The Mysterious Shield of Abraham
Responding to unspecified anxieties, G-d's word comes to Abraham: “Do not fear, I am your Shield.” The backstage narrative frames the divine statement as specific to concerns relating to unwanted violent and conflict. Yet, an array of rabbinic sources, as well as our daily prayer liturgy, casts this passage as anything but incidental. The introduction of related yet enigmatic Zoharic statements, viewed through the illuminating prism of Chasidic teaching, reconciles the seeming contradiction and reveals its deepest essence. This all becomes the foundation for practical spiritual wisdom that we can all use to make our good life's better!
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| Topics: | Lech-Lecha |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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