Living Torah Archives

To “counter the stubbornness of those who insist on giving away the Land of Israel” the Rebbe initiates the signing of the nigun Utzu Eitza, based on the verse: “Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot, but it will not succeed, for G-d is with us.” (Isaiah 8:10)

Song lyrics: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together.” (Psalm 133:1)

At the very beginning of Yom Kippur, before Kol Nidrei, we declare: “With the sanction of the Omnipresent, and with the sanction of the congregation, by authority of the Heavenly Court, and by authority of the earthly court, we hereby grant permission to pray with those who have transgressed.” All agree that on this day, there are no differences between Jews; they all stand united as one in the presence of G-d. More

At the very beginning of Yom Kippur, before Kol Nidrei, we declare: “With the sanction of the Omnipresent, and with the sanction of the congregation, by authority of the Heavenly Court, and by authority of the earthly court, we hereby grant permission to pray with those who have transgressed.” All agree that on this day, there are no differences between Jews; they all stand united as one in the presence of G-d.

Why must we start this holiest day of the year by mentioning the sinners? Each of the Jewish festivals has a particular theme that is the emphasis of the day. One of Yom Kippur’s themes is Jewish unity.

When rabbis deliver their sermons on the Shabbos before Yom Kippur, Shabbos Shuvah, it would be most appropriate to include the theme of Jewish unity – not only to “love your fellow,” and not only to “love your fellow as yourself,” but to unite together as one soul. And this unity will also result in the entire Jewish people together receiving all G-d’s blessings, beginning with the verdict for a good and sweet year, with only revealed good.

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

Unfortunately, there are those who stubbornly insist on giving away the Land of Israel. To nullify this stubborness, let us sing the verse: “Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot, but it will not materialize, for G-d is with us.” (Isaiah 8:10)

The unity of all Jews derives from the fact that every Jewish soul is “an actual part of G-d Above.” Therefore, “Jewish unity” is not limited to Jews who are alive, but includes those who have passed on, as well. More

The unity of all Jews derives from the fact that every Jewish soul is “an actual part of G-d Above.” Therefore, “Jewish unity” is not limited to Jews who are alive, but includes those who have passed on, as well.

Once a year, this unity is most manifest. On Yom Kippur, even a Jew who doesn’t attend synagogue all year, comes to recite Yizkor. So powerfully bound is the soul above to the soul below that this Jew parts with his hard-earned money, in order to “buy a seat” in a synagogue — a House of prayer and Torah study.

What stirs him so to openly display that, regardless of his behavior the rest of the year, he is a Jew like all others? What compels him to join with fellow Jews in prayer and charity?

The answer: It is his bond to the souls Above. All Jews are uniquely stirred during Yizkor when they recite the names of their loved ones in the World of Truth, realizing that at that very moment their souls are present here below.

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G-d depends on each and every individual to carry out Torah’s mandate. To be entrusted with this mission by G-d Himself, should fill a person with the greatest sense of worth and joy. But what if this responsibility makes him feel more overwhelmed than overjoyed? More

G-d depends on each and every individual to carry out Torah’s mandate. To be entrusted with this mission by G-d Himself, should fill a person with the greatest sense of worth and joy. But what if this responsibility makes him feel more overwhelmed than overjoyed?

Judaism cannot overwhelm a Jew; only a faulty perception can. Someone toiling under the most difficult conditions will do so enthusiastically when he knows he is carrying precious gems. How much more so with Torah and Mitzvos, which bring delight not only in this world, but also to the next.

Every Shabbos, the true pleasure of one’s toil is revealed. But when Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah coincide, this tranquility and delight are drawn into every single day of the new year.

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Every Jew, regardless of his background or situation, is “truly a part of G-d above,” for “we all share one Father.” But differences of opinion and outward appearances may sometimes obscure this unity. Therefore, we are commanded to “love your fellow” specifically, “as yourself,” bringing this unity to the fore. More

Every Jew, regardless of his background or situation, is “truly a part of G-d above,” for “we all share one Father.” But differences of opinion and outward appearances may sometimes obscure this unity. Therefore, we are commanded to “love your fellow” specifically, “as yourself,” bringing this unity to the fore.

The Talmud explains: The Jewish people are one body. Although one limb may be separate and different from another, their shared essence transcends their differences. They all share the same life-blood, and a disruption of circulation in one part of the body threatens the health and vitality of the whole.

It is not enough simply to know we are all one; it must permeate a Jew’s every thought, deed and action. “And the rest of Torah,” as the Talmud says, “is merely a commentary” on how to express this oneness.

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