Living Torah Archives

The Sages say: “Who is a worthy wife? One who does the will of her husband.” Chassidism explains that the Hebrew word, ‘Oseh – does’ also means ‘creates.’ Therefore, “Who is a worthy wife? One who creates the will of her husband.”

As G-d testifies Himself, He came personally to redeem us from our slavery in Egypt to serve Him as His chosen people. But if we’re really God’s chosen people, why does serving Him require such effort and struggle?

Although Passover is called the Season of Our Freedom, when the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt there was no mention of the matter. Instead, they were told by Moses that they are leaving Egypt to serve G-d.

We are presented with many opportunities to partner with G-d in creation. Some of these opportunities lie in our most difficult challenges, which serve as reminders that G-d created a world which is in need of perfection.

The Mishna states in Ethics of the Fathers: “Any Torah study that is not combined with work will not endure.” Elsewhere, the Talmud asserts that man was created for toil in Torah.

A melody composed in honor of the Rebbe’s 70th birthday and set to the first verse of chapter 71 in Psalms.

The Sages say: “Who is a worthy wife? One who does the will of her husband.” Chassidism explains that the Hebrew word, ‘Oseh – does’ also means ‘creates.’ Therefore, “Who is a worthy wife? One who creates the will of her husband.”

Our sages state in Ethics of the Fathers: “Any Torah study that is not combined with work, will not endure.” Elsewhere the Talmud maintains that man was not born to toil in work, but rather to toil in Torah. So if one has the ability to study Torah exclusively, why “work” at all?

The verse states: “Man was born to toil.” Work gives man the opportunity to “partner with G-d in the act of Creation.” The Talmud asks: Exactly what kind of “toil” was man created for?

After over fifty years of persecution, Soviet Jews have come out whole in their Judaism and with children following in their ways. Having served G-d with such sacrifice for over a halfcentury, one might argue that they have done their fair share — now it’s time to relax a bit…

"G-d placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and protect it." The Talmud explains that toil is not a consequence of sin, but rather G-d's original intention for mankind.

Why didn’t G-d create us to enjoy gifts given to us freely?

I have been asked: “Now that you’ve reached 70 years isn’t it time to slow down and enjoy some rest? The number of one’s years is irrelevant; the real question is: were those years utilized to the fullest? Every honest person knows he could have accomplished more in his youth, so now is the time to work with greater strength to double one’s achievements.

“I am a wonder to many; but You are my strong refuge.” (Psalms 71:7) The Chassidim sing a Niggun composed for the Rebbe’s seventieth birthday.

“I am a wonder to many; but You are my strong refuge.” (Psalms 71:7) The Chassidim sing a Niggun composed for the Rebbe’s seventieth birthday.