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)