I sure hope you read this article today before Barbenheimer actually happens.

As one who doesn't generally watch movies and tries to stay somewhat removed from pop culture, this one was hard to miss. The overwhelming number of ads and collaborations made it very clear: Barbie the Movie and Oppenheimer the Movie are happening THIS WEEK.

So a short observation that, thanks to my writing this on Friday morning, is totally unrelated to the actual movies.

First of all the important facts: Robert Oppenheimer was Jewish, Barbie was created by Jews (Ruth and Elliot Handler, named Barbie after their daughter Barbara).

We can agree that, thank G-d, Oppenheimer developed the a-bomb before the Nazis or we would be living in a very different world. One without Barbie probably as her creators would be dead. We would also be but that's irrelevant.

I believe that Barbie and Oppenheimer represent the two sides of the human, the godly and animal souls. B is superficial and shallow, O is a deep existential thinker and inventor. Both cross the road to discover the other side, a second way of experiencing the universe.

And truly this is our purpose on earth: our godly soul teaches and lifts our animal soul to a new vista, allowing it to see the world as an extension of spirituality. Then the animal soul embodies the godly soul giving it expression to affect the world.

Lastly - are there not two expressions of High Energy Judaism? Whether your understanding of HEJ is the optimistic and fun, bubbly, energy of Barbie, or you view HEJ as the intense pure focus of Oppenheimer, we can blend the two to make our Judaism truly, HIGH ENERGY.

Wishing you an uplifting Shabbat,

Rabbi Mendy & Mussy

p.s. As always, we would love to chat with you over coffee or drinks, about Judaism, or just life - reply to this email.

Of interest:

Bodo-Elazar, the Dark-Ages Convert

Who was Bodo? When was he born? What inspired him to abandon his high position in life and cling to Judaism? What was his life like before and after his conversion?

Ask the Rabbi: Is 👍 Like Signing a Contract?

In a recent Canadian court ruling, it was determined that a thumbs-up emoji in a text message exchange can be considered a legally binding contractual agreement. What is the perspective of Jewish law on such an issue?

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