ב"ה
In his commentary on Genesis 37:2, Rashi says that "Jacob dwelt" can also mean that "Jacob sought to dwell in tranquility." Is seeking tranquility and happiness an inherently valuable pursuit? Is it okay to ask G-d to help us accomplish our mission free from distractions? From Likutei Sichos, vol. 30, pp.176-183.
Children’s Rally, 25 Kislev, 5741 • December 3, 1980
The Chanukah battle and victory were immortalized by the Sages. The candles evoke the memory of the small group of Jews who fought those who had opposed the Torah.
Today, we each battle our own evil inclination as well. Our victories, as well, will be eternally remembered.
Our current mission and battle is for the coming of Moshiach, as we request three times a day during prayer. Although we only request his coming three times a day, we yearn for him “all day”!
Postwar Jewish Revival
The Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel are the two events that define Jewish history in the 20th century. While neither took place on American soil, their impact on American Jewry was seismic. In this final installment of our series, we’ll explore how Jewish life changed in the post-war era. The rise of Zionism, the breakdown of Jewish communal life, and - ultimately - the birth of a new kind of American Judaism; one less focused on surviving, and more on thriving.
The Biblical story of Joseph’s descent into Egypt and subsequent incarceration is often read in the same week in which we celebrate the liberation from Czarist imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of Chabad. This class will explore the link between these events and offers insight into the nature of redemption. (Likutei Sichos volume 25, Parshas Vayeishev)
In his commentary on Genesis 37:2, Rashi says that "Jacob dwelt" can also mean that "Jacob sought to dwell in tranquility." Is seeking tranquility and happiness an inherently valuable pursuit? Is it okay to ask G-d to help us accomplish our mission free from distractions? From Likutei Sichos, vol. 30, pp.176-183.
Parsha Curiosities: Vayeishev
A fascinating peek behind the curtain on the biblical narrative of the outrageously salacious advances made by Potiphar’s wife as she lustfully attempted to seduce the strikingly handsome Joseph. Amazingly shedding lots of light on the true story of how he overcame this terrible temptation so propitiously.
Exploring Rashi’s commentary on where Jacob sends Joseph
When Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers, he unwittingly sends him into a trap that would see Joseph sold into slavery. The Torah mentions that the place where this all happened was in Shechem, implying Shechem is a place infamous for tragedy. Or, is it?
The nineteenth of Kislev marks the release of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi from imprisonment in Czarist Russia. He was imprisoned as a result of his efforts in spreading chasidic teachings, but it was only after this that he was able to continue his work without hindrance, and with greater success and intensity.
The Torah relates how our forefather Jacob behaved when he dwelled with Laban. Overcoming all the challenging circumstances he found himself in, he remained loyal and true to serving G-d despite them. While this steadfastness was a clear demonstration of where Jacob’s true allegiance lay, it still wasn’t the true fulfilment of his potential.
The Torah portion begins with Jacob’s return to his father’s home, “And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father's sojourning…These are the generations of Jacob… Following a brief overview of the different interpretations in the commentaries on this verse, we focus on Rashi’s commentary, which explains with a parable of a pearl lost in the sand. When examining nuances in the manuscript, we can attempt to better understand the precise details employed in the parable.
Archeologists recently discovered a seal or bulla of King Hezekiah near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which dates back to biblical times in the 8th century BCE. The timing of this incredible new discovery appears to have tremendous significance, and is connected to the signet ring mentioned in the Torah.
The Victory, the Oil, and the Miracle of Lights
On the 24th of Kislev (according to most views) the Maccabees succeeded in expelling the occupying Greek army. On the 25th of Kislev the Jews discovered the pure cruse of oil. On the 26th of Kislev the miracle of the oil lasting beyond one day became manifest. This class will explain the spiritual and personal significance of these events. (Maamor V'Atoh B'rachamecho 5748)
Celebrating Chanukah: the miraculous and the natural
There are two views as to when the Jews completely defeated the Greeks. One view maintains that it was on the 25th of Kislev – the day that Chanukah begins. The other view posits that the final victory occurred the day prior and the Chanukah celebration marks the first day of actual freedom. This class will explore both opinions and reveal their timely message. (Toras Menachem, Chanukah 5748)
Two Versions of the Timeline of the Maccabee's Victory
Among the early Talmudic commentaries, there are two opinions about the chronology of events commemorated on Chanukah. One says that the war was won on the 24th of Kislev and that the first day of Chanukah, the 25th of Kislev, is the anniversary of the first day of peace. The other says that on one day, the 25th of Kislev, the Maccabees both won the war and rededicated the Temple.
Chanukah reminds every Jew that it is G-d’s eternal mandate to carry the torch of His
“Mitzvah-candle and Torah-light.” With most Mitzvos, the “candle” and “light” are not
physically visible. But with the Chanukah candles we see how fulfilling the Mitzvah creates
actual physical light that illuminates all one’s surroundings.
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