Living Torah Archives

Abraham broke his natural tendencies to follow G-d. We can (and must!) do the same.

As Jews, we’re painfully familiar with the term “self sacrifice”. Throughout the course of our history, so many Jews have chosen to give up their lives for Judaism to endure. But serving G-d with self sacrifice need not be limited to such dire circumstances. Each of us are face regularly with tests of character and attitude, and it’s up to us to rise to the challenge and overcome it. So next time you need to choose between helping yourself or those around you, have some self sacrifice and serve the greater good.

In Sefer Hasichos 5702, the Previous Rebbe relates some of the struggle that Chassidim endured in the Soviet Union. Warned against practicing Judaism under threat of danger to their lives, the Previous Rebbe gathered his closest Chassidim and made a pact. They swore not to be deterred from their mission, in spreading and promoting a life of Torah.

The passing of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, is marked on the 20th of Av. He was imprisoned and exiled to Kazakhstan for his stance against Soviet efforts to uproot Jewish learning and practice.

He spoke about the imperative to provide Jewish children with an authentic Torah education, even under communist rule.

The Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, whose passing is marked on the 20th of Av, was imprisoned and exiled to Kazakhstan for his stance against Soviet efforts to uproot Jewish learning and practice.

In Kfar Chabad, there will soon begin the Bar Mitzvah celebration for the orphans of Israel’s fallen heroes. They commemorate their sacrifice, for their fathers gave their lives defending the Holy Land and its Holy Nation.

Upon seeing the Rebbe for the first time, a newly-emigrated refusenik recites the Shehechiyanu blessing. “We must all learn from his and his wife’s self sacrifice for Yiddishkeit.”

On the 19th of Kislev 5559 (November 27, 1798) the founder of Chabad Chasidism was released from prison after being falsely accused of treason. A Jewish leader sacrifices his own standing to find every Jew in need of guidance and ensure that they receive it.