Shemini
In case you thought this was organized religion, Purim comes to blow that notion out of the water. Think of it: For Chanukah we get eight days, and we just light some candles and eat donuts. On Purim, we have to hear a Megillah (twice); give out cash to the needy; shuttle packages of edibles to all our friends; fix broken zippers, lost buttons, messy makeup and broken masks on our kids’ costumes; and hold a wild and wonderful Purim feast to boot. In how much time? Twenty-four hours flat. Go figure.
Look, we’re here to help. But you’ve got to get started preparing now. Now here’s the lineup . . .
Tzvi Freeman,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
Aaron was eighty-four years old, a venerable sage and a dedicated leader. Why the cold feet?
As the armor that protects the body of the fish, scales represent the quality of integrity. Fins, the wing-like organs that propel fish forward, represent ambition . . .
The death of Aaron’s two sons provides an insight into the soul’s eternal struggle between transcendence and actualization.
By following the procedure of the Red Heifer, the spiritually lifeless person can begin to enjoy a fulfilling life, rich with meaning and purpose.
Throughout the Bible, G‑d instructs the people to “call His name.” Why don’t the Jewish people obey Him instead of beating around the bush?
Whether your kitchen is up-to-the minute in fashionable design or a relic of the 1950s, you can readily adapt it to kosher practices.
A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl with fringes (tzitzit) on its four corners, symbolizing G‑d's commandments, traditionally worn over the shoulders.
The Rebbe sends a scientist to Russia to speak with Jewish professors who are having doubts about their faith.
One meditative technique involves reading passages from a sacred text, and then allowing its meaning—or more subtly, its vibratory quality—to permeate our consciousness.
Is there only one perfection in this world? Or are there billions of perfections, where everyone has their own perfection to be reached, and no two peaks are the same?
My family and friends won’t accept that I want to wear only skirts. How can I help them understand my choice to dress modestly?
These photos are the two sides of my son, and I struggle to embrace both of them, despite their extremes . . .
I never had the opportunity to meet Ruthie, but I feel privileged to honor her memory by sharing her beautiful clothing with others.
A voice called out, “The sacrifice of the poor man, who gave up the bundle of greens he was bringing to his impoverished family, was a more desirable sacrifice than your fattened ox . . .”
The refugees slept in open stations, exposed to the elements, awaiting deportation to Siberia. In such a climate of desperation, Pinchas and Batya Sudak opened their home . . .
A voice emerged from behind the oven. “Dear Jews,” it called out, “are you as careful with what comes out of your mouth as you are with what enters into it?”
For a mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light. (Proverbs 6:23)
Every mitzvah shines its particular light into our world. And there will come a time when you will see that light with your eyes.
Except the candles that are lit for Shabbat before sunset. They shine a light you can see right now.
It may seem an ordinary li...
