Alef....Beis....Gimmel....

When Rabbi Mendel Futerfas was five years old learning Torah in a cheder in Russia, it happened that one of the boys forgot to bring his ink bottle and asked the boy at his side for some of his. "No," replied the latter. "I haven't enough; you should have brought from home." So the first boy had to ask someone else.

The teacher noticed this and said nothing, but a half hour later he asked the second boy if he could show the class an Aleph, a Bet and a Gimmel (the first three letters of the Hebrew alphabet). "Of course," answered the child as he pointed in one of his books. "This is an Aleph, this a Bet, and this a Gimmel."

"No," said the teacher. "You are wrong."

The boy was confused. "But teacher" he said, "this is what you taught us... this is what we have been reading for the last two years!"

"No," the teacher repeated. "You are wrong."

"Aleph is: When your friend asks you for ink, you give it to him.

"Bet is: When your friend asks for ink, you give it to him.

"Gimmel is: When your friend asks for ink, you give it to him."

The shluchim are....

Non-Judgmental Core. But you knew that.

I told her to write to the Rebbe to ask for a blessing.....

Her response to me:

"I wrote the Rebbe a letter. I'm glad I wrote it to the Rebbe because it will take a tzadek to understand what I wrote."

"Your last memory of someone who once mattered to you, should not be one of disappointment and hurt.
People should be able to reclaim the moments when they mattered to each other. It is worth the risk of rejection to try and do this."

When you come to the end of all that you know -
you must believe that either -you'll find earth upon which to stand,
or you will be given wings.

Tzadik Nistar .....

The first night the host welcomes, "Boruch Habo Saba R' Avrohom!" and sets up a nice place for him...
The next night, "Boruch Habo Sabo R' Yitzchok!"....

R' Eliezer son of R' Elimelch (of Lizensk) says to his host,
"You actually see the Ushpizen!??"
"What!!? And you don't !!??!!"

12th of Tishrei

Today, in this world of action, we are provided with the opportunity to perform Mitzvos with physical objects whose creation came about from G-d's very essence, and which contain the concealed power of His very being. By performing Mitzvos with these objects we release this concealed power.

Fifteen!

baal teshuva -yom kippur

When he called out ה' הוא האלקים for the seventh time, his נשמה departed by the word אלקים.

For מעריב, there was no longer a minyan, but ר' ליב said, "He's has the זכות that his נשמה departed while saying the word אלקים. Now he's considered a צדיק, who even after they pass away, are considered 'alive' and are allowed to be מצורף (included) to the minyan."

ר' ליב began,"והוא רחום יכפר עון".

The Silence was screaming.

So Still.

Woah.

Tehillim on Rosh Hashono

The פריערדיקער רבי writes in a letter: the main עבודה of ראש השנה is קבלת עול מלכות שמים. Therefore, the עבודה of the day involves saying תהלים the entire time, lessening one's sleep as much as possible on these two nights, and being extremely careful not to speak דברים בטלים. One needs to be like an עבד, who has no time to rest from the work of his master, or like a son who is joyfully occupied in greeting his father. (אגרות קודש מהוריי"ץ ח"י ע' תכ"ה)

Once, on ראש השנה, the Tzemach Tzeddek's sons and some Chassidim went into the Rebbe and asked him to say חסידות during the time the עולם was saying תהלים. The Tzemach Tzeddek opened the door and said, "The עולם is saying תהלים, and you're saying "חסידות"?! It is better to say תהלים." And so they did.

Keh poo poo poo

talking about writing a will.....

"...... and to Uncle Louie: Hi! , as you always wnated to be remembered in my will."

One of the elder פאפא חסידים was born and raised in a small city in Hungary, and being very smart, it was necessary for his parents to put extra effort in sheltering him from all secular influences. However, secretly, the child joined a group of משכילים and slowly drifted away from אידישקייט. Eventually, his parents threw him out of the house, to prevent him from influencing the rest of his family. He went to learn in the local gymnasium and was very successful, so his professor advised him to continue his studies in the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. He was happy to go to a new place where he would not be embarrassed of his family and townspeople, and no one would know that he's a איד. On his first day in Sorbonne, while walking to his classroom, he was shocked to see a חסידישע yungerman with a beard and peyos approaching him.
The yungerman asked him, "תפילין האסטו שוין
היינט געלייג?" (Did you put on תפילין today?) Shocked, he remained speechless. Before he had a chance to get back to himself, the yungerman took hold of him and said, "נישט קשה, מיר לייגן מיט אסאך
אידן תפילין, וועלן מיר לייגן מיט אייך אויך." ("It's okay, we put on
תפילין with many אידן, so we'll put on with you as well") He pulled out a pair of תפילין and put it on with him. Every single day the yungerman came to put on תפילין with him, until he brought him to
תשובה שלימה. The פאפא חסיד concluded, "The yungerman was none other than the ליובאוויטשער רבי

Family picture.

Taken at least 75 years ago! K"eh!

Alter Rebbe

Before Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk embarked on his journey to the Holy Land, he went to receive a farewell blessing form Reb Yaakov Yosef of Polona. The Alter Rebbe, who was then a young man, accompanied him.

Reb Yaakov Yosef had been present at Reb Menachem Mendel's first meeting with the Baal Shem Tov. "Do you remember the story the Baal Shem Tov told you?" Reb Yaakov Yosef asked. "In that story, he implied that you would journey to the Holy Land," he continued.

"Yes, and I am on my way there."

"The Baal Shem Tov also implied that you would come to me for a blessing."

"That is the purpose of my visit."

"That story also implied that you would be accompanied by a young man whose greatness will be acknowledged everywhere."

Reb Menachem Mendel presented the Alter Rebbe before Reb Yaakov Yosef. "This is he," he declared.

The Battle - the struggle.

Within the human being, this conflict takes the form of a battle between the "animal soul" and the "G-dly soul."
The animal soul is our physical self -- the drive to be and exist, the instinct for self-preservation, self-fulfillment and self-enhancement.
The G-dly soul is the source of our spirituality -- our drive for self-transcendence, our yearning to escape the confines of our material existence and connect to the infinite and the eternal.
Life is the war between these two opposing drives: every act we do, every word we utter, even every thought we think, is an outcome of this inner struggle, representing the victory of one of the two selves vying to express itself and further its aims via the body and faculties which they share.

The Wrestle -

The air so thick.

The energy so tangible.

A separation so desperate to be breached.

An urge begging to be redeemed.

Yet -

G-d so palpable.

His air so holy.

A bond that can not be broken.

A craving that can not be fulfilled.

The pain. Temporary comfort.

The gain. Ultimate relief.

"Okay G-d, You win."

"No My child, tis you who won".

Re'ei - "See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse........"

Evil alternatives exist to allow for free choice. If there was only good in this world - no chance for a person to behave in a questionable manner - he couldn't freely choose to do good; he would be forced to do good by default. And there would be no room for reward and punishment.

Wrong exists only to allow a person to choose right. Evil is nothing but a means of improving our Divine service, to push the person toward the correct path. Evil is not a curse, but a merit that enables us to succeed and prevail. Knowing this, gives us the ability and strength not to be intimidated or overwhelmed by the bad.

Stop for a moment -

Take a step back.

Breathe.
Look.
See.
Think.

Objectively.


A shamed Fool!

It's gonna be good. It is good.

Da Ma L'maala Mimoch -
Know that whatever is above, comes from YOU.

Tracht gut vet takke zein gut.
The thinking that it will be good, will actually CREATE the good, for it comes from YOU.

Good one!

Everyone run and hide, Mom is on Facebook!!!
Fast clean your walls, and tuck in your statuses.

A CHOSID SHOULD BE ABLE TO -

A. To be utterly humble while holding his head high.

B. To scream in perfect silence.

C. To dance for joy without moving a muscle.

The Beis Hamikdosh

Napolean in disguise on 9 Av

Napoleon Bonaparte was passing through the Jewish quarter in Paris when he stopped to investigate the strange cries and laments emanating from the local synagogue. He went in and inquired and was told of the destruction of our temples, he asked when it occurred, he was told 1700 years ago.
He remarked in awe: “A people who refuse to forget their past, are destined to forever have a future.”

Rayim Ahuvim....Simcha...

Da nieces....

Need more space for saving texts...

One thread....

It sounds very exciting

do you have any use for my car while I'm away?

k I can't belive I am where I am its like reality

With this car I picked up a person and convinced them to spend the rest of their life with me....

Thank so so much I'm so happy

Kyphosis

Regular is about 30.
Hers is about 90-95.
We cannot let it get past 100.
Bracing - we are done with.
Surgery?
Too difficult for her, he thinks.
For now -
We watch it.
And we'll see -
What G-d has planned.

Is it better to have had and lost - or

not to have had in the first place?

Not any time - all the time.

For sure.

Gimmel Tammuz

Today, the third day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz marks the 15th yahrtzeit, the anniversary of the passing, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory.

The Rebbe touched the lives of millions. He taught, advised, encouraged, and gave meaning to the lives of so many. And, most of all, he cared for every human being, and dearly loved every Jew.

It is a day to increase our energy, enthusiasm and joy in fulfilling our life's mission. It is a particularly auspicious time for all of us to reflect on the extraordinary lessons of the Rebbe's life and to try and perpetuate his enormous legacy of contagious love to all.

On this auspicious day, please join Jews worldwide in increasing in Torah study, reciting an additional prayer, and increasing in acts of charity. Let us also try and apply some of the Rebbe's care and selfless dedication to our own family and friends. There can be no more fitting tribute to the Rebbe than millions of good deeds, performed on his day.

In this merit may we see the coming of Moshiach immediately.

http://oneminutetorah.blogspot.com/

A Bris - A Chok - A Hachloto

The Bris.
Remember the peace treaty ...when there will be an argument....remember that bris.
The pact!
It's a chok - we will be forever friends!
Even if we don't feel the friendshipness in the midst of our disagreement.

The pain.
Remember the sorrow.....when you will slip....remember that pain.
That hachloto!
It's a chok - we will be forever holy! Even if we don't feel the pain at that moment.

Oy

Beware of the ramifications of your actions and even your words....

"Who goes there?" barked the policeman.

"Bittul is going", was his reply.
In Russian.

Whence do we know that Torah knowledge permanently remains only in an individual who gives his very life (as it were) for it?
From the verse, "When a man dies in a tent," i.e. he gives his very life to be in the "tent of Torah," renouncing all wordly pleasures.

A tear

Bancroft Middle School's 8th grade culmination.
Four hundred and twenty students.
One Jew. Globally retarded.
My child.
My Sheina.

Who can feel my pain?
Who can see my tear?
Who can comprehend?
Who wants to comprehend?

I stand alone.

Boruch Hashem.
For then you too would be pained.

"Family" Picture :)

Life.

My life is a boat ride. In stormy weather.

PARSHA/ Metzora

Metzora deals with the various types of leprosy and the purification procedure one had to undergo after suffering that affliction. Yet on another level, leprosy signifies something deeper than just a skin condition or disorder.

Surprisingly enough, Moshiach is often referred to as a leper. The Talmud calls Moshiach a "leper," for "he suffers our burdens, and our maladies are his. He is therefore afflicted, stricken by G-d and tortured."

But Moshiach is considered a leper only during the exile, before the Final Redemption takes place. Although Moshiach exists in every generation, he is not yet in a revealed state, although his essence is whole and unchanged. He must therefore suffer the pain of the Jewish nation and bear the burdens of exile together with them.

But what is the nature of Moshiach's suffering? Leprosy, as pointed out by Chasidic philosophy, is a disease affecting only the "skin of his flesh." It is an illness which disfigures only the external layer, and does not involve internal organs. Leprosy therefore symbolizes a state in which a person's inner being remains unaffected, despite the outward manifestation of disease.

The leper represents a person whose inner self has already been purified and refined. All that remains is for the outermost shell to be cleansed. In Moshiach's case, this outer layer consists of the Jewish people's collective weaknesses.

This is the condition in which we find ourselves today, on the threshold of the Messianic era. Our afflictions are only external, for the essence of the Jewish people has been refined and cleansed by the long years of exile.

Moshiach, too, impatiently awaits the day he will no longer suffer and G-d will bring the final Redemption, speedily in our day.

- "A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money."

Birchas Hachamo

Pretty amazing.

Quote of the day -

"Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom."


H. Arendt

PARSHA/ Vayikro

In the begining of this Parsha, Parshat Vayikra, we read the expression Nefesh ki techeta -- "when a person will sin." The Torah goes on to describe the various atonement offerings necessary to absolve one from their trespasses. The Kabbalistic classic, Zohar, renders this phrase both literally and spiritually. Nefesh is interpreted as not merely a person but a soul, and the verse is punctuated by a question mark. In other words, the Torah is asking Nefesh ki techeta? Shall a soul sin? Can a Jewish soul, a yiddishe neshamah, a spark of divinity, really and truly stoop to commit a lowly sin? How is that possible?

Indeed, the only way it can happen is when we forget who we are, when we are no longer in touch with our true spiritual identity.

And who really are we? We are a Jew! We are a son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, a daughter of Sarah, Rifka, Rachel and Leah. We are a member of the "kingdom of priests and holy nation." We were freed from Egypt and stood at Sinai. We have survived countless attempts on our life and our faith. We have emerged from the ashes of Auschwitz only to live again.

The holy Zohar reminds us that we are not only "a person who may sin." We are a soul, and shall a soul sin? A soul is by definition a piece (spark?) of G-d. And for this G-dly soul within us - this burning ember inside every Jewish soul, an ember that remains inextinguishable no matter what - means, that distancing ourselves from our very source is absolutely unthinkable.

So if you ever have doubts about who you are, remember the Zohar. You are a soul. And a soul never dies.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Our Sages argued over when the Final Redemption with Moshiach will occur.

Will Moshiach come, and we will be redeemed, in the month of Nissan as our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt in Nissan, or will the Final Redemption take place in the month of Tishrei?

Will Moshiach come by virtue of the Jewish people's cumulative service of G-d over the last few thousand years, or will he come simply because G-d promised to redeem us?

According to Chasidic philosophy, the month of Nisan symbolizes the level of G-dliness that transcends our service. G-d took our forefathers out of Egypt on Passover despite their spiritual unworthiness.

By contrast, the month of Tishrei (Where we have Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur), is a time for returning to G-d in repentance and prayer. We are pretty much aroused to increase in our service to G-d and so our spiritual status is up there. Tishrei is a month that we are basically virtuous.

Those Sages who believed that our spiritual status is more important, said that Moshiach will come in Tishrei. And those Rabbis who believed that G-d's promise is the determining factor, said the redemption will occur in Nisan.

The actual rule is though that Moshiach will come because of G-d's promise. Which means we will be redeemed in Nissan.

But actually both sides had a valid point, for by the time Moshiach comes, the world will have already been transformed into an appropriate vessel for G-dliness - through our service, through our virtue.

May it happen immediately. Amen.

The Nosi -R'Ch. Nisan-12th Nisan

"If I, y0ur servant, am of the tribe of .......then may there shine upon me all the holy "sparks" and all the holy lights which are contained in the holiness of this tribe , to understand and comprehend in Your Torah and in the fear of You, to do Your will all the days of my life - I and my children and my children's children, from now and forever. Amen. "

From Dr. G's email.....

".....just cuz I have something about the size of Montana trying to coexist in my brain stem.....".

"I'm filled with reality, overwhelmed by the caring and interest, and pained that I never really understtod any of this until now."

When I questioned what exactly is he pained about, his response:

"What pains me at this point with all of these wondrous revelations is that once I've passed thru the portal of understanding I realize that it is the purity of the essence of what is and was always there.
The depth of what was already there is still there only now I am overwhelmed by its pure magnificence of strength so readily and willingly shared on my behalf by others. Now that I am aware of it means that I never even gave it a second look until now. How many of those deeply profound moments have come (my) our way, benefited us, and passed unnoticed? What a loss. The true depth of human emotion, the gift of Hashem. The tears of joy that flow from me make me aware that alive beyond the breath. I simply cannot contain the pureness of that flow of energy. It is the original truth that connected us as children that allows us to connect and heal now as adults.
It is pure joy. It is a simcha that happens best in the arena of the internal calm that is Ain Ode Milvado. "

Refuo shlaymo for - Eliezer Mordechai halevi ben Chaya Sheina Rochel.

PURIM - Kol Haposhet ....

Purim is the day we give a donation to whoever asks. Anyone who puts out his hand and requests aid, should be helped, even though we have not checked his bank statement or checked to see that his cause is, in fact, worthwhile.

This also refers to how G-d relates to the Jews on the day of Purim. On Purim, G-d will listen in a special way to our prayers. Even though all year round G-d may only give us what we deserve, on Purim, He is willing to give to us even that which we may not be so deserving of. All we have to do is to put out our hand and ask!!

Let us not allow a day like this to go by without putting all our effort into praying properly and thereby asking for all those things that we need. How can we not "stretch our hand out" to G-d and ask for that which we would normally not dream of asking?
After all, "Anyone who stretches out his hand should be given to."

PURIM - Ad d'lo Yoda

The Talmud states that “on Purim we are obligated to drink wine to the point where we do not know the difference between 'Blessed be Mordechai’ and ‘Cursed be Haman'.

On Purim we are required to elevate our understanding to the point that we perceive no essential dis­tinction between Mordechai and Haman. For the ultimate goal in the creation of Haman is that he become a force for good - like Mordechai.

The threat posed by Haman endangered the very existence of the Jewish people. In response, they demonstrated self-sacrifice and dedication to Torah which transcended the limits of reason.
Their commitment transformed the entire nature of the situation. Thus, instead of destroying our people, Haman’s plot enriched us with a festival and a day of rejoicing.

Within the limitations of this world, understanding repre­sents the highest of our faculties. G‑d’s essence however, is not bound by the limits of our faculties: it transcends all definition and restriction.

“The ultimate in knowledge is 'not to know'." Reason, is by nature limited, and prevents the expression of our unlimited potential. The divine service of — self-transcendence — is the goal of our drinking on Purim.

The state which transcends the limits of reason is related to the concept of transforming evil to good.

From an intellec­tual perspective, good and evil have clearly defined bounda­ries. The infinity of G‑d’s essence (and the potential of our souls) is not bounded by these limitations. At that level, “darkness is like light.”

Regardless of a person’s state, he is always able to turn to G‑d in repentance. And his sins are then transformed into good.

Purim means “lots”, and casting lots symbolizes a step above the realm of the rational.

During the time of the Purim miracle, the Jews rose to a level of commitment to the Torah that transcended the realm of intellect. And that is what brought about the transformation of evil into good. Instead of the annihilation of the Jewish people, we merited great deliverance.

May the darkness of this exile give way to the light of Redemption!

PURIM - Kabolos Hatora

On the sixth day of Sivan, the entire nation of Israel assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai. There G-d chose us as His people and we committed ourselves to observe the laws of life as outlined in His Torah.

The Talmud points out, however, that nearly one thousand years were to pass before our covenant with G-d was sealed. It was with the events of Purim, that our acceptance of the Torah was established upon an unshakable foundation.

At Sinai, we had no choice. Faced with such an awesome revelation of the divine truth, one could hardly doubt or disagree. In effect, we were forced to accept the Torah; overwhelmed and completely enveloped by the divine reality, we could not but commit ourselves to our divinely ordained mission and role.

But a thousand years later, during the events of Purim, we, the Jewish nation, reaffirmed this commitment under entirely different conditions. The divine presence did not hover over us, compelling us to recognize its truth. On the contrary: the divine face was hidden. As the name of G-d is not even mentioned once in the entire Megilla, the book of Esther. We were able to accept the divine law without any hint of coercion for Above. As stated in the words of the Book of Esther, they, "established and accepted" - meaning, says the Talmud, that they established as valid and incontestable that which they had accepted earlier at Sinai.

We were on our own, our commitment to G-d deriving wholly from within, from an inner choice to cleave to Him.

:)

Hehe. True Story.

Birthday boy - Let's go bowling.
Mushka - What do we do at bowling? We catch fish?


I think she meant, "boating".

Och, love it.

Once a young Torah scholar visited Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk.

"Rabbi Elimelech," began the visitor, "we are both scholars, well-versed in Jewish law. Yet you have far surpassed me in your level of saintliness. What do you possess that I lack?"

Rabbi Elimelech pointed to the bowl of fruit displayed before them on the table. "When you want to eat an apple, do you make a blessing to G-d?"

"I certainly do!" the visiting rabbi answered.

"Ah – that's the difference! You see, when you want to eat an apple, you make a blessing. When I want to make a blessing, I eat an apple."

Chicken soup for the neshomo

I Dubbed it "Marrakesh".

Chof Beis Shvat

Today, the 22 of the Hebrew month of Shvat marks the 21st anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory.
She was the daughter of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, and wife of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
The Rebbetzin exerted a powerful influence on Chabad-Lubavitch, but remained outside of the limelight.

An intelligent and educated wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious way.
Yet despite her extraordinary role – as unknown as it was to the public – and her regal upbringing and bearing, it seems that she always found common ground with those who came to her and helped each one feel comfortable and heard.

The Rebbetzin was ever so sensitive to those around her, as evidenced by the recollection of Rabbi Shmuel Lew. Now the director of the Lubavitch House School in London, the flustered Lew visited the Rebbetzin with his fiancé and family before he got married.

"There was a beautiful white tablecloth, and she served punch in long crystal glasses with glass straws," he related. "At one point, when my hand was going over the glass, I didn't notice the straw, and my hand pushed against the straw and the whole punch spilled on the table.

Without missing a beat, "the Rebbetzin got all excited," he continued, as if this was the best thing that could have happened in her home. "She said it's a sign of blessing."

In the days and months following her passing, the Rebbe spoke frequently on the theme, "And the living shall take to heart"—how the passing of a person close to oneself should prompt one to positive action, in the form of lessons derived from that person's life and G-dly deeds undertaken to perpetuate his or her memory, then the death itself becomes a form of life.

Therefore, for her sake and in memory of her soul we should increase and make good resolutions in the areas of Prayer, Torah Study and Tzedaka/good deeds.

"i used to believe em till i met you"


I like.

PARSHA/Yisro

In this week's Parasha, Parashat Yisro, G-d gives the Torah to the Jewish People on Mount Sinai.

Standing at the foot of Mount Sinai in readiness to receive the Torah, the Jewish people proclaimed that they would first observe all its commandments and subsequently attempt to understand them. They declared first "we will do" and then "we will understand."

Some people maintain that they will begin to observe mitzvot when they understand them.

The irrationality of this attitude may be understood from the example of the body. The body requires a daily intake of food and air. No amount of thinking, speaking or studying about food and nutrition can substitute for actual consumption. On the contrary, failure to eat or breathe will even weaken the person.

Obviously the correct and healthy approach is not to study nutrition and respiration first, and then practice them, but the reverse. And while the person is eating and drinking and breathing -- though he may not fully understand the process involved -- he is strengthened.

The same applies to the soul. The elements which it requires for sustenance are best known to its Creator - G-d. At Mount Sinai He informed us that the "air" and "food" vital to our spiritual existence are -- Torah and mitzvot.

Reason dictates that we perform the mitzvot, and then deliberate on their values. In the meantime, we gain the spiritual and intellectual strength of these Mitzvot.

My memory is not like it used to be. Um....actually I don't even remember what my memory used to be....

Shelly

A Painfully Sad Lesson

You have taught me the nature of people.

You have taught me to hold back, to stay away, not to expect.

Unfortunately or fortunately -

You taught me

not

to

trust.

Thank-you.

TZEDOKO (#5)

What we have given away to another might be something we need, but it is finite. What we receive thru giving is priceless and infinite.

In medieval Europe a rabbi was appointed senior adviser at the royal court. At one point, the rabbi was asked to show the records of his holdings. The rabbi, a wealthy man, produced a list and hand delivered it to the king.

However, upon investigation it was discovered that many of his properties were not listed. The ministers brought this discovery to the king, and accused the rabbi of deceipt.

The rabbi explained: "When the king asked me to disclose my holdings I included only those properties and funds that I have donated to charity. Those are the holdings I know will always be mine. All other properties do not truly belong to me, for today they are mine and tomorrow they may be taken from me..."

Indeed, he who gives is in truth a recipient. For only through giving can we acquire those properties for eternity.

R' Mendel (my new friend)

The vintage chassid, Reb Mendel Futerfas, was wont to say: "There are chassidim who would say: A dank der Oibershter far'n Rebbe'n. "Thank You G-d, for giving us the Rebbe," expressing their genuine appreciation to G-d for giving them the opportunity to know and appreciate the Rebbe.

Others would say: A dank der Rebbe'n far'n Oibersht'n; "Thank you, Rebbe, for giving us the opportunity to know G-d." The intent is not merely that the Rebbe's teachings open up new windows of spiritual awareness. Although this is true, these chassidim meant more: Their intent is that from watching the Rebbe, and seeing his uniqueness, they were able to appreciate G-dliness.

PARSHA/Bshalach

This week in Parashat B'shalach it tells us that the Jews left Egypt. The Egyptian chariots were coming up quickly from behind them. Miles of water stretched out ahead. To either side was a barren desert. The Jews were confused and afraid, thinking there was no choice but to return to Egypt.

There was one man, Nachshon Ben Aminodov, who just went ahead and did what he thought was the right thing. He jumped right into the water.

He was thinking: - "G-d said we came out of Egypt to receive the Torah on Mount Sinai - then that is exactly where we are supposed to go," thought Nachshon. "Going back to Egypt or even praying to G-d will not bring us closer to Mount Sinai. Forward towards Mount Sinai is the right direction, and that's where I'm going!

There is water in the way? No matter - it's the right direction and will bring me one step closer to Mount Sinai, where G-d wants me to be."

Nachshon didn't know that a miracle would occur and the water would split. And it actually didn't even split right away. The water was knee deep, but he went on. The water reached his thighs, but he kept moving. The water came right up to his neck, but he didn't turn back. Then, all at once, the waters split and he found himself on dry land.

Now, how was he sure that it was right to plunge into the sea? He wasn't sure. But he just knew ONE thing : He knew what G-d had told the Jewish People.

---

We have been given the promise: "The time of your Redemption has arrived." We know where we're going and we are pushing on in that direction. Even if it seems that some things are blocking our way, we're following Nachshon's example and heading straight towards redemption, regardless of the obstacles.

Heavy day!

Twenty one years is a very long time not to see one's father. :'(

Watching the flame flicker. In the little glass.

TZEDOKO (#4)

"Rabbi, am I be obligated to give charity, when I myself am so needy? I barely have enough for myself, how am I expected to help another? Questioned, the man.

"Ah" The Rabbi responded. "Yes, this is one detail in the laws of tzedakah that is somewhat puzzling. The Talmud states that everyone is obligated to give charity, including someone who is needy themselves.

But this law reveals the power of this mitzvah.

The goal of charity is to benefit the giver as much as (or even more than) the receiver. In the development of every human being it is critical that we learn to give. Acts of kindness elevate our character, creating feelings of sensitivity, empathy and humility. When we give to others, we access the infinite power of our soul to reach beyond our limited self and enter the world of another human being. Giving is the ultimate expression of one's human-ness. (Yu'min-nis)

Generosity also brings a sense of fulfillment and inner happiness. It helps us to become a better person, and helps make the world a better place.

When we give, we actually receive more than we gave. Wise Solomon wrote, "When you give to a poor man, you are lending to G‑d." That's because G‑d repays all charitable funds – along with handsome dividends – here, in this world. According to the Prophet Malachi, G‑d even challenges us, saying "Try it and see." ''Test me", G-d says. "Perform the mitzva of Charity, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you blessings more than enough. You will see your reward in tenfold or more"

"And the flame flickers on"

SHVAT 10

A DAY OF TWO REBBES

TZEDOKO (#3)

No other mitzvah evokes as powerful a divine response as tzedakah. It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you. Our sages taught that tzedakah brings atonement and protects against harsh heavenly decrees, and that giving tzedaka (charity) to the needy opens the way for our prayers to bring us good health, prosperity and happiness.

Tzedakah is one of the greatest mitzvos.
Tzedakah, however, does not mean merely helping a person with regard to physical matters, like, providing him with food and clothing for his body. Tzedakah also means helping a person spiritually, seeing to it that his soul receives the sustenance that it needs and seeing to it that he does not go around without Torah and good deeds. This is one of the most refined and most elevated forms of tzedakah that a person can perform.

The Baal Shem Tov once said, "a soul comes into the world and lives for seventy, eighty years, for the purpose of doing a favor to a Jew in physical and particularly spiritual matters." Your aid to another may be the fulfillment of your mission in life, the reason why your soul was sent down to this earth.

Tzedakah is said to be equivalent to all the mitzvot. Our compassion for the needy and downcast evokes a reciprocal compassion from Heaven, thus hastening the days to our redemption.

Only a year later....

Tatte ich beink noch dir


Sheesh, do they really have to "reform" everything?!?

TZEDOKO (#2)

The daughter of Rabbi Akiva once went to the market. As she passed a group of star-gazers and fortune–tellers, one of them said to the other: "see that lovely girl? What a dreadful calamity is awaiting her! She is going to die on the very day of her wedding."

Rabbi Akiba's daughter overheard the words of the star-gazer, but paid no attention to him. She had often heard from her great father that one who observes the Mitzvoth of the holy Torah need not be afraid of evil.

As the happy day of her wedding approached, she had forgoten all about that star-gazer. On the day before her wedding, there was much to do, and at night she went to bed, tired but happy. Before going to bed, she removed her golden hair-pin and stuck it in the wall, as she had done before.

The following morning, she pulled her pin from the wall, and in doing so dragged a small but very poisonous snake with it. Horrified, she realized that she had killed the snake that was lurking in the wall's crevice when she stuck the pin into the wall the night before. What a wonderful miracle!

She then remembered the words of the star-gazer, and shuddered.

She showed her father the dead snake still dangling from the pin and told him what happened.

"This is indeed a miracle," Rabbi Akiba said. "Tell me, daughter, what did you do yesterday? There must have been some special Mitzvah that you performed yesterday to have been saved from this."

"Well, the only thing that I can remember is that; last night, when everybody was busy with the preparations for my wedding, a poor man came in, but nobody seemed to notice him, for they were so busy. I saw that the poor man was very hungry, so I took my portion of the wedding-feast and gave it to him."

Rabbi Akiba had always known that his daughter was very devoted to the poor, but this was something special, and he was very happy indeed. "Tzedoko (charity) delivereth from death," he exclaimed.

OYYY she's SOOOO cute!!! K"eh....

"You have shown me your true colours.
They do not go with my palate."

Shelly.

"After all is said and done, more is said than done."

TZEDOKO (#1)

The Hebrew word for charity is "Tzedaka". However, Tzedaka is more that just charity.
Charity implies kindness performed out the goodness of one's heart, but which is by no means obligatory.
Tzedakah, on the other hand, means "doing right, Justice," implying an obligation to help others -- financially, materially, spiritually and in any way possible.

Besides the many commandments in the Torah instructing us to love our fellow man and be kind to the poor in specific ways, there is also an explicit commandment to "open your hand" to the poor, to give or loan them whatever they need. Jewish law requires us to give at least a tenth of our income to charity.

Charity boxes are an old Jewish tradition. During the period of the First Temple in Jerusalem, we find the first charity box: The Temple was falling into a poor state of repair, so the High Priest made a hole in the cover of a box, which he placed near the entrance before the altar, so that all contributions could be dropped in there.

During most of history, charity boxes were placed in the synagogue.

Now, it is the custom to have charity boxes in every home .

Besides giving donations directly to beggars who stretch out their hand we should regularly place coins in these boxes. Times especially appropriate for this is before prayer, and before the start of Sabbaths and Holidays -- particularly women before lighting Sabbath and Holiday candles.

PARSHA/Va'ayra

Our ancestors in Egypt were slaving away for years. Then Moses appeared and began making promises. He brings them a message from G-d that they are about to be redeemed. That there is a Promised Land ahead. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Jews' response? And they did not listen to Moses out of shortness of breath and from the hard labor.

A commentary explains that they weren't able to heed Moses' call - not only from physical breathlessness, but because they lacked the spirit. Having suffered in bondage for so long, they no longer had the faith or hope to believe that freedom was still in the realm of the possible. It was simply beyond them. They had lost the spirit and therefore, they could not hear, meaning they could not absorb, Moses' message.

It happens all too often. We may become so set in our simple ways that we give up hope of ever achieving a breakthrough. We simply lose our resolve.

There is a wise saying from of the legendary Chasid, Reb Mendel Futerfas. "If you lose your money, you've lost nothing. Money comes and money goes. If you lose your health, you've lost half. You are not the person you were before. But if you lose your resolve, you've lost it all."

Moses brought new hope to a depressed, dreamless nation. He gave them back the spirit they had lost and eventually, through the miracles of G-d, the promise was fulfilled and the dream became destiny.

To be out of breath is normal. To be out of spirit is something the Jewish People can never afford.

May we never lose the spirit!

"Marrakesh"

Mincha @ Chabad/Persian shul in "Marrakesh" -

flashbacked to -

the Mincha @ Me'oras Hamechpelo.

No description can do, the feeling experienced, justice.

24th of Teves

One of the main purposes of the souls descent into this world (in addition to Torah study) is to do a favour to another Jew in whatever way possible.


Alter Rebbe

What happens when a fly falls into a coffee cup?

The Italian - throws the cup, breaks it, and walks away in a fit of rage.

The German - carefully washes the cup, sterilizes it and makes a new cup of coffee.

The Frenchman - takes out the fly, and drinks the coffee.

The Chinese - eats the fly and throws away the coffee.

The Russian - Drinks the coffee with the fly, since it was extra with no charge.

The Israeli - sells the coffee to the Frenchman, the fly to the Chinese, makes a cup of tea for himself and uses the extra money to invent a device that prevents flies from falling into cups.

The Palestinian - blames the Israeli for the fly falling in his cup, protests the act of aggression to the UN, takes a loan from the European Union to buy a new cup of coffee, uses the money to purchase explosives and then blows up the coffee house where the Italian, the Frenchman, the Chinese, the German and the Russian are all trying to explain to the Israeli that he should give away his cup of tea to the Palestinian.

L'tzaareinu harav.

PARSHA/Shmot

Parashat Shmot, it describes the beginning of bondage for the Jewish people in Egypt. Moses experiences his first official Divine revelation at the Burning Bush where he is told to confront the Pharaoh and demand that he "Let My people go."

Moses asks G-d what have the Jewish people done to deserve such a miraculous redemption? To which the Almighty answers him...this is your sign that I have sent you: when you take the people out of Egypt, you will serve G-d on this mountain.

...it was not necessarily for what they had done in the past that he was ready to redeem the Jewish people, but for what He anticipated for them in the future. On this very mountain that the burning bush has occurred they would receive His Torah; they would become His chosen messengers to be a light unto the nations. Never mind what they did or didn't do in the past. G-d had big plans for this nation and it would all begin with the impending Exodus.

What a powerful message for all of us. Sometimes, the kindness G-d does for us is not because of what we've been but rather what it would enable us to become. It's not for what we have already done but for what we still will do. So should any of us be the beneficiaries of a special blessing from Above, instead of patting ourselves on the back and concluding that we must have done something wonderful to be rewarded, let us rather ask ourselves what G-d might be expecting us to do with this particular blessing in the future. How can we use it to further His work on earth?

Special blessings carry with them special responsibilities. May each of us successfully develop all the potential G-d sees in us and use it for our moral development and to somehow better the world around us.

Da beach. duh!

Today.

"There is a dream, a vision, deep within my heart...."

It is difficult to breathe when the air is thick.
I dream for wrinkles to be smoothed, for relationships to be ironed -
before the opportunity is missed.
I envision harmonization.
And if not now, then when?
Tomorrow may be too late.

PRAYER (3) Question

"I've been struggling with my prayers." said the man to his Rabbi. "I find it difficult to motivate myself to pray properly. And sometimes, I just don't find myself in the mood to pray at all. What do you suggest, Rabbi?"

"There will always be times when we aren't in the mood to pray, to learn, or do a mitzvah", the Rabbi began. "One would think that forcing ourselves to do so anyways would result in dry acts, divorced from any real connection to G‑d. But in truth, it is times such as these that really demonstrate our deepest connection with our Father in heaven.

In other words, to do a mitzvah when it's enjoyable and inspiring is fine, but it can be difficult to know whether you're doing it for G‑d or to satisfy your own spiritual needs. But on days when you're not interested... and you do it anyways... think to yourself: "This is for YOU, G‑d!" And G‑d gets incredible satisfaction from such acts!

However, we should find ways to make prayer more meaningful for us.

We may not understand the meanings of the words we utter, but if our prayers are offered with simple faith and total sincerity they are beloved and acceptable.

PRAYER (2)

In Hebrew, the word for Prayer, is Tefillah.
One of the translations for Tefilla means "attachment".
When we pray, we create a bond between ourselves and our Creator. It connects us. It unites us.

The Zohar explains, that when Yakov had a dream where he saw a ladder standing on the ground and reaching into the heavens and angels going up and down the ladder, the ladder symbolizes - prayer. By way of the ladder of prayer we are able to rise up and elevate ourselves to the highest level.
Prayer, Tefilla, is the link between lower and higher, between earth and heaven between body and soul.
The soul climbs higher and higher: step by step, drawn upwards by its love for G-d, until it becomes fully absorbed in the Light of the Infinite, blessed be He.

WAR IN GAZA....

"I say that if for them 1000 killed is without any meaning, for us every one is a world unto itself. But I say that we will continue striking with all our might, with all our power, until there is quiet," said the prime minister.

(Hakdomo to) PRAYER (#1)

Upon arising in the morning -
One should be aware of the fact that G-d always stands near him and observes his doings, for G-d fills the whole earth with His glory. Therefore, one should be cautious at all times to keep his behavior, affairs, and speech at their very best, since he is in the presence of the Great King, the Almighty.
Upon awakening, one should consider the mercy of G-d, who graciously restores man's invigorated soul to him each morning.
To express this gratitude one should say the following prayer called Modeh-Ani:

מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה אמונתך

"I thank Thee, O living and eternal King, because Thou hast graciously restored my soul to me; great is Thy faithfulness."

Yehudah, the son of Tema, said: "Be strong as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and mighty as a lion to do the will of thy father who is in heaven."

"Strong as a leopard" means that no man should be ashamed if people should mock him for serving G-d.

"Light as an eagle" refers to the vision of the eye. Be swift to shut your eyes from looking at evil things, for this may lead to sin.

"Swift as a deer" refers to the legs. Your feet should run swiftly to do good.

"Mighty as a lion" refers to the heart. A man should strengthen his heart, by conquering his evil inclinations, and engage only in the service of G-d.

As soon as one awakens, he should be ready to serve his Creator.

WAR IN GAZA....

Wurzelbacher said the full story of Israel's campaign against Hamas is being passed over by the mainstream news outlets. He said the media is "demonizing Israel instead of recognizing it as the victim of Gaza militants," who have been incessantly firing thousands of rockets at its south.

"It's asinine when someone is firing upon you and the world is coming down on you," he said. "Common sense has gone out the window. Hamas hides among its own people causing civilian casualties," he added. "But I hear no cry out from the international community."

JOY (5) Story

(Was not used.)

Every one of us can reach the spiritual power of joy.

There is a story of a chassid who once traveled to one of the Chabad Rebbes. He related to the Rebbe that his deceased teacher had appeared to him in a dream with a frightening message; that it has been decreed in Heaven that one of this chassid's children would pass away that year.

The Rebbe heard his words, sighed, and remained silent. Not a very positive reaction.

As it was shortly before the holiday of Sukkot, this chassid remained with his Rebbe till after the holiday.

When it was time for him to return home, he once again approached the Rebbe for a blessing.

This time, however, the Rebbe happily assured him that his family would be well.

And the Rebbe wanted to know what special deed this chassid had done.

The chassid recounted how during the Hakafot, when all the people were dancing with the Torah, he was standing on the side crying. Then, when he remembered that, after all, it was Simchat Torah! He washed his face and joined the dancing, ignoring his sad situation.

"You should know," the Rebbe said, "this is what caused the change in your situation."

The joy that this chassid produced, caused the decree against his child to be nullified.

Ah! The power of Joy.

YES!!!!

PM, senior ministers determined to continue with ground offensive despite international efforts to promote ceasefire. Military sources say IDF seeks to step up pressure on Hamas, send more units into Gaza

While Israel protects civilians with its military, Hamas protects its military with civilians.

JOY (4)

A person should sit down and think what it means that G-d commanded us to do a mitzva, never mind what the mitzva is, but just the fact that HE, G-d,, our Creator commanded US, His creation to do something for HIM.
The distance between G-d and us are the furthest points that one can imagine. Seemingly no connection at all.
And what did He do? He lowered Himself from His high lofty level and came down to US, human beings, and asked us to do certain things for him, Mitzvos.
The fact alone, that He lowered Himself to ask us to do something for him, that itself brings a connection between us and is reason enough for us to be b'simcha. To be joyful.
Imagine if the president of the United States would ask us to do something for him, it would create a closeness between us and we would be so happy. We would then, obviously perform the favor with love and great joy.

When we are b'simcha then our performance is much better too. The commandments that were asked of us are then easier to do. Our service to Hashem would then be different too. Like carrying a heavy sac of diamonds up a hill and not a sac of rocks.

(We are always wrestling with our evil inclination. The way to overcome him is to be in a good cheerful mood, to fight with a song, as is done when one goes to war.)

When Moshiach comes our Simcha will then be complete, for how happy we are now, we are still lacking one thing - the arrival of Moshiach.

Lessons....

Better to be the receiver of hurtful words than the dispenser.

Pray that you are not His messenger to hurt others.

Save the drowning man, even if you will get wet.

Wiser to hear the truth than to run with your own negative assumptions.

Don't kick your brother when he's down!

In praise of harsh response

Many Western leaders and columnists have embraced the obtuse notion that terrorism cannot be beaten by force and must be appeased or addressed by other means.
Yet nothing can be further from the truth.

JOY (3)

(The Baal shem tov said, that joy leads one to the greatest heights, it is a foundation for all Mitzvot.)

A person will always be happy if he realizes and is aware that everything is Hashgocho Protis, meaning, that everything that happens comes as a direct result of G-d's Will. Everything that happens to us, even difficulties and undesirable events, are controlled by Hashem. And we must trust that there is a good reason for everything in our life.

When we are sad or depressed, our energy is drained, we are weak and it is possible that the evil inclination will overpower us.(chsv)
Experiences that appear negative, undesirable, are really disguised good and it is only a test for us.

G-d is testing us to see how committed we are to the Torah and Mitzvos.
Chassidus gives a deeper explanation for the purpose of these tests and challenges.
It explains that the word, "test" - Nisayon, comes from the word "l'nasos", which means - "to test", and it also means "to raise high".
The tests and challenges we face are intended to enable us to reach a higher spiritual level.

G-d chose to allow us to reach a higher spiritual level thru tests and challenges.
When we realize that there is G-dliness contained in these challenging experiences it helps us become aware that they are in essence hidden good.
When we realize and believe that everything is really good then that will cause us to be truly happy.

Wishing you all a very joyous day!

Rudeness

Why does it bother me so much?

Stam funny info.

Mendy is friends with sag actor Joey Sinko.

And Levi with Mimi Leder. Well not exactly friends but she came to Mid-City.

Tomorrow I will return home -

The lyrics, eh.
But the tune....
And the
chaki li she'echzor

מחר אני בבית

Talking about the War....

Bubby - "And why did He have to create them?"

Rutie (old one) - "The shomayim should fall on them!"

A.E. (big one) - "It's (the war) wasting a lot of my time."

An Open Letter to the World.

Dear world,
We go back a long way in the history of "world upset".
It appears, world, you are hard to please,
we continue to upset you....

We will do everything possible to remain alive in our own land.
If that bothers you dear world,
think how many times in the past you bothered us.

In any event, dear world, if you are bothered by us,
here is one Jew in Israel,
who,
could
not
care
less.


Meir Kahane

PARSHA / Vayigash

And they did not recognize him...

The sons of Yakov have all chosen to be shepherds, a quiet and peaceful occupation. Out in the fields, tending their flocks, they had little contact with the social life of the country and were undisturbed in their service of G-d. The brothers of Yosef felt it necessary to select an occupation that would help them lead their G-d fearing life. They did not wish to live in an environment that would place temptations in their chosen path. Yosef however, was in this respect superior to them, he was able to have the highest administrative position in the mightiest nation and yet still remain righteous.

The brothers could not recognize and could not comprehend how the ruler of Egypt could be the same G-d fearing Yosef, whom they had known, for such a way of life was above their level. In fact, also Yakov, Yosef's own father was a bit apprehensive and was worried when he heard that, "Yosef was still alive and was the ruler over the land of Egypt", he was scared that perhaps he had assimilated into the Egyptian culture, G-d forbid.
When his sons explained to him that although Yosef was ruler of Egypt but he still conducted himself as is befitting for a son of Yakov, was Yakov satisfied and able to experience true joy.

"When in doubt - ask out "

HeyTevet/ JOY (2)

The 5th of Tevet is celebrated as a day of rejoicing in the Chabad-Lubavitch community. On this date in 1986, U.S. Federal Court issued a decision in favor of the "Union of Chabad Chassidim") regarding the ownership of the priceless library of the 6th Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. The ruling was based on the idea that a Rebbe is not a private individual but a communal figure synonymous with the body of Chassidim. The Lubavitcher Rebbe urged that the occasion be marked with time devoted to study from Torah books. To make your own home a place where Torah is increased; so, too, increase prayer and also all mitzvos, starting with tzedakah -- good deeds.

*******

King David (Dovid Hamelech) in Tehillem (Psalms) advises us, "Serve G-d with joy, come before Him with jubilation."

G-d attaches a great deal of importance to joy, as it says in the Talmud "The Divine Presence rests only upon one who performs a mitzva in a joyous spirit." In fact, it is said about the famous Kabalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, that he merited Divine inspiration and even got to meet Eliyohu Hanavi (Elijah the Prophet), because he infused his mitzvot with so much joy.

The Tzemach Tzedek (the third Chabad Rebbe) once advised someone who found it difficult to be happy, he told him: "Thought, speech and action are within one's control. A person must guard his thoughts and think only thoughts that bring joy. He should be cautious not to speak about sad or depressing matters. And he should behave as if he were very joyous, even if he doesn't feel especially happy. In the end, he will ultimately be joyous."

HEY TEVES

The Rebbe encourages men, women and children to purchase new holy books in honor of 5 Teves, and then distributes an extra dollar to be used towards the purchase of the books.

(click on it)