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Murder he Spoke: Hidden Weapon that Destroys Lives

by Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov – Jax, FL

Vayeishev: There seems to be a form of cognitive dissonance that is unique to the malady of slander and hurtful speech. Our slander is rarely the result of a lack of knowledge and awareness. We know that it’s wrong; we are all quite familiar with its insidious and destructive outcome, yet we don’t seem to treat the tongue with the same prudence that we do other hazardous behaviors.

Gut Yom Tov! Gut Yom Tov!

Leshana Tovah Belimud HaChasidus ve Darchei HaChasidus, Tikosaivu VeTichosaimu!

Today, Yud Tes Kislev “The Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.” marks 214 years since the release of the Alter Rebbe, R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi founder of Chasidus Chabad in the year 5559 (1798). This year also marks 200 years since the Alter Rebbes Histalkus. In honor of this auspicious day, which is referred to by Chasidim as the “Holiday of Holidays”, Farbrengens are being held around the world!

Letter: Rebbe Rejects Discrimination Between Sefardim and Ashkenazim

In a 1958 letter released this week by Vaad Hanachos B’Lahak, the Rebbe responds to a man who wrote about a proposed Shidduch between a bochur of Sefardi origin and a girl of Ashkenazi origin, and the opposition they were facing from apprehensive family members.

Simchas Torah with the Rebbe

by Rabbi Shimon Posner

Rosh Hashanah you hear the shofar. Yom Kippur you fast. Sukkos you eat in the sukkah and take the lulav-esrog. Simchas Torah you have no mitzvah. Simchas Torah, the joy of the torah, the joy of this learning that takes a lifetime, Simchas Torah has no learning. At night, we take the Torah but don’t read the Torah; we don’t even unfurl it. Simchas Torah we dance.

Sukkos with the Rebbe: What It Was Like

What was it like to spend Sukkos with the Rebbe – under his personal guidance and attention? British businessman Zalmon Jaffe merited an unusually close friendship with the Rebbe and not only spent many holidays over the years in the Rebbe’s holy neighborhood, accompanied by wife Roselyn, but recorded the bustling events in a diary My Encounters with the Rebbe, which was published annually and widely enjoyed among the Rebbe’s Chassidim. CrownHeights.info and the Avner Institute present the following collection of short stories and anecdotes, which were made available by Zalman’s grandchildren.

Two Wishes Fulfilled

by Brocha Miller

In the days leading up to the Yom Hadin; many of us put in effort to tip the scales of merit. We give extra tzedaka, daven selichos, and put more time and focus in our Avodas Hashem. These days of preparation are a time of introspection, but also a time to look outwards, at the people around us, to see what we can do to help others. Chesed opportunities abound, and there are many well meaning people who go out of their way to assist their fellow Yidden.

The Paradox of Prayer

by Naftali Solomon

One of the most fundamental paradoxes in Judaism and faith in God is that of prayer. We are commanded to pray three times daily and in times of distress, to beseech of God that He provide us with our fundamental human needs and desires such as health, livelihood and children.

What Effect Did Chassidus Have on Judaism?

Is Chassidism merely a “companion” to Judaism? Or did it change the core of Judaism in any way? The Avner Institute presents an insightful letter from the Rebbe, in which he stresses the role of Chassidic thought – not as auxillary intellectual exercise or practice, but as a catalyst in Torah life.

“Never Send Your Kids to Yeshiva”

by Rabbi Shimon Posner

Rabbi Shlomo Aron Kazarnovky, OBM.

Considering sending your child to yeshiva? Think again. Or rather, don’t send them. So I learned from my grandfather, the esteemed Lubavitcher chosid, Rabbi Shlomo Aron Kazarnovsky. He planted this seed in my head over 30 years ago, on a walk down Nashville’s stately West End Avenue going home from my father’s shul to my parent’s home at the corner of Whitland and Leonard.