Va’etchanan: Shabbat of Consolation
Dear readers,
The tech rumor mill is abuzz with the news that the much anticipated iPhone 5 will feature a new type of connector. The ubiquitous 30-pin connector introduced in 2003 will be replaced by a new 19-pin connector. It will be a boon for accessory makers, and a bust to just about everyone else, who will discover yet another incompatible device in their collection.
It seems that we have an overdose of digital connections: hundreds at LinkedIn and Facebook, an average 4.4 connected devices per person in the US, and multiple always-on Internet connections.
With the 9th of Av behind us, as we begin the long stretch towards the High Holidays, it’s time to take stock of our personal connections. Are they helping us grow, or are they just a distraction and noise? Are we putting effort into the connections that matter most: with our spouses, children, parents and G‑d?
Perhaps Apple has the right idea. Instead of adding more connections, we might want to focus on creating, maintaining and cultivating meaningful ones. Those 11 extra pins? Unnecessary and distracting.
Now, if you'll give me a minute, my sister is calling to confirm our lunch date . . .
Moshe Rosenberg,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
Why have divine providence or human choice, or both, eventuated in the sheer smallness of the Jewish people?
Where are you closer to G‑d: on a serene mountaintop surrounded by the beauty of nature, or on a loud, dirty street corner in the middle of an inner city?
The cycle of moving from darkness to light is expressed on this Shabbat, the Shabbat after the ninth of Av.
Moses describes the Exodus and the Giving of the Torah, predicts Israel’s abandonment of and return to G‑d, and summarizes the fundamentals of the Jewish faith.
Even though Moses’ fervent prayer seems to not have been granted, he teaches us to never give up.
Had Isaac and Rebecca met in the modern age, their courtship might have looked something like this . . .
The haftorahs of the Three Weeks tell of G‑d’s disappointment with Israel, and that which would befall them if they would not mend their ways. The next seven tell of hope, consolation and closeness.
Does G‑d pick on some people? I have suffered one loss after another for much of my life . . .
I envy the angels, among whom there is no envy. The angels envy me, in whom envy burns without respite.
What amazes me is that people feel they can type a comment and push “send” with words that I would venture to guess they would not say to my face in a million years.
The warmth and the songs uplifted Marilyn in a way she hadn’t expected, creating a sense of openness inside her to whatever destiny had to offer.
He did not bless the childless woman, or promise her anything. He just repeated each time that only if she came together with her husband would he be able to help her.
Perhaps a person will say,
“I cannot fathom an infinite Creator, so why should I attempt to do so?”
“And why should I attempt to awaken my heart to show Him love? What can the love of this puny creature provide Him?”
“So I will just serve Him in complete surrender, doing that which is to be done, connecting to a wil...
