ב"ה
Vayeshev 5768 - November 30, 2007
Chassidic History
How One Word Changed the World
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi added to a Scriptural verse a one-word modifier that revolutionized the way we think about ourselves and our lives: mamash.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi added to a Scriptural verse a one-word modifier that revolutionized the way we think about ourselves and our lives: mamash.
The Story of Kislev 19
This day marks the “birth” of Chassidism, when the long-hidden secrets of Judaism emerged from the womb of mysticism to illuminate and transform the totality of Jewish life.
This day marks the “birth” of Chassidism, when the long-hidden secrets of Judaism emerged from the womb of mysticism to illuminate and transform the totality of Jewish life.
The Splattered Gem
“Grind, mix, pour, squander the entire gemstone,” commanded the king. “Who knows? Perhaps a single drop will enter the mouth of my son, and he will be healed!”
“Grind, mix, pour, squander the entire gemstone,” commanded the king. “Who knows? Perhaps a single drop will enter the mouth of my son, and he will be healed!”
Living
Faith-Based Diplomacy
Apparently, the politicians handling the Israeli-Palestinian Middle East conflict seem to have an unhealthy affinity for the role of the rabbinate...
Apparently, the politicians handling the Israeli-Palestinian Middle East conflict seem to have an unhealthy affinity for the role of the rabbinate...
The Mother of the Bride: A Diary
Dear Daughter: I've waited for this moment since the day you were born some twenty years ago. And yet, I feel thoroughly and utterly unprepared...
Dear Daughter: I've waited for this moment since the day you were born some twenty years ago. And yet, I feel thoroughly and utterly unprepared...
The Vanishing Flame
It didn't blow out, there was no smoke, it just was not there anymore. It was as if it just flew off...
It didn't blow out, there was no smoke, it just was not there anymore. It was as if it just flew off...
What’s With the Candles?
When you use something physical, it gets “used up” and diminished. With spiritual things, the very opposite is the case
When you use something physical, it gets “used up” and diminished. With spiritual things, the very opposite is the case
Parshah
The Parshah in a Nutshell
Jacob makes a colored coat for his favorite son, Joseph. Joseph’s brothers are jealous; they sell him to travelling Ishmaelites, and tell Jacob he is dead. Joseph is taken to Egypt, works for Potiphar, and is thrown into jail, where he meets the baker and the butler and interprets their dreams.
Jacob makes a colored coat for his favorite son, Joseph. Joseph’s brothers are jealous; they sell him to travelling Ishmaelites, and tell Jacob he is dead. Joseph is taken to Egypt, works for Potiphar, and is thrown into jail, where he meets the baker and the butler and interprets their dreams.
The Quest for Peace
“Is it not enough for the righteous what is prepared for them in the World to Come,” the Midrash declares, “that they also ask for a tranquil life in this world?” But why not? Does G‑d have a limited quantity of tranquility to mete out?
“Is it not enough for the righteous what is prepared for them in the World to Come,” the Midrash declares, “that they also ask for a tranquil life in this world?” But why not? Does G‑d have a limited quantity of tranquility to mete out?
The Child in the Pit
I remember the Rebbe thundering: “The whole Egyptian exile can be traced to Reuben’s ill-timed teshuvah! When a Jewish child is languishing in the pit, this is not the time to be worrying about your own spiritual state . . .”
I remember the Rebbe thundering: “The whole Egyptian exile can be traced to Reuben’s ill-timed teshuvah! When a Jewish child is languishing in the pit, this is not the time to be worrying about your own spiritual state . . .”
Prison Juice
Imprisonment is a fate worse than death, out of which the truly righteous squeeze an elixir more potent than life
Imprisonment is a fate worse than death, out of which the truly righteous squeeze an elixir more potent than life
A Rift Extending Across History
From the rivalry between Leah and Rachel, through the animosity between Joseph and his brothers, the clash between Saul and David, the split between Judah and Israel, to the dual nature of the messianic redemption—a rift and twinship that extends across history.
From the rivalry between Leah and Rachel, through the animosity between Joseph and his brothers, the clash between Saul and David, the split between Judah and Israel, to the dual nature of the messianic redemption—a rift and twinship that extends across history.
News
Chasidic Artist Keeps it Lyrical and Spiritual
Michoel Muchnik, who just opened a gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y., tells of artistic suggestions given him by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Michoel Muchnik, who just opened a gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y., tells of artistic suggestions given him by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
When the righteous wish to settle in tranquility, G-d says: "Is it not enough for the righteous what is prepared for them in the World to Come, that they also ask for a tranquil life in this world?"
— Rashi's commentary on Genesis 37:1
Print Magazine
Emunah (eh-moo-na): A knowing, deep in the soul, that there is only one G-d, that He is good, and that He loves you unconditionally.
Simchah (sim-kha): A mighty current of life-energy felt when contemplating emunah.
Bitachon (bi-ta-khon): A surge of invincible confidence that emerges when emunah is challenged by circums...
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