Dear Friend,

Exactly 50 years ago, Jerusalem was reunited under Jewish control. Even before the fighting finished, Jews from all over streamed toward the Kotel (Western Wall). Shofar blasts pierced the air, and heartfelt sobbing could be heard from even the most battle-toughened soldiers.

Barriers of political affiliation, cultural milieu, level of observance and Torah education all melted in the flaming fire of Jewish unity that was felt so powerfully by all. Everyone had witnessed the miraculous turnaround that had just happened.

This is the unity of Shavuot. When our ancestors stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai 3,329 years ago, ready to receive the Torah, they were “as one person with one heart.”

We can do it again. Let’s all gather in synagogues on Wednesday morning to hear the Ten Commandments. There is a spot for everyone at your closest Chabad synagogue, where we can all gather “as one person with one heart.”

See you on Shavuot!

The Chabad.org Editorial Team

Dear Friend,

Have you been to the playground lately? You must have noticed that the kids have little contraptions whirring on their fingers. Yes, fidget spinners (and their cousins, fidget cubes) have taken the (juvenile) world by storm, infiltrating classrooms and parks, and even appearing at the dinner table.

What does all this cycling have to do with Judaism?

Well, this week’s Torah portion is all about cycles—the seven-year Shemittah (Sabbatical) cycle, followed by the 50-year Yovel (Jubilee) cycle.

Life, however, is not a merry-go-round (or a fidget spinner). Even as the seasons repeat themselves, we don’t get off exactly where we get on. Time is not a cycle, but a spiral. So, will you be spiraling upward or downward? For that, we have the continuation of the Parshah, which gives us guidelines for honest and productive communal life. As long as we aspire to live in accordance with G‑d’s wishes and help others, we can be assured that we will be propelled ever higher and higher.

Enjoy your read!

The Chabad.org Editorial Team

Jewish.tv, Chabad.org’s video site, is constantly buzzing with people engaging in thousands of learning opportunities. One section that has seen tremendous growth is the series of Talmud classes given daily by Rabbi Avraham Zajac.

This is especially so during this Omer season, when many have the custom to study one page of Tractate Sotah each day. The tractate contains 49 pages (including the cover page), aligning with the 49 days of the Omer count.

This year, students of this series are benefiting from an exciting addition.

The daily Talmud class of Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch SOLA-South La Cienega, Calif., is now online. (Photo: The Eiden Project)

Thanks to the generosity of Koren Publishers, the Talmud classes on Chabad.org now display the actual text of the Talmud—the original Hebrew, and an excellent English translation and commentary from the acclaimed Steinsaltz Talmud—enabling students to follow in the original and benefit from the additional elucidation.

Dubbed “the most accessible Talmud,” the Koren Talmud Bavli fuses the innovative design of Koren Publishers with the unrivaled scholarship of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel (Steinsaltz).

It gets better. To celebrate this partnership, readers can enjoy a 10 percent discount to purchase the Koren Talmud, using the promo code “CHABAD.” Click here to take advantage of this opportunity.

Click here to view the Talmud classes and texts. Classes are available via online video and audio, as well as through a daily podcast.

We hope you enjoy! As always, we thrive on your feedback.

The Steinsaltz Talmud features translation, commentary, and illustrations.

Dear Friend,

Bows and arrows? Check! Camping supplies? Check! Sunhat? Check! Water bottles? Check! Fire-building supplies? Check!

Sounds like someone about to go on a machismo bow-hunting expedition? Keep on listening . . .

Chassidic text? Check! Money for charity? Check!

You’ve guessed it. It’s the sound of Jewish children and adults all over the world getting ready for Lag BaOmer—the day we celebrate the birth of Kabbalah out in the fields, marveling at G‑d’s magnificent creation.

Lag BaOmer takes place this Sunday, and there’s bound to be a Chabad-sponsored celebration near you. So pack the sunscreen, gather up the kids, invite a friend and get ready for a great time outdoors!

Happy Lag BaOmer!

The Chabad Editorial Team

P.S. Just in case you are wondering, here are the reasons for the bows and bonfires.

Dear Friend,

When we hear the word “learning,” we generally think of information, systems, and facts and figures. But there is a whole different vista of education that has less to do with the brain and more to do with the heart—learning how to navigate life in an emotionally healthy and productive state.

The latest offering of www.chabad.org/courses is not only a deep look into the Torah’s teachings, but an actual guide on how to incorporate the wisdom and lessons into your own emotional makeup.

Sounds intriguing?

“Finding Balance” with instructor Rochel Holzkenner starts on May 8 and runs for four consecutive Mondays. It’s downright thought-provoking and absolutely free, so hurry up and register today.

The Chabad.org Editorial Team