Chukat
Summer’s arrived in this part of the world, along with its unique opportunities. Here at Chabad.org we strive to give you a balanced mix of tools and thought-provoking insights to help make your Judaism an inseparable part of your summer experience. Please keep us apprised of how you enjoy our efforts!
In American tradition, the summer is ushered in with the 4th of July which celebrates the founding of this benevolent government whose commitment to protecting and facilitating religious practice paved the way for an unprecedented blooming of Jewish life.
Providentially, today, Sivan 28 (June 30, 2011 on the Gregorian calendar), just shy of July 4, marks 70 years to the day from when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, and his life’s partner, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of righteous memory, arrived safely to these welcoming shores, setting into motion the Jewish revival we are all part of today.
[Additionally, next week, on July 4 itself, we mark the Hebrew date of Tammuz 3, the 17th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing. We’ll have more about that next week. You can take a peek, though, at our page in progress, here.]
Germane to the Rebbe’s approach is how each one of us has an integral role and destiny to play in positively impacting our own circle of influence, however great or small.
As the sun shines ever brighter, we’d like to wish you a wonderfully relaxing summer, a summer of growth in all aspects of Judaism, and a summer of incorporating the Rebbe's example of utilizing our G‑d-given opportunities to make our world a Jewishly brighter place.
Enjoy!
The Chabad.org Editorial Team
After narrowly escaping the Nazi onslaught in France, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, arrived to the United States of America exactly 70 years ago.
Call me a cultural bigot, but every aspect of the way I view reality is affected by my identification with the country in which I was born and raised.
I need it. My home requires it. My future demands it. I just couldn’t manage without it.
It was at that point that I made the visible leap from “enthusiastic Jew” to “chassid.”
I know I should be going to synagogue each morning, but I always end up rolling over and waking up after 12 PM.
What do you say to people like me who simply are not inspired by Judaism?
There must be important and less important things, primary and secondary goals, severe and less severe setbacks.
When we ask heroes from where they got the strength to do incredible things, they give lousy answers.
Just because you are ready to sacrifice your spirituality to help others doesn’t mean that G‑d is ready to accept it.
It was the kind of neighborhood where you don’'t just take a leisurely walk, even in the daytime. I was scared . . .
“Every act of charity is a victory,” explained the chassid. “I just can’t resist the opportunity to score two for the price of one . . .”
Who was Og, why Moses was afraid of him, and what this teaches us about the protective power of kindness.
“On the day she enters the bridal chamber,” the astrologers said to Rabbi Akiva, “a snake will bite her and she will die.”
How can I be expected to really, truly, sincerely and honestly care for someone I have never met?
The wealthy fellow politely explained how he would love to give, but he already gave his share for the year . . .
“When You took away my six sons and a daughter . . . when my husband disappeared . . . I never questioned why.”
“You! Put the nooses around the necks of these Jews!” the Nazi commander barked sharply.
From the outside, they seem to play only a supportive role. From the inside emerges a very different story . . .
Poor brides lacking the requisite necklace had been known to weep for shame on their wedding days; some even ran away.
Their song sprang from a well of deep joy. It wasn’t by chance that they had their instruments with them . . .
Predicting the future is big business, as astrologers and consultants profit from our insatiable desire to know.
When Israel would look upward and subject their hearts to their Father in Heaven, they would be cured.
The red heifer . . . two kinds of water . . . the passing of Miriam . . . Aaron’s death . . . a brass serpent . . . a song . . . a battle . . .
I had heard things about the pirate and his forbidden software. Suddenly he was there in the flesh, with a CD in hand.
Prayer is not just another item on Shabbat’s task list; it’s part of the day’s definition.
I was just set up on a date with a wonderful young woman. I really enjoyed her company and spending time together. However, I just wasn’t attracted to her . . .
Perhaps a person will say,
“I cannot fathom an infinite Creator, so why should I attempt to do so?”
“And why should I attempt to awaken my heart to show Him love? What can the love of this puny creature provide Him?”
“So I will just serve Him in complete surrender, doing that which is to be done, connecting to a wil...