Metzora: Redemption Through Study
Dear Friend,
As Passover approaches, I’m faced with the yearly challenge of making the Seder meaningful for myself, my family, and the guests who will be joining us at our Chabad House.
How can we feel connected with something that happened to our ancestors so long ago? How do we relate to G‑d when we don’t see or hear Him?
Here’s a timely lesson:
Rabbi Sholom Dovber of Lubavitch, the fifth Chabad rebbe (1860–1920), passed away on the second of Nissan, a date we mark this Wednesday. Before his soul departed, the rebbe told his son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, “I am going to heaven, but my manuscripts I leave you.”
His writings are where he invested his very self: his thoughts, feelings and personality. I find that when I study his writings (and there are a lot of them), I feel like I am meeting and connecting to him.
The same applies when connecting with the divine. Tanya teaches that Torah study fosters a unique connection with G‑d, deeper than any other mitzvah.
Preparing for the Seder by studying relevant Torah teachings, and sharing what I’ve learned with my guests, helps me (and, hopefully, them) to have a personal direct encounter with the Exodus—and G‑d.
Shmary Brownstein,
Responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org
Do you have something to say about this note? Please click here to leave a response or ask a question.
I find the swing from inspiration and proactivity to be a lifelong dance. For a stretch of time I devoted most of my day to Torah study, surrounded by mentors who spoke the message of
G-d’s unity through their teachings and their conduct. And then it was over . . .
The condition of being a metzora is the product of an imbalance, similar to acne, which might be caused by a hormone imbalance. In the case of the metzora, the imbalance is spiritual in nature . . .
It is our patriotic duty. It’s all in the name of G-d. We don’t mess with tradition. And it’s much easier to put down others than to climb up yourself.
The purification process for people and homes struck by tzaraat (commonly translated as “leprosy”), a spiritual malady.
A thought-provoking poem shedding light on the week’s Torah portion. A great discussion starter.
It is in this month that we celebrate the eight-day holiday of Passover. It's associated with miracles and so much
more . . .
Each of the first twelve days of Nissan, one of the tribal leaders, the “nasi,” offered inaugural sacrifices in the Tabernacle. We recite the section which describes the sacrifices of that day’s nasi. On the thirteenth of Nissan we read about the kindling of the menorah—the contribution of the tribe of Levi.
During the month of Nissan, when one sees a blossoming fruit tree, we make a blessing thanking G‑d for giving us trees that grow fruit.
Fifteen short and juicy explanations to accompany your seder. Includes a printout with one tidbit per page, so you can hand these out to your participants.
When I’m in my irritable mood, I don’t want to listen to a single complaint from anyone in my household.
My childhood haunts me and has continued to give me great pain, in spite of professional help and much prayer.
When they played, Zalman Aharon, the older son, would sit on a chair and put a hat on his head. He was the rebbe. Sholom Ber would prepare himself and then enter the “rebbe”’s room for a private audience.
At 111, Alexander Imich is the oldest man in America and the second oldest in the world. Recently he received some unexpected and much-needed help from many quarters as the result of one visit by a young rabbi.
Chabad.org's free new "Passover Assistant” app includes a Passover meal planner; recipes and automated shopping lists; an interactive “Mah Nishtanah” trainer, customized checklists, times to be mindful of and more.
Chabad House Bowery, which serves New York University, other area universities and the surrounding downtown community has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 15 years, bringing joyous traditional Judaism to one of New York's classically untraditional neighborhoods.
Soft, falling-off-the-bone chicken . . .
Creamy, delicious but healthy Passover ice cream that you can whip up in minutes. Mmm . . .
Miriam had such faith in Hashem! She sent the only gateway to redemption down the river to be taken by literally the daughter of the other side, Pharaoh. Yet she still had faith that G-d would take care of her brother.
Sometimes you look at yourself in the mirror and you feel unqualified. You know yourself, your failures and your faults, and you don't feel like you could be a model for others.
You say, "I should teach others? I should provide guidance?!"
So we tell you, “Yes. Because that is your place upon this planet: We live in a...
