DOCSLIB.ORG

Shabbos Parshas Behaaloscha Sivan 17 - 18 May 28 - 29

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Shabbos Parshas Behaaloscha Sivan 17 - 18 May 28 - 29 B”H THEWEEKLY MAGAZINE SHUL SPONSORED BY MR. & MRS. MARTIN (OBM) AND ETHEL SIROTKIN & DR. & MRS. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ SHABBOS PARSHAS BEHAALOSCHA SIVAN 17 - 18 MAY 28 - 29 CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:48 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 8:45 PM The Shul - Chabad Lubavitch - An institution of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson (May his merit shield us) Over Thirty five Years of Serving the Communities of Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek and Surfside 9540 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Fl 33154 Tel: 305.868.1411 Fax: 305.861.2426 www.TheShul.org Email: [email protected] www.theshulpreschool.org www.cyscollege.org THE SHUL WEEKLY MAGAZINE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK NACHAS AT A GLANCE CONTENTS THE SHUL WOMEN ENJOYED AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION FLOWER MAKING AND DELICIOUS FOOD BEFORE SHAVUOS Weekly Message: 3 Thoughts on the Parsha - Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Celebrating Shabbos 4 - 5 Schedules, classes, articles & more... Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience Daily Study: 6 - 7 A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul Community Happenings: 8 -9 Sharing with your Shul Family All Things Sephardic: 10 - 11 THE SHUL BAT MITZVAH CLUB GRADUATION Schedules, classes, articles & more Inspiration, Insights & Ideas: 12 - 21 Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE Get The Picture: 22 - 25 The full scoop on all the great events around town French Connection: 26 Reflexions sur la Paracha Latin Link: 27 Reflexion Semanal In a Woman’s World: 28 Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman Networking: 29 Effective Advertising Numbers To Know: 30 Contacts at The Shul Get The Picture: 31 - 32 The full scoop on all the great events around town THOUGHTS ON THE PARSHA FROM RABBI SHOLOM LIPSKAR SHABBOS PARSHAS BEHAALOSCHA continuity and relationship with Jewish tradition. his week’s Torah Shabbos candles were a staple in a Jewish home and portion begins with even those who had, for some reason or other, detached Tthe concept of light, from many of the rites of Jewishness, maintained the as G-d tells Moses to direct Shabbos candles. Even during the darkest moment Aaron in regard to kindling of Jewish life, Marranos would light candles in closets the holy Candelabra in hidden away from anyone, just to maintain that powerful the Tabernacle. Rashi tradition. Jews in death camps would save a small piece discusses the reason for the proximity of place into some container, such as a potato peel, and this particular section, ripped a thread off of their already worn and torn death regarding the Kohain’s suits to light a Hanukkah candle, putting their actual life in mortal danger. the preceding portion - recording the dedication of the Temple by the 12 princes of the tribes of Israel - was We are given the charge to be “a light unto the Nations”. to appease Aaron’s state of anxiety. He was troubled when he saw the other tribes being a key element in the within each and every one of us, to awaken the light that dedication process, while he and his tribe were not part is the soul and bring it into our consciousness, out of its of that formal pageantry. slumbering state of hibernation. Almighty G-d said to him, Your tribe’s service in the Maimonides writes that each one of the Jewish people Temple is even greater than theirs, as theirs was a one- can consider themselves a member of the Priestly time, singular event and the process of offerings would tribe if they dedicate their hearts, minds and actions eventually be terminated with the destruction of the to sanctifying the world around them. That is done by Temples, whereas your service in regards to lighting the creating light and bringing light into the World. Imagine Candelabra will not only be obligatory in the Temple but if all of the darkest forces that exist in our society, that will continue throughout even our exile, represented by the lighting of the Hanukkah Candelabra Menorah. For when the light comes on, the rats scurry back into their holes. A small light dispels much darkness. Light seems to be a key element in our relationship with G-d. Light is a metaphor for clarity, enlightenment, Let us be the agents of light, and light up the world in the knowledge, righteousness, revelation, warmth and way that G-d intended for it to be - a bright, clear, open holiness. The Torah is referred to as light and the soul of and inviting place of goodness, kindness and holiness. the Jew is referred to as G-d’s light. The Midrash states that G-d says to the Jewish people “You are My light” Have a great Shabbos and a good week. and the Jewish people have G-d’s light within them, an interesting interchange of light between G-d and the Jewish people. Have a great Shabbos and a good week. We see throughout history that the lights of Jewish practice were always a foundational factor in Jewish Rabbi S. Lipskar 3 CELEBRATING SHABBOS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN “OVER THE TOP” SHABBOS EXPERIENCE Eruv Information SHABBOS SCHEDULE We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline to make sure Candle lighting 7:48 p.m. that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is Mincha / Kabalas Shabbos 7:50 p.m. 305- 866-ERUV (3788). Hashkama Minyan 7:15 a.m. The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside: The Eruv in Shacharis 1st Minyan 8:30 a.m. Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted on Shacharis 2nd Minyan 10:30 a.m. the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach. Mincha 7:50 p.m. Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included Shabbos Ends/ the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included. Ma’ariv & Havdalah 8:45 p.m. To pay your annual dues visit: www.miamibeacheruv.com KIDDUSH THIS WEEK IS AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP PARSHA IN PICTURES Test your PARSHA knowledge. Can you tell the story using the pictures below 4 5 A TIME TO PRAY DAVENING SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK SHACHARIS MINYANIM >MON ? FRI@ SUNDAY SHACHARIS MINYANIM Main Minyan 6:45 7:30 9:00 Main Minyan 8:00 am 9:00 am 8:00 8:30 am DAILY CHUMASH & TANYA AFTER EVERY MINYAN MINCHA / MAARIV MINYANIM SUNDAY MINCHA / >MON ? THURS@ MAARIV MINYANIM Main Minyan 2:00 pm Early Mincha 7:50 pm 10:00 pm Main Minyan 7:50 pm 7:50 pm Following Late Maariv 9:00 pm HALACHIC TIMES BASED ON TIMES FOR JUNE 2 Alot Hashachar / Dawn 5:05 am (Earliest Amidah) (Preferable latest time for Mincha) To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces, courageously protecting and defending Times taken from www.chabad.org Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of Please note that during the week times may the soldiers safety and well being daily. Vary by a minute or two. Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Leah Menachem Mendel ben Aurit Eden Chana bat Karine Cecile 6 DAILY STUDY A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL CLASSES AND COURSES OFFERED AT THE SHUL HTTPS://ZOOM.US/ 6457054016 PASSWORD: 699576 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar PHL-101 / PHL-301 / PHL-501 PHL-101 / PHL-301 / PHL-501 PHL-101 / PHL-301 / PHL-501 PHL-101 / PHL-301 / PHL-501 PHL-101 / PHL-301 / PHL-501 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar PHL-320 PHL-320 PHL-320 PHL-320 PHL-320 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI Tractate Pesachim Tractate Pesachim Tractate Pesachim Tractate Pesachim Tractate Pesachim Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet (Men) (Men) (Men) (Men) (Men) TXT-220 / TXT-601 TXT-220 / TXT-601 TXT-220 / TXT-601 TXT-220 / TXT-601 TXT-220 / TXT-601 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:35 - 10:00 am 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:05 - 9:35 am RAMBAM RAMBAM MEGILLOT RAMBAM RAMBAM One chapter a day One chapter a day Mishlei - Book of Proverbs One chapter a day One chapter a day Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein PHL-120 / PHL-510 PHL-120 / PHL-510 (Men & Women) TXT-121 PHL-120 / PHL-510 PHL-120 / PHL-510 1:30 - 2:30 pm 9:35 - 10:05 10:00 - 11:30 am 11:15 am - 12:00 pm 10:30 - 11:00 am THE BOOK OF DANIEL PARSHA OF THE WEEK PARSHA OF THE WEEK PARSHA OF THE WEEK FOOD FOR THOUGHT Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Rabbi Shea Rubinstien Dobie Rubinstien (Men & Women) (Men & Women) (Women Only) (Men & Women) (Women Only) TXT-120 TXT-112 / TXT-113 / TXT-501 TXT-112 / TXT-113 / TXT-501 TXT-112 / TXT-113 / TXT-501 8:45 - 9:45 pm 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 11:30 - 12:15 pm 12:00 - 1:00 pm 5:30 - 5:45 pm PARSHA IN SPANISH SHABBOS TANYA SENIOR TORAH ACADEMY SHABBOS INSPIRATION Exploring customs w/ Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Sholom Lipskar chassidus and Kabbalah Book of Judges (Men & Women) Rabbi Shea Rubinstien (Men & Women) TXT-112 / TXT-113 / TXT-501 (Men & Women) PHL-320 / PHL-501 (Men & Women) TXT-201 / TXT-211 / TXT-601 12:00 - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 2:00 pm PIRKEI AVOT TANYA IN ENGLISH PARSHA IN SPANISH Rabbi Dov Schochet Mrs.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos
    Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos: Some Tentative Thoughts David Berger The deep and systemic tension between contemporary egalitarianism and many authoritative Jewish texts about gentiles takes varying forms. Most Orthodox Jews remain untroubled by some aspects of this tension, understanding that Judaism’s affirmation of chosenness and hierarchy can inspire and ennoble without denigrating others. In other instances, affirmations of metaphysical differences between Jews and gentiles can take a form that makes many of us uncomfortable, but we have the legitimate option of regarding them as non-authoritative. Finally and most disturbing, there are positions affirmed by standard halakhic sources from the Talmud to the Shulhan Arukh that apparently stand in stark contrast to values taken for granted in the modern West and taught in other sections of the Torah itself. Let me begin with a few brief observations about the first two categories and proceed to somewhat more extended ruminations about the third. Critics ranging from medieval Christians to Mordecai Kaplan have directed withering fire at the doctrine of the chosenness of Israel. Nonetheless, if we examine an overarching pattern in the earliest chapters of the Torah, we discover, I believe, that this choice emerges in a universalist context. The famous statement in the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 4:5) that Adam was created singly so that no one would be able to say, “My father is greater than yours” underscores the universality of the original divine intent. While we can never know the purpose of creation, one plausible objective in light of the narrative in Genesis is the opportunity to actualize the values of justice and lovingkindness through the behavior of creatures who subordinate themselves to the will 1 of God.
    [Show full text]
  • Noahidism Or B'nai Noah—Sons of Noah—Refers To, Arguably, a Family
    Noahidism or B’nai Noah—sons of Noah—refers to, arguably, a family of watered–down versions of Orthodox Judaism. A majority of Orthodox Jews, and most members of the broad spectrum of Jewish movements overall, do not proselytize or, borrowing Christian terminology, “evangelize” or “witness.” In the U.S., an even larger number of Jews, as with this writer’s own family of orientation or origin, never affiliated with any Jewish movement. Noahidism may have given some groups of Orthodox Jews a method, arguably an excuse, to bypass the custom of nonconversion. Those Orthodox Jews are, in any event, simply breaking with convention, not with a scriptural ordinance. Although Noahidism is based ,MP3], Tạləmūḏ]תַּלְמּוד ,upon the Talmud (Hebrew “instruction”), not the Bible, the text itself does not explicitly call for a Noahidism per se. Numerous commandments supposedly mandated for the sons of Noah or heathen are considered within the context of a rabbinical conversation. Two only partially overlapping enumerations of seven “precepts” are provided. Furthermore, additional precepts, not incorporated into either list, are mentioned. The frequently referenced “seven laws of the sons of Noah” are, therefore, misleading and, indeed, arithmetically incorrect. By my count, precisely a dozen are specified. Although I, honestly, fail to understand why individuals would self–identify with a faith which labels them as “heathen,” that is their business, not mine. The translations will follow a series of quotations pertinent to this monotheistic and ,MP3], tạləmūḏiy]תַּלְמּודִ י ,talmudic (Hebrew “instructive”) new religious movement (NRM). Indeed, the first passage quoted below was excerpted from the translated source text for Noahidism: Our Rabbis taught: [Any man that curseth his God, shall bear his sin.
    [Show full text]
  • UNVERISTY of CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Spiritual Narrative In
    UNVERISTY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Spiritual Narrative in Sound and Structure of Chabad Nigunim A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Music by Zachary Alexander Klein 2019 © Copyright by Zachary Alexander Klein 2019 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Spiritual Narrative in Sound and Structure of Chabad Nigunim by Zachary Alexander Klein Doctor of Philosophy in Music University of California, Los Angeles, 2019 Professor Richard Dane Danielpour , Co-Chair Professor David Samuel Lefkowitz, Co-Chair In the Chabad-Lubavitch chasidic community, the singing of religious folksongs called nigunim holds a fundamental place in communal and individual life. There is a well-known saying in Chabad circles that while words are the pen of the heart, music is the pen of the soul. The implication of this statement is that music is able to express thoughts and emotions in a deeper way than words could on their own could. In chasidic thought, there are various spiritual narratives that may be expressed through nigunim. These narratives are fundamental in understanding what is being experienced and performed through singing nigunim. At times, the narrative has already been established in Chabad chasidic literature and knowing the particular aspects of this narrative is indispensible in understanding how the nigun unfolds in musical time. ii In other cases, the particular details of this narrative are unknown. In such a case, understanding how melodic construction, mode, ornamentation, and form function to create a musical syntax can inform our understanding of how a nigun can reflect a particular spiritual narrative. This dissertation examines the ways in which musical syntax and spiritual parameters work together to express these various spiritual narratives in sound and structure of nigunim.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 51 the Tanya of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, Elucidated by Rabbi Yosef Wineberg Published and Copyrighted by Kehot Publication Society
    Chapter 51 The Tanya of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, elucidated by Rabbi Yosef Wineberg Published and copyrighted by Kehot Publication Society « Previous Next » Chapter 50 Chapter 52 The title-page of Tanya tells us that the entire work is based upon the verse (Devarim 30:14), “For this thing (the Torah) is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” And the concluding phrase (“that you may do it”) implies that the ultimate purpose of the entire Torah is the fulfillment of the mitzvot in practice. In order to clarify this, ch. 35 began to explain the purpose of the entire Seder Hishtalshelut (“chain of descent” of spiritual levels from the highest emanation of the Creator down to our physical world), and of man’s serving G‑d. The purpose of both is to bring a revelation of G‑d’s Presence into this lowly world, and to elevate the world spiritually so that it may become a fitting dwelling-place for His Presence. To further explain this, ch. 35 quoted the words of the Yenuka in the Zohar that a Jew should not walk four cubits bareheaded because the Shechinah dwells above his head. This light of the Divine Presence, continues the Zohar, resembles the light of a lamp, where oil and wick are needed for the flame to keep burning. A Jew should therefore be aware, says the Zohar, of the Shechinah above him and keep it supplied with “oil” (good deeds), in order to ensure that the “flame” of the Shechinah keeps its hold on the “wick” (the physical body).
    [Show full text]
  • Tanya Sources.Pdf
    The Way to the Tree of Life Jewish practice entails fulfilling many laws. Our diet is limited, our days to work are defined, and every aspect of life has governing directives. Is observance of all the laws easy? Is a perfectly righteous life close to our heart and near to our limbs? A righteous life seems to be an impossible goal! However, in the Torah, our great teacher Moshe, Moses, declared that perfect fulfillment of all religious law is very near and easy for each of us. Every word of the Torah rings true in every generation. Lesson one explores how the Tanya resolved these questions. It will shine a light on the infinite strength that is latent in each Jewish soul. When that unending holy desire emerges, observance becomes easy. Lesson One: The Infinite Strength of the Jewish Soul The title page of the Tanya states: A Collection of Teachings ספר PART ONE לקוטי אמרים חלק ראשון Titled הנקרא בשם The Book of the Beinonim ספר של בינונים Compiled from sacred books and Heavenly מלוקט מפי ספרים ומפי סופרים קדושי עליון נ״ע teachers, whose souls are in paradise; based מיוסד על פסוק כי קרוב אליך הדבר מאד בפיך ובלבבך לעשותו upon the verse, “For this matter is very near to לבאר היטב איך הוא קרוב מאד בדרך ארוכה וקצרה ”;you, it is in your mouth and heart to fulfill it בעזה״י and explaining clearly how, in both a long and short way, it is exceedingly near, with the aid of the Holy One, blessed be He. "1 of "393 The Way to the Tree of Life From the outset of his work therefore Rav Shneur Zalman made plain that the Tanya is a guide for those he called “beinonim.” Beinonim, derived from the Hebrew bein, which means “between,” are individuals who are in the middle, neither paragons of virtue, tzadikim, nor sinners, rishoim.
    [Show full text]
  • Visio-Tanya, Ch1, V3.Vsd
    The Legend - major new statement, point or idea - key point of the chapter - illustration; paranthetical remark; proving or explanatory comment on the antecedent - reference - logical following, continuation, explanation or reference - justification or proof - juxtaposition of complementary (mutual substitute) or co-existing satements - contrasting of mutually exclusive or contradictory, opposite, incompatible alternatives - connection, with connector A from the previous p age withinh the same chapter A being the antecedent A - connection, with connector A on the next page withinh the same chapter being the successor A ch. 6 - connection, with connector A from chapter 6 being the antecedent A - connection, with connector A in chapter 6 being the successor ch. 6 1 Chapter 1. Structure and Logic. "Be righteous, and be not "And be not wicked; and even if the whole Niddah, wicked in Avot , world tells you that you are 30b your own ch.2.13 righteous, regard yourself as if estimation." you were wicked." A ch.13 If a man considers himself to be wicked he willbe grieved in heart and depressed, and will not be able to serve G-d joyfully and with a content heart; while if he is not perturbed by this, it may lead him to irreverence. "Lord of the universe, Thou It is not preordained Bava hast created righteous men Niddah, A whether a man will be Batra , 16a and Thou hast created 16b ch.14 righteous or wicked. wicked men,..." A There are five types of man: ch.27 righteous man who prospers righteous man who suffers Berachot , wicked man who prospers 7a wicked man who suffers intermediate man The "righteous man who prospers" is the perfect tzaddik ; the "righteous man who suffers" is the imperfect tzaddik .
    [Show full text]
  • Chitas in English for the Palm OS Device Chitas in English [email protected]
    Chitas in English for the Palm OS Device Chitas in English [email protected] Find out how you can learn Chitas (Chumash with Rashi, Thillim, Tanya) in English on your Palm powered device. Iyar 2, 5763 - May 4, 2003. Birthday of the Rebbe Maharash Table of Contents 1. Preface........................................................................................................................................................................2 2. Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................2 2.1. Chitas Study Cycle.........................................................................................................................................2 3. The Reader Software ................................................................................................................................................3 3.1. Copyright & Download ..................................................................................................................................3 3.2. Hebrew Fonts..................................................................................................................................................4 4. Chumash Text with Rashi ........................................................................................................................................5 4.1. Credit..............................................................................................................................................................5
    [Show full text]
  • View Sample of This Item
    Praise for Turning Judaism Outward “Wonderfully written as well as intensely thought provoking, Turning Judaism Outward is the most in-depth treatment of the life of the Rebbe ever written. !e author has managed to successfully reconstruct the history of one of the most important Jewish religious leaders of the 20th century, whose life has up to now been shrouded in mystery. A compassionate, engaging biography, this magni"cent work will open up many new avenues of research.” —Dana Evan Kaplan, author, Contemporary American Judaism: Transformation and Renewal; editor, !e Cambridge Companion to American Judaism “In contrast to other recent biographies of the Rebbe, Chaim Miller has availed himself of all the relevant textual sources and archival docu- ments to recount the details of one of the more fascinating religious leaders of the twentieth century. !rough the voice of the author, even the most seemingly trivial aspect of the Rebbe’s life is teeming with interest.... I am con"dent that readers of Miller’s book will derive great pleasure and receive much knowledge from this splendid and compel- ling portrait of the Rebbe.” —Elliot R. Wolfson, Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University “Only truly great biographers have been able to accomplish what Chaim Miller has with this book... I am awed by his work, and am now even more awed than ever before by the Rebbe’s personality and prodi- gious accomplishments.” —Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President Emeritus, Orthodox Union; Editor-in-Chief, Koren-Steinsaltz Talmud “A fascinating account of the life and legacy of a spiritual master.
    [Show full text]
  • Shabbat Times
    B”H Erev Shabbat Tzav - Shabbat HaGadol, 9th of Nissan, 5780; April 3rd, 2020 237 After hearing this story I asked him what I Will Always Be With You happened next. He told me what I knew; that he had been to Brunoir and had then In honor of the birthday of the come to Eretz Yisrael. He went on to Lubavitcher Rebbe on the 11th of Nis- relate that one fine summer’s day, his san, we present the following story: yeshiva went to the Kever of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron. Whilst he A little over three years ago, arriving was there somebody pointed out to him a early to shul one Friday night, I noticed a book that he was not familiar with, ‘Igrot young man standing at the back of the Kodesh (letters) of the Lubavitcher Reb- shul quietly and demurely, looking a be,’ and suggested that he write to the little bewildered and out of place. I Rebbe. He wrote a letter asking the Reb- walked up to him and asked him if he be for help and guidance in his studies had a place to eat for Shabbos. He spoke and placed the letter randomly into the neither Hebrew nor English but I man- book. He nearly passed out when upon aged to communicate with him in broken opening the book to where he had placed French. He said he would love to join his letter, he read the words, “why are me and so, after davening, we walked you concerned? I told you that I have home together and spent a pleasant Fri- taken responsibility for you.
    [Show full text]
  • The Jewish Accountant
    The World of Lubavitch A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto SEPTEMBER 2013 VOL. 38 , NO. 2 (140 ) TISHREI 5774 The Jewish Accountant As we approach the close of the old year and the onset of the new, every serious-thinking individual makes an audit of the past year, upon which to base his resolutions for the year to come. In order that the audit should be accurate and the right resolutions be made, one must be careful not to overstate one’s virtues and achievements. It is no less important, however, not to exaggerate one’s deficiencies and failings. For feelings of despondency—not to mention despair, G-d forbid— are one of greatest hindrances in a person’s endeavor to better him/herself. Unfortunately, it is possible that, even if one does not exaggerate one’s faults, an honest accounting will show the negative side of one’s spiritual and moral balance scale as quite formidable—perhaps, even, outweighing one’s positive side. But also in such a case, a person has no cause for despair. For (in addition to the deep regret over the past and the firm resolve for future change which the audit should elicit) one must always remember that everything good and holy is eternal and indestructible—as these stem from the soul, the spark of G-dliness within man—while negative deeds are only temporary, and can be rectified and eradicated through true and proper teshuvah (repentance). The appreciation of the above truth should call forth in every individual, regardless of what his stocktaking of the previous year shows, a feeling of encouragement and hope for the future—knowing that only one’s good deeds are eternal, and have illuminated one’s own life, that of one’s family, and of all Israel (for “all Jews are accountable for each other,” bound to each other as a single entity).
    [Show full text]
  • The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly Provides Guidance in Matters of Halakhah for the Conservative Movement
    Whether one is an Israelite or a Gentile, a man or a woman, a slave or maidservant, whoever does a mitzvah is rewarded for it. Yalkut Shimoni Lekh Lekha 76 The Status of Non-Jews in Jewish Law and Lore Today Rabbi Reuven Hammer This teshuvah was unanimously approved on April 21, 2016 (19-0-0). Voting in Favor: Rabbis Kassel Abelson, Pamela Barmash, Miriam Berkowitz, Noah Bickart, David Booth, Elliot Dorff, Baruch Frydman- Kohl, Reuven Hammer, Joshua Heller, Jeremy Kalmanofsky, Jane Kanarek, Gail Labovitz, Amy Levin, Jonathan Lubliner, Daniel Nevins, Micah Peltz, Paul Plotkin, Elie Spitz, and Jay Stein. Questions: What is the status of Gentiles in Jewish Law today?1 How should we deal with statements in traditional Jewish literature that are negative or discriminatory regarding non-Jews? 1 Background The Torah teaches the equality of all human beings created in the image of God and is positive toward non-Israelites. Rabbinic literature similarly contains numerous positive statements about Gentiles. Nevertheless it cannot be denied that there are passages in rabbinic literature, kabbalah and medieval philosophical works that depict Gentiles in negative terms, as inferior to Jews and sometimes even as less than human. Many of these negative statements and depictions can be explained as normal reactions to the exceedingly cruel treatment of Jews by non-Jews, be it the Roman Empire, the Church or others. Some, however, go far beyond that, positing an exclusivist theology. Dealing with discriminatory laws and negative texts when teaching our tradition to youth and adults can be problematic, to say nothing of how we deal with them when interacting with Gentiles.
    [Show full text]
  • Ben Gurion University of the Negev
    Ben Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Hebrew Thought The Role of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Sixth Admor of Lubavitch, in the Creation of Modern Habad in the USA 1930‐1950 Thesis submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by Roland Julian Mureinik Under the Supervision of Prof Jonatan Meir October 2018 Dedicated with love to Inez, without whose support, patience and understanding this thesis would not have been completed My grateful thanks to Professor Jonatan Meir, who introduced me to the fascinating world of Hasidism and Habad. Contents Introduction and Historical Background .............................................................................1 Biography of R Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn ...................................................................2 Bringing the Sixth Admor to live in the USA ...................................................................5 Historical Development of American Jewry ....................................................................6 Chapter 1: R Yosef Yitzchak’s efforts to manage Habad from afar .....................................9 1.1 Initial Attempts to Organize (1920-1930) .............................................................. 10 1.2 The Impact of Rayatz’ Visit (1929-1930) ............................................................... 17 Chapter 2: Consolidation and Expansion of American Habad under Rayatz .................. 26 2.1 Ideology and Leadership ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]