Beshalach
Let's Make the World Into a Garden
Wednesday is Yud Shevat, the anniversary of passing of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880–1950), of righteous memory. It is the day the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—formally assumed leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in 1951 and outlined his vision of a world transformed, from “jungle” to “garden,” a world where G‑d Almighty feels comfortable to call home.
May we finally realize the Rebbe's vision of revealing the beautiful garden hidden within the jungle. Amen!
The Levites, descendants of Jacob’s son Levi, were selected to serve G‑d in the Holy Temple.
My siblings and I have never been super close, but until now we’ve gotten along fairly well. However, this inheritance has brought out the worst in us, and we have come to the point that we aren’t speaking.
A story of resistance, intense entreatment and eventual, reluctant acceptance. How the reserved son-in-law of the (Previous) Rebbe was induced into assuming the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch.
This day, so relevant to every Jew in our generation, is surely a day for reflection, learning, prayer, positive resolutions and acts of loving-kindness.
Our lives are like the reverse side of a great tapestry. From the back, it all looks random and chaotic: all we can see are the knots, the imperfections, some bumps, smears of color...
A man gets into his car and decides, in the name of “optimism,” that he won’t buckle up. Is he an optimist or is he foolish?
Standing at the counter was an elderly lady who immediately drew my attention. Within a somewhat fragile physique, she exuded light and strength. I smiled to her while noticing her shock of white hair, clear blue eyes and gentle smile, and then I said hello.
The radio stations had gotten fuzzy in a stretch of the road dotted with farmland and so to make conversation, I asked: “OK, everyone. What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?”
G‑d did not give you light that you may hold it up in the middle of the day.
When you are given light it is in order to accomplish something, to do something difficult and novel.
Go take your light into the dark places and transform them that they may also shine!
