Living Torah Archives

Sarah, the first Jewish mother, is a shining example of the great power that every woman has over her family and our entire nation. It was Sarah who insisted that Isaac, not Ishmael, continue Abraham’s progeny. It was she who raised Isaac in his formative years, instilling within him the fortitude to stand up to all tests, and to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.

Torah relates that the Egyptian exile involved hard labor of “chomer u’leveinim – mortar and brick.” Of the current exile, however, Torah explains that the refinement of “chomer – mortar” is acquired through “kal vachomer – in-depth Torah study,” and the refinement of “leveina– brick,” through “libun hilchisa – clarification of Jewish law."

The very first command of the Torah is: “Be fruitful and multiply.” Rashi explains: You might think that having one child is already being “fruitful,” so Torah adds “and multiply.” And to remove all doubt, the verse continues, “fill the earth and conquer it.”

The lives and challenges of our forefather Isaac and his grandson Joseph were very different. Isaac lived out his entire life in the Land of Israel amidst physical prosperity. Joseph spent most of his life in Egypt where he was sold into slavery and ultimately became a powerful ruler.

The lives and challenges of our forefather Isaac and his grandson Joseph were very different. Isaac lived out his entire life in the Land of Israel amidst physical prosperity. Joseph spent most of his life in Egypt where he was sold into slavery and ultimately became a powerful ruler.

Song lyrics: “For we are Your nation and You are our G-d.” The melody to these words from the High Holiday liturgy was first taught by the Rebbe on Simchas Torah, 5717 – 1956.

Chasidim sing a favorite nigun of Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch, the Rebbe Maharash.

Torah relates that the Egyptian exile involved hard labor of “chomer u’leveinim” – mortar and brick. Whatever spiritual refinement G-d intended for the Jewish people through that exile could only be acquired through mortar and brick – otherwise, G-d would never have put them through it.

Chasidim sing a nigun that is attributed to the Rebbe Rashab as preparation to the Alter Rebbe’s niggun (Daled Bavos).

The very first command of the Torah is: “Be fruitful and multiply.” Rashi explains: You might think that having one child is already being “fruitful,” so Torah adds “and multiply.” And to remove all doubt, the verse continues, “fill the earth and conquer it.”

Our Forefather Isaac never stepped foot outside the Land of Israel. His life was spent in the Land where all G-d’s blessings converge and radiate to the rest of the world. Joseph, on the other hand, faced material and spiritual challenges in Egypt. But despite all odds, he became ruler of the empire. The life of every Jew reflects both the life of Isaac and the life of Joseph.

Sarah, the first Jewish mother, is a shining example of the great power that every woman has over her family and our entire nation. It was Sarah who insisted that Isaac, not Ishmael, continue Abraham’s progeny. It was she who raised Isaac in his formative years, instilling within him the fortitude to stand up to all tests, and to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.

The Rebbe leads the morning prayers on the Yartzeit of his mother, Rebbetzin Chana. Avinu Malkeinu is sung with the tune that is attributed to the Alter Rebbe.