Bamidbar: Eyes on Jerusalem
Dear Friend,
Jerusalem is never far from our minds. After all, it is there that creation began, and it has been the center of our national devotion for 3,000 years. Three times a day, we face Jerusalem as we pray for the return of G‑d’s presence to His holy city.
Over 150 years ago, there was a pious and devoted Jew who desired to apply himself to Torah study and prayer in the Holy Land. When he shared his plan with his rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, he was taken aback by the rebbe’s response, “Make Israel here.” He did not need to go to Israel; rather, he was to bring Israel where he lived.
Every time we do another mitzvah, we port a bit of Jerusalem to wherever we are. And when the word is full of such mini-Jerusalems, we will all gather in our homeland—for real.
Menachem Posner,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
G‑d descended from the heavens surrounded by a majestic entourage of 22,000 angels, led by Michael to the east, Gabriel to the west, Raphael to the north and Uriel to the south . . .
Two censuses, taken at two times which could not be more dissimilar. But a singular message—and a message with a singular theme—emerges . . .
Who is a leader of the Jewish people? Only one who loves the Jewish people.
The book begins and ends with counting of Israel, showing G‑d’s love for His precious nation . . .
Moses conducts an organized census totaling 603,550 draftable men. The tribes travel and camp in formation, and the three Levite clans dismantle, transport and reassemble the Tabernacle.
Divine distraction does not mean being apathetic to what is truly important, such as issues related to danger or morality. What it does mean is we can build our “distraction muscle” by consciously choosing the focus of our attention in order to remain faithful, functional and grateful in trying times.
When she realized that they wouldn’t understand her, she said in her mind, “Rebbe, please help me.”
Even in today’s day and age, with all of the advancements made in the treatment of women, we must rethink and challenge our value system.
The Jewish world is scattered with institutions all named after Sir Moses Montefiore—and yet, how many Jews now know who he was?
How on earth can sins become merits? Sins are despicable deeds in the eyes of the One who made you. So, now you regret them. How can your regret today reach back and transform something written solidly in the record of the past?
Why do we focus so much attention on one place? Is G‑d’s presence not found everywhere?
Check out our collection of dairy (and non-dairy) desserts for Shavuot.
Plan a beautiful—and delectable—ice cream party for your friends and family.
New York dinner and a 10-day tour of the U.S. lifts the spirits of those who help keep the Jewish people safe.
Nestled among the boutique bars and bookstores of the Monkland Village section of Montreal, Chabad of NDG has become the “go-to” place for Jewish art. Now on display: Rabbi’s photos from Israel.
Mitzvah (mits-va): An instruction in life from the Giver of Life.
A stroke of brilliance arising from the innermost will of the Creator of all things, left for you to perform on the stage of His world.
A connection point in time, at which Heaven meets Earth, Earth meets Heaven, and the two embrace.
An instance, left in...
