The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Vayeishev!

The Rebbe says:

1. In this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us that Yoseph Hatzadik (Joseph the righteous one) was a man who was “Yefas To’ar V’Yefas Mar’eh – handsome of form and handsome of appearance” and he would curl his hair. The Torah continues and tells us that this caused the wife of his master Potiphar to cast her eyes upon him and want to lie with him, and this eventually landed him in jail. However, even while he was in jail Hashem was with him and he was successful in whatever he did.

In short, there are two parts to this story; 1) Yoseph Hatzadik was “Yefas To’ar V’Yefas Mar’eh – handsome of form and handsome of appearance”, and 2) the issue of Potiphar’s wife.

Obviously, since the Torah is an everlasting guide for our lives, and every singe story has a lesson for us to learn from, there are lessons to be learned from each part of this story.

The Weekly Sedra – Yud Tes Kislev

The Rebbe says:

1. The Previous Rebbe, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson , (our Rebbe’s father-in-law), once gave a parable to explain what Chassidus is, and these are his exact words:

“Pearls are found at the bottom of the ocean on the ocean’s floor. Coals, which make heat and give light, are found in the depths of the earth. The method to finding and unearthing coals in the depths of the earth is to have an instructor who tells the digger where to dig and where exactly he can find the coal. The digger can rely on the instructor’s smarts and he must follow the instructor’s guidance exactly to the tee if he wants to get the coals. However with regards to having the air of life from the atmosphere above ground, the digger cannot rely upon the air that the instructor has; the digger must have his own air or else he will be lifeless and fall unconscious. This also holds true for someone who is finding pearls at the bottom of the ocean; he must have his own air supply.

The lesson from this parable is easily understood: Chassidus gives light and warmth (like the coals) but we must dig deep to unearth it. Also, when we go deep into the earth we must be connected to an air supply above ground”.

The Rebbe Pointed At Me: Here Is G-D

The following is a part two of the encounter that took place in the front of 770 where a group of Bachurim (yeshiva students) saw a young man in long hair and boots approach the Rebbe, who waved his finger around and then pointed at this man’s chest. What happened there? What did the Rebbe say? The encounter is retold by the former “young man” himself. Note The picture of the Rebbe is a First time released picture, to learn more about the Rebbe Visit: www.inspiringageneration.org

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Vayishlach

The Rebbe says:

1. In this week’s Torah portion Hashem (G-d) tells Yakov Avinu (Jacob our Forefather) that his name would no longer be called “Yakov” (Jacob), it would now be called “Yisroel” (Israel).

2. As the preface to a question, the Rebbe now quotes the Talmud which discusses this verse:

The Talmud tells us that whoever calls our Forefather Avraham “Avram” (which was his original name), transgresses on the verse, “And your name shall no longer be called ‘Avram’; it shall henceforth be called ‘Avraham’ ”.

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Vayeitzei

The Rebbe says:

1. This week’s Torah portion begins by saying, “And Yakov (Jacob) left Be’er Sheva and went to Charan”.

To be sure, this verse is actually repeating something we already knew from the end of last week’s Torah portion.

2. The Rebbe points out that the Torah must be teaching us something by telling us this twice:

In the Torah everything is exact. In fact, our Sages learn out many Halachas (laws) from one extra letter in the Torah. Therefore, if the Torah repeats this story twice, it must be teaching us something that we can implement into our daily life. Let us find out what the Torah is teaching us:

Why Do Bad things Happen to Good People

In regards to the terrible tragedy that occurred today, to the beloved directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg two very Special Neshamas that were taken from this world.

I would like to present an answer the Rebbe gave to parents of a young girl Miriam, who at six years old was killed in a car accident in Berkley, California (Erev Pesach 1989). Following the death, the parents wrote a long letter to the Rebbe with many different questions regarding the nature of these types of tragedies. The Rebbe’s response did more than comfort – it provided a new focus to the mourning family. Also included is interesting picture of the Rebbe. The Rebbe attending a funereal in the winter of 1991. to learn more about the Rebbe see: www.portraitofaleader.blogspot.com.

The Weekly Sedra – Chayei Sara – Talk is Cheap – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

After an impassioned lecture on the virtues of patriotism and the Marxist system of government, a local communist party leader was asked: “Sir, what would you do if you were to own two houses?”

Barely able to contain his proud grin, the official cried out, “Why, of course I would give one away to my comrades!”

“And what would you do if you were to own a second automobile?”

Again the politician declared with smug determination, “Naturally I would give-up one to the people!”

Finally the leader was asked: “And what if you happened to possess two pair of shoes?”

This time the official seemed caught off guard. He began to hem and haw – stammering and stuttering.

When asked later by a close underling, why he did not hesitate to part with a second house or automobile, which are rather valuable items, yet could not say for certain that he would give-up a measly pair of shoes, his response was remarkably simple: “You see, I do not own a second house and probably never will, the same is true of an automobile. But a second pair of shoes? That I do own; and I’m not inclined to give it up!”

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Chayei Sarah

The Rebbe says:

1. The first verse of this week’s Torah portion is, “Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, and twenty years, and seven years; the years of Sarah’s life”.

The Zohar learns out from this verse that Sarah signifies the body of a person, and Avraham Avinu (Abraham our Forefather) signifies to the soul of a person .

2. The Rebbe now asks a question based on this:

Earlier on in the Torah the Torah told us that Hashem (G-d) instructed Avraham Avinu to listen to whatever his wife Sarah said because she had a greater power of prophecy .

However, according to this abovementioned Zohar which says that Sarah was like the body and Avraham was like the soul, how does this make sense? Why should the soul listen to the body?

Youth at Risk and This Week’s Torah Portion (Vayero)

Through the book of Genesis, the narrative focuses first on the ancestors of mankind and then upon the ancestors of the Jewish people. After an initial compelling story, those whose history parted with that of the Jewish people such as Ishmael and Esau fade out with a detailed genealogy that is devoid of personal narrative in the written text.

A particular compelling story in this week’s Torah portion is that of Hagar and Yishmael, who was sent away at Sarah’s urging by Abraham, as detailed in this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayero (Bereshis 21:8-20. Bereshis 21:8-20

I have always found the emotions and events in this week’s parsha vividly compelling. Even as I accepted the need for sending away Ishmael, I was always haunted by this set of biblical imagery.

As I assumed the responsibilities of fatherhood, my empathy with the suffering of Yishmael and Hagar became almost painful. One day, the doors of a yeshiva closed behind me and one of my children. We left with heavy hearts and a refund check.

Rebbe, Why Does G-d Create Evil?

The following is a fascinating Yechidus of the Rebbe that took place in the winter of 5722/1962. To learn More about the Rebbe Vsit: www.inspiringageneration.org

Question: How would you define Judaism in a nutshell?

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Vayeira!

The Rebbe says:

1. This week’s Torah portion tells us about how Avraham Avinu (Abraham our forefather) was the first and only Jew in this world and the whole world was against him . However once the people saw how Hashem (G-d) was with Avraham Avinu in all that he did and protected him from any harm, even Avimelech King of the Philistines wanted to make a covenant of peace with Avraham Avinu .

Towards the end of the Torah’s description of Avraham Avinu’s life in the land of the Philistines the Torah tells us that Avraham Avinu planted an “Eishel – (simply translated as) a tree” there , he publicized G-dliness and faith there , and he lived there for many days. Immediately after this the Torah begins discussing the Akeida (the Binding of Isaac) .

2. The Rebbe now questions the Torah’s narration of this story with the intention of uncovering the Torah’s deep messages:

The Weekly Sedra – Vayera – A Foot In Each World – Sitting On The Fence Syndrome

Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense in fighting
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense at all
Sitting on a fence is a man who strokes his twenty beards
Sitting on a fence is a man who drinks real ale
But the real problem with this man
Is he says he can’t when he can
He’d rather not get his hands dirty
He’ll still be there when he’s thirty
I told myself to keep my mouth shut
But I still end up saying if and but
I lied to myself right from the start
And I’ve just worked out that I’m falling apart
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks up to his guardian
Sitting on a fence is a man who swings from poll to poll
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees both sides of both sides
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks down on opinion
But the real problem with this man . . .

The Weekly Sedra – Lech Lecha – Transcend Yourself

The renowned Chasid, Reb Yechezkel (Chatche) Faigin, was said to have been a very strong hearted individual. Few were the times he was wont to allow himself the luxury to breakdown and cry. One such rare occasion, however, was when he served as secretary of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe – Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson.

The times were extremely dire and the means extraordinary meager. Much of the weight of the underground activities, carried out by Chassidim who risked their lives in defiance of the communist government, fell on his shoulders.
Reb Chatche toiled day and night with compete self-sacrifice, in order to sustain the holy work of the Rebbe – underground Day schools, Yeshivas, Mikvaos, etc. He carried out his responsibilities loyally and honestly, never a complaint or a thought of self pity.

However, there was one problem. His time was so absorbed with his work that he had no time for his own spiritual nourishment. Oh how he ached to study a Chassidic discourse; to spend a little more time meditating in prayer. His soul was parched for the spiritual waters of Chassidus, but the clock did not allow.

One day, when he could take it no more, he decided to present his case to the Rebbe. Perhaps, when hearing how distressed he was over his situation the Rebbe will agree that he ought to snatch some time from his holy work for his own spiritual needs. He pleaded with the Rebbe four a half hour; just a half hour!

After pouring out his broken heart to the Rebbe, he waited in anticipation for the Rebbe to reply. The Rebbe listened carefully to his passionate and painful plea and then tuned to him saying: “But in this and this place there is still no Yeshiva, in that place there is still no Mikvah. . .” Reb Chatche understood the response, but he could not control his emotions and burst into tears.

Upon seeing this, the Rebbe, himself in tears by now, waited several long minutes and then said: “If we afford ourselves the luxury to do ‘what we desire,’ what will be with the work that must get done? Do you think this is the Divine desire!?

This Desk has Heard the Cries of Many Jews

Although the late Israeli President, Zalman Shazar OBM, visited the Rebbe several times throughout his lifetime, one particular visit in the summer of 1966 was of special significance, as it was the first made in his official capacity as head of the Jewish state. The following is a description of some the controversy that led to the meeting and a glimpse of what was discussed during the Yechidus. to learn more about the Rebbe Visit: www.portraitofaleader.blogspot.com

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Lech Lecha

The Rebbe says:

1. At the end of this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us that Hashem (G-d) came to Avraham Avinu (Abraham our Father) and told him to circumcise himself .

2. The Rebbe now asks a question on this :

The Talmud tells us that Avraham Avinu kept the whole Torah even though it was not given yet to the Jewish people . If so, why did Avraham Avinu wait for Hashem to instruct him to give himself a circumcision if he did not wait to fulfill all the other Mitzvos (commandments) until he was instructed?

3. The Rebbe begins the answer: