said,
A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;

a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;

a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,

and places the home and family in a state of "light."

Shabbat Shalom - The Oneinfocus Team.

A Worldly View

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:17:00 +0000

From inside the Olin Library, Cornell University:

Know that which is above you.

- Ethics of the Fathers 2:1 -

There are numerous worlds.

There is the terrestrial, tangible world that we know
and where G-d is more concealed.

And then there are supernal, spiritual, ethereal worlds
where Divine truths are more revealed.

Know however, that all the heavenly worlds are impacted and affected

by you and your actions right here and now.

- Adapted from the Maggid of Mezritch -

After exploring some of the old manuscripts collected in the Olin Library at Cornell University, I was struck by this globe, sitting so elegantly on a book shelf. Even tough there were numerous students sitting around studying and I did not look very discrete, I nonetheless proceeded to perform a Oneinfocus photo shoot.

This photo is the result. The caption is a very powerful idea from the Maggid of Mezritch. The idea gives tremendous meaning and value to the simple act. It is like we are the reverse of a puppet show, where the puppets control the "man" behind the screen, instead of the reverse. It is our actions and our decisions that determine the cosmic and heavenly worlds.

Be deliberate in your actions because who knows how deep and powerful the impact may be.

We wish you a wonderful Shabbos!

Dovid and Miri

Windows to the World

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:30:00 +0000

An iPhone photo from the inside of Oneinfocus HQ's:

Our souls are windows to illuminate the world.

When we connect to our Source above, the windows open wide,

dispelling darkness with supernal light.

Unchanging Descent

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:59:00 +0000

From the intermediate days of Passover:

Torah is likened to water.

Water descends from a high place to a low place,

yet it remains the same water.

Torah is sourced in the most sublime, abstract heights.

It descends to a material, corporeal world but never loses its richness and depth.

This photo was taken from the intermediate days of Passover. A small group of us went to a state park called Treeman, Ithaca, NY. It was very beautiful. With each turn on the trail, we encountered waterfalls and canyons.

This photo was taken with a slow shutter. I did not have my tripod with me, which may be considered a sin the field of photography. However, I lay on my stomach and steadied the camera with some stones and my hands, and took this photo at a shutter speed of 1 second.

I am including another photo below of the same area, but from the far end, looking back.

We wish you all a wonderful Shabbos!

Dovid and Miri

Positive Projection

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:29:00 +0000

A Lesson from the the graceful White Heron:

"Shammai would say: Greet every person with a joyful, warm countenance"

- Ethics of the Fathers 1:15 -

Your world is a reflection of your projection.

Project joy, experience joy.

Project love, experience love.

This is such a universal message which is of course, found throughout the Torah and in stories of Rebbeim and students.

The message is this: You are solely responsible for your circumstances. Even at a time where life seems to be 'out of control' and events seem to be punishing you, in truth, your response and your projection can determine the outcome.

A very important caveat to this idea however, is that even though the idea is simple, in practice, this is one of the most difficult adjustments to make. However, with a little training, and a talented mentor, you will see unbelievable results. You, and only you, can transform your current situation into one of profound joy, deep love and illuminate life itself.

Go on... try it.

We wish you a wonderful Shabbos!

Dovid and Miri

One final shot:

Behind the Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:37:00 +0000

Purim in Crown Heights, NY...

The world is a mask.Superficial barriers conceal our true selves.
On Purim we look behind the mask and rediscover the soul.

After the break... a few iPhone shots from the streets of Brooklyn on Purim.

Happy Purim!

Happy Purim!

Happy Purim!
More Purim candy for your soul right here...
Wishing you a happy Shabbos!
Michoel, Sarah and the Oneinfocus Team

The Children's Torah

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Oneinfocus wishes you a truly joyful Purim:

Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants

You have established strength because of Your adversaries,

in order to put an end to enemy and avenger.

Psalms 8:3

When Mordechai learnt about the evil plot of Haman,

he gathered together 22,000 Jewish children to learn Torah.

In this merit, the Jewish people were saved,

and today we celebrate the story of Purim with unbridled joy.

After the break: learn about the depth of this verse...

The verse from Psalms seems very curious. Normally, to combat an enemy, one needs a strong army of fit warriors. Moreover, to combat an avenger, one needs a sophisticated intelligence service to foil the schemes of their opponents. How could it be that the power to nullify the enemy and the avenger lies specifically with babes and nursing infants?

The Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, in his discourse on Purim 1927, explains that the verse in Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might and not by power, but by My spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." "My spirit" refers to the revelation of the Divine Name Havaya that is found within every member of the Jewish people.

Therefore, on the verse "out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants," the Talmud Shabbat 119b says, "From the breath of the children who study Torah - You have established might (עוז)" - for "There is no might other than Torah." It is specifically this strength that can silence an enemy and even an avenger.

The Children engrossed in learning:

We wish you all a wonderful Shabbos!

Dovid and Miri

The Blaze Within

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

An iPhone photo from the streets of Brooklyn...

The complete tzaddik has destroyed the physical drive within him.
Others must strive to direct it towards a higher purpose,

setting the earthly materials ablaze with a G-dly fire.

Shabbat Shalom!

Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team

The Constant Flame

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:25:00 +0000

The flame that is never extinguished:

A continuous fire should burn on the Altar.

It must not go out.

- Vayikra 6:6 -

The Altar represents the heart of man.

Deep within the heart, there lies a continuous flame,

which burns with passionate love for its Creator.

After the jump, the before shot with a very profound idea...

The quote from Vayikra is part of the daily prayers recited in place of the actual sacrificial ceremony practiced at the time when the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem.

This one particular verse always strikes me as being so fundamental and so real. With the chassidic insight about the altar representing the heart of man, this verse is teaching us about the truth of our soul. This verse informs us that there is this deep, fiery passion found in the heart of every Jew which burns constantly. Meaning, regardless of ones actions and beliefs, the Torah teaches us that there is a quintessential point which survives it all and keeps aflame forever. This is the soul. This is what we are really about.

Going deeper, the real challenge is to access that flame and allow it to light our entire personality. Meaning, one may live externally and never really delve below the surface. However, with the right tools, being Chassidus, and seeking out the right teachers, together with discipline and introspection, a person can illuminate every aspect of their life with their inner flame.

Nu? What are you waiting for. Light the match!

Have a wonderful shabbos!!

Dovid and Miri

Tuned In

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Taken at the Brooklyn Jewish Music Cafe...

The photo was snapped by Dovid and the caption composed by Michoel.

There are two souls that sing,one to the heavens and the other to earth.

When we are tuned into G-dliness they sing in unison -

giving to life clarity, purpose and peace.

Wishing you a peaceful Shabbos,

Michoel, Dovid, Sarah and Miri.

The Ultimate Choreographer

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

The beautiful Rainbow Bee-eater:

G-d provides sustenance for every creature.

He designates each particular prey to fall captive to a specific predator at a precise moment.

Rashi in Talmud Chullin 63a

If this true for all creations,
how much more so is this Divine Providence magnified in the life of man.

This is an incredible series of photos taken in Perth, Western Australia. The subject is the magnificent Rainbow Bee-eater. This specimen is characterize by outstandingly beautiful colors. During the breeding season, they make a hole in the ground (see last picture below) and nurture their offspring in the hole. In these pictures, I was able to capture the Bee-eater with a large dragonfly in it's beak.

The Bee-eater was challenged by a little Willy Wagtail. The two birds jested and the Bee-eater escaped with the dragonfly, after which he flew off to his nest to feed his young.

The jest:

The escape:

The take-off:

The nest in the ground and satisfied parent:

The caption is an incredible idea adapted from the Talmud where it is recounting the exclamation of Rebi Yochanan. When observing a cormorant or sea eagle catching a fish from the sea, he would quote the verse in Tehillim 36:7, "Your judgments extend to the great deep."

The Baal Shem Tov emphasized G-d's tremendous supervision and involvement in all of creation. G-d is the ultimate choreographer Who takes interest and directs all the elements of creation simultaneously. Being that man was the last creature that G-d created, and as such, the purpose for all prior creations, G-d takes an even more keen interest in man's actions and circumstances.

With the firm knowledge of G-d's involvement, and a regular contemplation of this reality, a person can reach a state of tremendous joy, always smiling at life's blessings and challenges since the Father is right there, helping one discover the real self.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Dovid and Miri Birk

A Message in a Bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:49:00 +0000

Taken at Basil - a Brooklyn-based kosher pizza and wine bar:

When a craftsman makes a vessel, he merely re-shapes raw material.

Once the vessel is complete, it is able to exist without its designer.

Divine creation calls into being something totally new,

whereby the Divine force must continuously be invested in order to sustain it.

Wishing you a splendid Shabbat,

Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team.

Adjusting The Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:57:00 +0000

One of the Twins from France caught in focus:

A tight rope walker was once asked:

"What is the most difficult part of your act?"

The performer answered:

"The moment when I turn around is most challenging

for that is when I must divert my eyes from their point of focus."

Setting goals and remaining focused are crucial for success.

However, certain times demand changing direction and re-formulating the goal.

These moments are the most challenging, but have the potential for the greatest growth.

The caption this week is adapted from a story about a famous Chossid, Reb Mendel Futerfas. For approximately 14 years of his life, he was incarcerated in prisons and labor camps by Russian authorities for his involvement with Jewish education and practice in Russia.

One time during his exile, the Reb Mendel, along with other exiled men, were able to view a circus performance. Reb Mendel watched the tight rope walker, amazed by his confident walk across a taut rope.

Awesome balancing stunt:

After the performance, he approached the performer and inquired about the most difficult part of his act. The performer answered, as is quoted in this week's caption, that the point when he turns around is the most challenging.

Being a chossid and recipient of the teachings of the Chassidic Rebbeim, Reb Mendel reflected on the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov that one can learn a lesson is serving G-d from everything one sees or experiences. Applying this teaching to comments of the tight rope walker, Reb Mendel extracted a truly deep idea about dealing with life and it's challenges.

There are certain experiences in life which can shake a person from their focus. A person needs to try with all their strength, to concentrate and remain set on the goal. There is a deeper stage however, when one must recognize that the challenge is so fundamental that one needs to re-formulate the goal, adjusting the components to answer a new reality. This period of re-definition is by nature, a time of intense difficulty. However, with trust in Hashem and proper guidance, one can emerge from this period with renewed motivation and success well beyond their own estimation.

We wish you all a wonderful shabbos!!

Dovid and Miri

A Blossoming Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Oneinfocus visits the Berkshires for a special wedding:

The Torah calls marriage "kiddushin,"

the root of which is 'kadosh,' meaning holy or sacred.

That which is holy is separated and distinguished from the mundane.

Marriage blossoms when the partners feel truly set apart from others,
dedicated exclusively to each other.

Learn more after the jump....

There are certain things in the Torah which are described as being "holy." The Hebrew word for "holy' is קדוש, kadosh. In fact there is an entire portion of the Torah which is called Kedoshim, which deals with matters of holiness. However, the translation of kadosh as 'holy' is not very useful since holiness is a vague and sublime term.

The Torah helps us appreciate the term kadosh by telling us that something which is holy is separate and distinguished. Now, within context, we can understand why various things in the Torah are described as being holy, kadosh.

Under the holy chuppah. The beginning:

A very frequent and well known example is 'Shabbos Kodesh,' the holy shabbos. By being holy, Shabbos is separate from the other days of the week. It is a refuge in time when one dedicates their activities toward G-d, focusing primarily on the spiritual - prayer, togetherness, singing, discussion of Torah etc.

Another example is 'Eretz HaKodesh,' the holy land, the land of Israel. Of the 613 mitzvot, 26 of them are described as mitzvot which are dependent on the land of Israel. Meaning, only in Israel, and for some of them, only at the time when the Temple is erected, are we able to perform these mitzvot. Some of them relate to the Temple itself (first fruits, pascal lamb, festival pilgrimage), some relate to the governance of the land (laws of kingship and government), some relate to agriculture (tithes) and there are other areas of mitzvot as well which are practiced only in Israel. However, in relation to our discussion, these laws are a result of the holiness of the land of Israel. Again, holiness is a description of the land due to its uniqueness among other lands. Israel is separate and distinct from the rest of the world.

Mazeltov mazeltov:

A third example is 'lashon kodesh,' the holy language. The Torah was written with a Divine language which is holy since it is unique among the languages of the world. Lashon Kodesh, being divine, has infinite depth. Each letter can be analyzed on its own, based on its form, its numerical value, its crowns and its pronunciation. In addition, words have roots which connect them to other words which further connect in substance. Moreover, each word has an aggregate numerical value which connects to other words and ideas.

Our caption refers to a fourth instance of holiness in the Torah - Kiddushin, which is marriage. Marriage is holy because it a bond between 2 people who become forbidden to everyone else via their connection to one another. They are separated out from the pool of individuals and become a new entity, capable of revealing G-dliness merely by being marriage. It is through kiddushin that G-d dwells in one's home, transforming the mood to one of sacredness and warmth.

That being said, we wish everyone a holy holy shabbos. For those still single, you should all merit to find your holy partners. And for all Jews, we should merit to see the depth in the holy language while residing in the holy land!

Good Shabbos.

Dovid and Miri

G-d Bless You

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:24:00 +0000

Sneezing, Shooting and Lighting!

Confined to a material body,

man's soul requires an “arousal from above.”

This kindles “an arousal from below”

an initiative, on our part, to rise above earthly limitations

and strive towards G-d.

Strobist info (and tissues) after the break....

Cold weather and indoor family time forced me to think outside the box, actually - inside the box!

Production images below demonstrate my 'two-strobe setup':

Wireless strobe #1 inside an empty tissue box.

Test firing: exposure, wireless transmission and light quantity.

Wireless strobe #2 - snooted to concentrate light on the tissue box.

Firing strobe #1 and #2.Testing strobe #2 light direction.

On the Caption:
The caption is based on multiple biblical verses and chassidic discourses. There is a well-known saying from the Talmud, “Open up a hole the size of a needle, and G‑d will open a hole like the doorway of the Temple hall.”
In other words, we do our part and G-d responds with infinite blessings.
There is good news though - if we pray with sincerity G-d will help reveal the hidden sparks within. This revelation will empower us to 'do our part' and make this world a dwelling place for His presence.
Can you see the aforementioned relationship in the hand and tissue box photo?
Wishing you a luminous and joyful Shabbat,
Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team.

The Wondrous Miracle

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:03:00 +0000

Oneinfocus wishes you a Happy Chanukah:

The miracle of Chanukah is not simply commemorated every year.

Rather, it is relived with the wonder and excitement of a child,
as if each time is the first.

Chanukah is such a wonderful holiday!! The messages are so fundamental and the teachings of Chassidus about Chanukah are so tremendously deep.

This weeks caption is obviously not something which applies exclusively to Chanukah, but is the attitude we need when approaching all Jewish holidays. Time in Judaism is not linear, but rather cyclical or like a spiral. We re-experience each festival and re-connect with the specific energy and theme for that time of year.

The candles burning bright:

In Kabbalah, light is used as an analogy for the expression of G-d. We say "G-d's light is shining or withheld." The reason is because even though light is a creation, it is very unique. It doesn't take up space like other things, but it's presence can transform a situation. Light sets the mood. Light brings warmth. In so many ways, light parallels G-dliness.

From the story of Chanukah, light represents the holiness and sanctity of Torah. It was this dimension, the inner-most valuable dimension, that was attacked by the Syrian Greeks. Judaism as a culture was encouraged and supported under Greek rule, but as something holy, something Divine, it was intolerable.

And so, we fight fire with fire (pun intended). We light candles which are forbidden to benefit from. We do not light them to illuminate pages in a book, nor to see better. We light them for the simple message of light - sanctity, holiness, sacredness. It is this vital component which makes all that we do so meaningful.

We wish everyone a very holy, illuminated Chanukah!

Good Shabbos,

Dovid and Miri

Eight Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:04:00 +0000

A Chanukah teaser:

The menorah in the Temple had seven lights.
Today darkness dominates, and we need an extra illumination,one that is beyond time, worlds and reason.
An infinite light. A light that is Him.
And so we light eight.

This week's photo was taken in Wall Street. Just a prep for the main Chanukah photo - next week!

Be sure to check out Chanukah exhibits from previous years!

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah :)

Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team

My Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:53:00 +0000

Get out there and blaze your trail:

"בשבילי נברא העולם"

"The world was created for me"

- Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5 -

Instead of reading "bishvili" (for me), read "b-shvil-li" (for my trail).

Meaning, the world was created for the unique path that I will forge.

For more on the depth of this statement and the caption...

This photo was taken on a wonderful drive into the Berkshires, north of New York City, for a friends wedding.

I was unable to find the actual source for the drush on the wording of the mishna. I heard it in the name of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, but I checked in with a Breslov friend and he could not confirm that. If anyone can share the source of this drush, please e-mail me.

I really love this little caption. It says so much, and the twist in the words adds a deeper dimension.

Off the beaten track runs a little path:

The statement "the world was created for me" is taken from the Mishna in Sanhedrin which is dealing with the legitimacy of witnesses in capital cases. The Mishna emphasizes that in capital cases, being that punishment is death, the witnesses must be rigorously scrutinized and investigated in order to validate their testimony. The mishna highlights the ultimate value of human life. So quote a few lines:

"Monetary cases are different to capital cases. In a financial dispute, the guilty party pays the restitution and is then excused. In capital cases, the blood of the accused and the blood of all his descendants until the end of time are dependent on the ruling. Therefore, regarding Kain, in killing his brother the Torah states (Bereishit 4:10), "The bloods of your brother are screaming out." The verse uses the plural "bloods" and not the singular "blood" to teach us that with his death, died all the descendants which could have been born from him....

Therefore, man was initially created singular (as opposed to all other creatures), to teach you that anyone who destroys a life from Israel is as if he destroys a full world, and anyone who sustains a life from Israel is as if he sustains a full world. Furthermore man's singularity was for the sake of peace among mankind so that no person can claim that the father of one man is greater than another.

Moreover, the singularity of man's creation was to counter anyone who claims that there are many powers in heaven. Rather, it teaches us that about the greatness of the Holy One, Blessed be He, that man can coin many coins from a single mould, but each one is similar to the next. However, the King of kings, Blessed be He coined all of mankind from the mould of the first man, yet each person is unique and different from his fellow. Therefore, every person is obligated to say, "For me the world was created.""

Powerful stuff!!

In addition to this tremendous insight, the caption highlights another idea. Not only is each person unique from the perspective of their personlaity, facial features etc, but that each person must discover their unique trail that only they can forge. The world "shvil" in Hebrew denotes a trail that is off the beaten path. In other words, the caption is empowering every person to discover and travel their path, a path that has never been traversed before. Why? Because they are unique and their presence in this world is with G-d's intent and supervision. They exist because G-d wants, and they must honor that opportunity by living life the way that only they can!

We wish you a wonderful Shabbos!!

Dovid and Miri

Drop by Drop

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:07:00 +0000

6:30 AM. Brooklyn. Rain. And my Ollo:

Rabbi Akiva was unlearned for the first 40 years of his life.

Once he saw water dripping onto a rock, slowly hallowing through the stone.

Exclaimed Rabbi Akiva, "If water is able to bore through a stone,

certainly the words of Torah can make an impression on my heart."

And so, drop by drop, he studied Torah -- becoming one of the greatest Talmudic sages.

Snapped with my iPhone! Details inside....

Meet Ollo - a snap on iPhone lens.

3 lenses - Fisheye, Macro and Wide-Angle.

High Quality Glass

On the iPhone
This week I was walking down a local street in Brooklyn and a drop of water caught my eye! Fortuantely in my backpack was the Ollo clip. I immediately removed the iPhone cover and snapped on the macro lens. 3 shots later and I was on my way.
Below is another shot taken at Big Fuel - with the fisheye lens.
Big Fuel, NY

Stay tuned... I am sure we will see more from Ollo.
Shabbat Shalom,
Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team

A Tree of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:25:00 +0000

A most unusual tree with a wonderful message:

Torah is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and fortunate are those who support it.

- Proverbs 3:18 -

Hold fast to the tree. Plant its seeds. Grow a forest.

Learn more about this caption and the photo...

This most unusual tree was shot in the forest in Morristown, NJ, near the Rabbinical College of America. When I studied there, I would often walk through the forest and admire this tree for its strength. It stands with so much leadership, wisdom and age in among it's fellow trees. If you look below, you will see that someone has attached a swing. The swing itself is unique. It is so high above the ground, yet so inviting. I hope you enjoy these wonderful images.

The majority of the mitzvot of the Torah all require physical objects. A ram's horn for the shofar, leather for tefillin, parchment for the Torah scroll and for mezuzot etc. It always fascinated me that the parchment for the Torah, which comes from cow hide, was wrapped onto these two wooden staves, the handles of the Torah. This fits so appropriately with the caption this week. After reading the Torah in a synagogue, a designated congregant grabs hold of these handles, holding firm to the wood, and raises the Torah for all to see and we recite this very verse from Proverbs. It is probably one of the most well recognized verses from Tanach.

There are so many connections between the Torah, Judaism and trees. In connection to the verse from Proverbs, the tree is a sign of longevity and wisdom. Trees live many years. They have seeds or fruit. They live in communities of other trees. They provide shade and shelter. Their wood is essential to our lives. There are parallels to all of these in Judaism and Jewish life.

From another angle, the verse suggests the importance of holding fast to the Torah to access true life. In connection to this, we are told in the Torah (Shemot 17:8-16) about the war against the nation of Amalek. Moreover, we are told that it took place in Refidim. The Midrash shares a deeper dimension to this story and tells us that Refidim is an acronym describing the state of the Jewish people. Meaning, why did Amalek attack us? Because רפו ידיהם מדברי תורה, meaning the Jewish people "loosened their grip from words of Torah." The place was Rephidim and it is connected to the word "raphu" which means "to loosen."

So we see that in addition to the Torah being available to every Jewish person as a result of them being Jewish, G-d is seeking more than a simple bequest. Rather, G-d wants the Jewish people to embrace the Torah, hold tight to the Torah. Live with the Torah. Then, it will truly be a tree of life.

We wish everyone a living and lively Shabbos, celebrating a living Torah given by a living G-d.

Good Shabbos.

Dovid and Miri

Dancing in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:24:00 +0000

This week's photo is brought to you by our friend - Gutman Locks in Jerusalem, Israel:

An agaddic Midrash teaches that when Sarah gave birth to Yitzchak:

Many infertile women were remembered and conceived with her. Many sick people were cured on that day. Many prayers were answered along with hers.

And there was much cheerfulness in the world.

More on Gutman a.k.a Gil after the break...

Gil is no stranger to Oneinfocus - a friend, fan and featured guest author in April 2010.

Gil is a special man and the famed author of, "Coming Back to Earth: The Central Park Guru Becomes An Old City Jew."

The description of his book on Amazon reads, "Follow Gil around the globe, as he makes his amazing spiritual journey from corporate America to the depths of South India to the holy city of Jerusalem. Join him as he transforms himself from a successful businessman into a long-haired hippy, a mystical guru, a Christian healer, and finally an Old City Jew: The incredible adventures of this God-intoxicated man will not only enlighten you, they will warm your heart."

Whilst learning in Mayanot Yeshiva in Israel I was fortunate to spend Shabbos a few times at Gil's house in the Old City of Jerusalem. Gil spends every day of his life at the Kotel (Western Wall) helping Jews from all over the world connect with their heritage.

This week's photo was taken by Gil during the intermediary days of Succot. Gil has a daily email that reaches thousands of people and the moment I saw it - the photo touched my soul.

Below is a video of Gil at the Kotel - Succot, 2011.

Be sure to follow Gil Locks on the web:

Blog

Gil - thank you for allowing us to exhibit your photo and may we all merit to be with you in the Holy Land very soon!

Good Shabbos,

Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team.

The Song of the Torah

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Oneinfocus is inspired by The Kepellia:

The Torah is a song.

Its sweet melody sings G-d's holy symphony in the world.

We are the musicians.

Harmony is achieved only when we all play the Torah's song,

each musician sounding their own unique note.

A few weeks ago, Oneinfocus was invited to photograph a very special rehearsal of a band of musicians from Brooklyn who call themselves The Kepellia. This name was used by a group of instrumentalists who composed music for the second Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber, commonly referred to as the Mittler Rebbe. Fast-forward to the present, The Kepellia is a recently-formed Chassidic ensemble performing uplifting Chabad Nigunim with a vintage but original sound. The goal is to bring the warmth, spirituality and inspiration of Chassidism to the world through its melodies, and inspire people to a higher living. The band is currently rehearsing the holy songs of the Chabad Rebbeim, and is working to have them performed with oratory explanations and accompanying slideshow.

Playing the Mittler Rebbe's Kepellia:

Their rehearsal was, to say the least, awesome! They are not only a refined group of men, but they engage the listener and elevate one to a higher level. I had a fantastic time attending the rehearsal and took some wonderful photos. I would like to extend specific thank to Rabbi Zalman Negin for the invitation to attend.

The modern-day Kepellia:

Based on the photograph above, the musicians are, left to right: Moshe Cohen: Clarinet, Yonason Rothman: Violin, Avrohom Hassan: Guitar, Norman Madnick: Bass, Zalman Negin: Piano/Voice, Yudi Simon: Drums.

The Kepellia in action. Nice space:

Going a little deeper...

Toward the end of the Torah, the 5 Books of Moses, the leaders Moses and Yehoshua are commanded to write the Torah. However, the language of the verse is very interesting. The verse states, (Deuteronomy, 31:19), "And now, you shall write this song (שירה) and teach all of B'nei Yisroel, placing it in their mouths, in order that this song shall be for me, forever with B'nei Yisroel."

There are many things to say about this verse, I want to highlight one particular point. Even though Rashi says that the song desribed in the verse is the song recorded in Parshat Haazinu, there are many places where the entire Torah is described as a song. For instance, the Baal HaTurim, a commentator on the Torah, writes that the comparison of the Torah to a song refers not only to the written Torah, but to the Oral Torah as well.

Tuning in:

Now, we know when the Torah is read in the synagogue, it is read with a "trop." The trop are the tradition tunes associated with each word. The trop turn the page of words into a story. They bring drama and interest, insight and meaning. Moreover, the Oral Torah is also studied with a particular tune, and especially when innovating a particular idea. For those of you who have sat in a Yeshiva, you know what I mean.

The connection with song can be stretched even further. Not only limited to Torah reading and learning, there is actually a song that is sung by all of creation - Perek Shira. The text of Perek Shira enumerates the multitude of creatures in the world and expounds upon each of their individual songs that sing the praises of G-d.

The clarinet. So sweet:

In conclusion, there is profound relationship between Torah and song and that each of us has a unique note, our own personal melody, that we must discover and bring into this world. Through each of us bringing that melody into existence, we will create the beautiful harmony of the Torah and G-d's composition!

What is your note?

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos.

Dovid and Miri

A Light for the Ark

noreply@blogger.com (Oneinfocus.org) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Tuesday night, Oneinfocus HQ's NY:

"Make a light for the ark," G-d commanded Noah.

The Hebrew word for ark is teivah,

which also means "word," alluding to words of prayer and Torah study.

Like Noah, we can make our divine service "shine with light."

More after the jump!

It was a lot of fun: I grabbed Noah's ark from our toddler's shelf and set it up against a backdrop. To the left of the photo - I set up a light stand with a soft box that housed a wireless flash.

Then the challenge started. Every time I set up an animal our daughter took it down and started playing with them. I managed to create a 10 second window and snapped away!

This week's Torah reading is Parshat Noach. You can read a summary of Noach on Chabad.org.

Below are two more photos from Oneinfocus that were published in previous years on Parshat Noach.

Noah's ark had a tzohar - a window. Tzohar is spelled with the same Hebrew letters as tzarah - suffering.
The Baal Shem Tov taught that when we enter the ark of Torah,we transform suffering into a window for light.

Noach was the first to observe the mitzvah of feeding one's animals before oneself.

If the Torah demands selfless giving to an animal,

how much more so to another person!

Wishing you a luminous Shabbat!

Michoel, Sarah and The Oneinfocus Team.

Esrog Examination

noreply@blogger.com (Davey B) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:26:00 +0000

Oneinfocus finds a most beautiful esrog:

"You shall take for yourselves on the first day, the fruit of a tree of splendor..." Vayikra 23:40

"... this is the Esrog (Citron)." Rashi

We strive for the greatest beauty and splendor in performing the mitzvot

out of our love for the One who commanded them.

After the break - see a most beautiful esrog and a funny picture!

Oneinfocus would like to thank Rabbi Yehoshua Raskin, from Kiryat Melachi in Israel, for helping us shoot these wonderful pictures. After walking into his esrog store, he removed one of the most beautiful esrogim I have ever seen. We both stood there in admiration of the beautiful citrus fruit from Italy which came with a equally marvelous price tag. Rabbi Raskin then brought out a huge micrscope and we proceeded to examine the beauty of this particular esrog. Those who are really invested in the mitzvah of choosing a beautiful esrog will often take painstaking hours to examine the specimen in order to choose the one that is considered most slendid (mehudar).

The examining eye:

The subject under a giant microscope:

To elaborate on the idea of investing oneself in mitzvot, I want to highlight that there are different ways of understanding the mitzvot. The more surface understanding is that they are Divine commands which enter and restrict all aspects of our daily lives. This perspective may leave a person feeling overwhelmed, suffocated and swamped by all that there is to do.

The deeper way of understanding mitzvot is learnt from the word mitzvah, מצוה. This word is related to the word tzavta, צוותא, which means 'connection.' This teaches us that mitzvot are ways to connect to Hashem. Just like being in a loving, committed relationship, each partner constantly has their beloved in mind, seeking ways to do things for them and connect deeper, so to it is with mitzvot. In fact, the Zohar describes the mitzvot as '613 romantic tips', ways to charm Hashem. In the name of Gil Locks, an ardent Jewish activist in Jerusalem, it's not that we have to do mitzvot, but rather that we get to do mitzvot. They are expressions of love. And in truth, out of kindness, Hashem gave very clear insights into how to charm and appeal to Him.

A most beautiful specimen:

This idea is extremely appropriate right on the heels of the festival of Sukkot. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are very intense times where our actions are individually reviewed by the Master of the Worlds. We may feel exposed, anxious and even insecure as we confront our actions over the previous year. But, then, with the final sounding of the shofar at the end of the Neilah service, the light, warmth and love of Sukkot is felt. The minimum size of the sukkah is 2 walls and little bit. This is just like an arm which hugs another person - the bicep, the forearm and the hand - making 2 and bit sides. Meaning, Sukkot is like an embrace. Hashem extends his gracious arm and hugs every Jew together through the wonderful, exciting and fun mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah.

Not just a lemon:

Oneinfocus would like to wish everyone a wonderful, warm and loving Sukkot.

Chag Sameach and a Gut Yom Tov!! Dovid and Miri