ב"ה
Documents show that the arrest of Chabad's founder in 1798 was part of a broad investigation that threatened to put the spread of the fledgling Chassidic movement to an end. The miracle of his redemption is the everlasting miracle of Chassidism itself, which endows finite reality with the infinitude of G-d.
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.
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”!
Fleeing Laban, now Jacob confronts the evil Esau; enroute with murder in mind. Seeking to inhibit his brother's baleful intent; he sends a mollifying message – its literal elucidation is our initial point of departure. Then piercing the veil, the biblical characters are recast as cosmic spiritual paradigms, as profound mystical ideas are revealed. With broad brush strokes, the Kabbalistic panorama is outlined, as we laser into the teachings of the Chassidic Masters, with specific emphasis on a particular late 20th century discourse. The take away? We can all learn to create order out of chaos to live better and more fulfilling lives today!
From Likutei Sichos - Vayishlach
Jacob hid his daughter from the wicked Esau. But did Dinah actually have the power to make Esau repent? Based on the commentary of Rashi on the verse (Genesis 32:23) "And [Jacob] arose during that night, and he took his two wives and his two maidservants and his eleven children, and he crossed the ford of [the River] Jabbok." From Likutei Sichos, vol. 35, pp.150-155.
Why we don’t eat sirloin steak
A tantalizing teaching about the improbable prohibition against sirloin steak; featuring varying flavours of rabbinic reasoning and seasoning. Discover the ultimate purpose behind this mitzvah of Gid Hanasheh (sciatic nerve); illuminating the sweep of Jewish history, down to the tiny details. Deeply scholarly, this rumination draws upon a wide range of classical sources, yet provides the student with inspiring and practical lessons for life.
Parsha Curiosities: Vayishlach
Arriving in Shechem, Dina ventured out to observe the local girls. She was abducted by the Crown Prince, who violently raped and abused her. Without seeking counsel, two of her brothers brutally massacred the townspeople along with the perpetrator. Does the Torah sanction or condemn their unilateral actions?
Following an hours-long nocturnal struggle, as dawn breaks, a strange verbal exchange begins between Jacob and the mysterious creature that viciously attacked and maimed him. Fascinating analysis of the conversation’s contents lead us into a discovery of what was really happening on that dark and fateful night. Ultimately, much is learnt about the power and importance of Jewish names. Multiple meaningful takeaways include the possibility of your Hebrew name coloring your life’s experiences.
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.
We all like to be right and to win. It can be hard to have the objectivity and humility to admit that we err. Especially if we can win with a “cheap shot” -- that makes us come out on top, but diminishes our true integrity. Gain insight into how a temporary setback can sometimes be an ultimate win, building deeper character.
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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