Rabbi Ilan Acoca was born and raised in Bat-Yam, Israel. At the age of thirteen he moved to Montreal, Quebec. He got his Rabbinical ordination from the Rabbinical institution Yeshiva Gedola Beth Hamidrash L'horaah in Montreal. In addition he has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Universite De Montreal.
Rabbi Acoca serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Hamidrash in Vancouver, BC and is a certified Mohel (traditional circumciser). He is a member of the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of British Columbia and the Rabbinical Association of Vancouver. He is also a member of the Rabbinical Council of America and the National Council of Young Israel.
Rabbi Acoca is married to Dina and they have six children.
Parashat Beha'alotecha
Whenever the Torah tells us about the shortcomings of the earlier generations, we must keep in mind that they were much greater than we could even imagine, and as such, much more was expected from them. We may never compare ourselves to them; we can only learn from events in their lives and apply it to our own level.
Having said this, we read in the perashah how the Jewish people were punished back to back by fire and by plague. They asked for meat in an incorrect way, and this led to their suffering greatly through the very meat they asked for. The amazing thing, which is very instructive, is that the whole chapter begins with the words, "And the Jewish people were like complainers." The Rabbis point out that they really didn't start to complain, yet by taking on an attitude of whining and groaning, even in a very subtle manner, they brought out all the terrible misfortunes. We see from here how important a positive attitude is, and how a nagging attitude can be detrimental. Even when one doesn't actually complain, yet talks in a bitter manner, this can bring out the negative in people and lead to a host of problems. Let's think positively and talk in an upbeat way, focusing on the good rather than the negative. You'll be amazed at the results!
Shabbat Shalom!