A Word for the Shabbos Table – Bereishis

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“The word “bereishis” is also an [divine] utterance” (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 32a).

In the very beginning of chapter five of פרקי אבות we are taught that בעשרה מאמרות נברא העולם (“the world was created by the means of ten [divine] utterances”). For example, when the Torah relates “And G-d said: Let there be luminaries,” the sources of light in this world came into being; and when “G-d said: Let the earth bring forth living creatures,” at that moment all animal kinds and creatures were created.

The Weekly Sedra – Bereishis – Let Us Make Man

In 1798, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi was imprisoned. He was held in the Peter-Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the charge that his teachings of Chassidism undermined the imperial authority of the Czar.

Among his interrogators was a government minister who possessed broad knowledge of the Bible and Jewish studies. On one occasion, the minister asked the Rebbe if he could explain the verse: “And G-d called out to the man and said to him: Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Did G-d not know where Adam was?

Rabbi Schneur Zalman first offered him the simple explanation that is presented in the classic commentaries: “Where are you,” was merely a prelude. . .

“What Rashi says I already know,” replied the minister. “I was hoping to hear a deeper interpretation .”

The Rebbe then offered the following explanation: G-d inquired of Adam “Where are you in the world?” I.e. Do you understand the nature and purpose of your existence? G-d obviously knew where Adam was; His question was did Adam know where he was. “Where are you?” continued the Rebbe, “is G-d’s perpetual call to every man.”

Man’s essential quality is his image; his higher human form. – The Magid of Mezritch

Moving (Forward) In Circles? Beware Of the Cheshvan Blues

Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement, was for a time, a disciple of Reb Menachem of Vitebsk (until the latter left Russia for the Holy Land in 1777).

One year on Simchas Torah, before Hakkafos (the circular procession for which the holiday of Simchas Torah is renowned), the entire synagogue was waiting for Reb Menachem Mendel to begin the recitation of the preceding verses, beginning with Atoh Hareisa. After a long unexplained silence, R’ Menachem approached R’ Shneur Zalman and said: “I perceive a hundred different ways to interpret this passage, but I cannot translate them into practice. I would hence prefer to refrain from reciting it.”

Reb Shneur Zalman protested: “But a person can never stand at the place which his eyes behold; for when he reaches that point he will see even farther. This is the typical order of things. So Rebbe, when you have realized these hundred ideas in practice, you will perceive yet more ideas and insights, and there will be no end to the matter.”

The Rebbe was quite pleased with this answer, and at once proceeded to recite: “Atoh Hareisa. . .”

Sukkos – Don’t Lose Your Spine!

You’re sitting on a plane buckled-up in your seat, as the plane is pushing back. You’re ready to relax – read a book, close your eyes and catch up on some badly needed sleep — but there’s one more important bit of business to be taken care-of before you can kick back; the airline safety demonstration. This, we all know, is when the flight attendant gets up to do her/his little buckle-vest-mask ditty.

“. . . The cabin is pressurized for your comfort and safety. In the unlikely event of a cabin decompression, oxygen masks will automatically drop from a compartment above your seat. To start the flow of oxygen reach up and pull the mask closest to you, fully extending the plastic tubing. Place the mask firmly over your nose and mouth, slip the elastic strap over your head and breathe normally. Tighten by pulling on the ends. The bag does not need to inflate for oxygen to be flowing to the mask.”

Then, almost as a side note, comes a little piece of additional advice: “If you are seated next to a small child or someone needing assistance, ‘secure your own mask first and then assist the other person!’”

Good Evening Rabbi Schneerson – Pirsum Rishon

“When you get back to Paris, please make a farbrengen [Chassidic gathering] and give over to all the participants the questions and answers that went on in your Yechidus [meeting].”

The following is a unique audience that took place between the Rebbe and a Jew from France. Yosef, a Sorbonne professor, was a ba’al teshuva, returnee to Judaism, newly exploring his heritage and bursting with questions about Chabad and the Rebbe himself. Special thanks to the Rebbe’s secretaries and to the editorial staff of the Avner Institute. to learn more about the Rebbe Visit: www.inspiringageneration.org

Sukkos – Shoes or No Shoes, Security Still Belongs to G-d

There was once a Melamed (Cheder teacher) whom a well-to-do industrialist engaged to serve as the village resident tutor for a period of time (Zman). It so happened that during this same period the prosperous businessman built himself a magnificent mansion.

During the housewarming festivities all the household members were, as can be expected, in highly celebratory and cheerful spirits. When the owner of the new home noticed that the visiting Melamed was quite caught up in the joyous festivities as well, he turned to him in surprise: “Why so much joy? After all, you are only here temporarily!”

The Melamed, who might have been of humble means but not of humble mind, quickly glanced back at the Bal-Habayis (owner/employer) and rejoined: “And you Sir? Do you think you’re here forever? You too, are only here temporarily!”

Much attention is paid these days to our nation’s security. Ever since September 11, 2001, focus on securing the homeland has taken-on new significance and urgency.

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Haazinu

The Rebbe says:

1. In the beginning of this week’s Torah portion Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher) says, “Listen (Ha’azinu) O heavens (and be my witness) for I will speak. Let the earth hear (Tishma) (and witness) the words of my mouth”.

Moshe Rabbeinu then goes on to warn the Jewish people about how they should act and tells them the rewards for their good deeds (and Heaven Forbid what will happen if they don’t follow Hashem’s instructions).

2. The reason for using the Heavens and earth as witnesses (as Rashi explains) is because Moshe Rabbeinu w”anted there to be everlasting witnesses to the Jewish people’s acceptance of Hashem’s commandments and the rewards they bring; therefore he called upon the everlasting Heavens and earth.

Pirsum Rishon – Letter from Rebbetzin Chana!

In honor of Vov (6th) Tishrei, the Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson the Rebbe’s mother, I would like to present a beautiful handwritten letter that Rebbetzin Chana wrote to Mrs. Esther Alperin A”h (Director of the Rebbe’s Shluchim in Brazil) Mrs. Alperin shared a very special and unique relationship with the Rebbetzin. To see a copy of the original letter Visit: Portraitofaleader.blogspot.com Special thanks to Rabbi Yossi Alperin.

More in the Extended Article!

The Weekly Sedra – Vayelech – The Art of Teshuvah

Yom Kippur is the holiest time in the Jewish calendar. This awesome moment represents, in time, what the Beit Hamikdash (the Holy Temple) signified, in space. In fact, when the Temple stood in all its majesty and glory, the High Priest would enter its holiest chamber on this very day to perform a special service. It was the only time that anyone would ever enter this inner sanctum where the Holy Ark containing the Tablets was housed – known as the “Holy of Holies.”

Rosh Hashanah – The New Year

The Rebbe says:

1. The Talmud tells us that, “The Mitzvah of the day (of Rosh Hashanah) is blowing the Shofar”.

2. The Rebbe now quotes the Baal Shem Tov who explains the Shofar’s meaning:

The Baal Shem Tov explains the Shofar with a parable: Blowing the Shofar is like a child crying to his father and saying, “Father, father, save me”.

3. The Rebbe now quotes the previous Chabad Rebbe’im (leaders) who clarify and define this explanation of the Shofar:

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Nitzavim

The Rebbe says:

1. It says in this week’s Torah portion, “What will happen is, when all these things come upon you…the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, you will take it to your heart, and you will return to G-d, your G-d, with all your heart and with all your soul…Then, G-d, your
G-d, will return your captives from exile…and He will bring you to the land which your forefathers possessed…”.

2. The Rebbe asks a question on this:

The basic point of these verses is that every Jew will return to Hashem (G-d) because of the things which will happen to them. If so, why does the Torah include the word, “the blessing”, into this equation? Isn’t the person’s Teshuvah (repentance) solely because of his broken heart which was an effect of “the curse” which befell him?

The Weekly Sedra – Ki Savo – How To Achieve Happiness: The clean little secret

The story is told of a woman who was strolling in the park when she stumbled upon a precious diamond. Before she had a chance to place it into in her bag, she was approached by a hungry vagabond seeking alms. But nothing the woman offered him was sufficient.

Without much ado the woman placed the diamond into his hand: “Here,” she said “It’s all yours.” After profusely thanking his generous benefactor, they were both on their way.

The Weekly Sedra – Ki Seitzei – Not Everything Is Bashert – The reverberating effects of human behavior

A man was once accused of a serious crime. The evidence was so incriminating that a guilty verdict seemed inevitable. In desperation, the defendant hired a prominent attorney. “Your only hope,” advised the lawyer “is to enter a plea of insanity. You will need to act crazy in court.

At the trial, the man followed his counsel’s advice and began making strange noises; jumping up and down and waving his hands. He performed so well that the case was soon dismissed.

To his utter dismay, when the lawyer approached his client to collect his fee, the man resumed his ridiculous stunt; making strange motions and sounds. His expert advice had come back to haunt him – he had become the butt of his own clever ploy.

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Ki Seitzei

The Rebbe says:

1. At the end of this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us of the commandment to remember what the nation of Amalek did to us. The Torah reads, “Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he met you on the way and cut off those lagging to your rear, when you were tired and exhausted; he did not fear G-d. Therefore… you must obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget”.

When we analyze these words of the Torah we will see that there are three elements here. Firstly there is the commandment to remember what Amalek did to us. Secondly there is the commandment not to forget what Amalek did to us. And thirdly, there is the commandment to wipe out Amalek.

2. The Rebbe shows how important this is:

Why Does Every Jew have to be Connected To a Rebbe?

What is a Rebbe? Why dose every Jew have to be connected to a Rebbe? The following is a very unique Yechidus that took place in the winter of 1969 with a Chabad supporter who came to see the Rebbe, special thanks to the “Zionist Archives” of Jerusalem to learn more about the Rebbe visit www.inspiringageneration.com

Question: The Rebbe’s energy is so instrumental in helping us serve Hashem properly, how is it possible that we still have free will?

The Weekly Sedra – Shoftim – Pinchas or Korach?

When Kaiser Wilhelm sought to invade Belgium, he was reminded of the signed treaty agreements to which his action would be in blatant contradiction. Dourly brushing the matter aside the Kaiser declared: “We shall take Belgium! As for the inconsistencies, let not your heart be troubled; the philosophers can be well trusted to supply the necessary explanations.”

A contemporary thinker once opined, “Philosophy is simply the formation of bad reasons for what we believe on instinct.” No wonder that Judaism has a healthy suspicion of man’s capacity to rationalize.

One does not have to be a genius to realize that for what there is a desire, the mind will produce ample logical arguments to justify its pursuit.

The Weekly Sedra – Re’eh – A Vote Against “Change”

When Robert A. Rockaway, a recognized authority on Jewish-American history, decided to chronicle the story of the Jewish mob, he sought out Jewish old-timers, their family and friends, in order to gather information on this less than reputable element.

Once, while talking to his mother about the reprehensible conduct of a particular mobster, his mother stopped him short in his tracks: “All that you say may be fine and good, no one said the guy was a saint. Between you and me, he was known to have made a few people disappear… But you shouldn’t rush to judgment. Don’t forget that he was always kind to his mother! Does that count for nothing? Trust me; the man was a real Mentch!”