Vayeishev
How to Get Inspired
Dear Friend,
Not all actions were created equal.
I have a friend who recently began putting on tefillin. Every morning, with great concentration, he would strap the tefillin on his hand and his head. Then he would soar like an angel as he made his way through the prayer service.
Then it happened. A week became a month, and a month became a year, and it was no longer exciting. The tefillin lost their sparkle, and the prayers lost some of their luster.
What is he to do?
The first thing to remember is that a mitzvah is still a mitzvah, even if we are not super-inspired by it. Still, the tendency to become accustomed to our daily routine is something we can and must overcome. How?
Study chassidic teachings.
Try it and you will see that you will be more in tune with your soul, more open to seeing the inner beauty of the mitzvahs, and more sensitive to the G‑dly rhythm behind our universe.
We are now celebrating 19 Kislev, when the first Chabad rebbe was released from a czarist prison and then began publicizing chassidic teachings more widely than ever before. It is considered the chassidic Rosh Hashanah, the “New Year” of Chassidism. If you can use a good dose of inspiration, I think I know what your New Year’s resolution is going to be!
Rabbi Mendy Kaminker,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
P.S.: Looking for some texts to start with? You can find a wealth of texts here, and lots of classes for every level here.
Who lights the menorah, when and how? What are the Chanukah prayers and traditions? This brief Chanukah tutorial will allow you to breeze through the Chanukah menorah-lighting ceremony.
It’s Chanukah (sometimes spelled “Hanukkah” and pronounced HAH-new-kah), and you are planning on attending a public menorah lighting. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s Chanukah (sometimes spelled “Hanukkah” and pronounced HAH-new-kah), and you are planning on attending a public menorah lighting. Here’s what you need to know.
Two pithy lines were repeated by beloved teachers and relived by those who heard them each and every year.
I have nothing against religion, but could it be that religious Judaism is a cult? I bumped into an old classmate who has become totally religious. After speaking to her, I felt that she is brainwashed . . .
I was in a bit of a hurry, so I didn’t get into it, but I would still like to know: what is the story with electric menorahs?
After years of watching these and other animated, enthusiastic rabbis, with their interesting and industrious ways of approaching holidays—and every day, for that matter—I have learned that sometimes it’s me who is missing a tune.
Was I really returning home, or just to the memories of what once was?
As a man finds himself reliving the same moment, over and over again, he begins to question what’s real and what isn’t. How does one discern the truth when surrounded by lies?
Joseph was in tune with another person’s pain, and was therefore capable of doing that one small act of goodness and kindness. Little did he know that it would change the world.
Whenever the Torah describes the birth of twins, it goes into minute detail, as if we are the grandparents who are anxious to hear about every step of the labor and delivery. Why?
Each component of a Jewish holiday was put in place in accordance with the particular holiday’s singular message. So, where does that leave the traditional dreidel game?
Ref’s call to remove religious attire leads to an educational conclusion for all.
It was a victory over terror for an orphaned bride as college students and visitors from abroad joined thousands at her wedding in Jerusalem.
The power was out and trees were down, but he kept people's mood warm and up.
Farbrengens and special commemorations throughout the week.
Why is Torah compared to light? Because it tells us the place of each thing.
Because, in truth, there is no need to change the world. Everything is here.
Each thing has a place, and in that place it is good. Altogether, it is very good, a beautiful world. All that’s needed is a little light.
What is light? Light...
