The Torah never uses extra words or even extra letters unless conveying a special message. For example, in one case, the Torah uses extra words to teach us not to say negative things when possible and to, instead, put words into a positive light. In parsha Shemini, though, we see the opposite. Here the Torah tells us that certain animals are tamei (impure) and warns us against eating such non-kosher food. It could have added extra words to say they are not tahor (not pure) thus avoiding negative language.

The Torah teaches that there are appropriate times to be politically correct and express situations positively, as in the narrative of Noah recorded in the book of Genesis. But now is not that time, now is a time to scream trief! Do not eat! Danger! Poison to the Jewish soul!

In a matter of life and death, when lives must be saved, quick immediate action must be taken; even if it lacks politeness or political correctness. Chassidus teaches that today the walls of galus (the diaspora) are burning all around us in a raging fire. Many Jews are being swallowed up in this fire of assimilation leaving households around the world void of Torah Judaism. Some even, G-d forbid, leave their faith completely and even worse some embrace other religions.

Chassidus teaches that all Jewish people are actually considerd as one body and are thus responsible for one another. This means that those of us that are capable must smother the flames. Our Rabbis tell us that now is not the time for intellectual discussions, organized debates or polite exchange of ideas about Torah Judaism.

Wild, reckless, raging forest fires are put out with fire not water. So now is the time to be passionate, to speak words of truth, words of Torah, even sharp words. It is the time to say to your loved ones, No!!! Stop!!! Poison!!! Danger!!!

Remember, when you speak passionately from your heart the words you speak will penetrate the
heart of the listener. This will in turn save him from the immediate danger.

We need to love one another, this is the passion that needs to be expressed today, right now in these times!!!!

The passionate love for every Jew, every Jew, no matter how observant or non Torah observant he or she is, will stop the raging fires. The Baal Shem Tov taught, "G-d loves every Jew just like the parents love an only child born to them in their old age."  HaShem calls Israel His first born son. The essence of every single Jewish soul is part of G-d and nothing can distance us from the love that He has for us as a Father. The Torah commands us "to love your neighbor as yourself." Just as HaShem loves us, we need to love our neighbor.

Let's work together, encourage one another, give hope to each other and bring joy into the lives of others and love one another. We can save each other from the burning fires around us and help each other to increase in Torah observance and performance of mitzvahs. We are all the children of haShem and were chosen for a special mission: to reveal G-dliness in this world and to make this world a dwelling place for HaShem.

Together, every single Jewish soul, we can transform the world.

Learn a little more Torah!
Do one more mitzvah!!
Love one another!!!
Extinguish the fire of galus!!!!

L'chaim l"chaim
r. yaakov ephraim