Nitzavim-Vayelech
Is Everything Okay?
Dear Friend,
They tell of a Jew who once met the rabbi on the street. In response to the rabbi’s query about his wellbeing, the man replied, “Oh, everything’s all right.”
The rabbi gave him a serious look. “All right? Everything is all right? Everything is all right?” he said again and again. The man understood what the rabbi meant, and burst into tears.
All of us—or at least most of us—are busy all day, working hard to juggle work, family, finances, and everything else that vies for our attention. When asked how things are, we reply “all right” and move on to our next task.
But are things really all right in the true sense of the word?
Once in a while, we must take a good look at our relationships—with G‑d, our families, our friends—and examine them. Are those relationships getting closer, more fulfilling, or are we so busy living life that we forget to nurture them?
This month—Elul—is known as the “month of reckoning.” It is a time to take stock of our souls, taking a good long glance at the rearview mirror of life. Then, after we have determined what is all right and what needs to be improved, we’ll be ready to embrace the new year with good resolutions, full of energy to continue forward in the journey of our life.
Wishing you a good and sweet year!
Mendy Kaminker,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
First, there are agonizing hours of wavering and uncertainty. Then comes a sudden, almost breathtaking shift in perspective that makes the right decision stunningly clear.
Adults are hit-and-miss: they might be inspired for a while, but their excitement often dissipates just as quickly. When a child buys into something, however, that commitment can last a lifetime.
The diverse unity of Israel, the practicality of Torah, the future redemption, freedom of choice . . . Also: The last day of Moses’ life, the Torah is put in writing, a disheartening prediction and an encouraging promise.
The week before Rosh Hashanah we recite the Selichot, a series of penitential prayers and liturgy, in the early morning.
Your one-stop shop for Rosh Hashanah: guides, info, stories, essays, teachings, recipes, inspiration, videos and so much more!
Yes, it is true that Rosh Hashanah is a very serious day. But is it meant to be frightening?
Why was the apple specifically chosen from all other fruits that are also sweet—why not, say, a peach or a mango dipped in honey?
This is the strange but true story of a great scholar who turned coachman in his declining years, because . . .
Leah was unhappy and frustrated at work. Her husband was also miserable with his job. Ever since they got married, they lived in the same apartment, had the same jobs. Everything was the same. They were stuck and unhappy.
Once words are in print, they feel very permanent. Once you put it out there, it’s out there; you can’t take it back.
A Chabad House serving business students has created a safe place to observe and grow in one's Judaism despite the anti-Semitism that has roiled many parts of France.
Brand-new day-school facilities in a unique Oregon city proud of its 'weirdness'
Road to the armed forces, says Rabbi Eli Estrin, was a “logical extension” of his service to the Jewish community
Quite a lot: from leading Israel trips to visiting alumni to teaching at camp and cooking in barbecue contests
Within every love, there is fear: The fear of separation from that which you love.
A child fears separation from her parents, a lover from his beloved, the body fears separation from the soul, and the soul from its Source Above.
So what do you love? Look at your worries and you will know. If you seethe in worry over you...
