Bad Packaging

Every prayer of the heart is answered.

It's the packaging that doesn't always suit our taste.

Maamar Vayigash Elav 5725, 6—based on a statement of the Baal Shem Tov, Keter Shem Tov.

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.

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By Tzvi Freeman

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Wisdom to Heal the Earth is a revolutionary new look at Tikun Olam based on the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.

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Bruce Vancouver December 4, 2017

That prayers are answered goes without saying. Packaging however is a multibillion dollar global industry, just name what you want and pay the freight. All can be yours! SF4star Reply

Hanalah Houston December 4, 2017

To Yohan:
May Gd grant you refu'ah shlemah--a complete and perfect healing of body mind and spirit.

That was a real prayer. I said it out loud.

Ken yehi ratson. Reply

valerie j becker akron January 7, 2015

'bad' packaging my first thought was 'that's for sure!' it's comforting to think that every prayer is answered... the thing is, to somehow try to prepare to accept whatever answer G-d gives us, not an easy thing to do. takes unflinching trust and faith, for me anyway.

(maybe the article is titled 'bad' packaging because if the answer isn't the one we wanted, it would seem pretty bad.) Reply

Brenda Toronto, Canada January 6, 2015

The Prayer G_d wants to Hear I wish your Light to give us stength to rise above our egoistical nature in order to connect as one man with one heart! Reply

David Harold Chester Petach Tikva, Israel April 28, 2022

in response to Brenda:

Thats right Brenda! My prayers are never about my personal needs, but are aimed at trying to send help to others. It seems to me to be a act of unfaith to pray for oneself because with a belief in the power of prayer I can be sure that several others are already praying for me and I don't need to be so eggoistic as to ask for myself to get special treatment. Reply

Rachel Naples January 6, 2015

If the prayer is answered and the packaging is not to our taste why is the article called "Bad" packaging? Why would it be bad? It's simply not to our taste. It might be in much better taste than our own. Reply

Ajay Bhatt Moreh.Manipur(India). January 6, 2015

Shalom everybody!. As service of the heart is expressed through mouth, for me Chabad.org is the medium through which God speaks to me through its mail every time I need him and solve my problem. Thank you very much Hashem and Chabad.org. Reply

Yohan Fresh Pond, CA May 13, 2012

Thanks Dr. Hamburger My prayers have changed dramatically just in the past few days. Which is actually good. Had G_d given what I prayed for, I couldn't afford the gas, the insurance, it would have become an object covered in dust, and then I would have asked G_d for something even more rediculious. Today, I am praying for the knowledge of G_d's will for me, And also pray for the Strength to hear and listen and take action doing and being what He has planned for me. Im actually doing what you suggest previously, it has taken some work or action. I just had to figure in out in my own time. It's kind of funny though, The answer I found is exactlly what you suggested, only in different words. Today, I'm happy I didn't get the Maseratti, if I had I wouldn't be driving my Dad's ( I love you Dad, and I miss you) old beat up Mustang. I don't need the pretty packages full of fluff, I like the old UPS box that has been used over and over with Love and Kindness inside. Thank you G_d for giving what I need Reply

Irene Glen Burnie, Md USA May 11, 2012

Prayer Packaging I loved Dr Harry Hamburgers answer on March 14. It is so true, and so many people miss it. Thank you Rabbi Freeman for posting it. G-G-d's blessing on you. Reply

Dr. Harry Hamburger Miami, Fl March 15, 2012

Comment to Yohan Now, if you take my advice above, and pray asking G-d what you can do for Him, then you might actualy get the Maseratti.

For the King always rewards most the subjects that are concerned about Him!

Sort of like, "L-rd would you like me to buy you a Mercedes Benz?" G-d, "not really I don't need a car to get around. But maybe you would like one since you are so nice." Reply

Yohan March 14, 2012

This is so true!!! I prayed for snow, it rained. I prayed for a Maseratti, I got a 1968 Mustang. I prayed to be healed (completely), I am alive. Regardless of what we may want, G_d always gives us what we need. I feel jazzed right now. I'm going to read the follow-ups when I return from the Doctor. Thanks Rabbi Freeman. Reply

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman September 13, 2010

Some explanation Sorry, didn't realize this would be so difficult.

But read the next one in line and it should all become clear: "Answers In Boxes."

And then the next: "Unwrapping." Reply

Katherine Anderson Seatle, WA September 13, 2010

prayer packaging I so enjoy Rabbi Freeman. The daily dose like thi one gave me a chuckle because it is so true to the human condion that i recognize it in myself and others. Tthank you Rabbi Freeman. Reply

Anonymous Efrat, Israel September 13, 2010

Prayer Packaging Did not understand this one. Is there an explanation? Maybe I'm dim. Reply

Shahid September 13, 2010

Conviction! I also have the conviction. Thanks for sharing this beautiful wisdom!

Regards. Reply

Anonymous WC September 13, 2010

packaging i am not sure that i get this one.

i read the music score ( UBC ) post you made some time ago.

does the packaging refer to our circumstances, sometimes crummy, at the time of the prayers we send ? Reply

Dr. Harry Hamburger Miami, Fl September 13, 2010

The right kind of prayer There is one type of prayer that is always answered, and has the correct "packaging".

It is a prayer where we ask G-d what we can do for Him, rather than what He can do for us.

Try it, G-d will like it! Reply

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